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Lowcountry Tales #2
Plantation
Pat Conroy called Dorothea Benton Frank’s debut, Sullivan’s Island , “hilarious and wise,” while Anne Rivers Siddons declared that it “roars with life.” Now Frank evokes a lush plantation in the heart of modern-day South Carolina—where family ties and hidden truths run as deep and dark as the mighty Edisto River… Caroline Wimbley Levine always swore she’d never go home again. But now, at her brother’s behest, she has returned to South Carolina to see about Mother—only to find that the years have not changed the Queen of Tall Pines Plantation. Miss Lavinia is as maddeningly eccentric as ever—and absolutely will not suffer the questionable advice of her children. This does not surprise Caroline. Nor does the fact that Tall Pines is still brimming with scandals and secrets, betrayals and lies. But she soon discovers that something is different this time around. It lies somewhere in the distance between her and her mother—and in her understanding of what it means to come home…
449 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
About the author
Dorothea Benton Frank
42 books4,976 followersDorothea Benton Frank was a New York Times best-selling American novelist of Southern fiction. She worked in the apparel industry from 1972 until 1985 and then organized fundraisers as a volunteer, before becoming a novelist.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
November 18, 2011
I've read several excellent novels set in the Low Country of the U.S. Southeast (roughly, along the tidal coast between Charleston and Savannah) by three authors: Pat Conroy, Anne Rivers Siddons, and Dorothea Benton Frank. Though a long way from being a native, I'm familiar with the territory because my husband grew up in Savannah and one of my brothers has lived in the Charleston area for 45 years or so.
As with the others, this book's characters are so richly drawn I felt as if I knew them as well as members of my own family by the time I finished. They all have their problems and their character flaws, their moments of joy and grief. Most of them learn and grow. The plot is definitely secondary here. The story is mostly a family history, described sometimes by a mother, sometimes by her daughter, and sometimes by a neutral narrator. The land, the family, and the 19th century gracious home bind the characters with ties that are sometimes elastic, but almost unbreakable.
I enjoyed the story very much and will definitely read more of Ms. Frank's sagas of the South.
As with the others, this book's characters are so richly drawn I felt as if I knew them as well as members of my own family by the time I finished. They all have their problems and their character flaws, their moments of joy and grief. Most of them learn and grow. The plot is definitely secondary here. The story is mostly a family history, described sometimes by a mother, sometimes by her daughter, and sometimes by a neutral narrator. The land, the family, and the 19th century gracious home bind the characters with ties that are sometimes elastic, but almost unbreakable.
I enjoyed the story very much and will definitely read more of Ms. Frank's sagas of the South.
February 1, 2011
One star is too many for this book. In the spirit of full disclosure, I need to say that I could not get past the first 100 pages before I put it down in disgust. The author relies on stereotypes (a pregnant woman thinks she is going to have a girl because she craves pink food), improbablities (a woman says nothing to her husband after calling his hotel room and his jealous ex-wife answers the phone), and misinformation (the information shared regarding learning disabilites is misleading and just plain WRONG!). This is not a book for me!
June 25, 2010
The characters in Plantation are fantastic! Love them (Miss Lavinia) or not (Frances Mae), they are all vividly portrayed and intriguing. Certain characters reminded me so much of members of my own family, especially Trip's brood (I probably shouldn't say that, haha!). Frank's descriptions of the ACE Basin are so colorful and graphic you can feel the mugginess in the air, taste Miss Sweetie's strawberry jam, and smell Miss Lavinia's roses. This is one of the few books I've read that emotes both humor and sorrow. As much as I enjoyed the story, it meandered a bit in parts for me; I felt as though it could have used some more editing. Still, I would rate it at 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel, Lowcountry Summer: A Plantation Novel.
February 23, 2012
I picked this novel up at a local library book sale for 25 cents and I got a big surprise when I opened the book and started reading. I couldn't stop turning the pages of this mesmerizing story of a family in distress in the Low Country, which are the islands surrounding Charleston, SC. As I was reading this wonderful novel I couldn't help thinking the the writing style seemed similar to a cross between Pat Conroy and Fannie Flag, two popular southern authors. This novel will be a revisit for anyone who has been to the shores of South Carolina and for anyone who has not, I will bet that you will make plans to visit soon after reading this smart and sassy tale of the shores of the Low Country. Also, the language is right on for that area. I only say this because I read a comment where a reviewer asks the question, "Who talks like that"?
