Kaleidoscope by Danielle Steel

“Kaleidoscope” was my introduction to Danielle Steel’s novels, thanks to my college best friend Nizan, who recommended it to me in the late ’90s, even though it had been released in paperback back in 1987. After that, I delved into “Zoya” and “Message from Nam,” and from that point on, I found myself addicted to Danielle Steel’s romantic fiction.

As the years passed, the details of “Kaleidoscope” began to fade from my memory. However, I decided to rekindle those memories by opening my e-book copy of the book for the third time. I had purchased a softbound copy of the book a year before I graduated from college, along with two other Danielle Steel novels. Interestingly, I didn’t keep them for myself; instead, I gave them as gifts to someone who shared my love for Danielle Steel’s novels at the time. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but when I really enjoy a book, I make it a point to reread it multiple times, much like rewatching my favorite movies or TV series.

“Kaleidoscope” is not your typical boy-meets-girl romantic story; in fact, it doesn’t revolve around any romantic relationship. It’s not a tale of a damsel in distress and a knight in shining armor coming to her rescue. Instead, it’s a story about three sisters who are forcefully separated by unwanted trials and misfortunes. This novel delves into the realm of human pain, suffering, and shortcomings as each character’s life unfolds in an unexpected catastrophe. While the story is not dragging, there were moments when I felt that the author could have provided more elaboration on certain phases of the story. Nevertheless, Danielle Steel excels at playing with her readers’ emotions. I found myself deeply empathizing with the characters’ sentiments. Additionally, I’m certain that many Danielle Steel readers consider “Kaleidoscope” one of her best works.

A quick glance on a kaleidoscope world…

Sam Walker and Arthur Patterson became best friends while serving as G.I.s during World War II. When Paris was liberated, they both encountered a young and lovely French woman named Solange. Both men were captivated by her beauty, but it was Sam Walker who ultimately won her heart.

After the war had ended, both soldiers returned to the United States and attempted to lead ordinary lives. Arthur started his own law firm, while Sam pursued a career as an actor. Several months later, Sam proposed to Solange and convinced her to join him in America, where they eventually got married.

Arthur, on the other hand, married a self-centered and ambitious woman who harbored a strong dislike for both Sam and Solange. She had no desire to have children, which left Arthur feeling envious of Sam’s situation. In contrast, Solange proved to be a loving wife and mother, raising three beautiful children: Hilary, Alexandra, and Megan.

As the years passed, Sam’s acting career soared, making him one of the most sought-after actors of his time. However, this success came at a price. He spent less and less time with his family, choosing instead to indulge in extramarital affairs, often with his co-stars. This behavior marked a turning point in Solange’s life. Meanwhile, Arthur, who had always been a close friend, was prepared to step into Sam’s role and provide comfort to Solange during her most emotional moments. Solange remained deeply in love with Sam, but the constant news of his affairs with other women became increasingly painful for her to bear.

The world seemed to come to a standstill when Solange passed away, and a shockwave rippled through their lives when Sam was accused of murdering his own wife. With Solange gone, their three children were entrusted to Arthur’s care, but his wife showed no intention of keeping them for long. A few months later, Sam’s life came to a tragic end after he was convicted of the crime. This left the children with nothing and almost no one to turn to.

Arthur made the difficult decision to send the children to Sam’s sister. When they arrived at their aunt’s place, they were horrified by the dismal surroundings and the sight of their messy and intoxicated aunt, who was living with her similarly inebriated ex-navy husband. Arthur knew it was far from an ideal situation, but he had pressing matters to attend to. The eldest, Hilary, who was 9 years old at the time, couldn’t believe that her Uncle Arthur was actually leaving them there. Her anger towards him escalated when he returned and took her baby sisters, Alexandra and Megan, away, leaving Hilary under the harsh custody of her father’s sister.

As the years passed, Arthur lost track of the girls. Alexandra had married a nobleman and settled in England, while Meg pursued a career in medicine. Sadly, Hilary’s upbringing was marked by unimaginable suffering. She was nearly raped and killed by her aunt’s husband; she was raped by the boys and girls in a foster home. She remained trapped in a nightmarish world within the confines of a juvenile prison for years, holding onto the hope of one day reuniting with her sisters. This hope was her driving force, giving her the purpose to endure and move forward.

Indeed, this isn’t a Cinderella story, and Hilary’s path took a different, more challenging route. Whether there’s a happy ending in store for the Walker sisters, particularly Hilary, remains a mystery. The only way to uncover their fate is to read the book.

These three girls symbolize fractured pieces of the same kaleidoscope world, each falling into a completely different pattern. “One moment they were flowers, and the next moment they were demons breathing fire.” It felt profoundly unjust when Hilary was left to contend with those demons alone. As the book comes to a close, it leaves a trail of tears in my eyes.

Images courtesy of: kaighte