Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78643 in Books
• Published on: 1988-03-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Better than chocolate
I have read criticsm of this book by some people have compared it to the 'Blue Castle' by Montgomery and they implied it was a kind of copy. We don't know if Mrs. McCullough was influenced by 'Blue Castle' when she wrote The Ladies of Missalonghi, but even though the two stories are alike, personally I wouldn't mind if it was true. I've read both books, and I like both of them, but of the two 'The Ladies of Missalonghi' is my personal favourite. To explain why, would need a detailed analysis - it is easier to say 'read both stories yourself, and see what you think'!

I read somewhere that there are only seven (?) basic romance plots, and if you believe this, then it must be very hard for an author to follow an idea, and not end up with someone, somewhere, thinking it's 'copied'. Historical romances are all about aristocrats chasing, or being chased, by a willing, or unwilling female - every single story has this basic plot, but as far as I know they're not considered to be copying each other!!!

I loved 'The Ladies of Missalonghi'. It was well written because it fitted the era and background where the story took place in Australia, and you could rejoice with Missy that she had found happiness through her own efforts in the end. It's the sort of book that lifts you up when you're down in the dumps. A touch of a fairtale, a bit of buried humour, a pinch of the supernatural; its all mixed together by a talented author to make a throughly enjoyable reading feast.

A real feelgood book
I loved this book and have read it many times. The descriptions of genteel poverty in Australia and the social restrictions endured by these ladies are very well drawn. In the end this is a story (albeit a fantasy) about breaking down barriers, courage and taking risks. One of my all time favourites.

Very disappointing
I have to admit to buying this book because of its alleged parallels with "The Blue Castle" by L.M. Montgomery. It is impossible to deny the similarities of the storyline (which I was actually hoping for - I liked the Montgomery book very much), but the writing style was crude. I thought that story started reasonably well, but the ending was very badly written.