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The House at Sunset

Book 3 in the series:House

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love diving into centuries-spanning sagas and enjoy seeing history unfold through the walls of an English house, this is your cuppa tea! 'The House at Sunset' beautifully weaves together rich, believable characters from different eras, all connected by one home. Fans of historical fiction, social history, and multi-generational storytelling will especially appreciate how the house and its ever-changing cast reflect the passage of time. Norah Lofts’ trademark style - realistic, sometimes juicy, always human - is fully on display.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some may find the third book less enthralling than the earlier volumes, especially as the focus shifts from family sagas to the house itself. The frequent jumping between characters and timelines might be confusing if you prefer a more linear or character-driven story. Additionally, a few readers felt that the modernization of the setting lost some old-world charm, and some Kindle editions are plagued by editing errors that disrupt the reading flow. Sensitive readers may also take issue with dated or offensive content in some parts.

A compelling, well-crafted conclusion to a beloved trilogy - best for historical fiction fans who enjoy stories told through both people and place. For the richest experience, go for the print edition and start from book one!

About:

'The House at Sunset' by Norah Lofts is the final book in a trilogy that spans centuries, focusing on the life and evolution of an old English home. The book delves into the stories of various inhabitants throughout different time periods, intertwining their lives with the history of the house itself. The narrative is rich in detail, depicting the house as a central character that witnesses the joys and sorrows of those who reside within its walls. The writing style immerses readers in the lives of the characters and the changing social landscape, creating a compelling and engaging read.

Characters:

Characters are diverse and intricate, ranging from sympathetic to villainous, and offer a portrayal of the social dynamics of their respective eras.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is original and engaging, marked by unpredictability and realistic character portrayals, creating a vivid sense of place.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot details the evolution of a house over centuries, showcasing different owners and their intertwined fates, while emphasizing the house as a character in its own right.

Setting:

The setting is a Suffolk house that evolves over centuries, serving as a backdrop for the interconnected stories of its inhabitants.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some rapid shifts between characters that may affect comprehension, yet effectively conveys historical evolution.
At the age of seven I was a skilful pickpocket. I could also sew neatly, write a tolerable hand, make a curtsey and a correct introduction, dance a little and play simple tunes on the harpsichord. I s...

Notes:

The House at Sunset is part of a trilogy by Norah Lofts.
The house was built in the late 1300s on land granted to a former serf.
The land initially had a vineyard that eventually stopped producing grapes.
The story follows the house through various owners and their unique tales.
The trilogy covers a span from the 1400s to the 1950s.
Each book features a mix of historical fiction and social history.
Interludes in the story provide background on individual characters.
The characters in the trilogy include a pickpocket girl and twin brothers.
Themes in the stories include greed, corruption, and personal tragedies.
The trilogy is praised for its rich character development and historical accuracy.
Some readers found the Kindle version problematic due to numerous errors.
The stories often reflect social trends over different periods.
The house itself is considered a main character, evolving with each era.
Readers suggested that the hard copy versions are preferable to the Kindle versions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of abuse, crime, and emotional suffering, which may be considered intense but are handled within the context of the historical narrative.

Has Romance?

The book features romance, though it is interwoven with various other themes and outcomes, providing a medium level of romantic elements.

From The Publisher:

Spanning a period from the eighteenth century to the mid 1950s, this is the impressive concluding volume in Norah Lofts' 'House' trilogy. A period in history is brought alive through the perspectives of seven characters who tell the story. Felicity Hatton's life in 1740s London and Mary Crisp's experience of the First World War are two of the tales.

1962
359 pages

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