This novel is far from what I’ve come to expect from Philippa Gregory. It was different and a surprisingly emotional read from beginning to end. Great characterization. I felt as if I knew these people and all of them touched me in one way or another. These are characters that I won’t soon forget. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to historical fiction lovers.
Medieval Britain, set in the Welsh border marches in 1098, a tantalizing love story emerges amid warring kingdoms. Ruthless land barons fight for dominance, while a young girl comes of age. This is a time when marriages are arranged and couples may not even know each other before vows are made before God. This novel was short and sweet and I loved every word.
With every Follett novel, I keep looking for the same thrill and excitement I got with reading The Pillars of the Earth. I have read several Follett novels and loved most of his books. Unfortunately, this novel did not meet that expectation. It is basically about how the Industrial Age changed life in Britain. There is an unexpected heroine and more than one nemesis. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying read.
