Published to coincide with the centenary of the end of the Irish War of Independence in 1921 and inspired by real life events, the book transports thePublished to coincide with the centenary of the end of the Irish War of Independence in 1921 and inspired by real life events, the book transports the reader to the city of Dublin in the wake of the Easter Rising in 1916, a troubled period of Ireland’s history.
I enjoyed witnessing Dublin through Veronica’s eyes. With its grand hotels, tearooms and picture houses it’s a far cry from the countryside where she grew up. If you’re familiar with the city, I’m sure you’ll be able to follow Veronica’s travels in your mind’s eye. As vividly conveyed by the author, it’s a city where wealth resides side by side with extreme poverty, poor housing and children scrabbling for scraps in alleyways. Furthermore, hanging over much of the population is the threat of arrest – or worse – by British forces.
Thanks to her shorthand and typing skills, Veronica gets to rub shoulders with some of the key figures in the fight for Irish independence, in particular Michael Collins. It’s a role not without danger because of the frequent raids on the Sinn Féin offices, although Veronica has already demonstrated her courage and commitment to the cause earlier in the book. Like Veronica, the reader gets to witness key events such as Sinn Féin’s victory in the 1918 election, the establishment of an independent parliament (the Dail Eireann) and, eventually, the birth of the Irish Free State.
The historical aspects of the story I found especially interesting, filling in many gaps in my knowledge of Irish history during this period. The relationship between Veronica and Harry, while touching and heartfelt did seem to rely a fair bit on coincidence – or perhaps it was fate? And I had my doubts about how useful the few bits of information Veronica gleaned from Harry over tea and scones would have been. However, Harry’s more enlightened view of the Irish people’s situation made an interesting counterpoint to the attitude of other British soldiers. It was certainly easy to understand Veronica’s conflicted feelings. “She wanted to be repulsed by him, she wanted to hate him, but she felt herself becoming comfortable in his company.” No doubt the handsome Harry’s broad shoulders and ‘chiselled chin’ helped a bit!
As they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict, can there be a place in Veronica’s life for Harry, her ‘guardian angel’? You’ll have to read the book – and its touching epilogue – to find out.
Merged review:
Published to coincide with the centenary of the end of the Irish War of Independence in 1921 and inspired by real life events, the book transports the reader to the city of Dublin in the wake of the Easter Rising in 1916, a troubled period of Ireland’s history.
I enjoyed witnessing Dublin through Veronica’s eyes. With its grand hotels, tearooms and picture houses it’s a far cry from the countryside where she grew up. If you’re familiar with the city, I’m sure you’ll be able to follow Veronica’s travels in your mind’s eye. As vividly conveyed by the author, it’s a city where wealth resides side by side with extreme poverty, poor housing and children scrabbling for scraps in alleyways. Furthermore, hanging over much of the population is the threat of arrest – or worse – by British forces.
Thanks to her shorthand and typing skills, Veronica gets to rub shoulders with some of the key figures in the fight for Irish independence, in particular Michael Collins. It’s a role not without danger because of the frequent raids on the Sinn Féin offices, although Veronica has already demonstrated her courage and commitment to the cause earlier in the book. Like Veronica, the reader gets to witness key events such as Sinn Féin’s victory in the 1918 election, the establishment of an independent parliament (the Dail Eireann) and, eventually, the birth of the Irish Free State.
The historical aspects of the story I found especially interesting, filling in many gaps in my knowledge of Irish history during this period. The relationship between Veronica and Harry, while touching and heartfelt did seem to rely a fair bit on coincidence – or perhaps it was fate? And I had my doubts about how useful the few bits of information Veronica gleaned from Harry over tea and scones would have been. However, Harry’s more enlightened view of the Irish people’s situation made an interesting counterpoint to the attitude of other British soldiers. It was certainly easy to understand Veronica’s conflicted feelings. “She wanted to be repulsed by him, she wanted to hate him, but she felt herself becoming comfortable in his company.” No doubt the handsome Harry’s broad shoulders and ‘chiselled chin’ helped a bit!
As they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict, can there be a place in Veronica’s life for Harry, her ‘guardian angel’? You’ll have to read the book – and its touching epilogue – to find out....more
The Cornish Captive is the sixth novel in the author’s Cornish Saga series. I have only read one previous book in the series – The Cornish Lady – but The Cornish Captive is the sixth novel in the author’s Cornish Saga series. I have only read one previous book in the series – The Cornish Lady – but although some characters feature in more than one book it’s not essential to have read all the earlier books in order to enjoy this one. Don’t be put off by the list of characters at the beginning of the book either as some appear only briefly or are not key to the plot. However the family trees are very useful, especially as a few of the surnames are similar.
The book’s focus is Madeleine’s attempts to bring to justice the person she believes to be responsible for her false imprisonment. However the backdrop is the French Revolution. (Cleverly, the book is divided into three parts – Liberté, Équalité and Fraternité.) As a member of an aristocratic French family, Madeleine’s sympathies are Royalist but Pierre de la Croix, the French captain she meets is a Republican, a prisoner of the British and someone who should be a sworn enemy. However, who can blame Madeleine for being drawn to the handsome Pierre, especially when he has the knack of being conveniently on hand whenever Madeleine’s safety is threatened. But given her previous experience of men and her conviction that ‘All men lied’, can she learn to trust again?
The author captures with insight Madeleine’s feelings following her release from imprisonment. Yes, she is relieved to be free but she finds herself overwhelmed by the physical sensations of open skies and fresh air after so long in darkness and confinement. ‘To be free… The air was so fresh it almost hurt to breathe, yet I gulped lungfuls of the salty air, laughing, crying, blinded by the brilliance of the sun’s reflection.’ She also bears the physical and emotional scars of her ill treatment.
