Member Reviews

I unfortunately did not love this book. I wanted so very much to enjoy this and went into reading it full of excitement. And I was left wanting. The book itself ended up reading more like a history book. Don't get me wrong, the research and information were incredibly interesting, but it took up too much of the story. I was even left confused, thinking there would be a ghost story, but there wasn't. The Cliffs started off strong and while I finished it quickly, I kept waiting for more to happen. The story is well written, I simply felt we had two things going on here. A domestic drama and a history book.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book is such an emotional rollercoaster—in the best way. It’s all about relationships, family, and those life-altering decisions we all face. The characters feel so real, like people you’ve known forever, and their struggles and triumphs hit you right in the heart.

What I loved most is how effortlessly the story blends humor and heartbreak. One moment you’re laughing at some snarky comment, and the next you’re tearing up over how raw and honest it gets. The setting is also gorgeous and plays such a big role in the story; you can practically feel the wind and smell the ocean.

It’s not one of those super fast-paced books, but that’s part of its charm—it gives you time to really sink into the characters’ lives. If you’re into heartfelt, character-driven stories that stay with you, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the opportunity to review this advanced reader's edition. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give it the time required to write a thorough review and will be unable to read it for this purpose.

Was this review helpful?

*The Cliffs* by J. Courtney Sullivan is a compelling, character-driven story that delves into the complexities of family, love, and the choices that define us. While I enjoyed this novel, especially as it explores themes of identity and self-discovery, it didn’t quite reach the same emotional depth as some of Sullivan’s previous works. Still, with her signature blend of sharp writing and rich character development, it’s a solid four-star read that will resonate with fans of her other books.

Was this review helpful?

—t h e c l i f f s—⁣
What was one of your favorite 2024 reads?⁣
—⁣
In the spirit of sharing fave books of the year, I present The Cliffs by J Courtney Sullivan. Maybe not my absolute favorite but it was definitely up there and is proving to be one of those books that regularly crosses my mind even months after finishing. ⁣
—⁣
The Cliffs is multi-perspective, set in Maine, is focused on one Victorian house, and largely follows troubled Jane and wacky Genevieve, among other characters through time. The Cliffs has interesting takes on alcoholism, mothering, past lives and hauntings, womanhood, indigenous history, and the power of place. ⁣
—⁣
As I have come to expect with Sullivan, the writing is exceptional and thoughtful. The relationship dynamics and characters are complex and enthralling. ⁣
—⁣
If you love a literary fic that isn’t impossible to plod through, I feel like this is a good one. Read it. ⁣
—⁣
Thank you @netgalley and @aaknopf for the copy. I loved it! ⁣
—⁣
#bookreview #littlebooknook📚 #bookstagram #instabook #earc #kindlebook #booksaremagic

Was this review helpful?

I really wanted to like this book. It had potential in the beginning. Three different women all connected to this historical house. The ambiance of the house. And add in a ghost! But it quickly fell flat for me.

Was this review helpful?

I had such high hopes for “The Cliffs.” I was obsessed with Sullivan’s “Friends and Strangers” when it came out in 2020. She is such a gifted storyteller and “The Cliffs” had me hooked from the first page.

“The Cliffs” is a really sprawling story, spanning centuries and multiple POVs. The main character, Jane, is a Harvard archivist who’s on leave in her Maine hometown when she’s asked to research a historic home that she captivated her as a teen.

I’m surprised that this giant story fit inside 384 pages, but they flew by for me. “The Cliffs” is equal parts literary fiction, family drama and mystery. Some parts of it read like historical fiction. This book went in so many surprising directions and was a really satisfying treat to read. I think it would a perfect book to bring on a plane or to the beach this summer as it is immersive and all consuming.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the first half of this book but then it lost momentum for me and it was not holding my attention. This book had a lot of potential to work for me but ultimately just wasn't for me.

Was this review helpful?

I have mixed feelings about J. Courtney Sullivan's new book The Cliffs. On one hand, I really enjoyed the historical backdrop and learning more about Native History. I was less interested in the ghost story and paranormal side of the story, but I'm just not drawn to that type of thing. I asked for an advance copy because I love this author so it's not fair to penalize her for that. All in all, I enjoyed this book, though I agree with others who have noted that some editing might have helped as there is a lot in this book, and it can feel like it's meandering a bit.

