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Kill-Grief (Paperback)

by Caroline Rance (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
RRP: £9.99
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Product details

  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Picnic Publishing Ltd (16 April 2009)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0955861349
  • ISBN-13: 978-0955861345
  • Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 13 x 3 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 88,028 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Product Description

This is a debut novel by Caroline Rance inspired by her research into eighteenth century medicine while reading English and History at Keele university. Chester 1756: Mary Helsall starts a job as a nurse entering a world of stench and sickness where her caring duties are at odds with her impatient nature. She seeks solace in gin and a volatile relationship with hospital porter Anthony. But when a diseased beggar arrives for treatment, it becomes clear that he knows Mary has a lot to hide.From the bleak Wirral shore, to the screams of the operating theatre, and from a backstreet gin shop to the dungeons of the gaol, Mary searches for the hope of an independent future. First, though, she must fight the attraction of oblivion and make a choice between duty, money and a love overshadowed by addiction. An historical novel full of alcohol, gruesome diseases, surgery, smuggling, prison dungeons and general grimness. Florence Nightingale it ain't!! This, in a way, is one of its strengths i.e. it portrays nurses as individual women rather than caricatures. It wil appeal to book groups as there are plenty of issues for discussion. Its topical theme of women and alcohol links the 18th century with today.


From the Publisher

There are countless issues for discussion in Caroline Rance's debut novel. Her themes - women and alcohol - links the 18th century with the present. Above all, her nurse Mary Helsall sure is not Florence Nightingale!! Apart from the fact the book is beautifully written, this is one reason why Picnic is so delighted to be publishing it. Caroline's 18th century nurses are individual women not caricatures . . .
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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
4.0 out of 5 stars Great historical fiction for anyone with a stomach of steel, 26 Jul 2009
This book transports you straight into the horrors of an 18th century English hospital. The problem was that I'm not sure it is a place I ever want to witness! The squalor was vividly described, and I don't think I have ever read a book which conveys the smells of the scene so convincingly. It was disgusting!

The book has clearly been meticulously researched and contains many interesting snippets about the medical practices of the time, but the majority of the time I didn't really want to read about them:

"He pressed his thumb into the inflamed skin and a thicker bead of pus exuded from the cut, retreating like a wary maggot when he let go."

I was alternately absorbed and revolted!

The book follows Mary, a reluctant nurse, who has to deal with the all the bodily functions thrown at her, on top of the secrets she is hiding. Mary is struggling to become independent and is initially over-whelmed by her new life in Chester, as she is used to a very different life by the sea. As the book progresses she gains in confidence and her hidden past is gradually revealed. The book is very well paced and the plot, although quite simple, is compelling.

If I had to make one criticism it would be that the male characters in the book did not stand out for me. Mary was such an amazing character that all the men in the book seemed to pale into insignificance beside her. I didn't really mind this though - it is good to see such a strong female character, particularly in historical fiction, every once in a while.

Recommended to historical fiction fans with a stomach of steel!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Kill Grief by Caroline Rance, 17 Jun 2009
By Mrs. Sarah C. Landers "sarahl" (surrey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
What an interesting insight into life and medicine in the 18th century. I found Mary's story gripping from the start and once I had become accustomed to the author's style, didn't want to put it down.
I would recommend this as a book club choice...plenty to discuss, but more importantly unique.
A great debut novel.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Kill Grief - a great read, 17 Jun 2009
By Elizabeth Thomas "ET" (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - read it in 3 days on holiday (in a very different setting to 18th century Chester!).
Caroline Rance's style is very readable. I found the characters to be believable & multi-dimensional, and Mary Helsall's story hooked me from page 1!
It was also an intriguing insight into life in the 18th century.
Very much looking forward to Caroline's next book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Assault On The Senses!
Having not read any historical fiction since Poldark days, I was in two minds about choosing a book in this genre. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mrs. F. Kearney

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, engaging and absorbing
Kill-Grief is a really engaging book, one in which the sights, smells and sounds of Chester really come alive. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ms. G. F. Mcdade

5.0 out of 5 stars Kill Grief
This is one of the most evocative works of historical fiction I've read in some time. Rance's pitch perfect dialogue and sense of time and place make this a gripping read.
Published 5 months ago by Book binger

5.0 out of 5 stars Kill-Grief
This book takes the reader right back to the stench and squalor of 18th Century Chester. It is easy to empathise with all the characters,whether you like them or not, and the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. Griffiths

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