Book Review: Sullivan's Island

Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
Title: Sullivan's Island
Publisher: Penguin
Publish Date: Jan 1, 1999
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Set in the steamy, stormy landscape of South Carolina, Sullivan's Island marks the debut of an exquisitely talented writer--and tells the unforgettable story of one woman's courageous journey toward truth. Born and raised on idyllic Sullivan's Island, Susan Hayes navigated through her turbulent childhood with humor, spunk, and characteristic Southern sass. But years later, she is a conflicted woman with an unfaithful husband, a sometimes resentful teenage daughter, and a heart that aches with painful, poignant memories. And as Susan faces her uncertain future, she realizes she must go back to her past. To the beachfront house where her sister welcomes her with open arms. To a place haunted by long-held secrets and devastating betrayals. To the only place she can truly call home...

Review: I've read one other book by Dorothea Benton Frank, and I really enjoyed it. I picked up Sullivan's Island at the YMCA lending library and I felt like I was reading the same book, or at least a variation on that book.

Strong middle aged female gets dumped by her husband of many years for a sweet young thing. There's a lot of rehashing of the past, which is the only thing that made the book worth reading. The 1960's south always makes for good reading. I adored Livvie and the fact that Susan's family, or rather her mom and dad weren't bigots and actually built a special bathroom for her, rather than making her use an outhouse was great. (If you read The Help or saw the movie, this will make a lot more sense)

Most of the book that takes place in the present, details Susan coming into her own, and coping with her divorce from Tom. And seriously, why does this woman give her cheating men cancer, and make them absolute twits too?

There were several times when I was reading about Tom and his sweet young thang, Karen, that I wanted to fling the book at a wall.

Not only that, I found myself wondering where in the hideeheck, the twins were during Christmas 1999, when all the Hamilton clan returned home. Maggie, Susan, Henry and Timmy were there, but what about the twins? WTF!

Overall, I enjoyed the book, even though it frustrated the hell out of me and the paranormal ending, which was sweet, also didn't fit with the rest of the story.

Rating: 3 flowers