From page one you know that the matriarch of the family, Lavinia has died since the prologue starts out with her funeral. From the first chapter the story goes back a few months and brings you up to that time. During this time you will get to know and love the characters of the dysfunctional Wimbly family and their friends. "Plantation" is such an emotional roller coaster that I promise they will keep you smiling, laughing out loud and boo hooing like a baby.
Caroline Wimbly has fled to New York City to get away from her mother and the Low Country. She marries and has a son who has learning disabilities. When her disastrous marriage falls apart, she and her son flee NYC to return to her home where she feels safe. Even though her brother is in financial trouble, and his wife is a loose tongued, mean spirited piece of trash she begins to feel as though she has really come home. In light of all of this and while she is in the mist of several other colorful characters, she finds comfort in the arms of her cantankerous but larger than life mother and her surrogate mother, Millie, the housekeeper. Caroline begins a journey of new found love of family and her very own Low Country of South Carolina. As, they say in the south, "It's a hoot, ya heah?"
From page one you know that the matriarch of the family, Lavinia has died since the prologue starts out with her funeral. From the first chapter the story goes back a few months and brings you up to that time. During this time you will get to know and love the characters of the dysfunctional Wimbly family and their friends. "Plantation" is such an emotional roller coaster that I promise they will keep you smiling, laughing out loud and boo hooing like a baby.
Caroline Wimbly has fled to New York City to get away from her mother and the Low Country. She marries and has a son who has learning disabilities. When her disastrous marriage falls apart, she and her son flee NYC to return to her home where she feels safe. Even though her brother is in financial trouble, and his wife is a loose tongued, mean spirited piece of trash she begins to feel as though she has really come home. In light of all of this and while she is in the mist of several other colorful characters, she finds comfort in the arms of her cantankerous but larger than life mother and her surrogate mother, Millie, the housekeeper. Caroline begins a journey of new found love of family and her very own Low Country of South Carolina. As, they say in the south, "It's a hoot, ya heah?"
September 20, 2020
3.5 stars
May 7, 2008
This may have even been better than Sullivan's Island, which was the first Frank book for me. It was so clever and funny, but yet so poignant. The characters were so well developed--it was a really fun read, for sure. Hmmm, which Dorothea Benton Frank book I will tackle next?????
October 29, 2017
Ehh it was a pretty good book.
September 25, 2013
I love Dorothea Benton Frank. She always writes wonderful stories with very strong women characters and Plantation is no exception. Millie is wonderful with her fiery personality and her Gullah dialect and her potions. She is a great sidekick to Miss Lavinia, the Queen of Tall Pines. Miss Lavinia is eccentric as they come. She rules her little world with a strict discipline - Miss Manners must be proud. She is irreverent. She is funny. She is warm when she wants to be. And she loves to have fun and loves her men. And she is dying. It is at an inopportune time - she is just discovering her two children, Trip and Caroline and her grandson, Eric.
Caroline Wimbley Levine has returned to Tall Pines to see about Mother. That is what she tells herself. Miss Lavinia could not be "off her rocker," could she? There is more to Trip's story that meets the eye - why does he need money so frequently and more importantly why does he want to remove Miss Lavinia from her throne at Tall Pines? Her marriage to Richard is shaky - good gawd girl, what were ya thinkin'!?! Plantation is Caroline's and Lavinia's stories in the last months of the Queen of Tall Pines' life. It is the story in which Caroline becomes Miss Caroline of Tall Pines with Miss Lavinia, Millie, Miss Sweetie, and Miss Nancy all helping.
But I only have one complaint about this delicious book - Frances Mae! What a work she is - an always pregnant piece of redneck trailer park white trash! Ohhhhhhh my Southern is showing!
Caroline Wimbley Levine has returned to Tall Pines to see about Mother. That is what she tells herself. Miss Lavinia could not be "off her rocker," could she? There is more to Trip's story that meets the eye - why does he need money so frequently and more importantly why does he want to remove Miss Lavinia from her throne at Tall Pines? Her marriage to Richard is shaky - good gawd girl, what were ya thinkin'!?! Plantation is Caroline's and Lavinia's stories in the last months of the Queen of Tall Pines' life. It is the story in which Caroline becomes Miss Caroline of Tall Pines with Miss Lavinia, Millie, Miss Sweetie, and Miss Nancy all helping.
But I only have one complaint about this delicious book - Frances Mae! What a work she is - an always pregnant piece of redneck trailer park white trash! Ohhhhhhh my Southern is showing!
