I hate to say this, but I thought the final chapter of the Wideacre trilogy was going to be much better than that. By all means, share your opposing viewpoints, but I honestly thought that it was somewhat of a letdown. About two chapters of the story take place at Wideacre. I found myself missing the beautiful descriptions of the land that Beatrice and Julia so loved and understood so well. I was confused at the conflicting emotions in Meridon. She seemed to have this strong passion for the land she couldn't know, but in the end couldn't understand the value of the people that make Wideacre what it is. I could look past the fact that the first half of the book isn't even about Wideacre at all and could easily have been cropped down to about half its length. But the ending? Yay Meridon for running away from Perry and his psycho mother, but don't you find it odd that after all that effort, Lady Clara couldn't summon up the strength to track down her daughter-in-law and have it out with her in one big final battle? Gregory makes Meridon's situation to be a hopeless one, just as she did before with Beatrice and Julia. So it just seemed too easy for Meridon to almost magically get her estate back, run away, and never hear from anyone again. And her romance with Will? I was expecting the drama and downright craziness from the first two books. How can you say that Meridon refuses to be touched by anyone for the entire book, but all of a sudden is "in love" with Will? How predictable. Whatever happens to Perry and his mother? Why did James Fortescue play such a small part? I just consider this trilogy to be so epic that I can't imagine why it just ended so quickly with so few clues to how it all ends up for them. What does Wideacre look like in 10 years? 50? Readers who have enjoyed all three books have grown attached to the land and will surely want to know its fate. Sadly, they will never know.
I have to disagree with a lot of people about this series. I absolutly loved it. I will admit that I found the first book, Wideacre, the least enjoyable, but I still rate it a 5. P.G. has become one of my favorite authors, she tells such a vivid story. Her stories may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially this trilogy, but I enjoy them very much. I think that all three women in these books have qualities that can be admirable, yet they all have demons. I think it makes them more real. I like stories of women with the holy trinity; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Beatrice had knowledge and determination, but could not see past her own ambitions. She knew how to love, but she did not know how to be truthful or forgiving. Julia was kind in a way that Beatrice could never be, yet she was weak willed. She also knew how to love, but was a terrible enabler. Meridon, or Sarah, seems to have a balance of both her mother, and grandmother, and through out the book she discovers that for herself. When it came down to it, she didn't let her demons keep her from happiness.I don't think you can appreciate the outcome of this series without all three, however that is only my opinion. Again, this trilogy is not a series for everyone, but if you like historical fiction full(and i do mean FULL) of scandal, this is a great set of books.
What do You think about Meridon (2003)?
The last in the Wideacre trilogy and my favourite. It's good when a series ends with the best book, I've read so many that fall down at the last hurdle. The first half, in particular, is fascinating because it takes place in the world outside of Wideacre and transports you to a land of gypsies and show grounds. I like the fact that Gregory never romanticises the life of the poor - Meridon is a gruff character who acts as a girl with her experience would. But for all her rough edges, Meridon is a likeable character and you follow her with interest. The only problem I have with this book is that it doesn't tie up all the loose ends of the trilogy. What the heck happened to Ralph? He was a pivotal character and we just don't find out.
—Laura Purcell
So. The concluding volume of the Wideacre trilogy. Each book is different, but this is by far the tamest. The story arc covers two years instead of 10 or more & the WTFery is kept to a minimum; for those that care, there's no incest in this book. Sarah's problems are unique in the Wideacre universe. Unlike her mother & grandmother, her initial contact with the land is metaphysical. She has a secret longing for somewhere else -- a place manifested by vivid dreams of past women who look li
—Sarah
Six Stars!!! I love Phillipa Gregory and I expect to love her books... which can set the bar a little high when I pick up one I haven't read. I didn't read the first 2 of this trilogy (and I didn't need to to follow this story) but I could not put this book down!! I tried reading while folding clothes, while eating breakfast, while pretending to play with the kids... seriously, it was such a great, great escape book! Is it literary fiction? Full of perfectly formed paragraphs? Are the characters consistent? I'd say no to the above, but as a book for pure reading enjoyment, I LOVED it. Loved it loved it loved it.
—Darci
