Family Album

by Danielle Steel

Follows the Thayer family, including Fay, a glamorous actress turned Hollywood director, her husband Ward, heir to a shipping fortune, and the five Thayer children

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Family, Contemporary

600 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! a fun and interesting read with some good characters and also well written (paperback!)

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I did not expect this book to be SOMEHOW heartbreaking. It’s the first time I’ve ever written a review, and my English isn’t that good but I will try my best!

I’m just gonna write this while having 2 things into account. The characters and the plot.

Before I even start ranting, I just want to say that its the first time I actually enjoy a Danielle Steel’s book. Yes, I’ve rated some of the others with 4 stars, but none of them has compared to this one.

Now moving on.

Characters:
Well, the entire “main character” list is basically a whole family. In the first half of the book, we get to know Faye and Ward and the way their relationship starts to develop little by little, how they face difficulties, how they cope with them, and over-all, how they have different relationships with their kids. And of course, how deeply they love each other (which is questionable at some points, ngl)

And then of course we have their kids, from oldest to youngest: Lionel, Greg, Valerie, Vanessa and Anne. All of them are simply remarkable characters (mostly Lionel and Anne, if u ask me), and to my surprise, I managed to connect with them at some points! They made some questionable decisions too, ngl. (CofcofAnneCofCof) But getting to know them and not only their parents, was meaningful.

As for the plot, the first half was sorta boring and slow, but as for the second… it was surely entertaining and I mostly loved every word of it, so it was a lil more fast-paced.

In conclusion, it was an enjoyable read!

P.S.: Sorry if I was a bit repetitive, it’s my first review as I previously mentioned!

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my first Danielle Steel was FAMILY ALBUM (Dell, 1986). Figures, since it showcases a gay character, the first and only one in a DS novel, if I stand correctly. He’s the son of...
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[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lord....this was my first Danielle Steel book I've ever read and it was pretty much what I expected. Everyone's beautiful, blonde (or the rare ginger), dazzling, with blue or green eyes. A rags to riches back to rags back to riches story. I don't know if her books have change over the last 30 years, but she seems to have a weird obsession with disparate age differences when it comes to many of the romantic relationships and sexual encounters in this book. The book covered the 40s through the 80s - predominantly the 40s and 60s. Even so, it definitely had an 80s sensibility. I pictured Danielle Steel typing her manuscript in her big hair and shoulder pads while Dynasty or Falcon Crest played on her TV. It was so melodramatic, I felt like I was watching a soap opera unfold on paper rather than on TV.

[Jason Ernst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went through a Danielle Steel phase in my prepubescent years. Lining multiple shelves on my mom's bookcase, they were readily available. This is the only one that sticks out in my memory, and that's because I think it actually had more to offer than the quickly-read-and-forget-so-that-you-won't-remember-that-in-the-three-months-time-it-takes-for-the-next-Danielle-Steel-novel-to-come-out-you-won't-recall-that-the-story-has-been-recycled.

Okay, maybe that's a bit unfair. Maybe Danielle Steel isn't that bad. Another book of hers I read around the same time and was moved by just came to mind: Kaleidoscope.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly did not expect this! It is one of my Danielle Steel's books yet. Wonderful main character in Faye. She is such a strong personality and was the rock when everything and everyone else was floundering. I also loved how we got to see how each one of her children grew from childhood to adults. Her husband, Ward, was a difficult character to like, despite knowing his background. Just a fantastic book that covered many decades. I really enjoyed it.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books by Ms. Steel I read this book as a teen. This book was full of family drama. A couple with 6 kids each with their own struggles. Faye Price as been in Hollywood for years first as an actress than as a director. Through the years the couple has faced a lot in there marriage and with there kids. I loved this book.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of Family Album. One of my favorite books by Danielle Steel. My second novel I've read by her. Great story and characters. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Alex (Alex's Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so melodramatic, I felt like I was watching a soap opera unfold on paper rather than on TV. I loved it! Great book!

[Fatima Resulbegovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drugi svijetski rat.
Fej i Vord se upoznaju, svidjeli si se jedno drugom taj jedan jedini put sto su se vidjeli.
Ona je glumica koja se vraca svom zivotu i karijeri, a on ostaje da ratuje, nakon sto joj je obecao da je potraziti kad rat zavrsi.
Fenomenalan pocetak, ocekujem divnu knjigu.
Zatim, rat se zavrsava o paf...
Razocaram se.
Opet mi se ova obiteljska saga pocinje svidjati, pa opet...razocaram se i tako sve do kraja.
Ovo je, zbilja, jedna od rijetkih knjiga za koju cu reci i da je dobra i da je losa, za mene.
Inace, ili mi se svidi ili ne.
Ali ovaj put je oboje.

[Beatriz Rosales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una lectura que pensé sería ligera, moralizante, fantasiosa y muy melosa... y fuí sorpendida por la manera en que me atrapó la historia. Que hay detrás de un Albúm en el cual vemos fotografías de eventos en los que cada uno o todos los miembros de una familia posan ante la cámara y nos regalan sus mejores poses, muchas de ellas son festejos, reuniones y otros eventos en los que todos se ven felices o eso quieren aparentar. Pues así fué con esta historia de una familia en la cual la imágen era la de "Bella familia", y cada uno de ellos tienen secretos que han guardado y que cuando se van descubriendo traen el caos y dolor para algunos de ellos. Arrepentimiento , reconocimiento de culpas, intolerancia, adicciones, infidelidades y pérdidas irreparables. Pero al final, que es en realidad el principio, al reconocerse como individuos diferentes unos de otros y solo unidos por esos lazos familiares que nos da la sangre o parentezco, pero con reconciliación y tolerancia pueden convivir.

[Marena Mullenders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeker wel een leuk boek! Het gaat niet alleen maar over het koppel maar ook over ieder vijf de kinderen. Leuk om een kijkje in hun leven te lezen en daardoor van iedereen wat mee te krijgen. Iedereen heeft zijn eigen verhaal en er komen ook wel schokkende dingen in voor. Best een aanrader!

[Curlyhair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this when I read it years ago.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the past I've read several Danielle Steel books and have always enjoyed them, but it's been ages since I've read one. The story was the type I like to read - following a family over the years. In this case the time period was the 1940's - 80's starting with WWII and Hollywood glamour. This book was a little more controversal on the family subjects it touched: drugs, homosexuality, flower children in the Haight, May - December romance, teenage pregnancy. Also, it began on a sad note with a funeral and ended with the character's death which wasn't the upbeat happily ever after I remember of DS novels. Overall a good read.

[Yassmine Azeez · Rating 2 out of 5]

u know when you give a big sigh cuz a book is finished? i do not deny that i really wanted to see what will happen to each character , and as usually happens when u read daniel steel's ur eyes get wet several times, but the book was generally boring and sometimes u r just fed up with DS's obsession with wealth , brands , clothes and jewelry. she is never bored of describing each and every detail of the outfits they wear and the expensive stuff they buy . u always feel that she deeply thinks that wealth is a virtue for her :)
here in egypt i do not have many choices when buying english books , and daniel after all is usually fun , some of her novels are so sweet .

[Jen Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first Danielle Steel book that I've ever read, and it wasn't bad. It took me quite a while to get into it, and I almost gave up a few times if I'm honest. There were some really slow parts, there were parts that seemed rushed, for much of it it was obvious how it would turn out, and the characters were hard for me to relate to and connect with. Once it got going though it was alright and I was interested enough to see how it all turned out in the end. So it was just ok in my opinion. Not great, but not horrible.

[Yazlina Saduri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of like Van, Lionel, John and even Val... Faye is a dream. She's strong, soft, determined, patient, strong-willed and head-strong. She's too good for Ward most of the times. Sometimes, they are compatible. Anne, I dont like. Her relationship with Bill, naahhhh, distasteful. All in all, after reading the prolog, I know what will happen to Faye... but I got to just keep reading, wanting to know how the family evolve around the lady. Actually, it's how Faye evolve around her family. Great read.

[Anie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice book that shows how a brave and courageous woman tries very hard to keep her family united in hard times even when her husband left and the way she handles and manages the problems of her children of different age groups. One of the brilliant writings of the author. The story begins in the decades of second world war and goes till next generation. Overall a good read with a nice family oriented theme.

[Roshni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!!! Just loved reading it!!!
One of my favourites and the best book ever read so far.
The story is just perfectly complete. One can feel the story and the character.
Read this book twice and the more I read the more attached I feel to the story.
Will linger for a long time on my mind.
Awesome work Danielle Steel, Waiting to read your other books :)

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice cozy story to cuddle up with. Faye, her husband and their 5 children all face challenges as they grow up and become adults. The family face hardships several times but Faye always seems to be the glue that holds them together and help them all through these tough times. She is definately someone I would love to have in my corner to help me through the tough times.

[Imas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Album keluarga Faye dan Ward Thayer, artis dan letnan muda yang tampan. Faye memutuskan untuk meninggalan karier sebagai aktris untuk sepenuhnya bersama keluarga dan suaminya. Mereka bersama lima orang anaknya melalui masa-masa indah dan masa penuh badai.

[(;Alicia™ღA constant game of Russian Roulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite Danielle Steel books. It was very interesting and talks about how much a single woman has gone through. The drama she encounters through life is incredible. She still manages to keep a positive attitude and that is what's great.

[Jerald Vernon Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Danielle Steel novel I've ever read...
I didn't favor love stories that much but this book give me some chilling sensation throughout my body...
I love the book, the story,...smooth plot...and emotional sensitive book
one of the most brilliant book I ever read

[Taiyaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book again & again because of the couregious women how stive very hard to kept her family together even when her better half left her in hard times all by herself

[Randy Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I haven't read it in years so I guess it's time for a re-read. Well worth the time.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family Album is one of those story that once you start reading it you will not be able to put it down. You will forget everything and will enter the world of this family!!!!!

