Review: This was an exciting, enjoyable and evocative read.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 3, 2014
Set during the backdrop of the English Civil Wars, when father and son were often divided in their political stances, Ms Howarth weaves a sensual tale of abiding passion and lust for one young woman, Anna Lady Maitcliffe. Morton -Viscount Axebury - chooses Parliamentary leanings instead of his father’s Royalist principles which results in the bitter separation of son and father. This was a time of long absences from home, the fate of a soldier sometimes not known for a long while, which could mean a big difference to choices made by a young woman who stood on the threshold of marriageable age. Ms Howarth’s deep knowledge of the history and customs of the era are skilfully interwoven throughout Anna’s story.There’s no straightforward strict Presbyterian against licentious Royalist boundary in this tale, though. Secondary characters are coerced to change sides, as it seemed did happen when a blade was held at the throat. When it comes to matters of a sensual nature, the characters involved in the sexual initiation of Anna are equally as lusty as the other. Morton is the man of Anna’s heart but the story of their mutual love doesn’t unfold easily. Her young heart is torn between Morton and his father - whom she believes to be the best of guardians. Love thought to be lost is a strong theme resulting in Anna accepting a betrothal from the older Lord Gantry. Reading the story will unveil whether that was a good choice or not.The characters are strong and the settings are very well described. The story mostly flows extremely well, the writing style a very interesting one. It thrusts the reader into the speech of the era, though I found the syntax hesitant in places which makes me rate it with four and a half stars. I certainly recommend it for those who enjoy a novel set in the mid 17th Century, and for those who enjoy a good historical tale.