March 1, 2019
Lord, I love this woman's writing. If you are looking for fast-paced excitement and steamy sex, buy a different book. But if you want to sink into a slow, sensuous taste of the deep South, with all its traditions, its failings, and its triumphs, if you want to feel the low, sleepy waters of the Low Country move like warm honey through your veins, then Plantation will take you there in style. ALL of Dorothea Benton Franks books that I have read to date (and I am sadly behind) leave me wanting to sip mimosas in the shade of a magnolia tree next to a lazy river.
Don't worry about reading the Low Country Tales in order. This is a "series" connected by geography, not plot line or characters. Grab the first one you see, find a comfy spot to settle in for a while, take a deep breath and relax.
Don't worry about reading the Low Country Tales in order. This is a "series" connected by geography, not plot line or characters. Grab the first one you see, find a comfy spot to settle in for a while, take a deep breath and relax.
July 29, 2010
moves right to the top of my list.......can't wait for "Lowcontry Summer"......God Bless Dottie Frank!
June 22, 2011
Shit on this book. It's my own fault that I kept going, but I felt it was pretty good until 350 pages or so. I couldn't stop when I was that far invested and then it just got so much worse. Layers and layers of BS cliche southern woman rediscovering her love of home and freedom from a shit marriage and reacquaintance with her faith. Vomit on a stick! Just serve me up a 12 pack of American cheese instead; I'd feel just as disgusted upon finishing. I kept thinking if I died while I was reading this, I would have been a pretty pissed dead girl.
October 6, 2016
Somewhere around page 478 of 583 (mass paperpack edition), I slammed the book shut. Done. I read it.
January 13, 2021
My husband’s extended family and mine have beach-vacationed for years in the South Carolina Low Country, which is author Dorothea Benton Frank’s favorite setting for her many novels. So to me, when reading her stories, the atmosphere and surroundings are as enjoyable as her engaging and involving, yet also humorous at times, characters and plots. Plantation was a good example of all this, about a force-to-be-reckoned-with matriarch, Miss Lavinia, and her mildly dysfunctional family, in particular her son Trip and daughter Caroline, both with highly dislikable spouses. I enjoyed it a lot. It brought tears as well as chuckles in good balance.
August 15, 2022
Two-haiku review:
Her marriage goes bad
Takes son to her childhood home
Makes peace with mother
Loved the characters
Lots of true Southern flavor
Family saga
Her marriage goes bad
Takes son to her childhood home
Makes peace with mother
Loved the characters
Lots of true Southern flavor
Family saga
October 24, 2023
I loved this book. My favorite journal entry, �� I think I’ll just go get my Eric and play a computer game with him. Or maybe that Sony PlayStation thing he’s got. I do so like that Super Mario game!” You either get it or you don’t.
October 5, 2013
Interesting novel; smooth writing style; nice character development. I found the author's attempts to simulate Southern dialect in writing a little distracting. I was halfway through the book before I realized that her fabricated word "yanh" was supposed to represent the peculiar way some Southerners say, "Do you hear?" What made it confusing is that she also used it in place of every "here" and "hear" in the dialogue. I have lived in the American Southeast my entire lifetime and have never heard that pronunciation used to replace those words. Also I finally figured out that when she wrote "gone" (pronounced like "gawn" in my mind - the past participle of "to go") she intended to replicate the way many Southerners shorten the common "gonna" (going to.) Perhaps it would have been less confusing to spell that "goan" since "gone" is a real word with a prescribed pronunciation? Overall, I think readers are better served when writers attempt to show the meaning in dialect more than the sounds the speakers are making.
November 29, 2014
This book was a big disappointment. I had previously read A Lowcountry Summer by the same author, and this is the backstory for the characters, but SO much ridiculousness ensued that I barely made it through the book. I ended up disliking most of the main characters.
June 6, 2021
This book is one of my favorites of dottie books a summer wouldn't be the same with out her books enjoyed this as much as first time. She did such a great job of developing each character felt like you knew them forever and of making low country come alive no one could replace you ever
February 17, 2024
A captivating read
Just finished "Plantation" by Dorothea Benton Frank.
After thoroughly enjoying "Sullivan's Island," I was looking forward to the next installment of the Lowcountry Tales series, and I was not disappointed. "Plantation" explores the complexities of family, love, and heritage against the backdrop of South Carolina's unique landscapes.
