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Colony (Abridged) Audiobook
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(4.00) - 3,846 listener ratings
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""An outstanding multigenerational novel...We are hooked from the moment we meet Maude."" --New York Times
An unforgettable story of love, acceptance, and tradition from New York Times bestselling author Anne Rivers Siddons.
When Maude Chambliss first arrives at Retreat, the seasonal home of her husband's aristocratic family, she is a nineteen-year-old bride fresh from South Carolina's Low Country. Among the patrician men and women who reside in the summer colony on the coast of Maine, her gypsy-like beauty and impulsive behavior immediately brand her an outsider. She, as well as everyone else, is certain she will never fit in. And of course, she doesn't...at first.
But over the many summers she spends there, Maude comes to cherish life in the colony, as she does the people who share it with her. There is her husband Peter, consumed with a darkness of spirit; her adored but dangerously fragile children; her domineering mother-in-law, who teaches her that it is the women who possess the strength to keep the colony intact; and Maine native Micah Willis, who is ultimately Maude's truest friend.
This brilliant novel, rich with emotion, is filled with appealing, intense, and indomitable characters. Anne Rivers Siddons paints a portrait of a woman determined to preserve the spirit of past generations—and the future of a place where she became who she is...a place called Colony.
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"This was a generational saga set in the south and focused on a relationship between a wife and her dysfunctional matriarchal mother in law. The story had enjoyable complexities. I usually don't read books of this type, but I am so glad I did. This was my first Siddons book, and I am a fan. "
— Annette (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An outstanding multigenerational novel…We are hooked from the moment we meet Maude.”
— The New York Times -
“Highly engaging…Excellent writing…A powerfully good read.”
— Philadelphia Inquirer -
“If it’s gothic, Siddons can do it…Fans will be doing cartwheels, and others will queue up.”
— Kirkus -
“Siddons is at her best in describing the place…Her rich florid prose and peaceful southern cadences create their impact.”
— Los Angeles Daily News
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Colony Listener Reviews
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" This was a perfect airline/beach/traveling book. Interesting story, interesting characters but no trauma inflicted on the reader! "
— Julie, 2/18/2014 -
" This is a very emotional and powerful book. Siddons is a wonderful author. "
— Lyn, 2/18/2014 -
" This is a wonderful novel in which the protagonist really captures the reader's sympathy and interest. The story development is wonderful. A real page turner that will carry you through to the very end. Great story telling! "
— Trina, 2/17/2014 -
" Just fluffy, smutty goodness. Take with on your next trip to the beach. "
— Kristin, 2/7/2014 -
" One of my all time favorites, it SO reminds me of the place in Maine where I spend the summers of my life! It also made for a great book club discussion. "
— Valaroaol.com, 1/30/2014 -
" First book I had ever read of hers and it still sticks with me a one of my most recommended reads. Some of her other books are good. But this was her best. "
— Sheryl, 1/27/2014 -
" Second time reading this book and it's just as odd as the first time... but I just can't seem to put the dang thing down. "
— Candace, 1/24/2014 -
" One of her best books. "
— Carolineb, 1/23/2014 -
" I kept getting the feeling I'd read it before, but it's a good family drama that plays out over the years. Not very realistic, IMO, but I'm sure there are people who summer in places like this. A nice, engaging read. "
— Lori, 1/19/2014 -
" Colony follows the life of one woman, Maude, and her husband's family each summer that they spend at their summer retreat in Maine.the whole point of the story seemed to be that women need to be strong because men mess up. Super annoying ! "
— Kwoomac, 1/18/2014 -
" A great vacation read "
— Meghana, 12/20/2013 -
" I really loved this book. It is a slow-paced family drama. Long book. Worth the time! "
— Linda, 12/12/2013 -
" Might be my favorite Anne Rivers Siddons book so far. Multigenerational story explores the complex relationships within families, between friends, and within communities. Beautifully drawn characters, well paced plot, and surprise ending make it a winner! "
— Connie, 12/3/2013 -
" Amazing story, kept me hooked til the end! "
— Luci, 11/22/2013 -
" Great summer read....light vacation read "
— Elisa, 8/4/2013 -
