The Golden Cup

I have read the entire four books in Belva Plain's Evergreen series. I finished them rather quickly also. I just thoroughly enjoyed reading each book and sorry to see them end. I believe these books are her best ever. I have also read other novels by her. Great writer!

found this book on the shelf at the thrift store back in the mid nineties and bought it on a whim for no other reason than the cover looked inviting. It's a great book, and i'm not even necessarily into family sagas. For me the strength of the book is the appeal of the main character Hennie. A lovely character, very well drawn in my opinion. This is the story of her life from, if i remember correctly (it's been a few years since i last read it) age 17 till late 40's(?) at any rate, we get a look at her married life (her stud husband is a repeat cheater) against the backdrop of a pre and post WW1 New York. A lot of the drama comes from the relationships between Hennie and her husband Dan (a lower class, liberal inventor), and Dan's relationship with the rest of Hennie's family (upper crust conservative types.) There's a scene towards the middle of the book where Dan and Hennie's brother-in-law get into it about politics that is, for me, stunning in its perfectly over-dramatized portrayal of family conflict. But again, the books main strength is Hennie's appeal. Maybe it's because she's given physical qualities that I am particularly drawn to (kindof plain, a little chubby) along with a really wonderful mix of honesty, sincerity, sexuality, genuine goodness and inner strength.. my kinda woman! This is a great book, and every time I read it I'm dissapointed when it's over. You don't really make the connection between the book's title and its story until about the last page, but it is very appropriate. And the last line of the book is very satisfying, as all last lines should be but rarely are. This is my favorite book.

I loved Evergreen, so I enjoyed reading this book that continued the story. Ms. Plain writes family sagas, like no one writes family sagas, and her books are long and detailed as she delves into family history and family issues. I enjoy her writing. This book is as good as Evergreen.

I have read almost everyone of her books and they are fantastic! I cannot put them down. There are so many twists and turns in her stories I am never bored. Golden Cup is a great read for readers who enjoy family sagas!

This story is one of the greatest I have ever read. Starting when I was 10, and now 9 years later, it has been a favorite of mine. The family and all the problems and passions that they go through show the reader how strong families are and how lucky people are to have one. I loved this book and I know everyone eho gives it a chance will, too!!