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Vagabonds: A gripping saga of love, hope and determination (Emma Grady trilogy, Book 3)
Par Josephine Cox. 1992
Emma Grady may have finally found happiness, but the same cannot be said for her long-lost daughter... Vagabonds is the…
final instalment of Josephine Cox's Emma Grady trilogy, which finds the heroine content, yet still struggling with the ghosts of her past. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Rosie Goodwin.Twenty-two years ago Emma Grady was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to transportation to Australia where she bore and lost her baby daughter - conceived during a passionate affair with Marlow Tanner. It is now 1885, and Emma has returned to Blackburn. Reunited with Marlow, she has a loving family, yet she is still haunted by the past, unable to forget how her uncle Caleb Crowther ignored her desperate plea to save herself and her tragic first-born.Crowther curses his niece's return and also hounds Molly, Emma's estranged daughter. Molly and her children run away and, contending with hunger, exhaustion and the unwelcome attentions of the men who are drawn to Molly's dark beauty, their life at times is almost unbearable. But Molly has inherited Emma's indomitable spirit...What readers are saying about Vagabonds: 'An excellent finale to the Emma Grady series. This book was so gripping I could not put it down. I was completely lost in the story''A very fitting end to the Emma Grady trilogy, which keeps you in suspense to the end!''Brilliant from start to finish, could not put it down - five stars'The Dud Avocado
Par Elaine Dundy. 2007
'One of the funniest books I've ever read' - Gore Vidal*The Dud Avocado gained instant cult status on first publication…
and remains a timeless portrait of a woman hellbent on living. It is, as the Guardian observes, 'one of the best novels about growing up fast'.Sally Jay Gorce is a woman with a mission. It's the 1950s, she's young, and she's in Paris. Having dyed her hair pink, she wears evening dresses in the daytime and vows to go native in a way not even the natives can manage. Embarking on an educational programme that includes an affair with a married man (which fizzles out when she realises he's single and wants to marry her); nights in cabarets and jazz clubs in the company of assorted "citizens of the world"; an entanglement with a charming psychopath; and a bit part in a film financed by a famous matador. But an education like this doesn't come cheap. Will our heroine be forced back to the States to fulfill her destiny as a librarian, or can she keep up her whirlwind Parisian existence?*A champagne cocktail ... Rich, invigorating, and deceptively simple to the taste ... One falls for Sally Jay Gorce from a great height from the first sentence - ObserverAs delightful and delicate an examination of how it is to be twenty and in love and in Paris as I've ever read - Sunday TimesI had to tell someone how much I enjoyed The Dud Avocado. It made me laugh, scream, and guffaw (which, incidentally, is a great name for a law firm). - Groucho MarxBooks included in the VMC 40th anniversary series include: Frost in May by Antonia White; The Collected Stories of Grace Paley; Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault; The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter; The Weather in the Streets by Rosamond Lehmann; Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith; The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West; Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston; Heartburn by Nora Ephron; Memento Mori by Muriel Spark; A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor; and Faces in the Water by Janet FrameTake this Woman: A moving and utterly compelling coming-of-age saga
Par Josephine Cox. 1989
After growing up in bitterness, can she overcome past events to find the happiness she deserves? Take This Woman is…
a powerful saga about learning to put your past behind you in the pursuit of happiness, from bestselling author Josephine Cox. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale.Blackburn, 1947. In the tiny front parlour fourteen-year-old Laura Blake watches her beloved father die. But not before he tells her she will make something of her life. Laura never forgets his words. Yet her path to success proves to be a rocky one. Forced to trundle a cart around the back streets, selling other folk's cast-offs to support her family, Laura learns enough to start work in her uncle's furniture shop. But then fate deals another cruel blow when Laura is brutally raped. Bearing the child of her attacker in secret, she vows to make the world pay for its injustice towards her.As she grows older her protective shell hardens even as her beauty blossoms, and her new toughness helps her forge a successful career in the antiques business. But it is in affairs of the heart that Laura stumbles, and before she can find fulfilment, she must learn to put the past behind her, and give as well as take. What readers are saying about Take This Woman: 'Has you gripped from first page onwards. You get lost in amongst the characters, feeling like you are there with them every inch of the way''The story was full of twists and turns. I found it difficult to put down, reading well into the night sometimes! Brilliant''Loved it. Fantastic read and very exciting'Tomorrow the World: A compulsive and intense saga of love and secrets
