An Ocean Apart

Like many others, I chose a Robin Pilcher book because I loved his mother work. I noticed that many reviews compare the two authors. This is unfortunate, because Robin is an author with a distinct voice. His plot and characters and story telling was lighter than his mother. The book was fun, engaging and easy to read-- a bit like Jeffrey Archer. I spent a great couple of days with it and will read others. But I will read Robin Pilcher for himself, not in a hopeless search for his fabulous mom.

I've read all Robin (and Rosamunde) Pilcher's books but it's been some time since I read the last one, which I really enjoined - Starburst. So whether it was that I had unrealistically high expectations and even perhaps my reading tastes have changed, but I was disappointed in this book.In short, the plot was simply implausible and unrealistic. The main character, David, had suffered the loss of his beloved wife Rachel, and had fallen into a deep depression. He was on an extended leave from the family business when it was decided it was necessary for him to conduct business in the US. Things start off disastrously, but within days, he's recovered, is a new man and has made fast friends of a circle of people. The pieces fall together just too unrealistically easy. Not only did David possess an incredible variety of skills, all of which he could perform at a high level, was good looking and his family was wealthy and titled. If that didn't make him obnoxious enough, when his wife dies, he indulges himself by not returning to work and doing gardening.Working for the family business apparently allowed him the benefit of being able to take a leave to nurse his wife through her illness and ultimate death. His father came out of retirement to help fill the gap vacated by David's extended absence and the strain was showing. Instead of eventually returning to work, David indulged himself by doing gardening and it was a month after his wife's death when he was sent to the US. Instead of returning to Scotland and home/business after he made an utter mess of the meeting he was sent to attend, he decides to extend his stay, despite the fact he'd promised his children to return for some family events. While some may argue the fact he had the children return to boarding school after their mother's death, it actually seems that this was what the children wanted - a return to their normal environment.The book was not without charm, but it skittered from one amazing coincidence to another in a totally unrealistic and even almost obnoxious way. . David was perhaps a nice person, but seemed very self-centered and selfish and his parents completely indulgent - perhaps an only child syndrome.Bottom line, it almost seemed like a romance writer wrote a part of the book, as even the ending was contrived and unbelievable. I finished the book, but I found it a disappointment.

When I first read the sample I thought it would be just like his mothers so I bought the book and of course it was really different because it took place mainly in America I think it was because the characters we're not as strong as the characters in his mother's books I think if you want a nice summer read you could pick this book up and enjoy it

What I like best in Robin Pilcher's books is his deep understanding of the human nature and affection for the characters of his books. I prefer slow- paced, thoughtful stories where one can hope for the positive ending to the benefit of all the participants of the story for whom we definitely keep our fingers crossed. He depicts his characters and landscapes with fine paint of brush, showing all shades of color and light.Once in a while I may elect a fast-paced, suspenseful story with full of surprises but will never return to read them over and over again, which is the case with Robin (and Rosemund) Pilcher's books.

What a wonderful heartwarming novel.Hard for me to put it down ! I recommend this to everyone, such joy and enlightenment!

I wish Robin Pilcher would write more books like this. This reminded me very much of the kind of books his mother wrote. Very good story and fairly clean with the swearing and not sure there was any sex. Have started a couple of others he's written, but couldn't get into them.

Really enjoyed this very engaging, well written book! Couldn't put it down. Good story, memorable characters. Highly recommended. I will be reading more books by this author. Well done, Robin Pilcher!

Robin Pilcher has outdone his mother with this novel. I found myself so engrossed in the story that I couldn't put it down. That doesn't happen often in these days of easy distractions. Bravo!

Excellent easy to read story that I can relate to as Robin Pilcher speaks my sort of language - not surprising as we're the same age and I had a similar breakdown at the same age as the main protagonist in the story the result being was that there were a "lot of bells ringing" as the narrative progressed . This is my third book by him and they're all good but very different from each other- a versatile author.

A good example of Ro in Pilcher style

I loved every moment of this book, the author has picked up his Mother's genius as a writer and also seems to be channeling Maeve Binchy. Even though there were a lot of predictable elements, the story was so well written that I didn't care. I could "see and hear" each character clearly in my mind and I cared about all of them. The book came at a time when I just needed some comfortable and enjoyable entertainment that was skillfully presented.

Enjoyed the characters in this story as well as the description of the locations.

prefer his mothers books