" This is one of my favorite books. I spent a few summers in Maine near to where this book is set, but really, it makes me think of my own long family history in Cape Cod. It's a must-read! "
— Megan, 1/26/2013 -
" A multi-generational saga that went on and on. Too many unanswered plot questions for me in this one. It was long and I can't believe I hung in and finished it. Also, it's pretty explicit which surprised me because the author is an old lady! (ick!) "
— Pam, 1/9/2013 -
" Probably my favorite of all her books "
— Gloria, 1/4/2013 -
" Again not great literature, just a wonderful story. And as a lover of Maine, I enjoyed it's setting and characters "
— Patricia, 10/5/2012 -
" Same review for all of her books. "
— Judy, 8/25/2012 -
" This sooooo reminded me of many situations I found myself in in the past and would find myself in in the future. It is about love and acceptance and I should read it again. For me, it is her best book. "
— Katie, 5/26/2012 -
" This was the first of Anne Rivers Siddons novels I read years ago and I enjoyed it just as much this time....maybe more. She is a fabulous author...and on to another! "
— Vicki, 4/24/2012 -
" I liked this book a lot. Takes place on coast in Maine. A saga, you feel like you know these people since it takes place over a woman's lifetime and you follow her life from the time she is a newly wed to the time of her death when she's in her 80s. "
— Janette, 3/16/2012 -
" I can't even believe I finished this train wreck of a book. I think after the first then second stupid thing happened I wanted to see how ridiculous it could get. Weak men, heartbreak and pain at the summer house yet everyone keeps coming back for more. "
— Lisa, 1/12/2012 -
" I loved this book. Have re-read at least 5 times. "
— Lynne, 12/17/2011 -
" First ARS I ever read and I recall it being one of her best. "
— Courtney, 12/16/2011 -
" Read every year! "
— Kathywalter, 7/9/2011 -
" As I recall, this book kept me interested in the characters. I was also partial to the setting. "
— Sara, 2/13/2011 -
" I kept getting the feeling I'd read it before, but it's a good family drama that plays out over the years. Not very realistic, IMO, but I'm sure there are people who summer in places like this. A nice, engaging read. "
— Lori, 1/24/2011 -
" Siddons is one of my favorite authors and this is one of her best. "
— Kittyfritter, 1/9/2011 -
" Read this book in 2008. Good page turner. "
— Louise, 12/30/2010 -
" Might be my favorite Anne Rivers Siddons book so far. Multigenerational story explores the complex relationships within families, between friends, and within communities. Beautifully drawn characters, well paced plot, and surprise ending make it a winner! "
— Connie, 9/27/2010 -
" another book I have been carrying around and now it can go.... "
— Charity, 9/8/2010 -
" Colony follows the life of one woman, Maude, and her husband's family each summer that they spend at their summer retreat in Maine.the whole point of the story seemed to be that women need to be strong because men mess up. Super annoying ! "
— Kwoomac, 8/3/2010 -
" This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it! A great three generation family saga. "
— Christen, 6/12/2010 -
" Not my favorite, but love her writing "
— Jan, 2/23/2010 -
" Ready for some "lighter fare" I pulled out this chestnut. After I started it I remember that I had read it probably 15 years ago and liked it, but couldn't remember many details, so I read it again. I classify it as a "chick book" and put it in the beach bag. "
— Gail, 2/13/2010
About Anne Rivers Siddons
Anne Rivers Siddons (1936–2019) wrote nineteen novels, including several New York Times bestsellers, as well as a work of nonficton and two movie scripts. Her novels received praise from Stephen King and Pat Conroy. Her debut novel, Heartbreak Hotel, was made into a major motion picture in 1989 titled Heart of Dixie. Her novel The House Next Door was made into a made-for-television movie that aired in 2006 on Lifetime Television.
About Judith Ivey
Judith Ivey was born in 1951 in El Paso, Texas. She was not quite yet a Tony Award–winner, but already a prolific Broadway and stage actress when she made her film debut appearance as Steve Martin’s love interest in Arthur Hiller’s The Lonely Guy. She then went on to star as Jennifer Jason Leigh’s older sister in the southern gothic thriller Sister, Sister. She came to star (despite her impressive resume) as what would be her better remembered role, Texan B. J. Poteet in the last season of Designing Women. Other notable characters she has played in film include Keanu Reeves’ mother in Devil’s Advocate, one of three intrepid psychics investigating a haunted house in Stephen King’s three-part miniseries Rose Red, and the recurring role of Debra Messing’s mother-in-law Eleanor Markus on Will & Grace. Her audiobook narrations have won her five AudioFile Earphones Awards.