With Britain at war with France, Madeleine finds herself drawn into the world of spies and secret agents. I’ll be honest I got a bit confused about who was spying for which side and their various aliases. However, it all gets wrapped up neatly at the end of the book.
A heart-warming side story is that of Rowan, the young girl who was the only person to show Madeleine any kindness during her time in the mad house and who accompanies Madeleine to Fosse after she makes her escape. A nice touch later in the book is how the community of Fosse come together to support a character who, because of their nationality and political allegiance, should provoke hostility. Instead kind acts and generosity of spirit overcome the prejudice that might have been expected. A lesson there for us all.
Having visited Cornwall on many occasions, I’m always drawn to books set in that lovely county. The author skilfully conveys the rugged beauty of the Cornish landscape with descriptions of coastal meadows covered in wildflowers. I enjoyed the scenes of the bustling quayside of Fosse which reminded me of Fowey, with Polruan only a ferry ride away.
Combine a beautiful location with a romantic storyline, add spies, subterfuge, a secret diary, some close escapes, the reunion of long lost family members and an engaging, feisty heroine and you have all the ingredients you need for an enjoyable historical novel....more
The book alternates between two timelines. The first, set in 2003, features ambitious journalist Emma Keane who manages to gain the agreement of famouThe book alternates between two timelines. The first, set in 2003, features ambitious journalist Emma Keane who manages to gain the agreement of famous parfumier Angéline De Cadieux to tell the story of her life and wartime experiences, a story Angéline has carefully guarded up to that point. As well as promising to be a career-enhancing scoop, Emma has reasons of her own for wanting to delve into the secrets of Angéline’s past and the secrets of the parfumier’s art.
In the second timeline, set in wartime France, the reader learns about the traumatic events Angéline experienced as a young woman, experiences that put her in fear of capture by the Nazis – and by one Nazi in particular – and that resulted in her transformation from Tiena Cordova to Angéline de Cadieux. We also learn about her time working as a parfumier and as a member of the nascent French Resistance, risking discovery at any moment. As Angéline’s subsequent experiences show, the consequences of discovery are degradation, inhuman treatment and almost certain death.
I wasn’t completely won over by the dual timeline structure in which Angéline’s reminiscences are sometimes related to Emma and at other times direct to the reader in chapters contemporaneous with the events being described. I preferred the style of writing in the latter and I was always glad to immerse myself again in Angeline’s story. However, I appreciate the book’s structure enabled the author to draw interesting parallels between the two women. One thing the two women share is the presence of two handsome men in their lives. For Angéline this is a much-lamented past love whilst for Emma it is an enticing future prospect (although in true Pride & Prejudice style initially she intensely dislikes the man in question). Eventually the two women’s stories come together by which time the bond between them has grown deeper.
Although many of us will know about the persecution of Jewish people by the Nazis, the plight of the Roma people under the regime is probably less well-known, although what they suffered was equally horrific. Angéline’s first-hand experience of this, although difficult to read at times, was the most compelling part of the book for me, showing the courage of those who endured the worst that human beings can do to one another. As Emma observes at one point, it’s a story that needs to be told....more
I really enjoyed the book’s opening section in which Annie travels along the Yangtze river on the working boat captained by her husband, Alec. In factI really enjoyed the book’s opening section in which Annie travels along the Yangtze river on the working boat captained by her husband, Alec. In fact, I was as disappointed as Annie when, because of the fear of attack by pirates, she is forced to return to Shanghai and the relative safety of the International Settlement, the part of the city not under Chinese control. (The author’s Historical Note provides more information on the political situation in Shanghai during the period in which the book is set.)
The Shanghai Wife provides a vivid insight into the growing unrest in Shanghai in the 1920s, although this is almost exclusively seen from the point of view of the foreign inhabitants living securely within the confines of the International Settlement. In particular, the ladies of the Shanghai Maritime Club are largely oblivious to what is going on in the old city, more interested as they are in their bridge parties, preparations for the next Club ball or when tea will be served. Only Annie senses a growing apprehensiveness as she travels around the city. ‘This was more than the edginess of summer heat; there was fresh tension in the streets’. That tension will shortly erupt into violence.
Annie is well-meaning but impulsive and rather naive, as a result of which she frequently puts herself – and others – at risk, on occasions with deadly consequences. Even Annie admits at one point that ‘she had made a terrible mess of things’. From the beginning, there are hints of a traumatic event in Annie’s past the nature of which is only revealed at the end of the book but goes some way to explaining her instinct to try to rescue others in danger. Despite expressing a desire to learn more about the daily lives of the Chinese people and railing against the racist attitudes of the Club ladies, Annie demonstrates a degree of hypocrisy, relying as she does on servants whose names are never used, referred to merely as ‘houseboy’ or ‘wash amah’.
Chow, the maitre d’hotel of the Club, is the exception; he’s a living, breathing individual not just one more ‘Chinaman’. Annie welcomes his attentive attitude and kindness towards her, especially when events leave her feeling lonely and isolated. Their friendship is frowned upon by other less enlightened members of the International Settlement; interracial relationships definitely being a no-go area. Nevertheless, Chow tries to respond to Annie’s wish to experience the ‘real’ Shanghai, not all of which she finds attractive. He chides her, ‘This is my Shanghai, Mrs Brand, the vitality and the poverty, but perhaps you are not ready. Remember, please, that your standards are not ours, do not judge what you don’t understand.’ It turns out the city is a place of hidden dangers leading to some dramatic events towards the end of the book.
If you long for a combination of mystery, romance and melodrama set in a fascinating location, then The Shanghai Wife may be just the book for you....more
Scandalous Alchemy is set in the same re-imagined history as its predecessors, a world in which Britain and her allies were defeated by Napoleon at thScandalous Alchemy is set in the same re-imagined history as its predecessors, a world in which Britain and her allies were defeated by Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.
The main focus this time moves from Lord Lamorna (known to his intimates as Crow) and his wife Hester, to Crow’s younger brother, Kit Helford. If you’ve read either of the previous books you’ll know that Kit has a habit of getting himself into scrapes. He also has a way with the ladies that definitely runs in the family. Okay, so there are no scenes of a bare-chested Crow like those that got me so hot under the collar in previous books, but he does make the odd well-timed appearance. I hope the following description gives you an idea of his appeal. ‘Sailor, soldier, spy, tattooed ployglot, expert liar… tall and dark, with that streak of grey behind one ear, and his very own air of unruly éclat.’
Kit, now a Lieutenant Colonel, finds himself in France appointed to the role of Captain of the Personal Guard of Her Royal Highness Princess Nadezhda. There he runs into Clemency Arwenack, who has been appointed Mistress of the Robes in the Princess’s household. Clemency is considered by some as a ‘safe’ appointment but others know there’s much more to her than outward appearances would suggest. Not only is she a demon at the card table but she’s a practiced intelligencer. Unfortunately, trading in information can be a dangerous game when you have secrets of your own that you’d rather not be revealed. Clemency was once Kit’s childhood playmate back in Cornwall but that’s not how he thinks of her now.
The opulence of Fontainebleau is vividly evoked such as in this description of the preparations for a post-hunt picnic. ‘Hot-house peaches and necatarines were piled in shining pewter, and preserved Seville oranges arranged in honeyed slices on platters of chinaware. There were great heaps of glistening pastries too, sugar-dusted and dotted with caramelised nuts, covered for now with muslin cloths. Not far away, a quartet of violins and a harpist practised unfashionable Beethoven with bored competence.’ Yes, better rethink your plans for next weekend’s BBQ.
Moving from Cornwall to Fontainebleau with a brief stop along the way at an infamous London club, Scandalous Alchemy is a delicious mix of romance, espionage and political intrigue – Georgette Heyer meets John le Carré, if you will. And there’s a generous helping of aristocratic excess and bad behaviour thrown in for good measure. The concluding chapters gallop along at a frantic pace with plenty of twists and turns as danger seems to lurk around every corner.
The publishers describe Scandalous Alchemy as a ‘thrilling and sexy romp through 19th-century France, England and Russia’ and I’m definitely not going to disagree with that! The book ends with what I can only describe as teaser suggesting more adventures may lie ahead for the Lamorna family. I do hope so....more
I was drawn to this book because of it’s partial World War 2 setting and, in particular, because elements of the story unfold en route to Cornwall. II was drawn to this book because of it’s partial World War 2 setting and, in particular, because elements of the story unfold en route to Cornwall. I’m familiar with the line from London Paddington to Penzance on which Eliza and Ellie travel from my own holiday trips, although never on the sleeper service.
The story unfolds in chapters that alternate between Eliza in 1944 and Ellie in the present day. The plot relies on large helpings of coincidence, requiring a belief in fate or destiny, and bringing to mind the oft-quoted line, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine” from the film Casablanca. As it happens, the film is referenced several times in the book.
The relationship between Eliza Grey and Alex Levine that begins after a chance encounter on a wartime train journey had a real fizz to it, even if Eliza’s initial reaction is less than promising. ‘She had never, in all of her life, met such an arrogant, self-opinionated, curt and, quite frankly, rude individual.’ As we learned from Pride and Prejudice, first impressions can be deceptive. On the other hand, Joe, whom Ellie meets in similar fashion, although pleasant enough, didn’t feel like a fully fleshed out character and I didn’t find myself as invested in their relationship as I did in that between Eliza and Alex.
I found it easy to imagine the glamour of the 1940s sleeper train to Cornwall; less so its modern day equivalent which, I suspect, would be considerably more utilitarian even when dressed in its costume of 1940s themed party train. And with all due respect to car attendant, Rihanna, she’s no match for her 1940s equivalent, the stately Jeffries.
I thought Eliza’s wartime story was by far the most successful element of the book so much so that, at times, the sections with Ellie felt like mere interludes. In fact, the main purpose of the modern storyline seemed to be to act as a framing device for telling Eliza’s story. Even though the author injected some jeopardy into Ellie’s personal story, I felt the modern day timeline could have been shunted off to the sidings. Having said that, there were some neat parallels between the two timelines, such as the eavesdropping couple across the aisle of the railway carriage and Joe’s choice of costume. And was his fluffy canine companion a nod to WW2 RAF hero Wing Commander Guy Gibson, portrayed in the film The Dambusters by Richard Todd?
The wartime sections of the book include some memorable scenes such as when Eliza, deployed as a nursing auxiliary to a hospital ship on the South coast, records in her sketchbook the preparations for D-Day. Or when she experiences the heady days following the Allied liberation of Paris.
The author sheds a fascinating light on the role played by war artists and war correspondents in documenting conflict, and the risks they took in doing so. The hardships too, living alongside the troops in often spartan conditions. Eliza has conflicted feelings about her role as a war artist. Is she right to depict the truth of the atrocities she sees, or should she be mindful of their potential impact on morale back home and present a more ‘sanitized’ picture?