Par Josephine Cox. 1998
One snow storm. One choice. A lifetime of consequences. In Tomorrow the World, Josephine Cox writes a moving saga of…
heartache, friendship and longing. Perfect for fans of Cathy Sharp and Sheila Newberry.Bridget Mulligan loves her husband. He is caring, loyal and dependable - everything a woman could ask for. But she can't quite forget Harry - the one that got away - and when a snow storm drives her into his arms, the inevitable happens. Nine months later a child is born.Overcome with remorse, Bridget is determined that her husband should know the truth, but her confession can lead only to heartbreak. Although he allows his wife and her child to continue living in his home, Tom Mulligan makes it clear that their marriage is over. Lonely and afraid, Bridget finds comfort in the friendship of Fanny, a feisty young mother who knows what it is to be alone. But Bridget's life can never be complete until she has the love of the only man she ever really wanted...What readers are saying about Tomorrow the World: 'Brilliant read, loved it. I just couldn't put it down. Was disappointed when I finished it. Excellent writer, felt like I was in the story myself''I found this book hard to put down, the further you get into the book it gets more and more exciting''Gripping - five stars'Rainbow Days: A dramatic saga pulsing with heartache
Par Josephine Cox. 2000
Bitter jealousies threaten the happiness of two people forever... In Rainbow Days, Josephine Cox writes a compelling saga exploring the…
strength of love, and the obstacles that can cause its destruction. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Cathy Sharp.'You're everything to me. I'd have to lose my life before I'd lose you.' This is the vow Silas made to Cathleen on the day he asks her to marry him. Throughout their childhood their love has grown stronger and now, in 1900, they start to plan a life together. But a jealous woman is determined to ruin their happiness and uses Silas's father - a good and honest man - to do so, forcing him to make an impossible sacrifice. As a dutiful son, Silas has no choice but to obey his father, and Cathleen must pay the bitter price. Separated, each is swept along to a place where there is no love or peace and no way back...What readers are saying about Rainbow Days: '[This book] is written withdeep feeling for its two main characters... A love that comes through the pages and touches your heartstrings''Another spellbinding book. Happiness and sadness, heroes and heroines, and the final happy ending. Josephine Cox at her best, couldn't put it down''Rainbow Days is the very best story I have ever read'THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE BRAND NEW SAGA SERIES BY MAGGIE MASON - MEET THE HALFPENNY GIRLS. . . 'In…
the grand tradition of sagas set down by the late and great Catherine Cookson ' Jean Fullerton on Blackpool LassWill their prayers be answered at the most wonderful time of the year?/font>As Christmas approaches, Alice, Edith and Marg continue to face hardships growing up on one of the poorest streets in Blackpool. Penniless, their friendship has helped them survive this far, but it'll take more than that to see them through the dark days that lie ahead . . .Newly married Alice receives shocking news about her pregnancy that threatens the future she's always dreamed of, Marg is struggling to care for her ailing mother and ensure her little sister receives the education she deserves, and Edith is grieving the loss of her family while preparing to marry her sweetheart. The Halfpenny Girls once again are faced with a struggle, but with the festive season upon them will family, friendship and Christmas spirit see them through?The second in a brand new series from reader favourite Maggie Mason, The Halfpenny Girls is the perfect heart-warming family saga about overcoming hardship and the value of friendship. Perfect for fans of Val Wood, Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.Readers LOVE Maggie Mason's Blackpool sagas:'5 stars - I wish I could give it more. Wonderful read.''Another must read book''What a brilliant book. I couldn't put it down!''I was hooked from the first page . . . this author is a must read''A totally absorbing read'More than Riches: Love, longing and rash decisions
Par Josephine Cox. 1994
Has Rosie destroyed her chances of love and happiness for ever? In More Than Riches, Josephine Cox writes a heart-breaking,…
