Mar 25, 2006 05:30 PM
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(Updated Mar 25, 2006 05:30 PM)
What is it that makes Sidney Sheldon tick? This question has been asked time and again, and every time we are confronted by it, the answers available are multiple - big canvas stories that usually cut across continents time and space, rock solid characterizations, a rags-to-riches tale that sucks you into its vortex (who doesn’t nurture the dream of rising like a phoenix?), strong women with a great appetite for success, steamy bedroom scenes, and yes, a grand finale. Each page makes
you want to race to the next. Not that I consider Sheldon to be a great artiste – he has his weaknesses – his strengths are his Achilles’ heels, as they make his body of work appear repetitive. But, most of each of his novels, if viewed singularly, make for great reading. Whenever the humdrum of life gets to me, I pick up a Sheldon book and have a blast.
Other Side of Midnight, to begin with is a compelling book. Again, not a work of fine art, but a tour de force from a man who knows how to narrate stories. At the center of this tale lie two diametrically opposite women, who are bound by not by fate but their amorous liaisons with one man.
Noelle Page, a French denizen, is filled with revulsion for men until she meets Larry Douglous, an air force officer. She promptly falls in love with him and decides to get married to him. All’s well that ends well. But dearies, this is the beginning of the plot. Larry absconds on the day of their wedding. To compound matters, Noelle discovers that Larry’s child is breathing in her womb. From here on, Noelle lives with one sole mission – to destroy Larry.
On the other hand, we have Catherine Alexander, your average brilliant American brain. Her career gets off to a great start once she joins a prestigious government organization. Her life turns even rosier once she loses her virginity to her boss William Fraser and two decide to get married. But fate has other plans. It sends Larry Douglous, first to her city, then to her studio, and finally into her bed. An inexplicable sexual attraction to Larry, and an irrational decision to marry him redefine the course of Catherine’s life.
Noelle in the meanwhile, after overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, becomes the mistress of Constantin Dmeris, a Greek business magnate. Here, she meets Larry once again (she had to, after all she had manipulated this reunion) and the two resume their affair once again. If you thought that this was it, then think again. This is a Sidney Sheldon novel, where drama, mystery, suspense, and intrigue never leave you till the very last page. I am not going to reveal the end and ruin your fun.
To quote Irving Wallace, “The Other Side of Midnight is a gripping, memorable, glamorous book. You simply can’t put it down.”
