Over the last few months I have been reading some of Taylor Caldwell's fiction, much of it centered in the time period of American history from the late 1880s through the start of World War I. She sees America at that time as being akin to Rome before the fall. This is the background against which Captains and Kings, A Prologue to Love, and The Testimony of Two Men is set. I particularly like the way she weaves the impact of historical events on the day-to-day life of her characters, and also the way her characters look at history. Her political themes (if you can call them that) are basically the corrupting influence of money and power on American politics, culminating in America's involvement in World War I. This is an interesting neglected portion of American history, surprisingly relevant for today. (See Wikipedia entry on the Nye Committee).That said, thematically Prologue to Love explores what love is and what love isn't through the eyes of an emotionally abused child, who becomes a miser/millionairess. The main character, Caroline Ames is incapable of loving anyone (not even herself) until very late in life. Hence, the book is called A Prologue to Love. It's also about how the truth "will set you free" if you are willing to face it. It is only towards the end of the novel that Caroline is able to break free of a lie she has believe since childhood. Caroline's father told her that the only thing that will protect her against devastation is money, large amounts of money. Because of her need to believe her father's words and his love, Caroline makes it her goal to accrue as much money as humanly possible whatever the cost. She uses money to protect herself from the world and to shut everyone out. Money is her fortress but it is also her prison. It imprisons her because she uses money to take the place of love. This isolates her and brings her to near despair, but the novel does not end there. Some of this is beautifully written, poetic, and engaging. I highly recommend it.
Ok, having read The Captains and the Kings when I was a teenager, I never read another Taylor Caldwell book (even though I enjoyed The Captains and the Kinds). Saw this book in a giveaway bin and just picked it up for the hell of it. Man, am I glad I did. This book was nothing what I expected it to be. Yes, it is a family sage, but it is so dark. Out of 600 pages absolutely nothing GOOD happens to these people. They are all dark and looking out for themselves, while worshiping the mighty dollar. I think what kept me reading this 1960 novel was wondering when something good would happen to them... I won't spoil anything, but if you want to read a well written family saga that touches on psychological abuse in almost every form, this is the book to read. Well written, plotted, and just amazing in every aspect. I will definitely read more of Taylor Caldwell now without hesitation.
What do You think about A Prologue To Love (1961)?
Taylor Caldwell remains one of my all-time favorite authors and I find her books relevant and wonderful today. A Prologue to Love -- "her father led her to glittering success but no one taught her how to love" -- is a novel about a wealthy woman in the first half of the 20th century. While the book is sweeping, it is, in the end, a simple parable about how we can be blind to what is truly important and enduring because of deprivation of love, fears born of ignorance, and abused innocence. I love Caldwell's vigorous intelligence, crisp avoidance of sentimentality for pure and honest emotion, and the sheer force of her language. She doesn't write about money for it's glamour as does Danielle Steel, but for it's importance to people -- how it drives them and shapes them.
—Salsadancer
I found this book on a freebie shelf: picked it for it's length, family saganess and excellent writing. Fear in some way damages this wealthy Bostonian family at the turn of the century. Sometimes felt the main character, Caroline Ames, was too easily defined by her blinding love for her father; all of her wealth comes from this but equally all the mistakes in her personal life. It seemed to easy a character flaw that always explained her actions. I wish was given more depth earlier. Each generation is capable at finance more than one generation screws up the next due to their lack of parental love or basic humanity. Very intresting look at wealth, corruption, a powerful woman andthe lifestyle at the turn of he century.
—Vanessa
During one summer in the mid-1960s, while I was busy riding my bike to the pool, I remember my mother reading this book. I think I read it when I was in my 20s, but I'm not sure I actually finished it. It was recently made available for Kindle, so I grabbed it, since it appears to be out of print. At nearly 800 pages, this book is a commitment. I found parts of it absolutely riveting, while others were just plain boring. Pieces of the plot are quite contrived, and I found most of the characters one-dimensional. On the other hand, the plot is well-developed and enhanced with heavy themes of religion, ethics and the power and destruction caused by money and excessive greed.
—Cathryn Conroy