yet uplifting, saga of a young woman, her choices and her second chance at happiness. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Cathy Sharp.When Rosie's parents were involved in a train accident, her mother was killed and her father left crippled, unable to earn a living and relying on Rosie to keep the wolf from the door.With her mother gone and her sweetheart Adam away in the army, Rosie is lonely. She eagerly awaits the letters from him, but they never come. As she grows more disillusioned, Adam's best friend Doug goes out of his way to be charming and attentive. Alone and confused, Rosie blossoms under his evil influence. Soon she is carrying Doug's baby and her father has thrown her out of the house. Realising she has no choice, she agrees to marry Doug.As if she isn't in enough trouble, Rosie's whole world falls apart when a warm and wonderful letter arrives from Adam... telling her he's on his way home.What readers are saying about More Than Riches: 'Couldn't put this book down, I loved the story line and was kept captivated [throughout]''It's been a long time since I read a book that I put down last thing at night and couldn't wait to pick up again in the morning. This book was one of them''This book was good from start to finish. Just could not put it down, had me spellbound all the way through'Centurion (Eagle Ser. #40)
Par Simon Scarrow. 2007
IF YOU DON'T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON'T KNOW ROME!CENTURION, a no. 1 bestseller, is the unputdownable eighth novel in…
Simon Scarrow's Eagles of the Empire series. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. 'A new book in Simon Scarrow's series about the Roman army is always a joy' The TimesAD 46. Roman army officers Cato and Macro have survived many dangerous missions together. They look out for one another. They're faithful to their Emperor. And from their men they demand bravery and ruthless efficiency.With the news that Rome's old enemy, Parthia, is poised to unleash its might against the border kingdom of Palmyra, Cato and Macro must embark on a desperate quest to protect the Empire. Outnumbered and deep in treacherous territory, they will have to endure a pitched battle that will test their courage and loyalty as never before...Looking Back: She must choose between love and duty...
Par Josephine Cox. 2000
A story of love, sacrifice and a girl who has to grow up too fast... Looking Back is an emotional…
and touching saga of a young girl who must bear the weight of her family's future alone, from bestselling author Josephine Cox. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Hutchinson and Dilly Court. From the moment she learns of the stranger's visit, Molly Tattersall is filled with a sense of fear. Then her mother disappears, leaving behind a letter asking Molly to take care of her five brothers and sisters. Molly's wayward father rejects his responsibilities, leaving Molly to choose between the young man she has given her heart to and the family she adores. It is the cruellest decision of her life, with long-reaching and heart-breaking consequences. Only one thing is certain: Molly's life will never be the same again.What readers are saying about Looking Back: 'A beautiful story... made me laugh, made me cry. Lovely book''Fantastic writer, she really reels the reader into the plot and the characters of the story''Five stars'Born to Trouble: All she wanted was a better life…
Par Rita Bradshaw. 2009
A young woman struggles to escape her past, in order to find the happiness she so desperately craves... Born to…
Trouble by Rita Bradshaw is a compelling saga guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale.Born into the worst of families in Sunderland's filthy, crime-ridden East End, Pearl Croft's childhood is miserable. Shortly after her violent, drunken father is killed in a fight, Pearl's elder brothers are sent to prison leaving her, still a child herself, to care for her baby brothers. Pearl's mother brings her 'clients' to the house, one of whom has a penchant for little girls... Terrified and hurt, Pearl runs away from home and is found, feverish and near death, by Romany gypsies. But this is far from the end of Pearl's struggles. Years pass, and as Pearl reaches womanhood she begins to wonder if she is simply born to trouble or will she find happiness one day?What readers are saying about Born to Trouble: 'Love, loss, poverty, family and success - even touched on WW1''Loved it from beginning to end. Lovely, romantic story of rags to riches''I loved this book, it kept me enthralled right to the end. I couldn't put it down'The Summer Queen: A loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare. (Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy #1)
Par Elizabeth Chadwick. 2013
'An author who makes history come gloriously alive' The Times'Meticulous research and strong storytelling' Woman & Home'A sumptuous ride' Toby…
