Pregnant and poor in the mean streets of London, sixteen-year-old Amber St. Clare does whatever is possible to improve her situation. The era -- Restoration England -- doesn't facilitate things for Amber. But with her charm, wit and, more important, beauty, Amber becomes the mistress of Merry Monarch, Charles II -- i.e., one of the most powerful men of that time period. From then on, Amber has the most luxurious and erotic experiences of her life. Little had she known that this new life would lead to greater surprises...
The novel has the sort of beautiful language that is rare in historical fiction. Hers is a lyrical voice that drips with sensual prose. The historical references are as exquisite as they are insightful. I couldn't put this book down. And, as mentioned earlier, it exceeds the other historical novels released as of late. Forever Amber is one of the best literary revelations I've had all year!
The story is one of a gorgeous and sensual county girl, seventeen-year-old Amber, who falls in love with Bruce, a passing soldier. She goes to London with him, determined to make her way up in the world. She is passed from man to man, the mistress of important men. She marries several men, therefore inheriting great fortunes, leaving her immensely wealthy. As she becomes Mistress to the King of England, she is granted several titles, working herself up to being a Duchess. Too late, she realizes all she has - the title, wealth, beauty - is all unimportant and not worth it, empty. Through the years she has embittered all of her friends in the royal Court against her including her lovers. She is desperately in love with Bruce - who she has loved since he brought her to London as a girl. Bruce despises her now because of whom she has become. The ending is very melancholy - she is hated by everyone and she is tricked to leave England, to a false expectation of being with Bruce. This book's feel, though the plots are not the same, is of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. The sense at the end of loss and missed opportunities of the characters to be happy and fulfilled in one another. The book was very well written - capturing the depravity, selfishness, and emptiness of Amber.