Books matching: cornwall setting
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- #1
Save:Penmarric by Susan Howatch is a multi-generational family saga set in Cornwall, following the lives of the Castellack family through two World Wars. The story is rich in historical references to the Plantagenets, specifically Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their children, providing a new dimension to the family drama. The narrative is structured in multiple first-person POVs, giving insight into each character's perspective and personal growth over more than fifty years.
He was a young man of twenty, always travelling about on intolerable daily journeys which seemed twice the normal length. . . . He worked far into the night. Those about him ascribed his perpetual lab... - #2
Save:'My Cousin Rachel' by Daphne du Maurier is a psychological thriller set in the 19th century, revolving around the protagonist Philip Ashley who becomes infatuated with his cousin Rachel after his guardian Ambrose's mysterious death. The story is narrated through Philip's perspective, portraying his obsession and paranoia towards Rachel, leading to a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and manipulation. The atmospheric and suspenseful writing style of du Maurier keeps the reader engaged, with a slow burn narrative that gradually unravels the mysteries surrounding the characters.
They used to hang men at Four Turnings in the old days. Not anymore, though. Now, when a murderer pays the penalty for his crime, he does so up at Bodmin, after fair trial at the Assizes. That is, if ... - #3
Save:"The Shell Seekers" by Rosamunde Pilcher is a family saga novel that follows the life of Penelope Keeling, a 64-year-old woman recovering from a heart attack. The story delves into Penelope's relationships with her three adult children, each with their own flaws and motivations. Set in England with flashbacks to World War II, the novel explores themes of family dynamics, inheritance, and the impact of the past on the present. The narrative weaves between different timelines, revealing the complexities of Penelope's life and the decisions she must make regarding her father's valuable painting, "The Shell Seekers."
The writing style of Rosamunde Pilcher in "The Shell Seekers" is described as beautifully descriptive, engrossing, and character-driven. Pilcher skillfully creates vivid settings, intricate relationships, and emotional depth in the story. The novel is praised for its lush settings, well-developed characters, and engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the lives of the Keeling family across generations.
Take this morning. A dull day in the middle of March. All she was doing … all she planned to do … was to catch the 9:15 from Cheltenham to London, have lunch with her sister Olivia, perhaps pop into H... - #4
Save:'The Lie' by Helen Dunmore is a compelling read that delves into the aftermath of World War I, focusing on the emotional turmoil and psychological impact on soldiers returning from the trenches. The plot follows a shell-shocked soldier, Daniel, who struggles to adapt to life in his village due to a guilty conscience and the traumatic experiences he faced during the war. As Daniel grapples with his inner demons, he ends up telling a shocking lie that sets off a chain of events, revealing the pain of post-traumatic stress and the harsh realities of war. The narrative skillfully weaves together flashbacks to Daniel's childhood and wartime experiences, creating a poignant and suspenseful story that explores themes of guilt, regret, and the consequences of deceit.
- #5
Save:Set in late 18th-century Cornwall, "Ross Poldark" by Winston Graham follows the story of Captain Ross Poldark as he returns home from the American Revolutionary War to a disheartening situation. His father has passed away, his inheritance is in ruins, and his beloved Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin. The novel delves into Ross's struggles with loss and betrayal, his interactions with various characters including the young servant Demelza, and his journey towards redemption. The writing style seamlessly weaves historical elements of 18th-century Cornwall with finely drawn characters and believable dialogue, creating a captivating period drama with a focus on relationships and societal norms.
There were five people in the coach; a thin clerkly man with a pinched face and a shiny suit, and his wife, fat as her husband was thin, and holding to her breast a con fused bundle of pink and white ... - #6
Save:'The Mister' by E.L. James is a novel that seems to have divided readers with its plot and writing style. Some readers found the book to be a disappointment, criticizing the lack of character depth, plot development, and relatability of the main characters. Others appreciated the slow-burn nature of the story, the evocative descriptions of settings like Cornwall, and the improved writing style compared to the author's previous works. The plot revolves around a Lord named Maxim who falls for his maid Alessia, an illegal immigrant with a shared love for classical music, leading to a relationship based on chemistry rather than common interests.
The book is described as a departure from the author's previous series, 'Fifty Shades,' with some readers expecting a similar experience and being let down by the differences. The writing style is criticized for being overly detailed at times, with unnecessary information about scenery and minor characters detracting from the main storyline. Despite the mixed reviews, some readers found 'The Mister' to be a modern take on a classic romance, offering a fresh perspective on love and relationships through the characters of Maxim and Alessia.
Mindless sex—there’s a lot to be said for it. No commitments, no expectations, and no disappointments; I just have to remember their names. Who was it last time? Jojo? Jeanne? Jody? Whatever. She was ... - #7
Save:In the final installment of the 'Doran' series by Monica Furlong, titled 'Colman,' readers are taken on an adventure with the characters Wise Child, Juniper, and the protagonist Colman as they journey to Cornwall to rescue Juniper's kidnapped brother, the prince, from the clutches of the Gray Knight and Meroot. The book is praised for its action-packed plot, centered around the trio's mission to save the prince and the kingdom, while also focusing on themes of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. The writing style in 'Colman' is noted to be straightforward and engaging, drawing readers into the story despite some critiques of lacking the depth and magic found in the previous books of the series.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Doran ) - #8
Save:In "Marquess to a Flame" by Emily Windsor, the story revolves around Jack Winterbourne, a rogue and spy known as the Moth, who is tasked with wooing an innocent woman named Tamsyn to extract information about a villain known as La Chauve Souris. Tamsyn, scarred and haunted by her past encounter with La Chauve Souris, reluctantly opens up to Jack, leading to a complex tale of romance, mystery, and redemption. The book is praised for its engaging plot full of twists, well-developed characters, and witty banter between Jack and Tamsyn, creating a steamy historical romance with a touch of suspense.
Who could he cajole to the Cyder Cellars of an evening? Or badger relentlessly until they divulged their problems? After all, he couldn’t pass every night in the lap of an agreeable woman – well, mayb...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rules of the Rogue ) - #9
Save:Fortune's Mistress by Mary Chase Comstock is a Regency romance novel that follows the story of Marianne Gardiner, a young woman of wealth who is disowned by her parents after being ruined by a hardened rake. Forced to become a mistress for the ton, Marianne finds herself pregnant and escapes to a small village in Cornwall, where she poses as a widow. There, she meets Dr. Alden Venables, a kind-hearted local doctor who helps orphaned and abused children. As Marianne and Venables' romance blossoms, they both must confront their pasts and seek redemption, all while facing threats from Marianne's previous life in London.
- #10
Save:In "Ingo" by Helen Dunmore, readers are introduced to Sapphire and her brother, Conor, who live by the sea in Cornwall. The story unfolds with the mysterious disappearance of their father, leading Sapphire to discover the world of Ingo, a dangerous realm beneath the waves. As Sapphire and Conor navigate the secrets of the underwater world and the connection between the merpeople and their own family, they are faced with choices between life on land and life in the water. The book creatively explores themes of family, loss, environmental issues, and the allure of the sea, captivating readers with its enchanting and mysterious storyline.
"Ingo" is a captivating fantasy novel that immerses readers into a world of merpeople, underwater adventures, and family secrets. The author, Helen Dunmore, weaves a tale that combines elements of mystery, mythology, and environmental themes, drawing readers into the depths of the sea alongside the main characters. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Dunmore brings to life a world where the boundaries between land and sea blur, and where the characters must navigate the challenges of their dual existence in a captivating and imaginative way.
YOU’LL FIND THE MERMAID of Zennor inside Zennor Church, if you know where to look. She’s carved from old, hard, dark wood. The church is dark too, so you have to bend down to see her clearly. You can ...
