While I didn't find Peyton Place to be as explicit as I had always assumed, I can see how it would have shocked and amazed when it was released. What made the book interesting for me though was the independence of Allison. She was very much unlike any other women in her world, and very different from the women of her time. Personally, I find her character more 'shocking' then the descriptions of sexual assault, betrayal, suicide, etc.

I remember reading somewhere that the publisher made Ms. Metalious tone down some of the more sexual aspects of the book, so perhaps it might have been even more shocking had they allowed it to be published as it was written. Having grown up in a small town myself, I remember hearing stories similar to some of those in the novel. Every small town has stories of adultery, grief, deviance, and pain. This makes the novel feel very real, because I can honestly picture small towns where this sort of behaviour still exists, hidden behind all of those closed doors and drawn curtains.

Despite the fact that it felt toned down by modern standards, I was oddly satisfied to finally read the book. I had seen the movie a few years back, so I had an idea about the plot, but it was still very engaging. I spent a couple of late nights up reading this novel when I should have been studying, or at least sleeping. In conclusion then, I would recommend reading this if you haven't already. It may not be a classic in the traditional sense, but it's a classic nonetheless.

I understand that there was a clamour for a second novel from Ms. Metalious, however I was disappointed in the lazy plot which she spun together for the sequel. First, changing the name of Connie's husband was strange and seemed more than a little ridiculous. I assume there was a real reason other than bothering the reader.

I also didn't care for what happened to the characters. Allison wrote a book which was clearly bordering on illegal given it was a thinly veiled portrait of her hometown. Of course, the laws weren't so finely intuned back then. I also felt that she went from this unusual women to something better described as whiny. Selena lost most of her backbone too, and I was genuinely disappointed that Betty had had the baby and came crawling back to Peyton Place. It was like all of the really memorable characters lost their spunk and drive.

So, my recommendation would have to be that you stop after Peyton Place. Sometimes sequels really shouldn't happen. ( )

Peyton Place with all the nasty parts and without what characterization and local color there is in the first book. Ugh. I didn't read Peyton Place in this volume because I have read it before. ( )