- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; (Reissue) edition (12 Aug 2011)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007105460
- ISBN-13: 978-0007105465
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 411,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
‘Diana Norman creates an exhilarating sense of these times and their possibilities.’ Daily Telegraph
‘A sparkling historical novel.’ Sunday Tribune
‘Diana Norman wears her erudition lightly…Moves at a cracking pace with a stunning denouement.’ The Times
Product Description
A remarkable, sparkling historical novel by the author of A Catch of Consequence.
Diana Norman's second book for us is another brilliant, stylish historical novel. Even though it is set in the eighteenth century, this novel, like her previous one, A Catch of Consequence, has rare contemporary echoes.
Two women, both searching for apparently missing people, meet in the chaos of wartime Plymouth. Britain is at war with the French and the rebellious American colonies. But where the French captured by the British navy are recognized prisoners of war, the Americans are the non-combatants of their era.
One woman, a young aristocrat recently saved by the death of her husband from a brutal marriage, is searching for the imprisoned son of a colonial friend: the other, a self-made woman, is looking for her daughter and companions, rescued from their destroyed ship but somehow lost on arrival in Britain.
The journey of discovery both women make through docks and prisons, government offices and brothels, palatial houses and smugglers hideaways, not only allows them to find the missing persons but also to forge an unlikely friendship and to find remarkable lovers. Finding liberty for others leads them to splendid liberty for themselves.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This wonderful novel deals with the issue of freedom in three fronts: the American war of independence from Britain (which is constantly discussed, and which creates the conflict that sparks the plot); the total loss of freedom and rights -and appalling conditions- that prisoners of war suffer (which further complicates the plot); and most especially, the personal independence of the main character, Lady Diana Stacpole, who finds herself free of her abusive and very "noble" husband after 20 years of nighmarish marriage.In the end, it is made clear that freedom, even when imperfect (e.g. at some point it becomes apparent to the characters that the American declaration of rights is not going to respect those of women, black people or other minorities'), is better than the lack of it. You may think the theme sounds very solemn and, certainly, the ethical aspects of freedom, as well as the problems of the British class system and the responsibilities towards our fellow human beings (even war enemies), are unblinkingly discussed. However, the result is not sermonizing thanks to Diana Norman's wonderful sense of humour and her ability to create the most eccentric, yet believable and endearing characters. And there are plenty of those! To be frank, you won't be able to stop chuckling even in the middle of the most heart-wrenching moments. Did I mention that this novel is also a wonderful adventure complete with a escape from prison, a daring rescue, an outragious kidnapping, a whole lot of smugglers, a dangerous chase....? Also, bear in mind that, although this novel can be perfectly read on its own, it can be read as a sequel of "A Perfect Catch", too. Here we meet again the tempestuous Makepeace Burke and other characters from the previous novel. I confess I am currently trying to buy ANY other novel by this same author, but can't find any still in print. So, don't miss this!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Norman has done it again - created vivid, complex and compelling characters whose stories you just don't want to end. I first read her book A Vizard Mask nearly 9 years ago, and not one of her subsequent books has disappointed. I found Diana, Lady Stacpoole an extraordinary believable and sympathetic heroine, it has been a real pleasure meeting Makepeace Hedley of A Catch of Consequence again and the twists and turns of the plot are extremely exciting. The villain is also one of the creepiest individuals I've read, a real original and very plausibly motivated. My only quibble is that I would have liked more of the love interest as he's a very vivid and incredibly sexy character.
The historical aspects of the novel are well-written without being like a lecture in the War of Independence, the philosophical ideas that are touched on are dealt with lightly but underpin the story and Norman's wry and human voice carries the novel through to its triumphant conclusion. For my money, the best living historical novelist and a genuine heir to the marvellous Dorothy Dunnett, despite dealing with totally different times.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Norman, one of the best prepared of current historical novelists, bases her works on sure-footed plotting and commentary derived from careful research. Her knowledge of prisoner-of-war scenarios during the American Revolution fuels her novel with pathos for the defeated and dismay at the spiteful, brutal conditions that follow every world cataclysm. Best of all, she creates female characters who rise above tea at four to express compassion and gumption. Does it get any better than Norman's novels?
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great yarn with a serious undertow
If you've read Norman's 'Catch of Consequence' then you have to read this as it continues the life and adventures of Makepeace Hedley (although it's no problem at all to read this... Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2008 by Roman Clodia
A historical romance with a feminist angle
I don't often enjoy novels set in the eighteenth century because I have had to learn a lot about everyday life in that period, and I don't usually get much past the first chapter... Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2004 by Syntinen
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