Although compelling in parts, I felt The Night Train to Berlin spent a little too much time travelling along branch lines rather than speeding to its destination....more
In my recent review of The Hidden Village, I commented that its ending left me with unanswered questions about some of the characters and what happeneIn my recent review of The Hidden Village, I commented that its ending left me with unanswered questions about some of the characters and what happened next. It seems the author felt the same as, in the introduction to Hidden in the Shadows, Imogen writes, “Sometimes, a story doesn’t end on the last page of the book. Sometimes, there’s another story still waiting to be told”.
The story of ‘what happened next’ is revealed in chapters told from the points of view of Wouter, Laura, and occasionally Else (surely everyone’s favourite tante from the first book and who played such an important role in maintaining the hidden village). Perhaps because Laura’s story is written in the first person (whereas Wouter’s is in the third person) I found myself more engaged in her experiences. I have to say, however, that even Laura seemed at times overly preoccupied with her predicament – ‘passed around like some unwanted baggage’ as she describes it – rather than considering what a risk the people sheltering her and others like her were running.
For me, by far the most compelling aspect of the book was not so much the romance between Laura and Wouter, but the details about the network of people involved in transporting and offering shelter to those in need. It was fascinating to read about the ingenious hiding places and inspiring to witness people’s willingness to put themselves at risk and share their scarce resources with complete strangers. I also thought it was clever of the author to introduce characters such as Emil and Friedrich to demonstrate there were Germans, even amongst those forced to serve in the army, who were just as keen as the population of the countries they had overrun for the war to end.
Do Wouter and Laura find each other? Will it be ‘happily ever after’? Was forester Henk hero or villain? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
Hidden in the Shadows is described by the publishers as “an unforgettable story of bravery and love, inspired by historical events” and, like The Hidden Village, it certainly sheds a light on the courage, ingenuity and community spirit that helped people like Laura and Wouter escape the clutches of the Nazis. ...more
The events in Summer of the Three Pagodas follow on from Jean Moran’s previous book, Tears of the Dragon. If, like me, you haven’t read the earlier boThe events in Summer of the Three Pagodas follow on from Jean Moran’s previous book, Tears of the Dragon. If, like me, you haven’t read the earlier book I can reassure you that Summer of the Three Pagodas works perfectly well as a standalone read. However, it does contain references to key events in Tears of the Dragon which would amount to spoilers for that book.
Kim Pheloung, the ‘sinister, beautiful man’ mentioned in the book description (and who featured prominently in the previous book) is a constant if shadowy presence in Summer of the Three Pagodas. However, Rowena’s fear that he may still pose a threat to her and her daughter, Dawn, propels much of the plot and will have dramatic and, in some cases, tragic consequences. And, as it happens, there’s another candidate for ‘chief villain’ close at hand who proves to be just as ruthless.
The storyline moves between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, to Korea and back again. There is some great descriptive writing. I particularly liked how the author conjured up the atmosphere of Kowloon’s Walled City, a squalid labyrinth of ‘shambolic and haphazard construction’, full of dark alleyways that are the haunt of criminal gangs. A place to venture into at your peril.
It seems the author has a fondness for invertebrate-related similes. For example, ‘The local headquarters was based in what had been a school, typewriters clicking like manic grasshoppers.‘ Or how about ‘The chock-chock-chock sound of helicopter blades filled the air, their outlines like a swarm of hornets roused from their nest.‘ Later a helicopter is described as hanging ‘like a black insect in the sky, like a huge mosquito’ and later still another as like ‘a black spider’. Ugh.
As well as being a compelling, well-crafted story, Summer of the Three Pagodas exposes the cruelty and futility of war and explores issues such as racism, the plight of refugees and women’s rights. The book features some strong female characters; Rowena herself but also the capable and formidable Kate, sister of Rowena’s partner, Connor, and the courageous Sheridan Warrington, prepared to defy her father despite the consequences. As Rowena remarks at one point, “This is nineteen fifty. The world is changing.”...more
Having very much enjoyed two of the previous books in the series, A Ration Book Christmas and A Ration Book Childhood (I’ve yet to read the first bookHaving very much enjoyed two of the previous books in the series, A Ration Book Christmas and A Ration Book Childhood (I’ve yet to read the first book, A Pocketful of Dreams), it was a pleasure to be reunited with the spirited Brogan family. Although A Ration Book Wedding picks up some of the storylines from the previous book, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone and, for new readers, there are brief recaps of previous events inserted unobtrusively by the author.
The focus of this book is Francesca, best friend of Mattie, one of the daughters of the Brogan household. Francesca has always nursed a secret passion for Mattie’s charming but slightly ne’er do well brother, Charlie, now married to Stella. Formerly the gloriously named Stella Miggles, Stella is, let us say, ‘no better than she ought to be’ and is harbouring a secret about her singular contribution to the war effort she hopes won’t get back to Charlie. She is also decidedly short on maternal affection towards their young son, Patrick.
As certain unsavoury individuals learn to their cost, the Brogans look after their own. Matriarch of the clan, Queenie, is a one woman force to be reckoned with. I suspect I won’t have been the only reader silently mouthing ‘Go Queenie!’ at one particular point in proceedings.
As with previous books in the series, the atmosphere of wartime London is vividly evoked, from the details of daily life – rationing, the blackout, war work, the National Loaf, nights spent in bomb shelters – to the scenes of blitzed streets and bombed out buildings. Even John Lewis Oxford Street doesn’t escape the wrath of the Luftwaffe. What sacrilege!