Not my fave of this author's, but a good story and I will be eager to see where this author goes next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of The Cliffs in exchange for an honest opinion. The Cliffs is available now.

Was this review helpful?

J. Courtney Sullivan is one of my favorite authors (I have read all of her books and she’s an autobuy!), and this book was much more reminiscent of her earlier work and why I loved her so much! It’s a big departure from her last book. I love how she weaves historic fiction, family dynamics, and drama all in one. Excited as always for her next book!

Was this review helpful?

This book has every imaginable issue including mediums and ghosts. It's a little over the top but I stuck with it and it mostly came togther in the end.

Was this review helpful?

This was a well told historical fiction book with good character development. I liked the premise, and I did feel some parts were rushed but overall very much enjoyed this book.

Was this review helpful?

As a kid who grew up on the East Coast, I gravitate to stories based in New England. J. Courtney Sullivan has used a new location, Maine, as the setting for The Cliffs. The knowledge gained about the untold story that Sullivan tells, at times, feels more like a museum visit than a novel. Buckle up; the first 90 pages cover time and space in one of the most impactful written ways.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this novel of mysterious family secrets set amongst "The Cliffs"! A historical fiction novel with all the feels. Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor Publishing for the ARC opportunity.

Was this review helpful?

I tried and tried but I just could not get into this story, The description sounded so good, but I couldn't connect with it. I haven't completely taken it off my tbr because again, the plot sounds incredible, but it just didn't work for me.

Was this review helpful?

The Cliffs is a haunting and atmospheric novel that intertwines multiple timelines and perspectives to unravel the secrets of a Victorian house perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean. The story begins with Jane Flanagan discovering the house as a teenager, where it becomes a refuge from her turbulent home life. Years later, as a Harvard archivist, she returns to find the house transformed by a new owner, Genevieve, who believes the house is haunted. Genevieve hires Jane to research its history, leading to the uncovering of long-buried stories about love, loss, colonialism, and the women who have lived there. The novel explores themes of family, history, and the ways our past shapes our present, all set against the backdrop of a house that holds more than just memories.

While the premise is captivating and rich in history, the book can sometimes feel like a history lesson rather than contemporary fiction. Some sections, especially in the middle of the novel, felt drawn out, and it took time for the various plot threads to come together. However, the ending ultimately ties the story together in a satisfying way, making the journey worthwhile. While The Cliffs can be slow at times, its blend of history, mysticism, and family drama offers a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. My rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.

Was this review helpful?

Jane has returned to her seaside town after make a mistake that could ruin her marriage and her career. The large Victorian house that she turned to in times of trouble is now unrecognizable after being bought by one of the summer people. The new owner, Genevieve, believes that the house is haunted and asks Jane to do research of the history of the house. Jane uncovers a rich and dark history.

I thought Sullivan took care of showing Jane's alcohol addiction. I really enjoyed all of the women's stories, especially the addition of the native stories. However, I felt like it was a LOT of story, I felt like Sullivan was trying to fit everything in.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this one! Historical fiction is just about my favorite genre and this fit the bill. Deep characters, incredible sense of place , and a mystery to be solved all led to a most satisfying story. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC of The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan in exchange for an honest review.

It took me three tries to get further than chapter two of this book but for whatever reason, this time I was all in, and I’m glad I stuck with it. This sweeping novel about a plot of land on the coast of Maine and its inhabitants is used as a device to follow several centuries of history, along with themes that include Indigenous culture and its destruction and appropriation by British colonists, alcoholism, classism, spiritualism and ghosts, among others. At the center of the plot is Jane, a disgraced Harvard librarian, who returns home to the same Maine town after her mother’s death and becomes swept up in the story of the house on the cliffs that’s been an obsession since she was a teen.

The writing is beautiful and various story arcs come together successfully and poignantly in the last third of the book. I rooted for Jane and I know you will, too. Four stars.

Was this review helpful?

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction novel. It has sympathetic and engaging female protagonists, mystery, family and relationship drama, and vividly described settings and Native American and Shaker cultural and historical lore. The lives of several woman who are connected by the cliffs of Maine and a historical house are depicted in this novel.
This story is compelling because it retraces the inhabitants of the house and their lives. The book also emphasizes the story of Native Americans and how they have been marginalized through the years. Jane is very savvy about this and I love her all the more because she cares.
I Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?