Began Reading: 27.2.2015
Completed Reading: 7.3.2015
Overall Reading: 4.5 stars
William Melville is Chief Executive of the world-renowned fashion company, Melville. His three daughters are heiresses, and each has their own dark secrets. If they are exposed, these secrets could rip the Melville family apart, and destroy the Melville name. Elizabeth is the eldest daughter: passionate, smart and ambitious. She is an expert at using and manipulating men; and yet, has difficultly gaining her father’s praise. Caitlin is the illegitimate middle child, who struggles to belong in a world of luxury and privilege. Amber is the youngest, and considered to be the wild child. She goes to great lengths to obtain her father’s attention. Attempting to create her own fate, each daughter must learn to manage personal issues and avoid trouble. Family emergencies reunite the sisters, and they must work together to overcome obstacles and keep the Melville empire alive.
Daughters of Fortune is a novel that explores the realistic dramas that both prestigious and regular families commonly endure. The story has traces of romance and tragedy, which keeps the reader wanting more.
I purchased this book a while ago, and fell in love with it instantly. This is the second time that I have read (and loved) the book. A quote in the blurb caught my attention: “…the simple truth is that, no matter how far you go, you cannot escape the claims of family.” This quote is emphasised throughout the book, and underlines the importance of family.
I think one of the most positive features in this book is how each character, no matter how minor their role, has at least a paragraph dedicated to them, which describes their personality, career and intentions in the plot. I felt that not a single character was considered unnecessary. For example, Amber’s agent, Rich, had a few pages that explained his career, his sexual orientation, and his thoughts on Amber:
Even without knowing her history, he could see exactly what she was: an upper-class slut, rich trash, a spoiled brat who would do anything — and anyone — for amusement (p. 304).
Daughters of Fortune also had many plot twists! It has been a while since I first read the book, so I had forgotten many of the plot twists. Therefore, I was shocked when I came across them a second time. These plot twists involved cruelty, revenge, and lives. All I can say is: I didn’t expect such a sweet, compliant person to be so intense and violent!
Hyland’s writing is faultless. Daughters of Fortune is her first novel, which surprised me, immensely! She provided detailed descriptions of all the characters in the book, each unique and interesting. Situations and the character’s surroundings were also described in depth. For example:
*talking about a drug dealer’s house* The cottage itself was at the end of a narrow dirt track, and turned out to be a fifties-style redbrick house with a tiled roof full of gaps. It stood on a patch of grass, which obviously passed for a garden. But instead of flowerbeds there was an upended motorbike waiting to be repaired and a broken swing. It was a stark, empty place. They had passes the nearest neighbourhood several miles back. A few cars were parked to the side and a light shone through net curtains in one of the small windows. But otherwise the cottage was dark and still (p. 254).
When I first read the book, my favourite character was Elizabeth Melville. While reading it this time around, I started to understand Caitlin and Rosalind. I think Elizabeth is still my favourite character, as she is the type of woman I’d like to be. Amber remained being the character that I disliked most, haha! Amber contradicted herself a couple of times, which confused me. As a troubled teenager, she’d constantly say how much of a pushover her mother is, yet she would agree with whatever her friends wanted to do: “Amber nodded. She always agreed with whatever Eva said” (p. 249).
I also liked how the novel followed the characters throughout their lives. The lives of the Melville daughters were tracked throughout the story, as was the lives of the other main characters, including William, Rosalind and Piers. Usually, novels focus on a certain period of a character’s life. So, I found it interesting to read about how the characters faced issues, including buying a house and relationships.
Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Daughters-Fortune-Tara-Hyland/9781847376961
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