I loved learning facts about wartime Britain such as that Ministry of Food regulations restricted restaurants to offering only two vegetable dishes with a meal or that factories manufacturing components were constructed in the tunnels of the Underground.
When Francesca gets a job as a translator at the BBC – much to the dismay of her father who holds an old-fashioned view of a woman’s role – it not only brings her into contact with the dashing Count D’Angelo but provides the opportunity for a fascinating insight into broadcasting operations during the war.
As Francesca helps with preparations for the wedding of Mattie’s sister, Jo, she ponders on her own romantic opportunities. When fate intervenes to make something attainable that seemed previously unattainable, her decision becomes more difficult. Should it be dinner at Claridges or a pie and mash supper? What does Francesca choose? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
A Ration Book Wedding is another drama-filled visit to the larger-than-life Brogan family and a vivid insight into daily life for Londoners during World War 2. Love, betrayal, happiness, sorrow – the book has it all. Oh, and steamed pigs’ hearts, braised liver and mash, and plenty of bread and dripping....more
Buchan’s first published novel, Sir Quixote of the Moors is described in one edition as ‘A Charming Narrative of the Scottish Moors depicting the TragBuchan’s first published novel, Sir Quixote of the Moors is described in one edition as ‘A Charming Narrative of the Scottish Moors depicting the Tragic Love Story of a Gallant Gentleman’. In the book’s prologue, Buchan presents what follows as an account written by a French knight, Jean de Rohaine, even going so far as to invent an explanation for why it is in English and pointing out changes he has made in an editorial capacity. The structural device of discovered papers would recur in later Buchan novels.
The book’s title clearly references Cervantes’ Don Quixote and both heroes share an aspiration to embody in their actions the highest levels of chivalry. The majority of Buchan’s novel is taken up with de Rohaine’s moral dilemma about his growing attraction to Anne, the young woman he pledges to protect when her father and her betrothed are forced into hiding because of their religious views. The fact he arrived at their door lost and near to exhaustion and was shown great hospitality weighs on his conscience.
Buchan’s first biographer Janet Adam Smith reports he was annoyed his US publisher changed the ending. Having now read the book and compared the two endings, I can see why he was upset. Without giving anything away, the alternative endings to Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations spring to mind.
Although rather a slight story and probably largely of interest due to being his first novel, Sir Quixote of the Moors shows early signs of the literary craftsmanship for which Buchan would become known. In particular, the Scottish landscape is vividly described even if poor Jean experiences it predominantly in the cold, the wind and the rain.
I absolutely loved Elisabeth Gifford’s last book The Good Doctor of Warsaw, so I approached her latest novel with eager anticipation; I was not disappI absolutely loved Elisabeth Gifford’s last book The Good Doctor of Warsaw, so I approached her latest novel with eager anticipation; I was not disappointed. The Lost Lights of St Kilda is undoubtedly the best book I’ve read so far this year.
I confess I’d always thought St Kilda was an island but, as I learned from the book (and from the maps that form the gorgeous endpapers), it is in fact a group of islands. Hirta is the main island and the only one inhabited in 1927, when part of the book is set. However, to avoid confusion I’m going to refer to it, like the blurb does, as St Kilda.
I loved the descriptions of St Kilda and the details of the islanders’ life – “a daily struggle against nature”. (I wasn’t so sure about the island cuisine – ‘boiled oats with a salted puffin for flavour’ anyone?) I vaguely knew about the evacuation of the islanders but nothing of their history before that or the hardship of life there battling illness, cut off from the outside world for weeks at a time by storms, and living a hand to mouth existence from farming and the hunting of seabirds involving perilous climbs along cliff ledges. The sense of isolation is overwhelming. “Imagine a hill farm of some four square miles dropped in the middle of an Atlantic swell that even the sturdiest boats would think twice to sail and you have the situation of St Kilda.”
Moving between different timelines and points of view, each strand of the story – Chrissie’s life on St Kilda and Fred’s wartime experiences – would be enthralling enough in their own right. Woven together by the skilful hands of the author (much like a bolt of St Kildan tweed) they are simply wonderful.
Storytelling is a major element of the book, reflecting the oral tradition of passing down tales and legends from generation to generation; tales that are linked to the landscape, the sea and the weather. Chrissie gradually recounts her own story of growing up on St Kilda and her childhood friendship with laird’s son, Archie. Although used to being an object of fascination for summer visitors to the island, the St Kildans cannot know the chain of events that will be set in train by the return to the island of Archie and his friend, Fred, years later.
Fred develops an interest in recording the islanders’ stories and, through his study of geology, in telling the story of the island, created as it was by a volcanic eruption. As time goes by, that’s not Fred’s only interest. “All the heart and the beauty and the magic of that place distilled into the girl that was Chrissie.” Memories of his time on the island, and of Chrissie, will come to be a beacon of light in times of darkness and danger, giving him the courage and energy to battle on.
The Lost Lights of St Kilda is wonderfully romantic without being sentimental and a beautifully crafted depiction of a (now lost) community and way of life. It’s a story of love, betrayal, endurance and faith. “For what is faith but the sure hope of things that will come but are not yet seen.” I loved it and I’m sure all fans of historical fiction will too....more
Ike and Kay is a fictionalized account of the real life relationship between General Dwight Eisenhower and Kay Summersby.
Thanks to the author’s insighIke and Kay is a fictionalized account of the real life relationship between General Dwight Eisenhower and Kay Summersby.
