New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank evokes a lush plantation in the heart of modern-day South Carolina—where family ties and hidden truths run as deep and dark as the mighty Edisto River….Caroline Wimbley Levine always swore she’d never go home again. But now, at her brother’s behest, she has returned to South Carolina to see about Mother—only to find that the years have not … find that the years have not changed the Queen of Tall Pines Plantation. Miss Lavinia is as maddeningly eccentric as ever—and absolutely will not suffer the questionable advice of her children. This does not surprise Caroline. Nor does the fact that Tall Pines is still brimming with scandals and secrets, betrayals and lies. But she soon discovers that something is different this time around. It lies somewhere in the distance between her and her mother—and in her understanding of what it means to come home….
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Interesting characters, an engaging story that takes you from laughter to tears.
I have read all of Dorothea Benton Frank’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them all.
I’ve like all of this author’s books!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Plantation. I love all of Frank’s books so very sad that she was taken from us too early
A fun story, I enjoyed spending time with them.
I love all Dorothea Benton Frank books! Every single one!
I love all. Of the books by this author. She is one of my favorites.
I loved every page of it. I’m quite addicted to the southern writers
Loved this story
This was the first Dot Frank book I ever read….and to this day it remains my favorite!! I want to be a “Miss Lavinia” in my old age!!
Like a lazy float trip along a Southern river…
By Babbi-Dan on August 25, 2013
Format: Paperback
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it as a good “summer read.” It is the modern-day story of Caroline Wimbley Levine, who was raised with her mother and brother on a plantation in South Carolina. Her father, whom she loved and idolized, died when she was young, and her mother went a little crazy after his death, becoming more and more eccentric over time. Caroline couldn’t wait to escape her mother, the plantation, and all that they represented. She marries and eventually her marriage breaks up. She plans to return home “just long enough to see about Mother.” While doing so, Caroline reflects on her past, on her present life, and what the future might hold for her and her son. She eventually comes to terms with what it really means to come home, something we all eventually do.
Again, I enjoyed reading this book, but Caroline’s lack of real emotion when she finally accepts her husband’s betrayal leaves me wanting more. I felt this aspect was glossed over with a pretty little brush. I found her response to be unbelievable and no where near what it should have been and probably would have been if this character was actually a real person. Her continual, “I still love him” began to really irritate me by the end of the novel. I found myself understanding why her husband did what he did; her personality was so “flat.” There was no real up or down emotions from her. I would have liked her character better if she had more fire!
All things considered, I do recommend this book and plan to read the sequel. This book is worth reading, but I just wouldn’t classify it as a real “page turner.” I prefer more excitement. Instead, I would classify it more along the lines of drifting in a row boat down a lazy Southern river. Tranquil comes to mind.
I read the paperback version of this book. ISBN: 0-515-13108-3