King’s Oak audiobook

One of my favorite books of all time. Haunting, magical, and thought-provoking. Need to re-read this soon.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I fell in love with Tom and his love of nature. His uphill battle against injustice still resounds in my head though its been many years since I read this book.

I really loved this story. Ms Siddons created a wonderful set of characters, and Tom Dabney can take me for a walk in the swamp any time!

Siddons' writing is so infinitely rich and vibrant. It was such a well written novel. I so appreciated the writing as it carried me through the plot. This is the kind of novel that you have to eat portion by portion and each section is just about right. It's a long novel, I'm giving you a heads up on that. However, that being said, I have to say that I did enjoy it. It is about a woman who goes through a disastrous emotional and physical relationship and leaves to be enveloped into the wealthy and privileged community of Pemberton. There ensconced with her best friend and a welcoming community, she begins to heal as she connects with Carter, a safe and loving man. Then she meets Tom, a strange wildman whose only religion, it seems, would be the woods surrounding Pemberton. Can you love a man whose passion is something that can not be competed against? How can you vie with a wilderness? And does Andy have what it takes to go into another complicated relationship after just surviving her last one? Question Questions Questions. If you're a fan of Siddons, definitely a good read.

I haven't read this book in many years but remember how the story stayed with me a long time. Worth a second read, perhaps!

I love Anne Rivers Siddons. I thought I’d read all of her books, but discovered King’s Oak at the library. It took FOREVER to get through it, and not because it was 600+ pages. It went on and on and on- I mean, Get.To.The.Point!The main character frustrated me so - round and round and round- GET OVER YOURSELF, get some help for you and your daughter’s PTSD, and be a mom! The mystical aspect of the woods was interesting, but the small town was RIDICULOUSLY elitist. Definitely not my favorite ARS, but I was determined to finish it. Exhausting.

This is a book about intense, all-consuming love.Andy (Diana) loves her daughter, Hillary, and Tom, although she is afraid of loving Tom. But, in the end, he makes her and Hillary happy and whole. Tom loves Andy and Hillary and Scratch and most importantly the woods, the wildness of the woods, the Earth. Carter loves Andy and Hillary, but he can't have them. So Carter settles for Pat, who nobody loves. Pat loves nobody; she just wants to possess them, especially Tom. It's a good book. You should read it.

Anne Rivers Siddons is a master at southern story telling. Emotionally gripping and otherworldly, I was transported to a magical world of myths and wood spirits. Woven with human frailty and sexuality, the characters are at once, broken and relatable. The smells, and sounds, of the south, are so beautifully described, I couldn't bring myself to lift my head from the pages. This is a story you will never forget. I am in literary rapture.

Hard to get into and wasn’t happy about how it ended but it gives you the highs and the lows of life

I can't recommend it even though I really enjoyed it because it's just too damn long. By page 450 I was ready for it to end.

I believe the writing was very good . It is not the type book I usually read. There was to many downs and not enough ups for me .I like a good romance, a little mystery,a little funny, and a very happy ending. mrf

I understand that this printed version is no longer available, but I was lucky enough to pick it up at the Treasure Coast Hospice store for $2.00. It is a lengthy heavy book that was sometimes difficult to hold late at night when I picked it up from my night stand. I was not familiar with author Anne Rivers Siddons work, but was drawn in by the cover and a quick glance at the inside flap. I'm giving it a four, while some would certainly give it a 5 star rating. I related to character Diana "Andy" Calhoun and her pre-teen daughter,Hilary, having had this type of child in my barn. I also related to Tom Dabney and his cronies because I have lived with Florida crackers most of my life. The author certainly has a way with words and draws you in to the intrigue and controversy surrounding Big Silver, Pemberton and the people who have loved and lived in this very Southern somewhat stoic town. While I sometimes found myself flipping pages simply because there was too much detail, I also found myself flipping back because I felt like I might have missed something. Certainly Scratch added his own dimension to the folklore and mystery of the swamp, as did the destructive nature of an arms plant nearby. The creatures that lived with and around Tom Dabney were endearing and the unconventional relationship between him and Hilary added it's own depth. It took me a long time to read it. Sometimes I wondered why I kept going, but truthfully, I felt I had to get to the reason why Andy went to the degree that she did to remain with Tom, who at times did seem a bit "wild" and out there. I do understand some of the reviewers dismay at the plot. There were many things that just didn't make sense or rubbed me the wrong way. I kept wondering when the author would finally get to the "real" story. I also agree with some of the reviewers that the end of the book certainly did tank especially trying to figure out the birthday party and some of the weird relationships in the town. Still, I must admit that I feel a strange twinge of loss at finally closing the book.

King's Oak by Anne Rivers Siddons is a wonderful, lengthy novel set in contemporary Georgia. It juxtaposes the theme of modern nuclear technology posing a very real threat and, therefore, the need for cleansing of the world, with personal frustration and alienation in relationships. The two are intertwined through Andy and her daughter, Hilary, and Tom Dabney, a fanatical 'natural' man. An excellent read if somewhat slow at the beginning.

Can't put it downWhen I first started this book I was thinking it would be another beach read...far form it..profoundly absorbing read about a changing world we think we're powerless to stop. But with courage and love all things are possible. Abuse, bullying, greed, and big business corruption all with a lot of earthy love.

Great book -- kind of reminds me of Rachel Carson and her great endeavors. Goes on a bit long, but still wonderful. All the characters were memorable -- even though it was long, I loved it. REAd it!!

I love all of Ann Rivers Siddons books. I think they really speak to the boomer generation. This one, however, is haunting. These characters have stayed with me for many years--and I usually forget the stories within a week!! Definitely worth reading, as are all of her novels.