Title: A Woman of Substance
Author: Barbara Taylor Bradford
First published January 1, 1979
928 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312353261 (ISBN10: 031235326X)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Barbara Taylor Bradford’s bestselling novel, A Woman of Substance, is a remarkable tale of a woman who defied all odds and triumphed against adversity. Emma Harte, a servant girl in a small Yorkshire village, was determined to succeed in life.
Despite facing treachery, poverty and tragedy, Emma rose to become a wealthy and powerful woman, the driving force behind an international business empire. But Emma’s success came at a cost, as she struggled to find true love and faced the envy and betrayal of those closest to her.
Through two world wars and generations of family secrets, Emma’s determination and resolve never faltered. A Woman of Substance is a testament to the indomitable spirit of one remarkable woman.
About the Author
Barbara Taylor Bradford, a prolific author, has written 30 novels that have become worldwide bestsellers. Her renowned works include The Cavendon Women, Cavendon Hall, and The Ravenscar Dynasty.
Born in Leeds, England, Barbara was an avid reader from a young age. She had already completed all of Dickens and the Brontë sisters’ books by the time she was 12.
At just 20 years old, she was a columnist and editor on Fleet Street. In 1979, she published her first novel, A Woman of Substance, which has since become a timeless classic.
Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novels are available in over 90 countries and translated into 40 languages, with sales surpassing 88 million copies. Ten of her books have been adapted for television miniseries, featuring notable actors like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Deborah Kerr, and Elizabeth Hurley.
She was inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America, and in June of 2007, Queen Elizabeth II awarded her an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to literature.
Barbara currently lives in New York City with her husband, Robert Bradford, who is a television producer. Her novels are dedicated to him, making their love story a beautiful addition to her successful career.
Editoral Review
A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford follows the remarkable journey of Emma Harte, a housemaid who becomes one of the richest and most powerful women in the world. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I England through the 1980s, this novel is a sweeping family saga that explores the themes of love, ambition, betrayal, and redemption.
Barbara Taylor Bradford, a British-American author, is known for writing historical fiction novels centered around strong women. A Woman of Substance, published in 1979, was her debut novel and became a bestseller, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
Since then, she has written numerous other successful novels, making her one of the most popular authors of her time. The novel begins with a young Emma Harte working as a servant in a wealthy household in Yorkshire.
Despite her humble beginnings, Emma is ambitious and determined. She takes advantage of every opportunity that comes her way and works hard to establish herself in the business world.
Over the course of the book, we see her rise to prominence as the founder of a vast business empire, dealing with the challenges of work, family, and love along the way. One of the strengths of A Woman of Substance is its vivid portrayal of the English social class system in the early 20th century.
The book accurately captures the nuances of different classes and the challenges faced by those who were not born into privileged backgrounds. Additionally, the book’s female characters are well-rounded and complex, and it explores their struggles with gender inequality and societal expectations.
However, the novel’s pacing is uneven, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, some of the characters lack depth and can feel one-dimensional.
Although the book is intended as a feminist novel, some readers may find the portrayal of male characters to be simplistic and unsympathetic. Despite its flaws, A Woman of Substance is a well-written and captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those interested in exploring the struggles and triumphs of ambitious women.
The book’s message about perseverance and determination resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and inspiring story.
