«Брак под осадой» - захватывающий исторический роман от Энн О’Брайен, признанного мастера жанра. Действие происходит во времена гражданской войны в Англии в XVII веке. Главные герои, лорд Фрэнсис и леди Гонория Мэнселл, вступают в брак по расчету, чтобы защитить свои владения. Но со временем их отношения перерастают в нечто большее. Однако на фоне военных действий, интриг и предательств им придется пройти через множество испытаний, чтобы понять - где заканчивается долг и начинается любовь.
Книгу отличают яркие исторические детали, захватывающий сюжет и увлекательные персонажи. Автор мастерски передает атмосферу эпохи, не забывая о романтике. Энн О’Брайен в очередной раз доказывает, что умеет создавать живые образы женщин прошлого и рассказывать незабываемые истории любви на фоне исторических событий.
Marriage Under Siege by Anne O'Brien has been chosen to be added to The Historical Novel Club in memory of Richie Lane (1951 – 2016). Originally published in 1982 it recently appeared in paperback English translation from the Polish original published by Czas. Sadly, it is already out of print.
The setting is the English Civil War. One day Francis Mansell, a Parliamentarian soldier, and his cousin's daughter Honoria, who is under his protection, meet. They have very different political views but soon they find themselves united in their mutual need. Henrietta Cavendish (alias Honoria) is desperate to escape the ambitions of her uncle Captain George Sanderson, who wishes her for himself. She admits to her new friend that she realizes she needs his help and would keep her word in exchange for his help on another front. Believing them both to still be young, deluded by their fate and honour, George refuses to let quarrel create separation. Being ignorant of who he sides with, he only expects loyalty. Francis and Henrietta go off to battle, promising each other to keep their word.
After the former fight on opposite sides begin living together ever closer, fighting for every penny necessary to survive. When circumstances force them to pick a side, they do not find unity whose value their faith had inspired into an unyielding friendship. Each tensions are mounting with increasing arrogant political rivals as both figures turn out to have followers of their actions. To continue living alongside each other they are forced to sacrifice their certainties of strength, love and faith. Who is to tell which of the lovers is playing whom first?
Author Anne O'Brien, one of the best historical novelist was famous for her ability to portray the atmosphere of the era in her books like a teenage girl. Not too complex but extremely well researched, Marriage Under Siege connects the characters in extraordinary way. Whilst enjoying orthogonal problems of defiance and betrayal, the period and historical conditions of the Englis Civil War are seamlessly interwoven. Her detailed description of victorious battles and economic circumstances involved uniquely em pathsizes the everyday life in the country inflamed by nationalistic feelings. The plot seems sometimes daring, but the continuity of the story, as well as characters and lore, own tightness following the line like reliable guides to the reader, irrespective of all grander allegories enacted. The novel proves how historical writing can appeal to every people, regardless of age or special interest. This cultural gem deserves a lesure in a quiet moment.
Электронная Книга «Marriage Under Siege» написана автором Anne O'Brien в году.
Минимальный возраст читателя: 0
Язык: Английский
ISBN: 9781408970003
Описание книги от Anne O'Brien
‘Anne O’Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.’ – Sunday Express ‘Will you hold the castle for me, lady, in my name?’ He does not know me. He does not trust me. ‘Do you have to ask?’ With staunchly opposed political views, the new Lord and Lady Mansell are not seeking love during a time of civil war. Francis offered Honoria his name in response to his cousin’s will and the promise of £4000 a year. When their castle is held by Royalist forces Honoria must appear loyal to Francis’s Parliamentarian cause.Working together to protect their lands, the vows made politically become something more. But where does her loyalty lie? Soon scandalous whispers of betrayal and double dealings land at Honoria’s door. And when the prison keys of London start rattling, Francis must question whether the wife he saved has dealt him the ultimate betrayal?Praise for Anne O’Brien:‘One of the best writers around…she outdoes even Philippa Gregory’ The Sun‘Her writing is highly evocative of the time period… O’Brien has produced an epic tale’ Historical Novel Society‘Anne O’Brien’s novels give a voice to the “silent” women of history’ Yorkshire Post‘Once again O’Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story’ Lancashire Evening Post‘An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O'Brien’ We Love This Book‘A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won’t be able to put this book down’ Candis‘A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.’ Essentials
