The fates of five strangers are about to intertwine as they enter the school of their dreams.Sophie is a beautiful housewife on the brink of a midlife crisis, unhappy with her errant husband and life in general. Juliette, a romantic and passionate optimist, struggles to make ends meet in a society that stereotypes single mothers.Evelyn, a shy and modest novelist is looking for the university to … the university to help her step out of the shadows. Ann, after being disabled after a serious accident, yearns for fulfillment in a cruel world that has robbed her of happiness.
And then there’s Will – a rebellious and idealistic teenager, who longs to sever the shackles of family and religion.
As five paths collide in a story of empowerment, romance and quest for fulfillment, they’re presented with the same question: what is your dream?
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The School of Dreams is the first book in Julia Sutton’s series by the same name. A contemporary fiction drama, it tells the story of a group of students in England who are in their first years of college. Rounding out the five main characters are a woman caring for her aging mother, the wife of a professional and famous sports star, the mother of two young kids who’s been mistreated by her husband, a childless woman in a wheelchair, and a young boy attending college for the first time. What do they have in common? Nothing. But that means very little once they become part of a small, cohesive group working together in a few courses.
Sutton’s series now has several books, focusing on the core group of characters and probably more based on what developed in this one. I like the concept a lot. Chapters alternate, sometimes change POV within too, showing the differing personalities, hopes, and worries of each student. How can they cope with a nearly full-time education as well as family and career responsibilities? What happens when relationships get complicated, or love interferes in what is supposed to be an opportunity to start your life over again?
Painting the picture of distinct characters is the highlight of this book. Each feels real and well-developed. Some, I admit, I wasn’t too fond of, but this is only because of the character’s personality or actions — this is a good thing, when an author can make you dislike someone through words and action. I enjoyed seeing the development of relationships between enemies and friends, as well as the slight mystery about who some of the people were connected with outside the school.
This is a lovely character-based book that ultimately makes you feel good. Yes, there are sad parts, but you feel like you’re on the journey with them, and so it’s easy to recognize the similarities to your own life and those of your friends and family. I will continue with the series in the future, and you should give it a chance.
First off, this is not my usual genre. I purchased the book because the cover caught my eye. The School of Dreams tells a story of various characters from all walks of life, who come together at a university. They are all attending the same class, thrown together with interesting results. I loved Juliette, the single mother who is fighting to keep her life in order. Evelyn too, an old spinster, who cares for her old mother, whilst dreaming of becoming an author. The other characters are all worthy, not just thrown in to bulk up the book. They each have a story to tell. And boy does the author tell it. she effortlessly brings them all together, weaving an intricate web of hopes and drama. The ending was perfectly fitting for a lovely story, very well told. I will be reading the sequel very soon. Top stuff!
The School of Dreams is the first in a series of books about three very different, mature students: Sophie, Juliette and Evelyn, who decide to bite the bullet and sign up for an English Degree at a local University. There, they meet Will, a much younger, unwitting participant on the course who is there under obligation rather than pleasure. As they work their way through the first trimester and their friendship deepens, they learn and grow, not only in their chosen subject but also in their personal lives.
This book hit a personal chord with me. I was also a mature student, and the personal growth I felt within myself became as important and significant as the Degree title itself.
I must admit to not being into book series, but in this case, I would definitely make an exception. Firstly, as the characters are so well portrayed, they really grow on you, warts and all. Secondly, as the book doesn´t leave you hanging. There is a gentle ending that just leaves you wanting more. For those reasons, I would definitely read the second part, `Visions of the Heart´, as I’m intrigued to find out if they achieve their goals and dreams. Highly Recommended.
This romantic story will take you back to school with five different students, each with very different lives, and diverse dreams for the future. All are entering into the unknown. Like a woven tapestry, or a work of poetry, each life intersects and friendships develop throughout the course of the semester. The author paints each character using colorful, colloquial language while also referring to masterworks of literature throughout. Julia Sutton will pull you into the cross-cultural situation facing Will, the caregiver Evelyn’s hopes, the yearnings of Juliette, Sophia’s double-edged sword and Ann’s non-ambulatory reality. Both modern, and nostalgic, each personality will remind you of people you may have met along the road of life. Perhaps you’ll recall those days at school when all you had were notebooks, pens and a dream.