[Stefy Spano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anni '40 Faye è una affermata giovane attrice che durante uno spettacolo per le truppe incontra il tenente Ward Thayer. Tra i due c'è subito intesa ma la guerra li costringe a separarsi e a continuare con le proprie vite. Dopo la guerra però Ward si mette subito in contatto con Faye e così ha inizio una storia d'amore che dura più di 40 anni e che porta alla nascita di 5 figli: Lionel, Greg, Valerie, Vanessa e Anne.
Il romanzo ci racconta l'evolversi della storia di questa famiglia e dei personaggi che la compongono e che nell'arco di 40 anni si trovano ad affrontare crisi economiche e tragedie personali gravissime.
Faye è il perno centrale della famiglia, una donna dotata di bellezza, intelligenza e determinazione, capace di reinventarsi e di superare tutte le difficoltà.
Ward è costantemente all'ombra della moglie, nonostante cerchi di migliorare è un personaggio debole, profondamente insicuro e dalle idee retrograde.
Lionel è uno dei personaggi più approfonditi e forse quello che mi è piaciuto di più. Ha la bellezza e la sensibilità della madre e per questo non viene capito dal padre.
Greg è invece un personaggio appena abbozzato. È il figlio prediletto di Ward ed è un atleta, pensa solo alle ragazze e come il padre spesso si dimostra immaturo e non in grado di assumersi le proprie responsabilità.
Valerie e Vanessa sono gemelle e l'una l'opposto dell'altra. Valerie è appariscente mentre Vanessa è semplice, Valerie è interessata al mondo dello spettacolo mentre Vanessa è un'intellettuale. Delle due però è Valerie ad avere un arco narrativo più interessante e soprattutto una vera evoluzione.
Anne è la piccola di casa, nata in un momento molto difficile per la propria famiglia sin da subito sembra vivere al margine quasi dimenticata da tutti gli altri. L'unico a cui è davvero affezionata è Lionel e proprio per dimostrare la propria fedeltà nei suoi confronti arriverà a compiere una scelta che le cambierà irrimediabilmente la vita.
Anche il personaggio di Anne l'ho trovato molto interessante ma buona parte della sua storia l'ho trovata troppo fantasiosa ed eccessiva per una ragazzina di un'età che va dai 14 ai 18 anni.
Lo stile del romanzo è molto descritto e per certi versi poco moderno. L'autrice ci racconta cosa i personaggi fanno e pensano ma non ce lo mostra, per usare un termine tecnico manca totalmente lo "show don't tell". Nonostante ciò è stata una lettura scorrevole e piacevole per passare il tempo senza impegno.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel was like looking at an old photo album about a family! However the words described four decades of growth during a time in Hollywood when the cinema was considered the 'golden days in entertainment'... such was the life of Faye Price, a beautiful model, singer, who stepped into a career of legendary actress. She fell in love with Ward Thayer, a wealthy playboy in uniform and their started their journey into family. A time of beautiful ups and demoralising downs and the most precious creations her five children. But Faye had a dream and eventually she became one of Hollywood's first women directors! Family life always brought her down to earth from the glittery movie sets - as in a changing world, family values were constantly challenged from within her family and in the outside world. It was a sad story, but a courageous one and when this matriarch finally closed her eyes one last time did everyone in her Family look back at the lives they had led .......

[Subrina Pechacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book to read. I was swept away with Faye while she was in pictures but I think that I started crying when her husband started cheating on her and she had stood tall by just sheer perservance but after having that many kids close in age except for Anne I can understand what she was going through thinking that no one in her family loved her or even cared about her until she met her best friend's father and fell in love with him. She was 14 at the time and he was I think in his early 50's but both of them were in love with each other until they got found out by Anne's brother Lionel and that is when the you know what hit the fan. But it actually turned out better than what I even thought. Danielle Steel really knows how to make the reader cry. But it was a very good book.

[hotandlovebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Steel es un CLÁSICAZO de la literatura romántica, tanto como Nora Roberts o Johanna Lindsey. Si habéis leído algo de Danielle sabréis que suele tirar mucho por el rollo culebrón de Antena 3 por la tarde. Para bien o mal.

Si no habéis leído nada de esta autora, Álbum de familia es una muy buena opción para empezar con ella.

Ambientado en el Hollywood clásico y con una prota actriz casada con un multimillonario que cae en desgracia y que juntos deben luchar por su matrimonio en un mundillo despiadado como es el del cine.

Lo más guay de este libro es que la historia va creciendo con los hijos del matrimonio y cada uno vive su propia historia de amor (incluida una LGTBI, y estamos hablando de un libro publicado en 1985!).

Si os gustan las sagas románticas familiares y Hollywood, dadle una oportunidad.