Wideacre : A Novel
by Philippa Gregory
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Book Summary Information
Author: Philippa GregoryEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-07-02
ISBN: 0743249291
Number of pages: 656
Publisher: Touchstone
Book Reviews of Wideacre : A Novel
Book Review: A sad disappointment
Summary: 2 Stars
I have sincerely enjoyed all of Philippa Gregory's other books, such as The Queen's Fool, The Other Boleyn Girl, and The Boleyn Inheritance. I really loved learning more about the details of Tudor life that are often overlooked in the dramatic "big news" of the era. I know from outside studying that these details are remarkably accurate, yet entertaining at the same time. I picked up Wideacre in the hopes of expanding my knowledge of Georgian England.
Unfortunately, the reader wouldn't know that the book is set in that era if they hadn't read the back cover, which mentions Georgian England, or had previously studied in detail that time period, from which few details are recognizable in Wideacre. So, whatever the other faults of the book are, it shouldn't necessarily be read for historical accuracy and information.
I also find it hard to read books in which I dislike the main character, and when they have no redeeming characteristics. Beatrice fits both categories. It is no personal offense to this particular book, just a preference of mine. For example, I had a hard time reading Gone With the Wind because Scarlett had so few good qualities. However, Beatrice had no good qualities at all, in my opinion. Even at the beginning of the book, before she becomes hard and "evil," she appears to do everything "generous" for her own selfish gain, even at the age of twelve. I kept reading in the hopes that she would finally feel sorry for the starving people who had once loved her, but she never once repented of almost single-handedly killing most of her people, even when it was directly caused by her. I kept hoping, but no. It broke my heart to see her destroy her beloved land, and for what? So she could be the matriarch of a long line of evil rulers of Wideacre? Whether this was the case or not, this was the way it appeared to me. I couldn't bring myself to like her, even through the last page, and this really turned me off from the book.
The themes of incest didn't bother me much, as I am a pretty open reader, but I thought it was a bit overdone. By the first few hundred pages, we understood that she and her brother were in love, but I feel that the author tried too hard to drive the point home. So, if you are bothered or made very uncomfortable by incest, this probably isn't the book for you.
One thing that did bother me, as someone with an editor's mind, is that the editing job seemed to drop off after the first 300 pages. Many quotation marks were missing, as well as some other punctuation. This doesn't affect the quality of the book, but it does make it harder to read when you can't tell whether the character is talking or not.
Now, I understand that this is the author's first book, but it in no way compares to some of her later Tudor books. I understood where she was coming from, making a very flawed character the main focus of the book, but I think it was all overdone. However, putting the obvious plot, the unlikeable characters, and the overdone sexuality of the book aside, the writing itself, and the descriptions of Wideacre, were quite lovely, and I easily recognize where the author is coming from in her later Tudor books. I wouldn't tell people not to read this book based on my own opinion, but I also beg first-time-readers to not judge this author based on this trilogy. Don't be put off by these books! Please do read her later books, as I feel that they are some of the gems of my book collection!
Summary of Wideacre : A Novel
Beatrice Lacey, as strong-minded as she is beautiful, refuses to conform to the social customs of her time. Destined to lose her family name and beloved Wideacre estate once she is wed, Beatrice will use any means necessary to protect her ancestral heritage. Seduction, betrayal, even murder -- Beatrice's passion is without apology or conscience. "She is a Lacey of Wideacre," her father warns, "and whatever she does, however she behaves, will always be fitting." Yet even as Beatrice's scheming seems about to yield her dream, she is haunted by the one living person who knows the extent of her plans...and her capacity for evil.Sumptuously set in Georgian England, Wideacre is intensely gripping, rich in texture, and full of color and authenticity. It is a saga as irresistible in its singular magic as its heroine.
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