'Paradise' by Judith McNaught follows the love story between Meredith Bancroft and Matt Farrell, two individuals from different social classes who are drawn to each other despite numerous obstacles. The plot delves into their childhood backgrounds, their struggles in adult life, and the challenges they face in their relationship, including betrayal, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The writing style of the book is described as emotionally engaging, well-paced, and involving elements of love, class mobility, and heartwrenching emotions that keep readers invested in the story.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains content related to miscarriage and themes of betrayal, which may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
Romance is a central, driving theme throughout the book, permeating the plot and character motivations.
From The Publisher:
Discover the sensual and sweeping power of love in New York Times bestselling author Judith McNaught's contemporary romances that will make "you laugh, cry, and fall in love again" (RT Book Reviews).
"Judith McNaught comes close to an Edith Wharton edge" (The Chicago Tribune) in this stylish and fast-paced classic.
Ruthless corporate raider Matthew Farrell is poised to move in on the legendary department store empire owned by Chicago's renowned Bancroft family. In the glare of the media spotlight, it's a stunning takeover that overshadows the electric chemistry between Matt, once a scruffy kid from steel town Indiana, and cool, sophisticated Meredith Bancroft. Their brief, ill-fated marriage sparked with thrilling sensuality but ended with a bitter betrayal. Now, locked in a battle that should be all business, dangerous temptations, and bittersweet memories are stirring their hearts. Will they risk everything for a passion too bold to be denied?
Ratings (24)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (8) | |
Liked It (3) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (50):
Read It (26) | |
Want To Read (17) | |
Not Interested (7) |
1 comment(s)
This is my second book by Judith McNaught. The first was [b:Something Wonderful|129616|Something Wonderful (Sequels, #2)|Judith McNaught|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435634530l/129616._SY75_.jpg|124838], and I hated it from the very beginning and didn't finish it.
With
Paradise, the thing was more complicated. First of all, it is a very long book, and there are moments when the story drags on and on. The whole beginning, about one-fourth of the book, describes mostly the childhood of Meredith and how she and Matt meet. I found it unbearably boring, and I was close to abandoning this book for good. Then the story shifts to the present time, and it becomes more interesting, and I started to actually read it and not just skip the pages. But there is so much angst in this story, and the MCs make so many stupid things that I was getting angry. And then Matt proposes this ridiculous eleven-week agreement, and it was more than I could stand. I just couldn't read any more pages of this dumb story. I abandoned it at about 75%.
The problem with this story is not only the silly plot that makes you angry but also the characters. I know this book is a bit old-school, but Meredith didn't make a good impression on me. For a successful businesswoman, she is really naive and soft. Plus, she is a victim, and she accepts it. Her father is a possessive freak, and she does nothing to stop him; she only looks for excuses for his behavior. That's why her relationship with Matt, in my opinion, is a mistake. At one point in the story, she says that Matt is exactly like her father, as strong-willed and determined. Unfortunately, she is right, and no matter how much he loves her, she will still be a prisoner in his golden cage. She will simply change the watchman. Matt's behavior shows that her feelings are not important to him; he is only interested in achieving his goals, and in this case, the prize is Meredith. I was sorry for her.
I thought of forcing myself to read this book to the end, but I was getting angrier and angrier, so I abandoned it. I will probably give a chance to some other books by Judith McNaught, but I'm seriously starting to think she is not my cup of tea.
What can you read after
Paradise?
About the Author:
Judith McNaught is the #1 New York Times bestselling author who first soared to stardom with her stunning bestseller Whitney, My Love, and went on to win the hearts of millions of readers with Once and Always, Something Wonderful, A Kingdom of Dreams, Almost Heaven, Paradise, Perfect, Until You, Remember When, Someone to Watch Over Me, the #1 New York Times bestseller Night Whispers, and many other novels. There are more than thirty million copies of her books in print. She lives in Texas.
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