Thanks to the author’s insightful portrayal, I could well understand how Kay, assigned to be his driver, might be attracted to the intelligent and charming Eisenhower (whom she refers to from early on as ‘her’ general). The reader witnesses the gradual development of their relationship from mutual regard to easy familiarity (smiles exchanged in the rear-view mirror) to something more, helped along by a box of chocolates, an unexpected invitation to dinner and a puppy. Soon Kay is part of Eisenhower’s wartime ‘family’, a small group of his closest aides, and rubbing shoulders with figures such as Roosevelt and Churchill.
The way their relationship was portrayed felt utterly realistic: the highs and lows, doubts and fears, promises made and broken, hopes raised and then dashed. I found myself rooting for Kay – more in hope than expectation – at the same time wishing she had taken more heed of her friend Charlotte’s wise if down to earth advice.
As depicted by the author, Eisenhower’s superiors initially tolerate the obvious growing closeness between the pair because of his vital role in directing the Allied offensive. ‘Keep the general happy’ becomes the watchword. Yet once the war is over the relationship becomes an embarrassment – not least of which because Eisenhower is a married man – something to be airbrushed (in one case, quite literally) from history.
The book also contains some fascinating detail about the preparations for the Allied invasion of Europe and some particularly poignant and moving descriptions of D-Day. Kay recalls the eve of D-Day as ‘a series of jumbled images’.
‘The sun setting in a paint box of colours that evening, broad brush strokes of red, orange and purple. Faces of the paratroops blackened with charcoal and cocoa. The ghostly features of Eisenhower moving among these men in darkness, shaking hands, accepting whispered messages to loved ones… Camouflaged troops, silky shadows in the darkness, their voices those of the night… Wingtips flashing white lights as the aircraft took off and climbed to join the armada above. The sparkle of distant stars in a crowded sky.’
Ike and Kay is both an intimate, affecting story of a wartime romance but also a fascinating insight into the burden borne by those in positions of power during wartime. ...more
Despite being separated by over eighty years in time, Ted and Tilly are dealing with similar challenges.
Tilly is recovering from traumatic events in hDespite being separated by over eighty years in time, Ted and Tilly are dealing with similar challenges.
Tilly is recovering from traumatic events in her personal life and the unexpected breakdown of her marriage to Ian. Both have brought her to the brink of despair. Thankfully her dear friend, Jo, and her lovely dad, Ken, are there to support her. Moving down to Dorset to stay with her father, Tilly initially rejects his wise advice and his attempts to encourage her to focus on the future. She turns to drink to soothe the anguish she feels until a chance encounter changes everything. Soon, Tilly finds her interest piqued by what she finds while working on the archives of the railway preservation society to which her father belongs.
Ted is a simple soul who has always found relationships with other people difficult and never imagined himself having a wife or family. That is until he meets Annie and a different life suddenly becomes a possibility. However, the announcement of the closure of the railway throws Ted’s life into turmoil. How will he cope with a change that threatens his job, home, routine and – most importantly – his relationship with Annie? The author really immerses the reader in Ted’s dilemma so you experience along with him each doubt and fear of this sweet, gentle man. Luckily, Ted has his sister Norah to provide a little reassurance and wise advice, although even she is unable to prevent the tragic events that will follow.
At the end of the book, the two storylines come together in a completely satisfying way. And when the full story of the dramatic event described in the prologue is finally revealed, there is sadness but also a new understanding and appreciation of the choices made by those involved.
The skilful writing and heartfelt, poignant story really drew me into the book. The Stationmaster’s Daughter will warm the cockles of your heart and quite possibly cause you to shed a tear or two...more
I really enjoyed False Lights, the book that first introduced me to Lord Lamorna, aka Jack ‘Crow’ Crowlas, and the then Hester Harewood. (The book hasI really enjoyed False Lights, the book that first introduced me to Lord Lamorna, aka Jack ‘Crow’ Crowlas, and the then Hester Harewood. (The book has since been republished under the title Hester and Crow.) I was thrilled to learn there was to be a follow-up and opened the book with high expectations; I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. Although Wicked By Design can be read as a standalone, give yourself a treat and start with the first book in order to experience every sizzling moment of the development of Crow’s and Hester’s relationship.
Hester – spirited, resourceful, fearless – and Crow – troubled, brooding, sultry – make an ideal hero and heroine. There’s constant crackling sexual tension between them and who can be surprised when the book includes references to Crow’s ‘illustrated expanse of lean torso’ or his precise knowledge of how to leave a woman ‘in his power and wanting more’. (Excuse me a moment while I go and cool down.)
Continuing the alternate history premise first introduced in False Lights – that Wellington lost not won the Battle of Waterloo – Wicked By Design sees Crow’s loyalty to the government of England doubted despite his pivotal role in freeing the country from French occupation. Crow has made himself some dangerous and powerful enemies and it soon becomes clear they will stop at nothing to exact revenge. Across the Channel, Napoleon Bonaparte is still a force to be reckoned with and no-one knows quite where the sympathies of Tsarist Russia lie.
Transporting the reader from the rugged coastline of Cornwall (ideal for those pining the absence of Ross and Demelza Poldark from their lives) to the salons of St. Petersburg, Wicked By Design races along like a golden Turkoman mare galloping across the steppes. Along the way there are twists and turns, vividly depicted action scenes and unexpected revelations. I loved every suspenseful, breathless minute of it, especially the riveting final chapters and that ending which I’ll confess left me a little blurry-eyed. Please, please tell me this is not the end of Hester’s and Crow’s adventures?
If you like your historical fiction to come with leading characters you really care about (flaws and all), an intriguing period backdrop, a storyline that encompasses deception, personal and political intrigue, betrayal and revenge plus a generous helping of spice, then Wicked By Design is the book for you....more
Although the title of the book is The Glittering Hour, it’s the glittering few hours I spent reading this book that is uppermost in my mind at the momAlthough the title of the book is The Glittering Hour, it’s the glittering few hours I spent reading this book that is uppermost in my mind at the moment.
Events unfold over the course of a decade with the story alternating between 1936, as nine year old Alice embarks on a treasure hunt of a kind to uncover the secrets of her mother’s past, and 1925 in which Selina recalls her heady days as one of the ‘Bright Young People’ and the chance meeting that changed everything for her. Interspersed are insights from other characters, such as Selina’s faithful maid, Polly, and Alice’s governess, Miss Lovelock.
The main characters are so sensitively and vividly drawn it feels as though they could step right off the page. However, I also fell in love with some of the minor characters, such as Patterson the gardener at Blackwood Hall. I admired the way the author conjured up with equal ease 1920s London and the excesses of the ‘Bright Young People – extravagant parties, a never-ending stream of cocktails and champagne, wild late night treasure hunts – and the faded grandeur of Blackwood Hall in the 1930s with its overgrown gardens, chilly rooms and echoing corridors.
The legacy of war, in this case the First World War, is another theme explored in the book: the traumatic memories and survivors guilt of those who came back, and the ghostly presence of those who didn’t such as Selina’s brother Howard. The latter is cleverly connected with the art of photography through Lawrence Weston’s current occupation painting portraits of young men lost in the war based on photographs of them provided by their grieving families. Photographs – what they say and don’t say, the capturing of a likeness or of a moment in time – will play an important part in the book.
There are many more things I could say in praise of this book but I’ll confine myself to merely recommending that you read it for yourself. Be prepared for The Glittering Hour to take you on an intense but spellbinding emotional journey, some elements of which you may find confound your expectations. And definitely have a box of tissues handy....more
Angelica Lilly is an independent-minded, strong-willed young woman with the prospect of an advantageous marriage to a wealthy aristocrat but who neverAngelica Lilly is an independent-minded, strong-willed young woman with the prospect of an advantageous marriage to a wealthy aristocrat but who nevertheless finds herself longing for the freedom to make use of the commercial instincts gained from exposure to her father’s business in the same way a son would. Instead she finds herself in the position of being expected to marry for the approval of society and to fulfil the wishes and ambitions of others. It’s not that there aren’t a range of potential suitors including the wealthy aristocrat previous mentioned, a childhood companion and a more unexpected candidate.
However, as Jane Austen taught us in Pride and Prejudice, first impressions can be deceptive and Angelica’s childhood experiences have left her mistrustful of others’ motives – especially men – even when it transpires they don’t deserve that mistrust. Having said that, Angelica’s not averse to using a little artifice herself when the occasions demands, utilising the skills inherited from her actress mother.
Structured like a three act play, Angelica’s mission to find someone with whom she can be ‘her true self’ runs alongside storylines involving political events of the day: riots caused by grain shortages due to naval blockades, fears of invasion and the treatment of French prisoners of war confined within the walls of Pendennis Castle. The last act brings everything together in a satisfactory way with villainy revealed and the reputations of others vindicated.
I particularly loved the setting of the book, around Truro and Falmouth, an area I know well from holidays spent there. So I got an extra thrill from mentions of places I’ve visited like Pendennis Castle, Custom House Quay and The Quayside Inn in Falmouth, Flushing and Malpas (the location of The Heron Inn – a great deal more respectable these days than in the book!)....more
The book’s central premise is that Wellington was defeated, not victorious, at the Battle of Waterloo and this defeat resulted in the removal of the EThe book’s central premise is that Wellington was defeated, not victorious, at the Battle of Waterloo and this defeat resulted in the removal of the English Royal Family and the occupation of England by the French. It’s territory that's been explored (albeit in a different period and with an occupying force of a different nationality) by Robert Harris in Fatherland and Len Deighton in SS-GB. In False Lights, the occupation follows similar lines to an imagined Nazi occupation of Britain: blockades, food shortages, curfews and cruel reprisals visited on the population for any act of resistance. Having witnessed firsthand the dreadful results of such repressive measures, the book's heroine, Hester, observes, ‘This wasn’t just an occupation. It was a tyranny.’
The book is notable for its strong female characters. There’s the aforementioned Hester – feisty, independent minded and courageous - who nevertheless finds herself alone and defenceless following the dramatic events of the book’s opening scenes. (Chapter one of the book has a literally killer first line, by the way.) The daughter of a black sea captain who distinguished himself in battle, Hester faces discrimination because of her skin colour and heritage in a society where gaining and maintaining a position is difficult enough as it is. ‘She must be twice as gracious, twice as accomplished and twice as well-mannered as any young white woman, or she would be seen as less than human before they saw her as a girl.’ There’s also Catlin, Hester’s close companion, who plays a vital role in events towards the end of the book including actions referenced in the book’s title.
Crow (or Lord Lamorna to give him his proper title) makes a fantastically flawed Byronic hero. With his dark hair and piercing eyes, I’ll admit even this happily married lady got a bit hot under the collar when reading passages like the following: ‘He’d crouched at the water’s edge to shave himself with a cut-throat razor, stripped to the waist, revealing the extraordinary collection of tattoos on his back, writhing blue-black patterns that ran from shoulder to shoulder, from neck to lower spine.’