Clements, Daily Telegraph**********************Eleanor of AquitaineA loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare.Eleanor of Aquitaine's story is legendary. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over eight hundred years. But the real Eleanor remains elusive - until now. Based on the most up-to-date research, bestselling novelist Elizabeth Chadwick brings Eleanor's magnificent story to life, as never before. Young, vibrant, privileged, Eleanor's future is golden as the heiress to wealthy Aquitaine. But when her beloved father dies suddenly in the summer of 1137, her childhood ends abruptly. Forced to marry the young prince Louis of France, Eleanor is still struggling to adjust to her new role when Louis' father dies and they become King and Queen of France. Leaving everything behind, the vivacious Eleanor must face the complex and faction-riddled French court. She is only 13.Overflowing with scandal, politics, sex, triumphs and tragedies, The Summer Queen is the first novel in a stunning trilogy from award-winning and much-loved author Elizabeth ChadwickThe next two books - The Winter Crown and The Autumn Throne - are available to buy NOW in paperback and ebook.Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick 'Enjoyable and sensuous' Daily Mail 'Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable' Barbara Erskine 'Renowned historical novelist Chadwick tells this battle-of-the-sexes story from a woman's point of view' New York PostThe Ribbon Weaver: A young girl's sparkling future is thwarted by a devastating secret
Par Rosie Goodwin. 2010
A baby rescued from the snow. A wealthy family's tragic secret. A girl determined to make her mark. A heart-warming…
saga of love, ambition and jealousy. The ebook No.1 bestselling author of No One's Girl, Mothering Sunday and The Little Angel, Rosie Goodwin, weaves her magic yet again in The Ribbon Weaver. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Nadine Dorries. 'Tremendously uplifting and life-affirming. A feel-good read that tugs on the heart strings' - Historical Novels ReviewOne winter's night, Molly Ernshaw rescues a newborn baby from the snow and changes two families for ever. The tiny girl grows into a beautiful and gifted young woman. Although devoted to Molly, Amy has far-reaching ambitions - encouraged by her neighbour's son, Toby, she longs to move beyond ribbon-weaving to designing the hats and clothes the ribbons adorn. Her talent is recognised by Samuel Forrester, the influential owner of famous hat factories and shops. But Samuel is a haunted man with secrets in his past that torture him and his family. His son's wife, Eugenie, is deeply troubled, and when Amy's flair leads her to London and then Paris, Eugenie is consumed with jealousy. Amy's dreams seem to be coming true, but as more secrets are revealed and Amy is caught between two worlds, she must choose where her heart truly belongs.What readers are saying about The Ribbon Weaver:'Couldn't put this book down, Rosie Goodwin is a great writer. She brought together so many feelings that we all have. There's joy, heartache, and everyday life in the mid-1800s in this story... Definitely a 5 star rating''This is a great book and another superb story from Rosie Goodwin who is now by far my favourite writer. This is an inspiring story... and as usual there are the twists and turns that keep you turning those pages. The details and accounts of the era are excellent as are the descriptions of the characters and surroundings. Can't wait for my next Rosie Goodwin read!'Let It Shine: A gripping saga of greed, integrity and love
Par Josephine Cox. 2001
As her past catches up with her, can she ever hope to restore happiness? Josephine Cox writes an enthralling saga…
in Let It Shine - a story of bad choices, family ties and second chances. Perfect for fans of Cathy Sharp and Dilly Court.Ada Williams once believed money and power would bring her happiness. But now she is all alone except for her greedy son Peter, who waits only for the day he will inherit her fortune. Ada, however, has a different plan altogether.A few miles away in Blackburn, the Bolton family may be poor - but the love they share means they can overcome almost any adversity. But no one could foresee the shocking events of Christmas night, 1932, which split the family asunder, leaving Larry crippled and the twins, Ellie and Betsy, in a foster home. Events that began many years ago, when Ada Williams was young and foolish...What readers are saying about Let It Shine: 'I bought this book last night and have not been able to put it down, just finished it and have gone through so many different emotions. First you're laughing, the next tears, the next anger. Then it happens all over again. Fantastic read''Brilliantly written, Josephine provides such an interesting cast of heroes and villains. This novel is Josephine at her best. She is able to make you care about the characters she writes about and keeps you guessing up until to the end'Don't Cry Alone: An utterly captivating saga exploring the strength of love
Par Josephine Cox. 1992
Beth is a woman of rare courage and fortitude, but there is danger and heartbreak to be endured before she…
can find peace and happiness... Don't Cry Alone is an unforgettable saga from Josephine Cox, of the power of love, hope and jealousy. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Cathy Sharp. 'Hailed quite rightly as a gifted writer in the tradition of Catherine Cookson' - Manchester Evening PostBeth Ward and Tyler Blacklock share a love they know will last forever. But Beth's mother, Esther, is jealous of the girl and seizes an opportunity to be rid of her daughter. Banished in disgrace from the family home, Beth takes the northbound train and alights at Blackburn, friendless and alone. On this day, Fortune smiles, for Beth is taken in by warm-hearted Maisie Armstrong, a widow with two children. Money is scarce, but love abounds in the cosy house on Larkhill, and Beth is content there to await the birth of her child. But she cannot forget Tyler, and is tormented by the belief that he has betrayed her.What readers are saying about Don't Cry Alone: 'Wonderful!Totally believable. Complex story of highs and lows, laughter and tears. Completely absorbing, it's an emotional roller coaster. I loved it''This is a story of heartache, caring, loss and coming together. A story that warms the heart, that turns out well, as good stories should, and [leaves you with] a smile''Kept megripped throughout. I enjoyed the book immensely, an excellent love story with lots of twists and turns'The Secret Diaries Of Miss Anne Lister: I Know My Own Heart (Vmc Ser. #703)
Par Anne Lister. 2010
'Engaging, revealing, at times simply astonishing: Anne Lister's diaries are an indispensable read for anyone interested in the history of…
gender, sexuality, and the intimate lives of women' SARAH WATERS'The Lister diaries are the Dead Sea Scrolls of lesbian history; they changed everything. By resurrecting them and editing them with such loving attention and intelligence, Helena Whitbread has earned the gratitude of a whole generation' EMMA DONOGHUEWhen this volume of Anne Lister's diaries was first published in 1988, it was hailed as a vital piece of lost lesbian history. The editor, Helena Whitbread, had spent years painstakingly researching and transcribing Lister's extensive journals, much of which were written in an elaborate code - what Lister called her 'crypthand', which allowed her to record her life in intimate, and at times, explicit, detail. Until then, Anne Lister's lesbianism had been supressed or hinted at; this was the first time her story had been told. Anne Lister defied the role of nineteenth-century womanhood: she was bold, fiercely independent, a landowner, industrialist, traveller and lesbian - a woman who lived her life on her own terms.'[Anne Lister's] sense of self, and self-awareness, is what makes her modern to us. She was a woman exercising conscious choice. She controlled her cash and her body. At a time when women had to marry, or be looked after by a male relative, and when all their property on marriage passed to their husband, Anne Lister not only dodged the traps of being female, she set up a liaison with another woman that enhanced her own wealth and left both of them free to live as they wished . . . The diaries gave me courage' JEANETTE WINTERSONThese diaries include the years 1816-1824. The second volume, continuing Anne's story, THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS ANNE LISTER: NO PRIEST BUT LOVE, is now available.The Blood Crows
Par Simon Scarrow. 2013
IF YOU DON'T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON'T KNOW ROME!THE BLOOD CROWS is the unputdownable twelfth novel in Simon Scarrow's…
bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Simon Scarrow's gripping novels: 'Ferocious and compelling' Daily Express Britannia, AD 51. For nearly a decade, the Roman Empire has fought to assert its hold over Britannia. But relentless opposition from native tribes led by the fanatical King Caratacus threatens to destroy everything.Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro are dispatched from Rome to aid the campaign. Placed in command of an outpost in the remote western mountains, they face a challenge even more deadly than the unremitting attacks of barbarian forces. For they must wrench control of the fort from Centurion Quertus, a man who wages a savage personal war and inspires a loyalty in his men above their bond with Rome. With dangerous enemies on both sides, Cato and Macro face the fight of their lives to bring peace to the most perilous frontier in Europe.The Woman Who Left: Jealousy is a force to be reckoned with…
Par Josephine Cox. 2001
If your whole world changed, how would you cope? Josephine Cox writes a unputdownable saga in The Woman Who Left-…
a tale of love, family and bitter rivalries. Perfect for fans of Cathy Sharp and Rosie Goodwin.Louise and Ben Hunter's loving marriage is marred only by their unfulfilled longing for a child. Living and working with Ben's father, Ronnie, they are quietly contented. But when Ronnie dies, their whole world changes. Ben's lazy brother, Jacob, returns, convinced he stands to inherit Ronnie's small fortune. And he means to have his brother's wife; though just as she did years before, Louise warns him off. Jacob, however, is not so easily dismissed. When he realises Ben will inherit everything, Jacob is beside himself with rage, and commits a terrible deed, one that threatens to destroy everything his brother and Louise hold dear...What readers are saying about The Woman Who Left: 'Wonderful story - vivid, sad and heart-warming''I found this a really exciting story which kept you interested until the very end. An excellent read!''This book is brilliant - five stars'Don't miss the heart-stopping sequel: Jinnie.Born to Serve: An absolutely gripping saga of the power of love and jealousy
