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Suffolk #3
The Lonely Furrow
The third novel in a trilogy focuses on the children of Lord Geoffrey, including the child sired by the knight with the Moorish girl who enabled him to escape life imprisonment in Spain
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
24 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Norah Lofts
105 books308 followersNorah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 26, 2016
Sir Godfrey Tallboys' story continues, one of the last Knights of England. This book turns toward the full lives of his offspring. Henry, the eldest, is now tied to the plough. The system that supported his Father's occupation has collapsed with all of the economic and political chaos which surrounded the Civil War and eventual War of the Roses. York has won, but plague, the troubles with France and many other weather and food considerations have altered the former systems of serfdom and husbandry.
The priests and monks in their class. And the nobels in theirs are self-serving. The farmer and the freeman of trade or skill have many difficult years. This book is as dark as The Homecoming (Suffolk #2) and yet it holds more honesty, IMHO. Henry and his siblings. Moynidan and other houses of worth in this area near Bywater and Baildon? So much is in flux. Money of coin is scarce and barter more usually possible.
Life is short and the lawyer necessary. Intake has driven further divisions "across the river" beyond the distance. Witch hunting and superstition are as thick as any theological OR secular beliefs. Trust for a stranger, not always wise.
This follows the Tallboys to their 3rd generation from Sir Godfrey.
The detail for the lives of seasons and the land! Fabulous, fabulous Norah Lofts.
She ends this one with a recognition between the two main protagonists that is final and ultimately satisfying for the reader. That these characters have some hope for brighter future probabilities, but not at all the one the woman has envisioned.
I strongly recommend this Suffolk trio if you have any interest in the rhythm of the fourteenth century English days for the country freeman of England and their extended family which enabled growing husbandry. What and how association and knowledge was "usual" and how life was defined and understood. Lawyer Turnbell of another generation and yet another continues to write his lines. Henry has no time or inclination toward writing. Henry does and has little time for such abstractions. He physically acts to alter their diminished reality, so that some may survive.
I also would not recommend this book without reading the other two of the trio first. It is stand alone in one regard, she repeats basic origins and processes of how the characters have enjoined or connected. BUT those redundancies would be just the bare bones and often confusing. In order to encompass the underlying secrets and voids of what is never said- you need to know the depth of history, learning skills, building and placement fall-outs. Depth in not just the physical or familial genetic makeup, but of the forewarned or supposedly miraculous.
Come to Knight's Acre and see what has grown!
The priests and monks in their class. And the nobels in theirs are self-serving. The farmer and the freeman of trade or skill have many difficult years. This book is as dark as The Homecoming (Suffolk #2) and yet it holds more honesty, IMHO. Henry and his siblings. Moynidan and other houses of worth in this area near Bywater and Baildon? So much is in flux. Money of coin is scarce and barter more usually possible.
Life is short and the lawyer necessary. Intake has driven further divisions "across the river" beyond the distance. Witch hunting and superstition are as thick as any theological OR secular beliefs. Trust for a stranger, not always wise.
This follows the Tallboys to their 3rd generation from Sir Godfrey.
The detail for the lives of seasons and the land! Fabulous, fabulous Norah Lofts.
She ends this one with a recognition between the two main protagonists that is final and ultimately satisfying for the reader. That these characters have some hope for brighter future probabilities, but not at all the one the woman has envisioned.
I strongly recommend this Suffolk trio if you have any interest in the rhythm of the fourteenth century English days for the country freeman of England and their extended family which enabled growing husbandry. What and how association and knowledge was "usual" and how life was defined and understood. Lawyer Turnbell of another generation and yet another continues to write his lines. Henry has no time or inclination toward writing. Henry does and has little time for such abstractions. He physically acts to alter their diminished reality, so that some may survive.
I also would not recommend this book without reading the other two of the trio first. It is stand alone in one regard, she repeats basic origins and processes of how the characters have enjoined or connected. BUT those redundancies would be just the bare bones and often confusing. In order to encompass the underlying secrets and voids of what is never said- you need to know the depth of history, learning skills, building and placement fall-outs. Depth in not just the physical or familial genetic makeup, but of the forewarned or supposedly miraculous.
Come to Knight's Acre and see what has grown!
June 18, 2018
My public library still has a collection of Loft's novels and I read them again when I run out of new releases.
December 19, 2022
The Lonely Furrow
This, the third installment of a trilogy, was a pleasant surprise. Something was lacking in the first two books and there were far too many errors that spoiled the reading. But in book 3 the writing is elevated to a whole new level somehow; characters are well developed; there’s a sophistication in the interweaving of the plots with a subtly textured narrative. The writer is sharp and witty with a superb insight into human nature under the unusual circumstances depicted. And a rewarding denouement finally! I am pleased to have stayed the course.
This, the third installment of a trilogy, was a pleasant surprise. Something was lacking in the first two books and there were far too many errors that spoiled the reading. But in book 3 the writing is elevated to a whole new level somehow; characters are well developed; there’s a sophistication in the interweaving of the plots with a subtly textured narrative. The writer is sharp and witty with a superb insight into human nature under the unusual circumstances depicted. And a rewarding denouement finally! I am pleased to have stayed the course.
May 8, 2019
Set in 15th century England, this is the story of Henry Tallboys, master of Knight's Acre where he chooses to work as a farmer and care for his ward, Joanna. It is a time when marriages are arranged and women do nor inherit anything. The king first, and then the church decide upon the dispensation of wealth. Henry is a mysterious character but Joanna is beautiful, refreshing, and hard-working. Henry does everything he can to give Joanna a good life. The reason why becomes apparent. Physically this book is not an easy read because of the fine print and no chapters. Also, important information is implied rather than spelled out. but I found it to be well worth the effort!
May 18, 2020
Read it
I first discovered the late Nora Lofts in the 1950s. Purchased everything she wrote. I read and reread all of them. Over the years I lost my treasured books. Mostly by loaning to friends who didn’t return them. Imagine my delight when I discovered some of Loft’s work in Kindle. Not all of her books are available. If you decide to read the “Bless this House” series I suggest you read them in order. I highly recommend everything written by Nora Lofts.
I first discovered the late Nora Lofts in the 1950s. Purchased everything she wrote. I read and reread all of them. Over the years I lost my treasured books. Mostly by loaning to friends who didn’t return them. Imagine my delight when I discovered some of Loft’s work in Kindle. Not all of her books are available. If you decide to read the “Bless this House” series I suggest you read them in order. I highly recommend everything written by Nora Lofts.
December 5, 2011
This is the third book of the Godfrey Tallboys trilogy, focusing on Sir Godfrey's and his lady's children - specifically Henry Tallboys, who, as the son of a knight, has chosen to become a farmer. I did like this book, but this was the end of the trilogy and as such, focused quite a bit on the earlier books. I give it an A!
August 22, 2012
I still love her. I always wish there was more to this story.
August 11, 2021
Didn't want to put this one down! Followed on from The Homecoming, such a treat.
January 15, 2022
Well, it's not As Meat Loves Salt, but look at you, Norah Lofts, incorporating a tender and respectful homosexual relationship into a family saga set amid the English civil wars.
We also have: accusations of witchcraft spurred by village politics, rapacious seizure of private citizens' profits to fill the King's purse, plague, tuberculosis, the decline of convents brought about by keeping lapdogs, the dangers of raising sheep on wet ground, and more sibling issues than you can shake a stick at.
The third book in Lofts' Suffolk trilogy, I can't recommend it as a stand-alone; a full understanding of Henry's character depends on familiarity with what came before.
I really wanted the story to continue to a day when Knight's Acre could be fitted out in style, rather than serving as a stark and severe quasi farmhouse brightened only by the didactic Adam and Eve embroidery. I'll have to write that in my head, unless this house is one we meet again in another Lofts book--a very real possibility I will have to look into.
We also have: accusations of witchcraft spurred by village politics, rapacious seizure of private citizens' profits to fill the King's purse, plague, tuberculosis, the decline of convents brought about by keeping lapdogs, the dangers of raising sheep on wet ground, and more sibling issues than you can shake a stick at.
The third book in Lofts' Suffolk trilogy, I can't recommend it as a stand-alone; a full understanding of Henry's character depends on familiarity with what came before.
I really wanted the story to continue to a day when Knight's Acre could be fitted out in style, rather than serving as a stark and severe quasi farmhouse brightened only by the didactic Adam and Eve embroidery. I'll have to write that in my head, unless this house is one we meet again in another Lofts book--a very real possibility I will have to look into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
The Lonely Furrow (Suffolk #3) by Norah Lofts (2022 Book 88)
This was just really bad. It was both boring and irritating and FULL of plot holes and unresolved things throughout. There were several new, unnecessary characters introduced when existing characters needed more story! I cannot for the life of me figure out why something that started out so promising ended with this whimper. For the last few pages I was praying that somehow it could be rescued, but no. It ended in the worst way possible with so much unresolved. It’s like she had written herself into a corner and didn’t know what to do next so she just quit. Pitiful.
I don’t think I’ll be giving any more Lofts novels a chance. I’m feeling burned.
This was just really bad. It was both boring and irritating and FULL of plot holes and unresolved things throughout. There were several new, unnecessary characters introduced when existing characters needed more story! I cannot for the life of me figure out why something that started out so promising ended with this whimper. For the last few pages I was praying that somehow it could be rescued, but no. It ended in the worst way possible with so much unresolved. It’s like she had written herself into a corner and didn’t know what to do next so she just quit. Pitiful.
I don’t think I’ll be giving any more Lofts novels a chance. I’m feeling burned.
February 21, 2018
More mud and struggle for one dimensional characters you have no care for. It's within the author's ability to add a little happiness but they seem stuck in a rut of misery. The book itself is longer than the first two brought about by the repetition of content from the first two books. The author then finds themselves repeating content written earlier in the same book, as if it was written in stages and stuck together. Very poor and I am happy it is finished.
January 22, 2022
The series peters out most disappointingly.
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March 31, 2023rtc
November 29, 2025
Wish there were more books in this series....
May 7, 2008
This is the third in a trilogy of which the first two are Knight's Acre and The Homecoming. Continues in Norah Lofts' strong story-telling mode - but suggest the plot and characters might be a bit confusing if you have not first read the other two books in the trilogy.
October 18, 2011
Continuation of Knight's Acre and The Homecoming.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews