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Product Description
Product Description
Jo Clifford, successful journalist, is all set to debunk the idea of past-life regression in her next magazine series. But when she herself submits to a simple hypnotic session, she suddenly finds herself reliving the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, the wife of a baron at the time of King John.
As she learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare and the brutal threats of death at the hands of King John, it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, eight hundred years on, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again…
From the Publisher
Barbara Erskine's amazing first international bestseller
'Barbara Erskine can make us feel the cold, smell the filth, and experience some of the fear of the power of evil men... The author's storytelling talent is undeniable' The Times
'Barbara Erskine can make us feel the cold, smell the filth, and experience some of the fear of the power of evil men... The author's storytelling talent is undeniable' The Times
Jo Clifford, successful journalist, is all set to debunk the idea of past-life regression in her next magazine series. But when she herself submits to a simple hypnotic session, she suddenly finds herself reliving the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, the wife of a baron at the time of King John.
As she learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare and the brutal threats of death at the hands of King John, it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, eight hundred years on, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again...
'Fascinating, absorbing, original - and hypnotic' She
**Look for Barbara Erskine's new bestseller, ON THE EDGE OF DARKNESS, out in paperback.** --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was the first Barbara Erskine book I ever read, and I totally enjoyed it, and have read it many times since. It is a very romantic and gripping story, and I found it compulsive reading. As the story unfolded, I became completely drawn into the book, and I found the characters totally believable, and the whole concept of two lives entwining throughout history totally captivated me. I found myself longing for the climax of the story, and yet not wanting it to end. A perfect book to read in front of the fire on a dark winters night!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
You are an uncritical lot! Without a doubt, this is a rollicking yarn, full of historical interest and 1980s excess, and it certainly keeps you interested in finding out what happens.
But it has too many flaws to be regarded as anything more than that. First, at over 750 pages it is far too long - not in itself a bad thing, but in this case after the first 300 pages the book seemed to run out of ideas, and it began to circle itself, re-playing the same scenes, using the same phrases. Secondly, there was a disappointing lack of distinction between the 12th and 20th centuries. The characters appeared to speak and behave in the same way, and generally the book failed to create an atmosphere of medaeval Wales which it seeking. And thirdly, the quality of the two female characters in the 20th century was very weak. Both of them were drawn as a strong, outspoken women, but nonetheless allowed themselves to be dictated to (and even raped) by various men, seemingly incapable of shaping their own destiny.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this, but I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it had all been in Matilda's past and skipped the stuff in the present time. The idea of regression was interesting, but it got to be a bit much after a while. I mean, how many people do you know that are experienced hypnotists? And Jo was hypnotized by was it four or five different people? That did become a bit of a stretch towards the end of the book.
Also, unless I missed something, I don't think Sam's obsession with the whole Jo/Matilda thing was explained to my satisfaction. How did he become so evil -- to the point of harming his brother.
You should be advised that this is not your "true" historical fiction. Matilda, William De Braose, Richard, etc. were real people, but as the author notes at the end not all that happened in the book to Jo/Matilda actually happened to the real Matilda. I almost didn't read this book because of what really happened to Matilda -- yes she was held prisoner with her son and they starved to death but the story ended a bit more gruesome than that, if what I read in SKP's Welsh trilogy is true. I was relieved that Erskine left that part out.
Otherwise an interesting read, I blew through it quickly. Four stars instead of five for the inconsistencies.
Also, unless I missed something, I don't think Sam's obsession with the whole Jo/Matilda thing was explained to my satisfaction. How did he become so evil -- to the point of harming his brother.
You should be advised that this is not your "true" historical fiction. Matilda, William De Braose, Richard, etc. were real people, but as the author notes at the end not all that happened in the book to Jo/Matilda actually happened to the real Matilda. I almost didn't read this book because of what really happened to Matilda -- yes she was held prisoner with her son and they starved to death but the story ended a bit more gruesome than that, if what I read in SKP's Welsh trilogy is true. I was relieved that Erskine left that part out.
Otherwise an interesting read, I blew through it quickly. Four stars instead of five for the inconsistencies.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Easy Read
I read this book when I was 18 and loved it from cover to cover... however as a 41 year old, it now feels kinda dated & different to me... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Squiffless
Original Storyline - Compelling Escapism
I first read this book in the late 80's/Early 90's and have re-read it twice. It's original storyline and compelling plot grip you, but, you must suspend any sense of reality... Read more
Published 19 months ago by T. Wright
history/mystery
This is a great example of Barbara Ersine at her best. The mix of history and links with the past through the characters is, as always brilliant.
Published on 20 Jan 2010 by M. Simpson
Lady of Hay
I love this type of book, it goes back and forth from the present time to medieaval times with a good plot cleverly thought up, very like anya seatons green darkness, a really good... Read more
Published on 9 Oct 2007 by history bookworm
Best Book I Have Ever Read.. again.. and again .. and again.....
The book is simply the best one I have ever read.It was the first book (19yrs ago) that I had purchased and spent to me a huge amount of money (£6. Read more
Published on 11 April 2007 by P. Warrender
This book has been a long haul!
Well, where do I start, I have been trying to finish this book for 3 years! I would start reading and enjoy the story, then stop reading around the same place just to give it... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2007 by Priscilla
Historical Parts Were Okay
The parts of this novel set in the past were pretty good at the beginning, however towards the end of the book tended to degenerate into sex and abuse. Read more
Published on 9 Dec 2006 by Sara
Flawed but entertaining
I really enjoyed this - my first book by Barbara Erskine.
However, although I found the 12th century portions and the lives of Matilda, William, Richard and Prince John... Read more
However, although I found the 12th century portions and the lives of Matilda, William, Richard and Prince John... Read more
Published on 29 Aug 2006 by Ticked Off
Lady of Hay
I am honoured to say I have read every book Barbara has written and Lady of Hay is my favourite. I have read hundreds of books over the past 25 years and Barbara Erskine writes in... Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2006 by Mrs Anne Rintoul
going back in time
from the first page i was hooked. the first book from Barbara Erskine i have read and i was so intrigued i couldnt put it down for long. Read more
Published on 20 Aug 2005 by Renate
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