Another View

This is the tale of a woman who's on a personal journey to learn what place she has in her father's busy life. On the way she must learn her own place in the world.

Since Rosamunde Pilcher is my favorite author, I was thrilled to discover this magnificent book filled with charming stories and glorious photographs of the settings she so warmly captures in her books. From the cover photo of a country home on the south coast of Cornwall to the charming interior photos of homes reminiscent of the Balmerino and Aird homes in September, this is a delightful coffee table book that captures the essence of Pilcher country. Rosamunde writes most lovingly of how she found her home in the Bank House in Scotland and then treats the reader to page after page of impressive photos that will make you want to pack your bags and head straightaway for either the beaches of Cornwall or on to the romantic estates of Scotland. There are photos of an adult Rosamunde pegging her wash as Penelope might have in The Shell Seekers, as a child playing with her sister on the beach in St. Ives, on her wedding day to Graham Pilcher and many more. The cut-lines reveal the story of her mother-in-law who had a love life worthy of a Pilcher novel, her love for The Elms, the stately mansion where she grew up, and the inspiration for the settings in her novels and short stories. Quotes from The Shell Seekers, September, Coming Home, The Empty House, Another View, The Day of the Storm, Wild Mountain Thyme and other works accompany the photographs. As well there are recipes for scones, treacle tart, creme brulee with raspberries, and more of the mouth-watering treats that have her readers yearning to sit in Penelope's kitchen or to be served tea by Violet Aird. There is a section of the paintings that inspired her, perhaps were even the inspiration for the work of Lawrence Stern in The Shell Seekers. Most impressive to me was the painting of Laura Knight which readers of Coming Home will remember is the one Gus thought of the first time he saw Loveday. The pictures of Scotland were equally impressive and since my favorite Pilcher novel is September, I was thrilled to see a home that might well have been Corriehill, the gala dancing which took me to Katy Steynton's birthday party, and the candle-lit table where Archie and Isobel entertained at dinner before the bash. Truly a breathtaking book for armchair travellers in general, and readers of Rosamunde Pilcher novels in particular.

Reminded me of my childhood. There are so many simple things they did like going to the ocean that filled my heart with gladness and gave me fond memories. Always looking for "a home" too, I've found where I'd like to spend my retirement.

After you have read all of Rosamunde Pilcher's books and have yearned for more details of Porthkerris, of the rugged scenery around Cornwall, and a glimpse of Lawrence's paintings in The Shell Seekers, this book is a must for you. There are six pages of sepia photographs of Rosamunde's life, and a 1939 photograph of her; look closely and perhaps you may see Judith in Coming Home? There are paragraphs selected from her writings to compliment georgous paintings and photographs of her homes in Cornwall and Scotland. Her recipes are delicious (Potato and Leek Soup, Scones, Creme Brulee and Raspberries). The World of Rosamunde Pilcher is a delight. Buy this book only if you are ready to have your world suddenly become more relaxing and beautiful.

For a most enjoyable evening, Rosamunde Pilcher's ANOTHER VIEW is highly recommended. The settings provided are so realistic, one never knows whether to pour a stiff scotch, or set out biscuits for tea for refreshment when turning to page one. In ANOTHER VIEW, Pilcher shuttles the reader from Paris, to London, to the quaint, English seaside village of Porthkerris. Like most of Pilcher's work, this is an easy-to-read love story, with two distinct parts. The first tells of a daughter's unconditional quest for her father's love, and the second is a somewhat predictable, but none the less entertaining romance between virtual strangers. If there is any disappointment it is that, unlike other Pilcher novels, this is really a novella ... easily read in one sitting. Whereas the plot takes some interesting twists and turns, the great expanses of description, setting and history, so much a part of Pilcher's earlier novels, is greatly missed. But like ALL Pilcher novels, the ending is as refreshing and satisfying as a cucumber sandwich during afternoon tea.