Par Josephine Cox. 1994
When her future is cruelly snatched away, can she ever hope for happiness again? Josephine Cox writes a heart-stopping saga…
in Born to Serve, a tale of courage, fortitude and devastating jealousy. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Kitty Neale. 'I can take him away from you any time I want.' Her mistress's cruel taunt is deeply disturbing to Jenny. But why should Claudia be interested in a servant's sweetheart? Jenny reckons without Claudia's vicious nature; using a wily trick she seduces Frank, who, overcome with shame, departs for a new life in Blackburn. Losing her sweetheart is just the first of many disasters that leave Jenny struggling to cope alone.When Claudia gives birth to Frank's baby girl, she cruelly disowns the helpless infant and relies on Jenny to care for little Katie and love her as her own. Always afraid for the beloved child who has come to depend on her, Jenny is constantly called upon to show courage and fortitude to fight for all she holds dear. In her heart she yearns for Frank, believing that one day they must be reunited. When Fate takes a hand, it seems as though Jenny may see her dreams come true... What Amazon readers are saying about Born to Serve: 'It is a heartrending story and is so well written that you feel so much for Jenny, Katie and Frank. It has many interesting twists and turns but remains a brilliant story throughout. A definite good read for a long afternoon!''I loved this book and it's definitely one of my favourites, I did not want it to end. The story grips you as soon as you start reading and I did not want to put it down to do anything else''Another spell-binding, unputdownable story from Josephine Cox'As she retraces her steps back north, Queenie threatens to disturb more than one person's future... In the sequel to…
Her Father's Sins, Josephine Cox writes a captivating saga in Let Loose the Tigers, in which Queenie returns to Blackburn... and to her past. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.Queenie Bedford fled her native Blackburn and the bitter knowledge that she and Rick Marsden, the man she loved, could never marry. But in 1965 she returns north again to stand by her friend Sheila Thorogood, imprisoned for running a brothel with her mother Maisie. Though Rick had vowed to find her, Queenie takes care that he should not know of her whereabouts.The magnificent Edwardian house in Blackpool is sadly neglected - but Queenie moves in with the ailing Maisie, and sets about transforming it into a sparklingly clean, highly respectable guesthouse. Meanwhile, Queenie meets the frail and confused Hannah Jason, locked away years ago for murder, and desperate for news of her long-lost son. As Rick continues his dogged search for Queenie, she sets out to find Hannah's son. But both their enquiries threaten to unlock the cage where crucial secrets have long been held captive.What readers have been saying about Let Loose the Tigers: 'This book was brilliant, once you pick it up you cannot put it down because you need to know what happens next''Keeps you spellbound till the end'The Island: The million-copy Number One bestseller 'A moving and absorbing holiday read'
Par Victoria Hislop. 2005
'A moving and absorbing holiday read that pulls at the heartstrings' Evening StandardThe acclaimed million-copy number one bestseller and winner…
of Richard & Judy's Summer Read 2006. Victoria Hislop tells a dramatic tale of four generations, illicit love, violence and leprosy, from the thirties, through the war, to the present day.On the brink of a life-changing decision, Alexis Fielding longs to find out about her mother's past. But Sofia has never spoken of it. All she admits to is growing up in a small Cretan village before moving to London. When Alexis decides to visit Crete, however, Sofia gives her daughter a letter to take to an old friend, and promises that through her she will learn more. Arriving in Plaka, Alexis is astonished to see that it lies a stone's throw from the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga - Greece's former leper colony. Then she finds Fotini, and at last hears the story that Sofia has buried all her life: the tale of her great-grandmother Eleni and her daughters and a family rent by tragedy, war and passion. She discovers how intimately she is connected with the island, and how secrecy holds them all in its powerful grip...Praise for The Island. . .'A vivid, moving and absorbing tale' Observer'Victoria Hislop . . . brings dignity and tenderness to her novel about lives blighted by leprosy' Telegraph'Wonderful descriptions, strong characters and an intimate portrait of island existence' Woman & Home'War, tragedy and passion unfurl against a Mediterranean backdrop in this engrossing debut novel' You magazine'Hislop's deep research, imagination and patent love of Crete creates a convincing portrait of times on the island'Evening Standard'A page-turning tale that reminds us that love and life continue in even the most extraordinary of circumstances'Sunday Express 'A beautiful tale of enduring love and unthinking prejudice'Express