Where Love Has Gone : Book Review

"Where Love Has Gone" by Harold Robbins is a captivating and dramatic tale that dives deep into the intricate dynamics of love, passion, and family. The story is set in 1950s San Francisco and revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Luke Carey, a successful artist, and his ex-wife Valerie Hayden, a renowned singer.

The book opens with the gripping murder trial of Valerie's daughter, who is accused of killing her mother's abusive lover. As the trial unfolds, Robbins takes us on a journey back in time to uncover the events that led to this tragic incident. Through vivid flashbacks, we are exposed to Valerie and Luke's passionate love affair, their subsequent marriage, and the deterioration of their relationship over time.

The characters in "Where Love Has Gone" are complex and flawed, making them relatable and captivating. Luke struggles with balancing his artistic ambitions with his responsibility as a father, while Valerie desperately seeks love and validation. Meanwhile, her daughter grapples with her own identity and longing for acceptance. Robbins skillfully delves into the motivations and desires of each character, offering a multi-dimensional portrayal that feels genuine.

Robbins' writing style is engaging and descriptive, transporting readers to the vibrant world of 1950s San Francisco. From glamorous nightclubs to lavish mansions, the city's backdrop serves as a perfect stage for the characters' emotional journey. The author effortlessly captures the glamour, conflicts, and hidden secrets of the era, crafting a compelling narrative that keeps readers enthralled.

Overall, "Where Love Has Gone" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of love and its consequences. With Robbins' sharp storytelling, memorable characters, and vivid setting, this book is a must-read for fans of drama and romance.

What are readers saying?

The reception of Harold Robbins' novel, Where Love Has Gone, has been a topic of debate among readers. The book delves into themes of love, passion, and family drama, resulting in a wide range of opinions from readers.

There are readers who have praised the intense and captivating storyline of Where Love Has Gone. They find the narrative to be engaging and compelling, filled with twists and turns that keep them engrossed from beginning to end. These readers appreciate the exploration of complex relationships and the depth of emotion portrayed by the characters. They commend the author's ability to create tension and suspense throughout the book, making it an exhilarating read.

On the other hand, some readers express disappointment with the novel. They feel that the plot is predictable and lacks originality, following typical clichés of the genre. These readers find the characters to be flat and uninteresting, which makes it difficult for them to connect or empathize with them. Additionally, some reviewers criticize the length of the book, suggesting that it could have been edited down to improve pacing and maintain reader interest.

The writing style of Where Love Has Gone also receives mixed feedback. Some readers admire the author's descriptive prose, noting that it effectively sets the scene and creates vivid imagery. They appreciate the eloquence and engagement of the writing, enhancing their overall reading experience. However, others feel that the writing is verbose and repetitive, which hinders their enjoyment of the book.

In terms of themes, many readers appreciate the exploration of love, relationships, and the consequences of actions. They find the book thought-provoking and appreciate the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. On the other hand, some readers feel that the themes are poorly executed and lack depth, resulting in a superficial portrayal of complex issues.

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