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The Jacobites' Apprentice
1744, and the whole country is threatened once again by civil war as the exiled Stuarts attempt to recover their lost throne. Their Manchester supporters will use any means to raise support and finance for the Jacobite Cause. But those loyal to the current monarchy are equally determined to stop them. As the opposing forces gather, and the threat of civil war becomes a reality, the fates of both sides will lie in the hands of one man - Aran Owen - who must choose between loyalty to the family who have raised him and his burning ambition to become a renowned artist. The finale will be played out on the ramparts of Carlisle Castle in the winter of 1745. Hopes of a Stuart Restoration are dashed - and Aran finally discovers who are the Rogues and who the Righteous within the complex web of his relationships.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
ebook
First published March 12, 2012
3 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
David Ebsworth
25 books104 followersDavid Ebsworth is the pen name of writer, Dave McCall, a former negotiator and Regional Secretary for Britain's Transport & General Workers’ Union. He was born in Liverpool (UK) but has lived since 1980 in Wrexham, North Wales, with his wife, Ann. Following their retirement in 2008, the couple have spent about six months of each year in southern Spain. Dave began to write seriously in the following year, 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 2, 2012
I read another historical fiction book earlier in the year that dealt with the Jacobite rebellion and became interested in learning more. Though "The Jacobite's Apprentice" is historical fiction, it is full of rich historical details.
David Ebsworth obviously did a lot of research!
David Ebsworth obviously did a lot of research!
January 7, 2020
This novel reminded me of Charles Dickens's novels with its lively cast of colorful characters and its complicated plot, with an ending that ties up all the loose ends neatly. Aran Owen is the Jacobite's apprentice and is the thread throughout the story binding its dramatis personae together, although his role in it seems minor. The Jacobite himself, Titus Redmond; his wife Marie-Louise; their daughters Rosina, Katherine, Maeve, Anna-Marie; Rosina's lover, Elizabeth Cooper; Marie-Louise's lover and Rosina's husband, James Bradley; Dudley Striker, Hanoverian spy and murderer; - they all play key roles in this drama of the Jacobite rising of 1744-1745.
This novel is bawdier than anything Charles Dickens wrote, but he was writing in the 18th century so maybe he would have written a book like this if he'd written now. I enjoyed the author's telling of the English side of the Jacobite rising after having read several books from the Scottish side. The fight was a messier story than you get from history books, and it was no sure thing that George II would stay on the throne. The book is long, but keep at it - there are a couple of unexpected twists at the end. I also enjoyed the glossary of 18th century terms at the end of the book (now I know where the "Flashman" series name came from).
Highly recommended.
This novel is bawdier than anything Charles Dickens wrote, but he was writing in the 18th century so maybe he would have written a book like this if he'd written now. I enjoyed the author's telling of the English side of the Jacobite rising after having read several books from the Scottish side. The fight was a messier story than you get from history books, and it was no sure thing that George II would stay on the throne. The book is long, but keep at it - there are a couple of unexpected twists at the end. I also enjoyed the glossary of 18th century terms at the end of the book (now I know where the "Flashman" series name came from).
Highly recommended.
July 20, 2014
This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour and was given as an ARC - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=312
There are several aspects I very much enjoy about David Ebsworth’s writing, however there is something I always wish was a little different – I wish his books were easier to get into from the start! #When you’re hooked, you’re hooked good and proper, but sometimes this just takes a little longer than some books and takes that little bit more perseverance. Well, there’s my niggle over with, and now I’ll tell you why I love this author’s work!
Firstly, for those who didn’t know, history is a little bit of a passion of mine, and historical fiction, like this, is quite possibly my favourite genre. But why do you need to know this? Bear with me, I’m getting there! With all that in mind, it really needs mentioning how accurate and detailed Ebsworth’s immersion into this historical period is. The research simply exudes from every page and it is very well written into the actual plot of the story. Ebsworth makes the plot tell the history, rather than the other way round and he does so magnificently.
In addition, and linked to my previous point, the language in this book is fantastic and completely in keeping with the time period. This, particularly in the dialogue, helps to really complete the experience of the reading, and it adds a whole new dimension. In fact, perhaps the thing that I like the most about this book is the very crucial fact that I learnt things whilst reading it. I have never read an author that imparts so much knowledge through a familiar medium of story telling, it really does show great skill and I doff my hat to Ebsworth.
Furthermore, something I really relished as I got further into the tale was how difficult this book was to put down. Considering the detailed start, where the story was laid out and we were introduced to the key players, this was a pleasant surprise and one I very much enjoyed. The plot twists and turns are great at keeping you on your toes and engaged in the tale, and the writing style is one that pulls you further into all of the characters lives, due to the way we see snippets into each of their thoughts. This is yet another great skill shown by Ebsworth as I know from experience how difficult it is to show their different viewpoints whilst not losing the thread of the story and also not losing the reader amongst all these characters, but Ebsworth does this with great skill and panache and it is truly a delight to read.
The final thing I want to mention is the characters, particularly Aran Owen and Striker, although the whole cast of assembled characters is truly varied and representative of the whole range of society. Let’s start with Aran, a simple Welshman who got lucky, a talented painter and a key player in the struggle of the Jacobites. Now place him opposite Dudley Striker, an incredibly clever and calculating individual, but one who is also immensely cruel and has a very intense survival instinct. These two characters are the key players really, and they are fantastically well developed and a true delight to read. I honestly don’t know how they work together, but they are just fantastic, especially when supported by the likes of Bradley, Titus and the sharp witted duo of Rosina and Mistress Cooper.
In conclusion, I have to doff my hat to Ebsworth. This is a fantastic story that weaves history, characters and a fantastic plot together to make a very enjoyable read. It’s the kind of book you have to think about as you read it, which suits me greatly, however it does make it somewhat difficult to dip into for a quick page or two at bedtime. That said, it is most definitely worth the effort as you are repaid hundred-fold with knowledge and a reading experience you won’t forget. For you history lovers, and those of you who enjoy a good book to really sink your teeth into, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
There are several aspects I very much enjoy about David Ebsworth’s writing, however there is something I always wish was a little different – I wish his books were easier to get into from the start! #When you’re hooked, you’re hooked good and proper, but sometimes this just takes a little longer than some books and takes that little bit more perseverance. Well, there’s my niggle over with, and now I’ll tell you why I love this author’s work!
Firstly, for those who didn’t know, history is a little bit of a passion of mine, and historical fiction, like this, is quite possibly my favourite genre. But why do you need to know this? Bear with me, I’m getting there! With all that in mind, it really needs mentioning how accurate and detailed Ebsworth’s immersion into this historical period is. The research simply exudes from every page and it is very well written into the actual plot of the story. Ebsworth makes the plot tell the history, rather than the other way round and he does so magnificently.
In addition, and linked to my previous point, the language in this book is fantastic and completely in keeping with the time period. This, particularly in the dialogue, helps to really complete the experience of the reading, and it adds a whole new dimension. In fact, perhaps the thing that I like the most about this book is the very crucial fact that I learnt things whilst reading it. I have never read an author that imparts so much knowledge through a familiar medium of story telling, it really does show great skill and I doff my hat to Ebsworth.
Furthermore, something I really relished as I got further into the tale was how difficult this book was to put down. Considering the detailed start, where the story was laid out and we were introduced to the key players, this was a pleasant surprise and one I very much enjoyed. The plot twists and turns are great at keeping you on your toes and engaged in the tale, and the writing style is one that pulls you further into all of the characters lives, due to the way we see snippets into each of their thoughts. This is yet another great skill shown by Ebsworth as I know from experience how difficult it is to show their different viewpoints whilst not losing the thread of the story and also not losing the reader amongst all these characters, but Ebsworth does this with great skill and panache and it is truly a delight to read.
The final thing I want to mention is the characters, particularly Aran Owen and Striker, although the whole cast of assembled characters is truly varied and representative of the whole range of society. Let’s start with Aran, a simple Welshman who got lucky, a talented painter and a key player in the struggle of the Jacobites. Now place him opposite Dudley Striker, an incredibly clever and calculating individual, but one who is also immensely cruel and has a very intense survival instinct. These two characters are the key players really, and they are fantastically well developed and a true delight to read. I honestly don’t know how they work together, but they are just fantastic, especially when supported by the likes of Bradley, Titus and the sharp witted duo of Rosina and Mistress Cooper.
In conclusion, I have to doff my hat to Ebsworth. This is a fantastic story that weaves history, characters and a fantastic plot together to make a very enjoyable read. It’s the kind of book you have to think about as you read it, which suits me greatly, however it does make it somewhat difficult to dip into for a quick page or two at bedtime. That said, it is most definitely worth the effort as you are repaid hundred-fold with knowledge and a reading experience you won’t forget. For you history lovers, and those of you who enjoy a good book to really sink your teeth into, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
November 3, 2014
I picked "Jacobites' Apprentice" by David Ebsworth for two reasons. Because my father's ancestors had lived in one of the areas that is in this book and also I had read two books that dealth with the Jacobites.
I read some 50 pages and then had to stop. Because of the complexity and the very many characters to keep track of I gave up after that. I tried, I kept notes on who was who for the pages read and got discouraged. Also, I wasn't prepared for some of the bawdy language. I don't blame the author for including it, it was probably a sign of the times, it just made it more of a struggle to read this book.
For months, I tried to figure out how many stars to give this book. I don't think that I can rightly make that decision as I was unable to finish this book. Also, I believe that historians of this period would truly enjoy it. But I could not force myself through it so I am leaving it unrated as far as stars. This is the first time that I have decided to do this.
I received this book as a win from GoodReads but that in no way influenced my review.
Update: I changed my mind and decided to give this book three stars. I believe that the content is OK but not for me.
I read some 50 pages and then had to stop. Because of the complexity and the very many characters to keep track of I gave up after that. I tried, I kept notes on who was who for the pages read and got discouraged. Also, I wasn't prepared for some of the bawdy language. I don't blame the author for including it, it was probably a sign of the times, it just made it more of a struggle to read this book.
For months, I tried to figure out how many stars to give this book. I don't think that I can rightly make that decision as I was unable to finish this book. Also, I believe that historians of this period would truly enjoy it. But I could not force myself through it so I am leaving it unrated as far as stars. This is the first time that I have decided to do this.
I received this book as a win from GoodReads but that in no way influenced my review.
Update: I changed my mind and decided to give this book three stars. I believe that the content is OK but not for me.
November 12, 2012
This is a phenomenally well-researched book, a work of historical fiction involving romance, drama and old-fashioned storytelling. It is also approximately a million pages long. It is very complex, very chunky and it took me forever to get through. It is so detailed, with so many characters and things to remember, that I found myself swamped and had to keep taking breaks from the book which, in turn, just intensified the problems I was having getting through it. I won this book as a First Read through Goodreads and because of that, I made a conscious effort to try harder with it when normally I would have given up. The author clearly puts a lot of time and energy into his writing and we have exchanged several pleasant emails. This makes it difficult to be honest in reviewing the book, because I can't give it more than 3 stars. I would urge other readers to think carefully before committing to it. Definitely for historical enthusiasts or people with a lot of time and concentration to spare.
October 29, 2012
In the 1740s Manchester, England is a town divided by its loyalty to the king; but which king? The Hanoverian George II whose father was brought from Germany to rule, or the Stuart James III, in exile on the Continent, but ready to stake his claim through his son and regent, Price Charles Edward? Religion, wealth, class, politics and sex all play a role in the events that unfold in this novel as it follows the fortunes of the Redmond family and their apprentice Aran Owen. Add to the mix Dudley Striker, an agent for the Duke of Newcastle with his devious agenda and penchant for causing pain and the powder keg is ready to explode.
Not a fast read, but a worthwhile one, especially if your view of the '45 Jacobite Rising is a romantic vision of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and Flora MacDonald.
Not a fast read, but a worthwhile one, especially if your view of the '45 Jacobite Rising is a romantic vision of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and Flora MacDonald.
January 4, 2013
If you like historical fiction, this beast of a book is well worth a read. It took me a while to read, but that was because it was so heavy, I couldn't hold it for long!
It was obvious that a great deal of research took place before writing this story. The characters were well developed and I loved them all. There was a great amount of detail in the description of the landscapes and of the characters and their homes. It all helped to set the scene and to draw me into the story. I couldn't wait to read further to find out what was going to happen.
My only reservation is that there were a large number of characters to keep track of, but once I got into the story, this became easier.
I would gladly read more from this author.
It was obvious that a great deal of research took place before writing this story. The characters were well developed and I loved them all. There was a great amount of detail in the description of the landscapes and of the characters and their homes. It all helped to set the scene and to draw me into the story. I couldn't wait to read further to find out what was going to happen.
My only reservation is that there were a large number of characters to keep track of, but once I got into the story, this became easier.
I would gladly read more from this author.
March 5, 2013
Enjoyed this book, for a first novel, it was quite epic. I loved the first few chapters, then it slowed down a bit, but I stuck with it and am glad I did. It was clear that a lot of research has gone into the story and it is an excellent story of the Manchester Jacobites. The sub-plot about the lesbian love affair is sensitively written and very much in-context for the period. I look forward to future books.
December 12, 2012
Not what I was expecting in a historical fiction, and definitely not an easy read. The book is well researched, but being written in 3rd person the characters lacked depth. I must say that I picked it up and put it back down many, many times. I love historical fiction and I love this time period, it was just not a style of writing that I enjoy.
January 16, 2023
Excellent book!!!
January 27, 2013
Wow what a great book!Well written and researched and is exactly all the things an historical novel should be. Watch out for my review!
September 11, 2014
We are proud to announce that JACOBITES’ APPRENTICE by David Ebsworth is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews