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The House
What would you do if you learned the person you were divorcing is dying?
On receiving the very thing she wants, a divorce and the power to sell their house, Anna Manning learns that Edward, her soon-to-be ex-husband, is dying. A faithful wife for over three decades, Anna endured Edward's constant absences while traveling on business for his international real estate firm, and his extra-marital affairs.
Anna takes Edward to live out his last six, possibly three, months in the house she fought so vigorously to sell. But letting go of someone who has caused so much pain does not come easily.
Edward has changed.
As their children return home, and say their farewells Anna confronts the challenges that Edward's impending death delivers each of them. Then there is Inman who loves Anna, and provides the one thing Edward denied their marriage—passion and intimacy.
Anna must also face the hopes and dreams she abandoned as an art history major turned wife, and mother out of college. In requesting the divorce she had planned to use her proceeds from the sale of the house to move to France. She would study the great art works of Europe, perhaps work as a docent in a Paris museum.
News of Edward’s terminal illness provokes Anna to understand the present rooted in the wellspring of the past, and pouring into a future without him. The House shows what happens when we adopt the belief that, All hold regret, and are seeking forgiveness. Our salvation rests in the hands of others—most particularly the ones whom we love most, and who have treated us wrongly.
On receiving the very thing she wants, a divorce and the power to sell their house, Anna Manning learns that Edward, her soon-to-be ex-husband, is dying. A faithful wife for over three decades, Anna endured Edward's constant absences while traveling on business for his international real estate firm, and his extra-marital affairs.
Anna takes Edward to live out his last six, possibly three, months in the house she fought so vigorously to sell. But letting go of someone who has caused so much pain does not come easily.
Edward has changed.
As their children return home, and say their farewells Anna confronts the challenges that Edward's impending death delivers each of them. Then there is Inman who loves Anna, and provides the one thing Edward denied their marriage—passion and intimacy.
Anna must also face the hopes and dreams she abandoned as an art history major turned wife, and mother out of college. In requesting the divorce she had planned to use her proceeds from the sale of the house to move to France. She would study the great art works of Europe, perhaps work as a docent in a Paris museum.
News of Edward’s terminal illness provokes Anna to understand the present rooted in the wellspring of the past, and pouring into a future without him. The House shows what happens when we adopt the belief that, All hold regret, and are seeking forgiveness. Our salvation rests in the hands of others—most particularly the ones whom we love most, and who have treated us wrongly.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2010
18 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Anjuelle Floyd
7 books466 followersClick here, http://www.freado.com/users/settings/..., and read to the opening of Dancing Siva the first of 8 interconnected short stories comprising my linked novel, Keeper of Secrets…Translations of an Incident and and excerpt of my novel, The House.
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October 20, 2010
"What would you do if you learned that the person you were divorcing is dying?" This question on the back of the book was enough to capture my attention instantly.
Truly, every moment of reading this book has been worthwhile; infact The House is one of the best novels have read in a while. It is one of those captivating books that touch you and remain with you for a long time. I savored every moment of reading this beautifully written novel.
Anna Manning has finally been able to get a divorce from her husband, Edward. Not only has he agreed to a divorce but also agreed to give their house to her. Anna is instantly suspicious. Having known Edward all these years, she is unable to believe that Edward can changed his mind so easily. Is there an ulterior motive behind it?How can he so easily agree after refusing to sign the divorce papers all this time?
As the book progresses, we find the answer. "The House" where Edward and Anna built their lives and their family was one that anyone would dream of having. They had all the material comforts , they were rich and had status. But were they happy?
Most people equate wealth with happiness. This book negates this very notion. You may have all the material possessions in the world, yet you can still be unhappy and dissatisfied. You just want more and more and more but its never enough.
A house is empty and hollow unless you fill it with love. It maybe filled with expensive things, yet it will remain hollow without love.
Anna builds her life around her husband and children. She is devoted to them , loves them with all her being and takes care of "The House." What she never gets back in return is the love she so desperately craved for, from her husband.
Edward gives Anna all the material comforts and riches, but he is endlessly unfaithful, uncaring and hardly ever stays at home. As a consequence , Anna is left alone, to take care of their children. On the outer surface she would have appeared have a perfect life that anyone would envy , but inside she was torn apart.
After years of devotion and sacrificing , without getting anything back in return, Anna has one chance of happiness. She meets Inman, a man who loves her and her only wish is to get divorced soon. She wants to live again. But as fate would have it, Edward is diagnosed with cancer and Anna can't bring herself to get through with the divorce.
Despite the fact how horrendously she is treated by Edward, she decides to sacrifice her dreams for a new life ,to be with the man who ruined her life, in his last few months. You may ask why would she do that. As the novel progresses, understanding dawns and you find the answer.
The novel starts with a quote - "All hold regret, and are seeking forgiveness. Our salvation rests in the hands of others, most particularly the ones whom we love the most, and who have treated us wrongly." This is what the book is about - forgiveness, redemption and coming to terms with things that have hurt you.
It requires endless strength to forgive someone who has wronged you. So filled with hate, we are unable to look beyond or move forward. But this very hate destroys us. Peace and happiness can only be achieved when we are free from the anger, the hatred, burning in our hearts. We can only heal from our past hurts, when we are able to forgive and let go of the anger. There is a quote I like which applies here - "The hatred you're carrying is a live coal in your heart - far more damaging to yourself than to them."
Acceptance and forgiveness is never easy, but once we are able to do that, we are able to achieve true salvation. The House captures this beautifully. There are several twists and turns which make the novel even more readable and compelling. As the story moves forward, we feel for Anna and eventually , even Edward. We live their pains, their anger and ultimately their salvation.
The House is an emotional read that will stir your heart and linger in your mind long after the last page is over.
Overall:
Haunting, heartbreaking and captivating.
Recommended?
Yes! To everyone who loves beautifully written and insightful novels.
Truly, every moment of reading this book has been worthwhile; infact The House is one of the best novels have read in a while. It is one of those captivating books that touch you and remain with you for a long time. I savored every moment of reading this beautifully written novel.
Anna Manning has finally been able to get a divorce from her husband, Edward. Not only has he agreed to a divorce but also agreed to give their house to her. Anna is instantly suspicious. Having known Edward all these years, she is unable to believe that Edward can changed his mind so easily. Is there an ulterior motive behind it?How can he so easily agree after refusing to sign the divorce papers all this time?
As the book progresses, we find the answer. "The House" where Edward and Anna built their lives and their family was one that anyone would dream of having. They had all the material comforts , they were rich and had status. But were they happy?
Most people equate wealth with happiness. This book negates this very notion. You may have all the material possessions in the world, yet you can still be unhappy and dissatisfied. You just want more and more and more but its never enough.
A house is empty and hollow unless you fill it with love. It maybe filled with expensive things, yet it will remain hollow without love.
Anna builds her life around her husband and children. She is devoted to them , loves them with all her being and takes care of "The House." What she never gets back in return is the love she so desperately craved for, from her husband.
Edward gives Anna all the material comforts and riches, but he is endlessly unfaithful, uncaring and hardly ever stays at home. As a consequence , Anna is left alone, to take care of their children. On the outer surface she would have appeared have a perfect life that anyone would envy , but inside she was torn apart.
After years of devotion and sacrificing , without getting anything back in return, Anna has one chance of happiness. She meets Inman, a man who loves her and her only wish is to get divorced soon. She wants to live again. But as fate would have it, Edward is diagnosed with cancer and Anna can't bring herself to get through with the divorce.
Despite the fact how horrendously she is treated by Edward, she decides to sacrifice her dreams for a new life ,to be with the man who ruined her life, in his last few months. You may ask why would she do that. As the novel progresses, understanding dawns and you find the answer.
The novel starts with a quote - "All hold regret, and are seeking forgiveness. Our salvation rests in the hands of others, most particularly the ones whom we love the most, and who have treated us wrongly." This is what the book is about - forgiveness, redemption and coming to terms with things that have hurt you.
It requires endless strength to forgive someone who has wronged you. So filled with hate, we are unable to look beyond or move forward. But this very hate destroys us. Peace and happiness can only be achieved when we are free from the anger, the hatred, burning in our hearts. We can only heal from our past hurts, when we are able to forgive and let go of the anger. There is a quote I like which applies here - "The hatred you're carrying is a live coal in your heart - far more damaging to yourself than to them."
Acceptance and forgiveness is never easy, but once we are able to do that, we are able to achieve true salvation. The House captures this beautifully. There are several twists and turns which make the novel even more readable and compelling. As the story moves forward, we feel for Anna and eventually , even Edward. We live their pains, their anger and ultimately their salvation.
The House is an emotional read that will stir your heart and linger in your mind long after the last page is over.
Overall:
Haunting, heartbreaking and captivating.
Recommended?
Yes! To everyone who loves beautifully written and insightful novels.
January 21, 2011
Anna Manning had been fighting with her husband Edward over the past year, for a divorce and the right to sell their marital home. As a faithful and loving wife of about three decades, and mother to four now grown up children with Edward, Anna had to endure the pain and suffering that resulted from her husband's many absences when he was travelled away from home on business, and the many extra marital affairs that he had, which were not always hidden from Anna. Just as Anna was about as she thought, to reach the end of her long struggle, Edward suddenly decides to let her have what she wants. Surprised with this sudden outcome, Anna then discovers that Edward is dying and only has a short time to live.
'The House' is a beautifully written narrative that pulls the reader fully into the complex and emotional turmoil that Anna and her family have to face with an impending divorce and then, the unexpected news that Edward Manning actually only has a short time left to live. Within this book you will find that many emotions are wonderfully woven into this story such as love,anger, passion, sadness, happiness, grief and intimacy. The author demonstrates a wonderful writing skill within this book, by being able to provide and involve the reader in a clear imaginative picture of the many complex family dynamics, twists and personal human emotions faced by the many and sometimes complex characters that can be found within this story.
This is a novel that many people will be able to personally relate to in many different ways. There is a small section of adult content within this book, but it does have its place within the tale that is being told. This is an interesting and beautifully written story that should hold a reader's attention right until the end.
'The House' is a beautifully written narrative that pulls the reader fully into the complex and emotional turmoil that Anna and her family have to face with an impending divorce and then, the unexpected news that Edward Manning actually only has a short time left to live. Within this book you will find that many emotions are wonderfully woven into this story such as love,anger, passion, sadness, happiness, grief and intimacy. The author demonstrates a wonderful writing skill within this book, by being able to provide and involve the reader in a clear imaginative picture of the many complex family dynamics, twists and personal human emotions faced by the many and sometimes complex characters that can be found within this story.
This is a novel that many people will be able to personally relate to in many different ways. There is a small section of adult content within this book, but it does have its place within the tale that is being told. This is an interesting and beautifully written story that should hold a reader's attention right until the end.
March 21, 2011
Anjuelle Floyd's sophomore novel, The House, is an attempt to delve into the nature of love in it's various manifestations that, for me, fell quite short of expectations. Its characters, especially the main character, are unlikable and hardly feel like they could be real people.
The plot is what drew me to originally want to read and review Ms. Floyd's book. Anna and Edward Manning are in the middle of a divorce, after a marriage that lasted thirty-three years and produced four often-selfish children. Edward, a man known for his infidelity throughout the marriage, is fighting for the divorce not to happen when, suddenly, he signs the divorce papers and tells Anna she can have everything she wants. Which is, oddly enough, only the right to sell the house their children grew up in and to keep half of the proceeds. Edward is, presumably, in the real estate business and had made quite a name for himself. But she wants no spousal support, only half what the house sells for so she can move to Paris.
When Edward tells Anna she can have exactly what she wants, she immediately grows suspicious. She goes digging and finds out that Edward has cancer and has been given less than six months. For a variety of reasons that really don't seem to make any sense, Anna does not file the divorce paperwork, moves back into their shared home, and vows to take care of Edward for the remainder of his life. All four of their children suddenly arrive, some with spouses in tow, to help take care of their dying father.
I found myself hating this entire family. First of all, the children are all selfish and demean their mother on a regular basis. These characters sit around discussing her choices, her past and her future, with her sitting right in front of them. She remains silent. She rarely stands up for herself, and even when she does she sounds more apologetic than as a woman pissed off at the circumstances of her life. Her husband not only cheated on her throughout THIRTY-THREE YEARS of marriage, but everyone knew about it. Even her! She is weak and reminds me of that woman who keeps going back to an abusive relationship, despite everyone around her telling her to just leave the bastard.
Then we get into the actual language of the book. Ms. Floyd is a psychotherapist by occupation, and it shows. Her character descriptions read like a psychoanalyst. The dialogue is forced and formal, rarely flowing like casual conversation. There is a lot of this book that is repetitive. The narrator repeats certain phrases ("dying of cancer"), the timeline of events leading up to the divorce (can't count how many times it's mentioned that they were married for 33 years), and people's names (a person's full name is used pretty much every other time he or she is mentioned). I found myself growing irritated with the repetition. I had to struggle to finish reading the book; it took me three weeks to finish.
For me, the redeeming factor is the image, or characterization, of the home itself. The house plays a pivotal role in the story, as it is not only the place where this family was created, but it is also a point of contention for the members of this family. Everyone is angry when they find out Anna's plan is to sell it, and we find out later that the house is the one thing Edward really wanted to be able to provide for his wife. He was away all the time, because the most important thing in his life was the ability to provide such a home to his family - the one thing he felt he didn't have as a child. I can identify with that desire to create and maintain the home and family of your dreams. When Edward's vision of his perfect family is shattered by his wife's desire for a divorce, he does what is within his power to maintain that vision. Even if nobody else sees the family the same way he ever did.
In the spirit of complete honesty, I have to admit that I really did not like this book at all. It was tough to get through, and difficult to find anything that I liked. What I did find interesting, is that the book has a lot of potential. The story at it's most basic is an interesting idea. If you were divorcing someone after being married a few decades, and found out he or she was dying, what would you do?
You can read more about the author at her website: http://www.anjuellefloyd.com/ or follow her on twitter @anjuellefloyd. I also had an opportunity to interview the author, Anjuelle Floyd, which you can read here.
This article is also available on Associated Content.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own***
The plot is what drew me to originally want to read and review Ms. Floyd's book. Anna and Edward Manning are in the middle of a divorce, after a marriage that lasted thirty-three years and produced four often-selfish children. Edward, a man known for his infidelity throughout the marriage, is fighting for the divorce not to happen when, suddenly, he signs the divorce papers and tells Anna she can have everything she wants. Which is, oddly enough, only the right to sell the house their children grew up in and to keep half of the proceeds. Edward is, presumably, in the real estate business and had made quite a name for himself. But she wants no spousal support, only half what the house sells for so she can move to Paris.
When Edward tells Anna she can have exactly what she wants, she immediately grows suspicious. She goes digging and finds out that Edward has cancer and has been given less than six months. For a variety of reasons that really don't seem to make any sense, Anna does not file the divorce paperwork, moves back into their shared home, and vows to take care of Edward for the remainder of his life. All four of their children suddenly arrive, some with spouses in tow, to help take care of their dying father.
I found myself hating this entire family. First of all, the children are all selfish and demean their mother on a regular basis. These characters sit around discussing her choices, her past and her future, with her sitting right in front of them. She remains silent. She rarely stands up for herself, and even when she does she sounds more apologetic than as a woman pissed off at the circumstances of her life. Her husband not only cheated on her throughout THIRTY-THREE YEARS of marriage, but everyone knew about it. Even her! She is weak and reminds me of that woman who keeps going back to an abusive relationship, despite everyone around her telling her to just leave the bastard.
Then we get into the actual language of the book. Ms. Floyd is a psychotherapist by occupation, and it shows. Her character descriptions read like a psychoanalyst. The dialogue is forced and formal, rarely flowing like casual conversation. There is a lot of this book that is repetitive. The narrator repeats certain phrases ("dying of cancer"), the timeline of events leading up to the divorce (can't count how many times it's mentioned that they were married for 33 years), and people's names (a person's full name is used pretty much every other time he or she is mentioned). I found myself growing irritated with the repetition. I had to struggle to finish reading the book; it took me three weeks to finish.
For me, the redeeming factor is the image, or characterization, of the home itself. The house plays a pivotal role in the story, as it is not only the place where this family was created, but it is also a point of contention for the members of this family. Everyone is angry when they find out Anna's plan is to sell it, and we find out later that the house is the one thing Edward really wanted to be able to provide for his wife. He was away all the time, because the most important thing in his life was the ability to provide such a home to his family - the one thing he felt he didn't have as a child. I can identify with that desire to create and maintain the home and family of your dreams. When Edward's vision of his perfect family is shattered by his wife's desire for a divorce, he does what is within his power to maintain that vision. Even if nobody else sees the family the same way he ever did.
In the spirit of complete honesty, I have to admit that I really did not like this book at all. It was tough to get through, and difficult to find anything that I liked. What I did find interesting, is that the book has a lot of potential. The story at it's most basic is an interesting idea. If you were divorcing someone after being married a few decades, and found out he or she was dying, what would you do?
You can read more about the author at her website: http://www.anjuellefloyd.com/ or follow her on twitter @anjuellefloyd. I also had an opportunity to interview the author, Anjuelle Floyd, which you can read here.
This article is also available on Associated Content.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own***
November 8, 2010
I received my copy of the House by Anjuelle Floyd from the author with a request for an honest review, and I can honestly say I enjoyed it. The blurb on the back cover asks the intriguing question, “What would you do if you learned the person you were divorcing is dying?” The question itself begs the retort, how could you not know? And the novel tells the tale.
The house, the safe place, the roof over a family’s head, and the security long-hoped for, long-denied, becomes the center of the answer to the second question. There are so many things we don’t communicate with those we love; things we don’t know and events we see only through the eyes of our own past hurts; so many places where we fail to touch the heart of what’s really meant.
The author’s experience as a licensed psychotherapist gives depth to all her characters, drawing meaning and lessons from their deepest flaws, and inserting hope into the cruelest wounds. The House is definitely not a quick read. There’s no untimely rabbit going to jump out of this hat. But patience to get to know the characters is rewarded with insights into our own motivations. Right and wrong are tempered with hurt and healing. The present, born of past hurts, is healed by past memories till it’s strong enough to hold the future. Forgiveness, through the words of a priest, the writings of a Buddhist nun, the proverbs of Africa, and the inevitability of death, brings its promise of healing. And intimacy, however short-lived and long-hoped for, proves a powerful gift.
I’m probably too much of a mathematician to like coincidences. At times the tangled threads of these characters’ inter-relationships pushed me away. But the whole is bigger than its parts and I did enjoy the novel. I’ve found some of its characters staying rooted in my mind, some of their lessons rubbing off as I look at the people I love, and I’m glad I got to read it.
The house, the safe place, the roof over a family’s head, and the security long-hoped for, long-denied, becomes the center of the answer to the second question. There are so many things we don’t communicate with those we love; things we don’t know and events we see only through the eyes of our own past hurts; so many places where we fail to touch the heart of what’s really meant.
The author’s experience as a licensed psychotherapist gives depth to all her characters, drawing meaning and lessons from their deepest flaws, and inserting hope into the cruelest wounds. The House is definitely not a quick read. There’s no untimely rabbit going to jump out of this hat. But patience to get to know the characters is rewarded with insights into our own motivations. Right and wrong are tempered with hurt and healing. The present, born of past hurts, is healed by past memories till it’s strong enough to hold the future. Forgiveness, through the words of a priest, the writings of a Buddhist nun, the proverbs of Africa, and the inevitability of death, brings its promise of healing. And intimacy, however short-lived and long-hoped for, proves a powerful gift.
I’m probably too much of a mathematician to like coincidences. At times the tangled threads of these characters’ inter-relationships pushed me away. But the whole is bigger than its parts and I did enjoy the novel. I’ve found some of its characters staying rooted in my mind, some of their lessons rubbing off as I look at the people I love, and I’m glad I got to read it.
July 16, 2012
Anna Manning intends to be free from her unfaithful husband, Edward Manning, but he is stalling to avoid granting her a divorce. Their four children are grown and all Anna wants is to move on with her life and pick up with her dream to move to Paris and continue her study of the art treasures of Rome, Greece, and Northern Africa and the masterpieces housed in the Louvre and other museums and around Europe. That dream had died when fresh out of college she met and married Edward in order to escape her mother's cruel assessment of her. To do so, Anna needs to sell the house that served as living quarters for her and the kids while Edward was away on business and carousing with other women during their thirty four years of marriage.
While the book focuses on the lives of an African-American family, it brings a common message to every reader regardless of background--we all have emotional stuff to deal with, and until we deal with it, healing cannot occur. How we deal with our baggage sometimes defies logic. When Anna learns that Edward is dying of cancer, her plans change drastically. She puts her dream on hold again and asks Inman, her new lover, to give her some time to sort things out. She takes her sick husband under her wing and moves back into the house with him to care for him in the few months he has left to live.
An intriguing plot and surprises that make the reader gasp, The House is a story that touches the heart with believable, true-to-life characters that you will either fall in love with or feel anger toward. One of the best novels I've ever read.
While the book focuses on the lives of an African-American family, it brings a common message to every reader regardless of background--we all have emotional stuff to deal with, and until we deal with it, healing cannot occur. How we deal with our baggage sometimes defies logic. When Anna learns that Edward is dying of cancer, her plans change drastically. She puts her dream on hold again and asks Inman, her new lover, to give her some time to sort things out. She takes her sick husband under her wing and moves back into the house with him to care for him in the few months he has left to live.
An intriguing plot and surprises that make the reader gasp, The House is a story that touches the heart with believable, true-to-life characters that you will either fall in love with or feel anger toward. One of the best novels I've ever read.
March 4, 2013
I really could not relate to the main character in this book. In fact, almost everyone in it was unlikeable. Selfish mom, selfish kids...outrageously selfish, immature and unfaithful husband. I finished it, but only out of curiosity, not any sense of caring about the characters.
I may have enjoyed the print version better. I read the e-book, and it had the MOST typos of any e-book I have ever read. Ridiculous spacing in many words and names, and misplaced question marks at the end of each chapter. Maddening!
I may have enjoyed the print version better. I read the e-book, and it had the MOST typos of any e-book I have ever read. Ridiculous spacing in many words and names, and misplaced question marks at the end of each chapter. Maddening!
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November 15, 2010My parents separated when I was in high school, and divorced my freshman year in college. Although I have an older brother, I have 3 younger sisters as well. I think they were more affected by my parent’s divorce since they were younger.
However, in this story, it’s the adult children who have a difficult time with their parents’ divorce. The divorce affects their relationship with their parents, for most of the children have chosen sides, it affects their relationship with each other, partly because of the sides they’ve chosen, and it affects their relationship with their significant others.
I was very surprised to see this reaction from adult children. I really was. I guess I just didn’t realize how much a divorce affects everyone. Most of all, I was extremely surprised that a woman, who has been trying so hard to get a divorce and move on with her life, would decide on the day her husband grants her wishes, to bring him back into the family house to take care of him after so many years of mistreatment.
I’ve never been married, but I can’t imagine that I would be so caring, and forgiving. Seriously. In addition to the fact that Anna brings home her husband, Edward, she still must deal with the fragile emotions of her children, who are now blaming her for their father’s illness.
The family dynamics in this story are so interesting, and truthfully, so real. All of the children have completely different viewpoints and opinions on their parents’ relationship, the causes of their parents’ breakup, and they all react differently. It was unexpected.
It made me realize how much attachment a family has to the house they grew up in. I don’t know many people who grew up in the same house from infancy until the end of their school years, although my grandparents houses on both sides are still in the family. And while I’ve got memories, both good and bad, of things, small and large, which occurred in those houses, it still never occurred to me the significance attached to the family home.
I enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first chapter. I can actually feel the emotions of each of the characters, especially their bitterness, anger, and pain. Reading this book was almost like being right there. The author brought me right into their lives. She made me want to know some of the characters more – to determine what makes them tick. Others, I wanted no parts of, and wouldn’t have chosen for friends.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
However, in this story, it’s the adult children who have a difficult time with their parents’ divorce. The divorce affects their relationship with their parents, for most of the children have chosen sides, it affects their relationship with each other, partly because of the sides they’ve chosen, and it affects their relationship with their significant others.
I was very surprised to see this reaction from adult children. I really was. I guess I just didn’t realize how much a divorce affects everyone. Most of all, I was extremely surprised that a woman, who has been trying so hard to get a divorce and move on with her life, would decide on the day her husband grants her wishes, to bring him back into the family house to take care of him after so many years of mistreatment.
I’ve never been married, but I can’t imagine that I would be so caring, and forgiving. Seriously. In addition to the fact that Anna brings home her husband, Edward, she still must deal with the fragile emotions of her children, who are now blaming her for their father’s illness.
The family dynamics in this story are so interesting, and truthfully, so real. All of the children have completely different viewpoints and opinions on their parents’ relationship, the causes of their parents’ breakup, and they all react differently. It was unexpected.
It made me realize how much attachment a family has to the house they grew up in. I don’t know many people who grew up in the same house from infancy until the end of their school years, although my grandparents houses on both sides are still in the family. And while I’ve got memories, both good and bad, of things, small and large, which occurred in those houses, it still never occurred to me the significance attached to the family home.
I enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first chapter. I can actually feel the emotions of each of the characters, especially their bitterness, anger, and pain. Reading this book was almost like being right there. The author brought me right into their lives. She made me want to know some of the characters more – to determine what makes them tick. Others, I wanted no parts of, and wouldn’t have chosen for friends.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 7, 2010
Anjuelle Floyd in her new book, "The House" published by NOJ Publications brings us to the world of marriage, love and family.
Have you heard the expression, "if these walls could talk..."? Well, in this book there are no talking walls however the house that played an important part of the marriage has a key role in the story. Anna Manning, after over thirty years of marriage wants a divorce from her husband, Edward. Anna can put up with quite a lot but Edward's affairs and absences pile up so she feels the marriage that they had is over and she wants to walk away.
Edward Manning is dying. Anna finds this out when, suddenly, he gives her the signed divorce papers. He has only a few months left of life and no one to take care of him. So Anna takes him back into the house she was so desperately trying to sell to care for him. She also asks their children to come home to reconcile with their father, as his ways scarred them also, while they still have the opportunity.
Ms. Floyd weaves a very real story of marriage, the things we do to destroy it and the pain that comes with it. Anna and the children each have their own scars and pain and not all the characters are nice or easy to deal with, but that is so true of human relationships, we don't like everyone we meet. Ms. Floyd gives us a compelling story of love and reconciliation that will change the way we look at things and people. To find out more about Ms. Floyd and order the book go to her website: http://www.anjuellefloyd.com.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Anjuelle Floyd and Promotion A La Carte. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Have you heard the expression, "if these walls could talk..."? Well, in this book there are no talking walls however the house that played an important part of the marriage has a key role in the story. Anna Manning, after over thirty years of marriage wants a divorce from her husband, Edward. Anna can put up with quite a lot but Edward's affairs and absences pile up so she feels the marriage that they had is over and she wants to walk away.
Edward Manning is dying. Anna finds this out when, suddenly, he gives her the signed divorce papers. He has only a few months left of life and no one to take care of him. So Anna takes him back into the house she was so desperately trying to sell to care for him. She also asks their children to come home to reconcile with their father, as his ways scarred them also, while they still have the opportunity.
Ms. Floyd weaves a very real story of marriage, the things we do to destroy it and the pain that comes with it. Anna and the children each have their own scars and pain and not all the characters are nice or easy to deal with, but that is so true of human relationships, we don't like everyone we meet. Ms. Floyd gives us a compelling story of love and reconciliation that will change the way we look at things and people. To find out more about Ms. Floyd and order the book go to her website: http://www.anjuellefloyd.com.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Anjuelle Floyd and Promotion A La Carte. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 29, 2010
Anjuelle Floyd’s first novel, “The House”, and her sophomore work, opens up with the divorce legal proceedings of Anna and Edward. Shortly later, Anna discovers Edward in the hospital for a deadly disease—cancer. How can a woman be furious in the proceedings and then welcome the same man in her home to take care of him in his last three months of life? I had to see where the author is going with this—some would say, “dying” and “divorce” doesn’t mix where one would see this as an “option” to be there for someone who is dying and filing a divorce. Edward had adulterous affairs during their marriage, and makes one wonder why. The author, Anjuelle, later examines and shares why he had these affairs on his wife, Anna.
Edward Manning believes as long as he’s the provider and met these requirements as a husband by providing a “home” and “financial stability” for his wife and family is all that matters. While Anna feels that she only wanted to “love” her husband, Edward, and have a family would seal the deal in the marriage. The house is what kept them and divided them as a married couple. House divided is also mentioned in the Scriptures: Mark 3:25; Luke 11:17; and Matthew 12:25.
Anna was also willing to put all the burdens of her children and Edward onto her—needs to release and accept her feelings for Inman. Ironically, she saw Edward in her children: David and Serine, also her daughter-in-law, Millicent. All the negative things she assumed about Millicent, amazingly, secrets were revealed and Millicent named her twins after the two people she truly admired: Anna and Inman. Anna would have never imagined the misconceptions she had about her daughter-in-law and to name her twin daughter after her.
Overall, this novel is well-written and character-driven. It’s a contemporary, family-relationships story that you could read and enjoy from the first page until the very end. Look out for this author.
*Dream 4 More Reviews received a copy of “The House” by the author.
Dream 4 More Reviewer,
Adrienna Turner
Sweet Dreams
Edward Manning believes as long as he’s the provider and met these requirements as a husband by providing a “home” and “financial stability” for his wife and family is all that matters. While Anna feels that she only wanted to “love” her husband, Edward, and have a family would seal the deal in the marriage. The house is what kept them and divided them as a married couple. House divided is also mentioned in the Scriptures: Mark 3:25; Luke 11:17; and Matthew 12:25.
Anna was also willing to put all the burdens of her children and Edward onto her—needs to release and accept her feelings for Inman. Ironically, she saw Edward in her children: David and Serine, also her daughter-in-law, Millicent. All the negative things she assumed about Millicent, amazingly, secrets were revealed and Millicent named her twins after the two people she truly admired: Anna and Inman. Anna would have never imagined the misconceptions she had about her daughter-in-law and to name her twin daughter after her.
Overall, this novel is well-written and character-driven. It’s a contemporary, family-relationships story that you could read and enjoy from the first page until the very end. Look out for this author.
*Dream 4 More Reviews received a copy of “The House” by the author.
Dream 4 More Reviewer,
Adrienna Turner
Sweet Dreams
December 16, 2014
Posted while 72% through the book:
Reading but getting more annoyed by many errors, the slow pace, the psycho babble, the "over-writing" (as in, someone 'puts on a robe, sliding his right arm into the sleeve, then the left'. Please assume the reader is not an imbecile and knows how clothes get on a body. [Dec. 12, 2014, 10:30 AM]
The book intrigued me originally because I admired Anna for her decision to stand by her dying husband.
At first the descriptions of the different skin tones of several characters were interesting -- mahogany, sienna, cinnamon --- but later it became just irritating and repetitive.
The characters all came across as selfish and immensely self-absorbed. I did not find any of them growing or becoming closer and I did not particularly care about any of them. Old lady McGrath seemed to have the most life even though she features only in small part of dialogue.
The "surprises" seemed belaboured and the coincidences became almost laughable after the third or fourth one. The biggest reveal might have had more power if earlier conversations showed the connections Inman had. [I don't want to give anything away, hence cryptic note here.]
Notes after struggling to finish the book, just because I dislike quitting partway through:
The constant annoyances of really bad typos, like the spacing in the middle of many words and names, as in Ed ward instead of Edward. At the end of every chapter is a question mark.
Language drove me batty. "Anna's fingers grew cold." "The house grew silent." "She grew sad". "She grew warm." "I grew angry." "David grew silent." "She then fell somber."
There are hundreds of these, which seem to slow down the action even more.
The overuse of the word 'then' in the middle of lengthy descriptions: "Anna then heard laughter." "Anna then surveyed ..." "Anna then beheld the reflection ..."
What is wrong with saying something short and alive?
I apologize for all the negatives but I think with serious revision the book could be much improved.
Reading but getting more annoyed by many errors, the slow pace, the psycho babble, the "over-writing" (as in, someone 'puts on a robe, sliding his right arm into the sleeve, then the left'. Please assume the reader is not an imbecile and knows how clothes get on a body. [Dec. 12, 2014, 10:30 AM]
The book intrigued me originally because I admired Anna for her decision to stand by her dying husband.
At first the descriptions of the different skin tones of several characters were interesting -- mahogany, sienna, cinnamon --- but later it became just irritating and repetitive.
The characters all came across as selfish and immensely self-absorbed. I did not find any of them growing or becoming closer and I did not particularly care about any of them. Old lady McGrath seemed to have the most life even though she features only in small part of dialogue.
The "surprises" seemed belaboured and the coincidences became almost laughable after the third or fourth one. The biggest reveal might have had more power if earlier conversations showed the connections Inman had. [I don't want to give anything away, hence cryptic note here.]
Notes after struggling to finish the book, just because I dislike quitting partway through:
The constant annoyances of really bad typos, like the spacing in the middle of many words and names, as in Ed ward instead of Edward. At the end of every chapter is a question mark.
Language drove me batty. "Anna's fingers grew cold." "The house grew silent." "She grew sad". "She grew warm." "I grew angry." "David grew silent." "She then fell somber."
There are hundreds of these, which seem to slow down the action even more.
The overuse of the word 'then' in the middle of lengthy descriptions: "Anna then heard laughter." "Anna then surveyed ..." "Anna then beheld the reflection ..."
What is wrong with saying something short and alive?
I apologize for all the negatives but I think with serious revision the book could be much improved.
April 13, 2013
Headline: Father, we know not what we want…
The House by Anjuelle Floyd introduces the reader to the Manning family and insight into the ripple affect one decision has over this clan. Anna Manning was finally getting what she thought she longed for. That is until she finds out Edward is dying.
Here is a woman with class, rather than going through with the divorce, Anna places her new romance on hold and her move to France to take care of her dying husband. One by one the children return to the house they grew up in to spend time with dad before he passes.
One by one the reader meets each siblings and their spouse. Just like any family who is hurting, accusations and blame rest in the heart of some. While love, concern and regret in others. David, Theo, Brad, Linda, and the youngest Serine, all seem to have chosen their side, but shockingly
Edward continues to come to Anna’s defense.
The House is filled with well drawn characters who struggle with relationships issues, separation anxiety and jealousy all while dealing with the news of their fathers impending death. As I continued to read I kept wondering am I the kind of women who can do what Anna did. I’m not sure I can answer that but I feel her pain. A lie she told to protect her husband has now turned on Anna. 1 Corinthians 13:4 talks about what love is, but can the power of love reconcile this family?
My love of reading is what kept me turning pages, but around chapter 3 it was the momentum of the story. Initially it was a little slow, but I promise if you press through you won’t be disappointed.
I REALLY enjoyed Ms. Floyd writing style and storytelling, I will be reading the rest of her books.
Missy
Readers Paradise
4 bookmarks
The House by Anjuelle Floyd introduces the reader to the Manning family and insight into the ripple affect one decision has over this clan. Anna Manning was finally getting what she thought she longed for. That is until she finds out Edward is dying.
Here is a woman with class, rather than going through with the divorce, Anna places her new romance on hold and her move to France to take care of her dying husband. One by one the children return to the house they grew up in to spend time with dad before he passes.
One by one the reader meets each siblings and their spouse. Just like any family who is hurting, accusations and blame rest in the heart of some. While love, concern and regret in others. David, Theo, Brad, Linda, and the youngest Serine, all seem to have chosen their side, but shockingly
Edward continues to come to Anna’s defense.
The House is filled with well drawn characters who struggle with relationships issues, separation anxiety and jealousy all while dealing with the news of their fathers impending death. As I continued to read I kept wondering am I the kind of women who can do what Anna did. I’m not sure I can answer that but I feel her pain. A lie she told to protect her husband has now turned on Anna. 1 Corinthians 13:4 talks about what love is, but can the power of love reconcile this family?
My love of reading is what kept me turning pages, but around chapter 3 it was the momentum of the story. Initially it was a little slow, but I promise if you press through you won’t be disappointed.
I REALLY enjoyed Ms. Floyd writing style and storytelling, I will be reading the rest of her books.
Missy
Readers Paradise
4 bookmarks
October 27, 2010
The House by Anjuelle Floyd is an intricate book that deals with the myriad emotions that come with family. It spirals through complicated relationships as they display across the pages in the wake of a tragedy.
Anna is trying to divorce her husband, Edward, but he is fighting her over the disposition of their house. When he suddenly capitulates on everything, she discovers he is dying of cancer. This revelation comes as a shock and she halts the divorce and moves him back into their house. With this decision, Anna must face her buried feelings, her past and decide her future.
The House is a well-written novel with vibrant characters. The book deals at its heart with the most basic of subjects: family relationships. The complex interaction between the characters as they confront their history and the death that surrounds them is what keeps you reading. I can’t say I always liked the characters, or agreed with their choices, but that’s what made them compelling; they felt real and that is where the true strength of the novel lies.
The book isn’t perfect, however. Its weak points fall in the plotline, which sometimes stretches itself a bit thin, especially toward the end. I felt there may have been a few too many convenient happenstances used; it felt, to me, as a bit unnecessary and sliding to improbable.
Still, overall The House is captivating, and I can recommend the novel as a satisfying read.
Anna is trying to divorce her husband, Edward, but he is fighting her over the disposition of their house. When he suddenly capitulates on everything, she discovers he is dying of cancer. This revelation comes as a shock and she halts the divorce and moves him back into their house. With this decision, Anna must face her buried feelings, her past and decide her future.
The House is a well-written novel with vibrant characters. The book deals at its heart with the most basic of subjects: family relationships. The complex interaction between the characters as they confront their history and the death that surrounds them is what keeps you reading. I can’t say I always liked the characters, or agreed with their choices, but that’s what made them compelling; they felt real and that is where the true strength of the novel lies.
The book isn’t perfect, however. Its weak points fall in the plotline, which sometimes stretches itself a bit thin, especially toward the end. I felt there may have been a few too many convenient happenstances used; it felt, to me, as a bit unnecessary and sliding to improbable.
Still, overall The House is captivating, and I can recommend the novel as a satisfying read.
January 24, 2011
Anna Manning wants a divorce. She's asking for freedom from Edward's philandering and emotional abuse he's given her for over thirty years. After more than a year of fighting, he finally gives her all she wants—a divorce and freedom to sell their house.
But Edward's changed, diminished, he's dying and has nowhere to go. In an unexpected move that shocks her to the core, Anna decides to hold off the divorce and bring Edward home—to die. Edward's illness and Anna's decision cause each of the characters to reflect on their own lives, meeting their own personal demons and conquering them.
Anjuelle Floyd has a unique voice. At times, she confronts adversity, at others, embraces it. Her character studies astutely, but lovingly, reveal the inner workings of the human heart. Exposing them, she invites us to accept them for what they are. By the conclusion of “The House”, each of the characters has made the difficult transition from anger and denial, to acceptance.
“The House” is a beautiful, lyrical story of grief, acceptance and love. I highly recommend it and her other book, “Keeper of Secrets...Translations of an Incident” for those who enjoy exploring the human heart.
But Edward's changed, diminished, he's dying and has nowhere to go. In an unexpected move that shocks her to the core, Anna decides to hold off the divorce and bring Edward home—to die. Edward's illness and Anna's decision cause each of the characters to reflect on their own lives, meeting their own personal demons and conquering them.
Anjuelle Floyd has a unique voice. At times, she confronts adversity, at others, embraces it. Her character studies astutely, but lovingly, reveal the inner workings of the human heart. Exposing them, she invites us to accept them for what they are. By the conclusion of “The House”, each of the characters has made the difficult transition from anger and denial, to acceptance.
“The House” is a beautiful, lyrical story of grief, acceptance and love. I highly recommend it and her other book, “Keeper of Secrets...Translations of an Incident” for those who enjoy exploring the human heart.
August 27, 2011
Although this novel was full of family drama, it was a good read. Really commend Anna for taking her husband back during his last days, especially after his many relationships with other women during there marriage— and the fact that it wasn't a secret everyone knew. I don't know if I could have done that —taking care of someone dying is a hard job and especially when there is some much anger and hatred in your heart, but for Anna she never stopped loving Edward. Learning that the reason for his unfaithfulness had a lot to do with his relationship with him mother, and what he wanted for his mother was a lot to bear as well. I was surprised to learn of the relationship between Inman and Millicent, but glad he was able to help at the end. Also happy that it was a happy ending between Inman and Anna and that the children all came together as a family at the end. It was definitively a beautiful ending after so many struggles that they had to deal with throughout the novel. I think the author did a good job, just think she dragged it out a little in some areas and cut it a little too short in others, but overall would love to read something else from this author.
October 28, 2011
“The House” by Anjuelle Floyd is a gallant and gracious attempt to make amends to a philandering husband when there is only one last opportunity for reconsideration. Anna Manning wanted a divorce from Edward, her husband of thirty years. In her anger, she wanted her freedom and the house. But in the process of getting a divorce, she learns Edward is diagnosed with a terminal illness. This fact touched Anna in such a way that she could not bear the thought of Edward dying alone. So, she has a change of heart. The thought of her husband going away without knowing how much she wanted to be with him was too much for her to bear. So, Anna tried to console him and love him on his death bed. This lyrical story is sort of sad, but there is a bright light at the end. In the midst of grief and thoughts of infidelity, Anna managed in her heart to give Edward a bit of acceptance and love in his final days. Although Anna grappled with her own personal demons, at the end, she found the strength to overcome them. The House is Must Read for all serious romance book lovers.
October 8, 2011
Dealing with the imminent death of someone you have spent the majority of your adult life with, knowing you would rather be anywhere, but with that person and having to sort through varied emotions could be mind boggling. I know I wouldn't have been able to do it. I would have kissed the man good-bye the same way he had done the marriage. Anna drove me a little crazy with her ruminations over every small aspect of her and her estranged husband's relationship and that of their grown children. I just don't think I could have stuck around and accepted the poor attitudes from the children.
Anjuelle did a great job bringing her characters to life. I enjoyed reading 'The House'.
Find Anjuelle on SheWrites @ http://www.shewrites.com/profile/Anju... She hosts the weekly blog talk radio show, Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters
www.blogtalkradio.com/anjuellefloyd
Read Anjuelle's blogs and more about her @ www.anjuellefloyd.com
and www.anjuellefloyd.wordpress.com
Anjuelle did a great job bringing her characters to life. I enjoyed reading 'The House'.
Find Anjuelle on SheWrites @ http://www.shewrites.com/profile/Anju... She hosts the weekly blog talk radio show, Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters
www.blogtalkradio.com/anjuellefloyd
Read Anjuelle's blogs and more about her @ www.anjuellefloyd.com
and www.anjuellefloyd.wordpress.com
November 6, 2010
Compelling and Poignant! The House introduces the reader to the Manning Family who are in the throws of an ugly divorce between Anna and Edward. Anna’s pursuit to sell the family home and gain her independence has divided her family. The family is jolted and
brought together when Edward announces that he is dying of Cancer.
The house that has divided them, reunites them.
Conflicted by the impending death of her husband and her desire to be free Anna must come to grips with her life with Edward and life without Edward, while balancing the fragile family relationships.
Ajuelle Floyd has written a compelling and intricate story about a family that has struggled over the years, but has always been anchored and protected under the same roof in The House.
You can find out more about the author at www.anjuellefloyd.com
brought together when Edward announces that he is dying of Cancer.
The house that has divided them, reunites them.
Conflicted by the impending death of her husband and her desire to be free Anna must come to grips with her life with Edward and life without Edward, while balancing the fragile family relationships.
Ajuelle Floyd has written a compelling and intricate story about a family that has struggled over the years, but has always been anchored and protected under the same roof in The House.
You can find out more about the author at www.anjuellefloyd.com
August 8, 2022
Beautiful
This has many twists and turns. It was heartfelt and not predictable. A much needed love story. A must read.
This has many twists and turns. It was heartfelt and not predictable. A much needed love story. A must read.
January 30, 2014
The House (Anjuelle Floyd)
Anna Manning is about to get divorced from her husband of thirty-something years when she find out he is dying of cancer. Edward Mannning was never there for Anna , he was always away on business trips and had affairs while gone. Although he provided well for the family he was not there for them.
Anna and her four adult children come together in the family home as their father/husband is dying. Anna comes to find inner truths about herself. She gets to know her children as adults with secrets and problems of their own.
Well written story about life, love, death and family. I look forward to reading more work from Anjuelle Floyd.
Anna Manning is about to get divorced from her husband of thirty-something years when she find out he is dying of cancer. Edward Mannning was never there for Anna , he was always away on business trips and had affairs while gone. Although he provided well for the family he was not there for them.
Anna and her four adult children come together in the family home as their father/husband is dying. Anna comes to find inner truths about herself. She gets to know her children as adults with secrets and problems of their own.
Well written story about life, love, death and family. I look forward to reading more work from Anjuelle Floyd.
June 30, 2012
I got to about 10% before I abandoned it. I'm already tired of reading what color the characters' faces are. Cinnamon, mahogany, I get it... they're all black. Why does skin color have to overshadow the story?
January 2, 2013
I will revisit my star ranking on this one in a few days. For me this was to "real to life". Not my life but things that can happen. I do not normally read this type of book. It was a good albeit sad read.
April 13, 2014
Insights on Bridging Relationships and Mending All Wounds! http://anjuellefloyd.com/2014/anjuell...
April 28, 2014
I enjoyed the characters but there was a little too much psychobabble and coincidence. Could have been shorter.
June 9, 2014
Enjoyed!
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