Ceremony of the Innocent

by Taylor Caldwell

Book Overview

New York Times Bestseller: The quest for the American Dream soars to new heights in this coming-of-age story of a young woman and her country. Living with her aunt in poor, rural Preston,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038507042X
• ISBN13: 9780385070423
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Not Avail
• Length: 422 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Prophetic, on many levels

Art is in the eye of the beholder. While some may have failed to see the "message" in this book, I think that this story tells more about human nature, and its dark side, as well as giving great insight into who is really calling the shots in the destruction of America, than any book that I have ever read. The "innocence" here, as epitomized by Ellen, is also symbolic of what Americans have become as a people.....apathetic, brainwashed, and unwilling or unable to believe that there are "elites" who would like nothing more than to control every facet of our lives by destoying the middle class, and bringing Communism/Socialism to this country. With the current political climate and the manipulation of our economy, the undermining of our morals,the brainwashing of our our youth, and the very good chance that we will soon be a socialistic country, this book is very timely.

a beautiful mixture of fact and fiction

To the conspiracy addicts, it a great book. She minces no words. She comes right out with it, from the hip and, especially, from the heart. To the romance set, she is superb. Delicately bringing man and God together, where they should have been all along.A truly fine book. One I will always cherish. She has grave concerns about our country. She has in depth insight into human nature and, above all, she places God where He belongs: in all human endeavors.

A classic

My first Taylor Caldwell book and I can't wait to read more of her works. Initially, I was reluctant to read this novel---from its outward appearance, it closely resembles a romance novel. Indeed, there is romance, but the overriding theme is the political message which the reader cannot help but relate to what is happening in (to) our country today. I intend to buy more copies and distribute them to my friends.....

A Lost Classic

A book containing some of the most lovable, hateful, complex, and narrow minded characters I have ever seen. It is the eye-opening tale of a changing country and a women named Ellen Watson - who's most beautiful characteristic is her worst and most dangerous enemy. A definite reccommend for anyone who is interested in Taylor Caldwell's books. As an avid reader, I find this story one of the most moving and memorable I've come to know -- one that will remain a favorite of mine for all time.

A Masterpiece! I recommend Ceremony of the Innocent...

especially to any young girl for more than the reading pleasure, which will keep her pressed to the pages, as she follows Ellen Watson, but for an understanding of structural American hisory, and politics. In a unique romantic novel, Taylor Caldwell, draws you intimately closer to Ellen and, therefore, America. With an affection towards her success from her youth through the developing years into maturity and her impending destruction, you will be led into a true understanding and respect for our country. Interesting as government and politics are to me, MOST literature on the subjects are intensely boring and do not flow well. Romance novels are horrifying to me, filled with the tiniest details of someone else's limiting imagination. This book captured me WITH the romantic story and surprised me with its analogical parallel to our United States, government, and politics.