Two lives torn apart by the French Revolution…
‘What [McMahon has] done is on a par with Sarah Waters – namely, writing satisfying and authentic historical fiction, but with literary excellence’ Kate Mosse
1788. Asa Ardleigh, the impressionable daughter of a country squire, has travelled to Paris with her sister Philippa and Philippa’s new husband. In the heady days before the Revolution, they find a city fizzing with new ideas – and Asa meets and falls in love with a dashing revolutionary, Didier Paulin. When Asa is forced to return to England, their affair is curtailed, but they continue to exchange letters as storm clouds gather over France and war with England looms.
Back in England, no one knows of Asa’s liaison as the family’s financial worries put pressure on her to marry. But then disturbing news reaches Asa from France, and she must decide whether to follow her head or her heart…
‘What [McMahon has] done is on a par with Sarah Waters – namely, writing satisfying and authentic historical fiction, but with literary excellence’ Kate Mosse
1788. Asa Ardleigh, the impressionable daughter of a country squire, has travelled to Paris with her sister Philippa and Philippa’s new husband. In the heady days before the Revolution, they find a city fizzing with new ideas – and Asa meets and falls in love with a dashing revolutionary, Didier Paulin. When Asa is forced to return to England, their affair is curtailed, but they continue to exchange letters as storm clouds gather over France and war with England looms.
Back in England, no one knows of Asa’s liaison as the family’s financial worries put pressure on her to marry. But then disturbing news reaches Asa from France, and she must decide whether to follow her head or her heart…
Reviews
The novel is given depth and colour by the appearance of real historical figures, such as Corday and Mme de Genlis and by McMahon's meticulous research and sense of period.... a spirited and engaging read
McMahon takes no prisoners in this gripping, intelligent historical novel
Well-researched historical figures and references root the book firmly in its setting.
Asa carries the story. She is a fascinating, contradictory heroine: she may be reckless and sometimes naïve, but she is also fiercely intelligent, ardent and loyal
A lush, opulent tale of romance and revolution
A well-written historical novel with compelling characters.
Well-observed and absorbing to the end
bewitching
More Georgette Heyer than Hilary Mantel, this fluent novel captures that heady energy that proves so attractive to young women seeking 'very heaven' in the arms of some revolutionary youth.