Comedy

I first read this novel in 2001, and didn’t like it at all. I felt that it compared unfavourably to the author’s earlier books, and was almost put off her writing entirely.

Thankfully I kept reading and collecting her books, and am now re-reading. I nearly missed this one out, but am glad I didn't. I had entirely forgotten the characters, although I recalled the general idea: that of several diverse characters in a holiday resort on a Greek island. They include a wealthy Greek business man, a happily married older couple, a writer who was once in the throes of several addictions, and a young woman recovering from an unpleasant relationship break-up.

The novel - and it’s over 500 pages long - spans the summer months, gradually building on the different people, revealing their pasts, and revolving around the different relationships as they evolve.

I enjoyed the story very much the second time. And then re-reading again another seven years later, I had mixed feelings. The characters are good, I felt, but the storylines a bit trite. However the ending is satisfying, even if one or two of the final scenes and events were somewhat unlikely.

Nothing too heavy, yet some deep issues are covered and some of the main characters got under my skin. It would probably make good holiday reading, but in my view it's not one of the best Erica James novels.

I gave it two stars the first time, four stars the second time, three stars on the third.

Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holiday-by-erica-james.html ( )

A great holiday read - particularly as I was on a Greek island myself at the time. A mixture of romance with a little bit of mystery/crime, but mainly romance. The ending is obvious but it wouldn't have been nearly as satisfying without a happy ending.

It was also really nice to see a happy couple portrayed who'd been married for years and nothing horrible happens to them. Yes, she flirts with the man next door, but she doesn't need to have an affair and her husband trusts her. How often is that shown in fiction? It gives you hope for your own relationships! ( )

I found this novel a little "light weight". There were a couple of subplots that could have been developed a bit further to add more interest to the story line. I enjoyed the descriptions of Corfu. ( )

The Holiday was an entertaining story and held my interest. It is the kind of book often referred to as "chick lit", and didn't have any deep significance. But a good plot and several characters to keep it interesting. ( )