Consumed by guilt at his perceived part in Wellington’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Crow is haunted by traumatic memories of the sights he witnessed and his own actions on the battlefield. He experiences a form of PTSD involving waking nightmares and dreadful visions. Perhaps the love of a good woman might help to make him whole again...? (Form an orderly queue, ladies.) Crow also feels a responsibility for the safety of his younger brother, Kitto, who seems to court danger at every turn. There’s political intrigue aplenty and all the characters in the book face difficult moral choices although, in the end, it’s a case of kill or be killed.
I loved the book’s setting in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles and the inclusion of the Cornish language into the story line. I also liked the book’s ending with perhaps just a hint that we might hear more about some of the characters in future...? I do hope so.
In her Acknowledgements, the author describes her book as ‘a Regency novel with a difference’ and I think that’s a perfect description. False Lights is a fascinating historical fiction novel constructed around an interesting premise and populated with a host of colourful, if not necessarily likeable, characters. It will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of period detail (but aren’t averse to an author playing with actual historical events for the sake of a good story) and to those who enjoy losing themselves in a romantic story line. ...more
In Island on Fire the author creates a picture of a society where, much like the volcano, a lot is going on underneath the surface, whether that is coIn Island on Fire the author creates a picture of a society where, much like the volcano, a lot is going on underneath the surface, whether that is commercial and political machinations or continued belief in voodoo practices in an age of modern science and rationality.
Despite evidence to the contrary, those in authority choose to believe that there is no threat from the volcano, having more regard to the consequences of panic by the population than the possible risk to life and property. This will prove to have disastrous consequences.
The book’s heroine, Emilie, whilst in all other respects an intelligent, independent-minded young woman, reflects the dichotomy in Martinique society. As a result she acts in a way that seems out of character but which reflects the desperation she feels at the situation in which she finds herself.
Whilst the book description reveals much of the story (a little too much to my mind), the author creates a credible sense of melodrama as events unfold in dramatic fashion.
I really enjoyed the evocative portrayal of the island’s lush landscape, vegetation and wildlife. ‘Everywhere he looked, the island was teeming with life. Mango trees, sprawling bougainvillea, flaming flamboyant, majestic palm trees, and endless plantations dotting the hillsides like a patchwork quilt of sumptuous beauty.’ Plus, as regular followers of this blog will know, I can’t resist delicious descriptions of food and there are plenty of the local cuisine in the book.
Island on Fire reveals a fascinating aspect of the history of Martinique that was new to me as well as being an entertaining, if slightly melodramatic, story of betrayal, honour and love
I received a review copy courtesy of the author and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
Elizabeth Pennington seeks to be ‘Mistress’ of Pennington’s, the department store owned and run (with a very firm hand) by her father, Edward, but sheElizabeth Pennington seeks to be ‘Mistress’ of Pennington’s, the department store owned and run (with a very firm hand) by her father, Edward, but she’s not there yet. Recalling the words of her mother, ‘Go forth and conquer the world, Elizabeth’, Elizabeth hopes things are about to change, with the help of talented glove-maker, Joseph Carter.
One can forgive I suppose the instant attraction – from their very first glimpse of each other – between the predictably beautiful Elizabeth and the equally predictably handsome Joseph, since it soon becomes apparent they share a history of tragedy in their personal lives and recognise in each other a similar social outlook and driving ambition. For Joseph, the attraction is heightened by the fact that Elizabeth seems to possess the same qualities as a woman who played a big part in his life and whose influence still drives him. For Elizabeth, the attraction is heightened by the difference she sees between Joseph and the sort of men her father favours as potential suitors – men who’ve achieved their wealth and position in society through inheritance rather than their own endeavours. However, both Elizabeth and Joseph have reservations about entering into a relationship that might become more than merely professional. When it becomes apparent there is previous history between the two families, things become even more complicated.
The book is set in an interesting period when the campaign for women’s suffrage was reaching its peak. The prejudice those courageous and doughty campaigners faced is encapsulated in the character of Edward Pennington, who clearly believes women are good for nothing more than child rearing or providing pleasure in the bedroom. Edward finds it difficult to see beyond Elizabeth’s gender and recognise her obvious business acumen, seeing her new ideas for Pennington’s as a threat rather than as a valuable contribution to the success of the business (as you suspect he would if they had come from a man). For example, her suggestion of a trial of Joseph’s designs elicits the dismissive response: ‘Will you be able to control your feminine desires long enough to wrangle a profitable deal for the store?’
It’s also a time when the opportunities for mass production and mass marketing are being explored by those with vision in the commercial world. Edward Pennington definitely does not fall into this category. You get the feeling that, even if the story line was moved to the modern day, Pennington’s would be the only department store without an online presence.
I haven’t watched either of the TV series with which the book has been compared – Mr. Selfridge and The Paradise – so can’t comment on the accuracy of the comparison. However, I can envision The Mistress of Pennington’s making ideal Sunday night viewing. I can also see the book, with its engaging leading characters, period setting and romantic story line, appealing to Rachel Brimble’s many fans and to those looking for a new historical fiction saga in which to become engrossed. There are some loose ends – including one quite large one – left unresolved, no doubt deliberately so they can be picked up in future books in the series.
Personally, the romance element dominated the story line just a little too much for my taste. The 'should they/shouldn't they' became somewhat repetitive and seemed to go on much longer than necessary. In my opinion, the book could have been 50-100 pages shorter without losing anything from the main story line. However, the book is clearly pitched as historical romance, so I guess I can't really criticise too much in that respect. Plus, I'm aware that the romance element I didn't care for may be just what appeals about the book to other readers.
I received a review copy courtesy of Rachel’s Random Resources in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
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