The author's masterful storytelling captivated me from the first page to the last. Her knack for character development shines through as we follow Caroline on her journey of self-discovery and redemption. The rich tapestry of Southern culture and history is woven throughout the narrative transporting readers to a place where tradition, culture and modernity collide.
With a blend of past and present, Frank skillfully intertwines Caroline's memories with her present-day struggles. Resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family resonate deeply, and make "Plantation" a profound & captivating read.
If you're a fan of Southern literature or simply in search of a heartwarming tale of family and redemption, "Plantation" is a solid selection. Check it out
Just finished "Plantation" by Dorothea Benton Frank.
After thoroughly enjoying "Sullivan's Island," I was looking forward to the next installment of the Lowcountry Tales series, and I was not disappointed. "Plantation" explores the complexities of family, love, and heritage against the backdrop of South Carolina's unique landscapes.
The author's masterful storytelling captivated me from the first page to the last. Her knack for character development shines through as we follow Caroline on her journey of self-discovery and redemption. The rich tapestry of Southern culture and history is woven throughout the narrative transporting readers to a place where tradition, culture and modernity collide.
With a blend of past and present, Frank skillfully intertwines Caroline's memories with her present-day struggles. Resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family resonate deeply, and make "Plantation" a profound & captivating read.
If you're a fan of Southern literature or simply in search of a heartwarming tale of family and redemption, "Plantation" is a solid selection. Check it out
June 8, 2019
This is my third Dorothea Frank novel. Just love all of them. So much fun to read, and her characterizations are WONDERFUL! You can truly immerse yourself within this story. Now, for those of you who know me know that I am a New England girl through and through. But, I LOVE these novels. Don't be afraid to read them out of sequence, as each stands on its own. This story involves daughter who has left her Lowcountry world behind for a fabulous marriage and life in New York, or so she thought. Ms. Lavinia, the plantation owner of Tall Pines, remains, and although eccentric in many ways, loving her family and staff completely. You will love the characters, all of them, for they are amazing, each in their own way. I just love the way she writes. You will find diversity in the opinions of Frank's writing. Most love, but many do not love her writing. I hope you will as I do!
May 4, 2019
A little dated, but I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters, but I wish everyone wasn’t so mean to Frances Mae and her kids. She didn’t do anything to deserve it other than grow up with less money and education than everyone else. She was obnoxious, but everyone was just as mean to her as she was to them.
March 12, 2018
I enjoyed the Prologue tremendously. The next 100 pages were just okay, but it kept getting better after that. I loved the character development and the setting in the Lowcountry of South Carolina!
January 22, 2023
I'm a sucker for a great Lowcountry tale with family humor and Dorothea Benton Frank is one of my favorites. This read starts out very slow, but halfway until the end, I thoroughly enjoyed. Have a Kleenex ready.
April 8, 2022
I like how this author weaves a little humor, a little sexy, a little religion and a little seriousness into her books. You learn alot while having fun at the same time!
March 10, 2023
This book was a pleasant surprise! I started it with reservations, because the writing was a little different than I'm used too,however it grew on me and I began to enjoy the humor,irony,and drama of this book. The place setting was rich in Southern culture, and atmosphere. The characters just grew to feel like friends, and the heartache of the family touched me. This book has a Steel Magnolias vibe which was so fun!!
September 18, 2023
loved it
Looks like I found a new author to love. Frank writes with such emotion, love of southern tradition and family. Caroline, Lavinia, Tripp, Caroline’s son Eric, Mr Jenkins and of course Minnie are all excellent characters - with an additionally cast of supporting characters that make you smile. A great read.
Looks like I found a new author to love. Frank writes with such emotion, love of southern tradition and family. Caroline, Lavinia, Tripp, Caroline’s son Eric, Mr Jenkins and of course Minnie are all excellent characters - with an additionally cast of supporting characters that make you smile. A great read.
December 6, 2020
I loved this book and it’s story resonated with me at the perfect time.
October 4, 2018
I love this author. Frank describes the lush low country of coastal South Carolina in a way that transports one there. Like her other books this one is rich on multiple levels. Old family wounds are healed, the family matriarch dies leaving a rich legacy, and her son and daughter realize a fresh start in life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 15, 2020
A very good story, with colorful characters. In the land of South Carolina, where tradition reigns strong, a family comes together after years of separation.
January 15, 2022
I nice read but very predictable. I did enjoy the asides the main character kept making to herself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews