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The Family Mansion: A Novel
A darkly comic novel of an Englishman in nineteenth-century “A powerful and deeply moving tour de force” (Library Journal). The Family Mansion tells the story of Hartley Fudges, whose personal destiny unfolds against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Britain, a time when English society was based upon the strictest subordination and stratification of the classes. Hartley’s decision to migrate to Jamaica at the age of twenty-three seems sensible at in the early 1800s Jamaica was far and away the richest and most opulent of all the crown colonies. But for all its fabulous wealth, Jamaica was a difficult and inhospitable place for an immigrant. Aside from violent slave revolts, newcomers had to survive the nemesis of the white man in the tropics—namely, yellow fever. From the author of God Carlos, who writes with “a genuine fondness for this complicated and conflicted place,” this is a riveting work of historical fiction filled with a blend of sadness and sly humor (Publishers Weekly). “Winkler submits imperialist dogma and the English aristocracy’s casual acceptance of violence and cruelty to punishing satirical critique. He takes special pleasure in redefining the idea of the ‘English gentleman,’ embodied by his clueless and spoiled protagonist, Hartley Fudges, a terrifically rendered young English aristocrat who gets himself banished to Jamaica after attempting to kill his brother for his inheritance . . . Essential reading for fans of literary fiction.” —Library Journal
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
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483 people want to read
About the author
Anthony C. Winkler
68 books39 followersAnthony C. Winkler was a successful Jamaican novelist and popular contributor to many post-secondary English literary texts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 1, 2013
It is the late 1800's and Henry Fudges has a problem. He is a second son, raised as a gentleman, but unable to inherit the family estate, money or the dukedom. His options are the clergy, the British armed forces, marriage to a widow, which he tries but is rejected, or to take his chances by trying to make his fortune in one of the colonies that Britain holds. Which brings him to Jamaica, an experience that will change his life.
Where has this author been all my life? He is witty, I was reading this outside and since I am on a corner every one passing by probably thought I was insane, ironic, informative and so easy to read.
We learn everything from the emergence of the zipper, the history of dueling, what it means to be a gentlemen in this time period, the threat of the mosquito and the lack of a cure for yellow fever and the spread of gonorrhea. We also learn about the history of Jamaica, the sugar industry, the importation and treatment of the slaves, there is just so much to this rather short book and it was for the most part amusing. A superb comedy of errors. Now I just need to see if my library has more of his books.
Where has this author been all my life? He is witty, I was reading this outside and since I am on a corner every one passing by probably thought I was insane, ironic, informative and so easy to read.
We learn everything from the emergence of the zipper, the history of dueling, what it means to be a gentlemen in this time period, the threat of the mosquito and the lack of a cure for yellow fever and the spread of gonorrhea. We also learn about the history of Jamaica, the sugar industry, the importation and treatment of the slaves, there is just so much to this rather short book and it was for the most part amusing. A superb comedy of errors. Now I just need to see if my library has more of his books.
January 23, 2018
Anthony C. Winkler can do no wrong, this much is clear.
For 2018 I decided to read a lot more Caribbean Authors, so in my first Library haul for the year I decided to pick up one of the few Winkler books I have never read- "The Family Mansion". Having read most of Winkler's books this one was totally left field for me, but it maintains the one thing that is evident in all of Winkler's book- it was hella funny.
The book was set in the 1800s and follows the life of Henry Fudges, born the second son in England, which means he has not claim to the family fortune and is left to make a fortune for himself. The story follows 25yr Fudges heading to Jamaica to oversee a plantation- a life he knows nothing about.
Winkler really speaks to what the 1800s was like in Jamaica and I absolutely adored the historical aspect of it- especially as a Jamaican. Overall I did enjoy the book, at times I felt Winkler tried too hard to be funny but the plot was very engaging.
If you are a fan of Winkler, no doubt you will love this one.
For 2018 I decided to read a lot more Caribbean Authors, so in my first Library haul for the year I decided to pick up one of the few Winkler books I have never read- "The Family Mansion". Having read most of Winkler's books this one was totally left field for me, but it maintains the one thing that is evident in all of Winkler's book- it was hella funny.
The book was set in the 1800s and follows the life of Henry Fudges, born the second son in England, which means he has not claim to the family fortune and is left to make a fortune for himself. The story follows 25yr Fudges heading to Jamaica to oversee a plantation- a life he knows nothing about.
Winkler really speaks to what the 1800s was like in Jamaica and I absolutely adored the historical aspect of it- especially as a Jamaican. Overall I did enjoy the book, at times I felt Winkler tried too hard to be funny but the plot was very engaging.
If you are a fan of Winkler, no doubt you will love this one.
April 17, 2013
As is usual, I received this book for free through the kind consideration of a GoodReads giveaway. Despite this kindness, I'll give my candid opinions below.
Our protagonist is the second son of an English aristocrat. The inheritance laws of the day state clearly that as second-born, when his father the Duke dies, he won't get so much as a farthing. It is from this position of impending penniless that our hero approaches his life. After a brief and unsuccessful attempt to wrestle the estate from his older brother, he finds himself on a Jamaican sugar cane plantation in 1805, home of brutal slavery, yellow fever and more than a few lessons about how the world works for those without silver spoons firmly clasped in their newborn palates.
Winkler's novel has a lot to recommend it. For one thing, Winkler isn't afraid to give his readers a bit of a history lesson in the midst of his narrative. At various points, a educations in primogeniture, yellow fever, dueling and aristocratic honor are provided in a very tidy and succinct manner. Those not firmly aware of their 19th century history need not fear. Our author also isn't afraid to take on some heady issues from human rights (which were certainly in flux at the time) to classism (is our nabob really all that much better than the man he bought for 50 pounds?). He does all this in an almost effortlessly easy to digest manner; there are a lot of ideas packaged into a very slick and palatable pill...
... but my only real complaint, I suppose, is that this pill is sometimes too slick. His dialog can at times be anachronistic and his situations too easily resolved. This is not the typically dense and complex historical novel one tends to find in this genre. Instead it is rather glossy and a very quick and light read. That said it's a great introduction for those not accustomed to the sometimes impenetrable density of novels set in far-off climes well before the reader's great-great-grandsire was born.
In summary, one of my few solid five-star books for the year so far. Even more telling, I'll make a point to remember Anthony C. Winkler and pick up another book or two at some point. Exceptional storytelling in a light yet educational style.
PS: It is my endeavor to provide reviews that are succinct, honest, balanced and above all help the potential reader to answer the simple question, “Do I want to read this or not?” Any feedback you can provide about how you feel I have accomplished those goals (or not) is immensely appreciated.
Our protagonist is the second son of an English aristocrat. The inheritance laws of the day state clearly that as second-born, when his father the Duke dies, he won't get so much as a farthing. It is from this position of impending penniless that our hero approaches his life. After a brief and unsuccessful attempt to wrestle the estate from his older brother, he finds himself on a Jamaican sugar cane plantation in 1805, home of brutal slavery, yellow fever and more than a few lessons about how the world works for those without silver spoons firmly clasped in their newborn palates.
Winkler's novel has a lot to recommend it. For one thing, Winkler isn't afraid to give his readers a bit of a history lesson in the midst of his narrative. At various points, a educations in primogeniture, yellow fever, dueling and aristocratic honor are provided in a very tidy and succinct manner. Those not firmly aware of their 19th century history need not fear. Our author also isn't afraid to take on some heady issues from human rights (which were certainly in flux at the time) to classism (is our nabob really all that much better than the man he bought for 50 pounds?). He does all this in an almost effortlessly easy to digest manner; there are a lot of ideas packaged into a very slick and palatable pill...
... but my only real complaint, I suppose, is that this pill is sometimes too slick. His dialog can at times be anachronistic and his situations too easily resolved. This is not the typically dense and complex historical novel one tends to find in this genre. Instead it is rather glossy and a very quick and light read. That said it's a great introduction for those not accustomed to the sometimes impenetrable density of novels set in far-off climes well before the reader's great-great-grandsire was born.
In summary, one of my few solid five-star books for the year so far. Even more telling, I'll make a point to remember Anthony C. Winkler and pick up another book or two at some point. Exceptional storytelling in a light yet educational style.
PS: It is my endeavor to provide reviews that are succinct, honest, balanced and above all help the potential reader to answer the simple question, “Do I want to read this or not?” Any feedback you can provide about how you feel I have accomplished those goals (or not) is immensely appreciated.
May 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, in spite of the fact that I felt it was not very PC regarding slavery and slaves. I understand it was written from the perspective of a British aristocrat in the early 1800s, which was unique and interesting. I knew nothing about early Jamaica history. I found the story nicely paced. Hartley Fudges was presented warts and all. The story no doubt mirrors the angst and adventures of second sons during the times of primogeniture. Well worth the read!
May 14, 2013
The Family Mansion by Anthony C. Winkler is a witty, funny and a bit bawdy historical fiction trip from London in 1805 to Jamaica and return. I am amazed at the author’s Jamaican charm and daring. He takes what could be turned into a boring treatise to a book that is very difficult to put it down.
From Mr. Winkler’s description of the smells and dangers of wandering under the windows and the two man rickshaws of the time, you really do feel like you are in London and you would probably want to leave. The main character, Hartley Fudges, is an Eton man with no understanding of what he has read; speaking in the proper nasal tones of a gentleman he does seem to have a peculiar outlook on life. It was his misfortune to the be the second son of his long standing family. Second sons inherit zilch, they can be clergy, military men, or go abroad to seek their fortunes. The third choice is Hartley’s. Due to his lack of morality and the failure of a self -designed plot, he has no choice but to leave London and go to Jamaica. His timing for participation in the sugar cane industry is excellent but the troubles are many in Jamaica. There are so many problems like slavery, the heat and disease and nothing to do except work.
Surviving a long two part bout of yellow fever, Hartley Fudges sets out to be his own idea of a gentleman.
At first I didn’t know what to make up Hartley Fudges and then I thought it was best to keep reading. I enjoyed the humor and the strange way of the characters. I learned so much history and can almost say that I experienced the heat and beauty that because so every day after a while of Jamaica.
Aside from blushing a few times while reading, I highly recommend this book for a way of learning about slavery in Jamaica and the English gentleman.
I received this book as a win from Library Thing and that in no way influenced my review, my thoughts are totally my own.
From Mr. Winkler’s description of the smells and dangers of wandering under the windows and the two man rickshaws of the time, you really do feel like you are in London and you would probably want to leave. The main character, Hartley Fudges, is an Eton man with no understanding of what he has read; speaking in the proper nasal tones of a gentleman he does seem to have a peculiar outlook on life. It was his misfortune to the be the second son of his long standing family. Second sons inherit zilch, they can be clergy, military men, or go abroad to seek their fortunes. The third choice is Hartley’s. Due to his lack of morality and the failure of a self -designed plot, he has no choice but to leave London and go to Jamaica. His timing for participation in the sugar cane industry is excellent but the troubles are many in Jamaica. There are so many problems like slavery, the heat and disease and nothing to do except work.
Surviving a long two part bout of yellow fever, Hartley Fudges sets out to be his own idea of a gentleman.
At first I didn’t know what to make up Hartley Fudges and then I thought it was best to keep reading. I enjoyed the humor and the strange way of the characters. I learned so much history and can almost say that I experienced the heat and beauty that because so every day after a while of Jamaica.
Aside from blushing a few times while reading, I highly recommend this book for a way of learning about slavery in Jamaica and the English gentleman.
I received this book as a win from Library Thing and that in no way influenced my review, my thoughts are totally my own.
December 13, 2019
A Singular Experience
Anthony C. Winkler's The Family Mansion is a book like no other I have read, part picaresque novel, part educational text, part philosophical treatise. It is funny and enlightening, edifying and entertaining. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever been curious about what makes an English gentleman an English gentleman. You may be surprised by what you learn. Along the way you will also learn a lot about Jamaica, sugar plantations, slavery and how the English swallowed both men and cultures whole in the name of empire. Fascinating stuff!
Anthony C. Winkler's The Family Mansion is a book like no other I have read, part picaresque novel, part educational text, part philosophical treatise. It is funny and enlightening, edifying and entertaining. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever been curious about what makes an English gentleman an English gentleman. You may be surprised by what you learn. Along the way you will also learn a lot about Jamaica, sugar plantations, slavery and how the English swallowed both men and cultures whole in the name of empire. Fascinating stuff!
December 30, 2016
Anthony C. Winkler is a master novelist. Totally drawn into a novel examining the historic truths of Jamaica. The unexpected twists as the main character moves through the customs of English society that forces him to Jamaica through the strangely English primogenitor laws. Winkler examines what is freedom and what makes one a slave. The humor reminds me so of Evelyn Waugh with a Jamrock touch.
January 23, 2024
Mr. Winkler’s disdain for the British in general and the British aristocracy in particular comes across in this novel like a slap in the face. However, even if you do not hold the same sentiments it is impossible not to find the first part of this book hilariously funny. With his special style of sardonic wit he makes the practice of primogeniture and the rigid upper-lip of the British upper-crust sound positively ridiculous.
(Winkler’s impeccable authority over the English language is impressive and so I was dumbfounded to find an ‘oops’ moment on page 30 in which ‘butler’ and ‘valet’ are referred to as one and the same, which most certainly is not the case.)
However, moving on: Second son Hartley Fudges, having failed miserably at disposing of his elder brother, the heir apparent to the family mansion, is shipped off to the small island of Jamaica whereupon the story becomes heavy with the narrative of plantation life and slavery in 1805 Jamaica and thus terminates the flow of hilarity.
There are sections where the author sounds more like a lecturer in morals and an instructor in history. In a departure from most historical fiction novels Mr. Winkler often offers the reader the distinction between 1805 and the present day with information such as: Twenty-first-century Falmouth is a town in a stupor; nineteenth-century Falmouth was a bustling port……” (Pg.86), which takes away from the mood of a historical fiction.
Winkler cleverly creates the scenario of the slave, Cuffy, demanding to be taught how to be a proper English gentleman in order to fight a duel with his former master, Hartley Fudges, who had the audacity to free him. Such a scenario is pregnant with the possibility of hilarity; disappointingly it takes a downward turn into the awfulness of slavery and ceases to be funny.
Read: May 9, 2014
(Winkler’s impeccable authority over the English language is impressive and so I was dumbfounded to find an ‘oops’ moment on page 30 in which ‘butler’ and ‘valet’ are referred to as one and the same, which most certainly is not the case.)
However, moving on: Second son Hartley Fudges, having failed miserably at disposing of his elder brother, the heir apparent to the family mansion, is shipped off to the small island of Jamaica whereupon the story becomes heavy with the narrative of plantation life and slavery in 1805 Jamaica and thus terminates the flow of hilarity.
There are sections where the author sounds more like a lecturer in morals and an instructor in history. In a departure from most historical fiction novels Mr. Winkler often offers the reader the distinction between 1805 and the present day with information such as: Twenty-first-century Falmouth is a town in a stupor; nineteenth-century Falmouth was a bustling port……” (Pg.86), which takes away from the mood of a historical fiction.
Winkler cleverly creates the scenario of the slave, Cuffy, demanding to be taught how to be a proper English gentleman in order to fight a duel with his former master, Hartley Fudges, who had the audacity to free him. Such a scenario is pregnant with the possibility of hilarity; disappointingly it takes a downward turn into the awfulness of slavery and ceases to be funny.
Read: May 9, 2014
December 23, 2018
The author of this book was born in Jamaica and set his novel there. It takes place in the early 1800s when a 2nd son of a minor British duke, Hartley Fudges, is sent off to find a life since he cannot inherit his father's estate, the family mansion. The book is full of description - first of a duel that goes wrong, then a sea voyage, and finally the particulars of life on the island. Unfortunately the plot and characters are not as well done. The story is told from the point of view of an omniscient narrator. The narrator occasionally breaks from the story completely and speaks directly to the reader to offer some historical data. I found this to be very off-putting and distracting. While there are several social issues discussed, one feels beat over the head with them. It is a story of colonialism but few of the characters have enough depth for the reader to care about what happens to them. I found the slave personas to be the most interesting, but they weren't enough to carry the book in my opinion.
May 16, 2019
What an unexpected surprise...
And this is why I love reading - - to see behind the eyes of a different person - - even if, as in this case - the person happens to be an entitled (kind of, lol) young white male. With - for some reason - and exceptionally long, um, donkey. And it comes up. A lot.
And this is why I love reading - - to see behind the eyes of a different person - - even if, as in this case - the person happens to be an entitled (kind of, lol) young white male. With - for some reason - and exceptionally long, um, donkey. And it comes up. A lot.
May 8, 2023
I thought this was a very interesting book. The history of the plantations during the 19th century in Jamaica, the revolting of the slaves, and the rules of the gentry among the Engish were new and fascinating to me. It was a good story about one of the many second sons during that time and what life choices were open to them. Think Prince Harry. I love historical history.
February 22, 2020
This was a sly story that turned the "dynamics" of race, class and gender and colonialism on its head. Sharp, acerbic satire that made me laugh out loud at times and left me pondering at other times. Winkler is a first-class satirist.
August 13, 2022
It was just ok. Nothing special. I didn't find his humour as irresistible as everyone else. Perhaps I'll try another of his books before I judge too harshly. It was a digital library book. I find most books I read this way not as enjoyable.
October 16, 2023
I have now read all of Winkler's fiction! He is truly the Mark Twain of Jamaica.
The Family Mansion is a great historical read, humorous, sad, and enlightening on the human condition, and on Jamaica, and its immigrants.
The Family Mansion is a great historical read, humorous, sad, and enlightening on the human condition, and on Jamaica, and its immigrants.
November 18, 2019
Quick read and quirky. England and Jamaica in the early 18th century.
Read
March 7, 2021DNF
April 17, 2022
The humourous ways in which Winkler reveals the puffed up perception that the Brits held of themselves and their superiority was a highlight in this read.
Read
January 11, 2024The disagreeable and horny second son goes to Jamaica in the early 19th century, falls in love with a slave and goes home.
October 25, 2020
It was ok. Not the best, but still a good historical read. Not as humorous as his other books.
May 7, 2023
I liked this novel but I thought it would be better. I had previously read Winkler's book "The Lunatic" and thought it was a great book because of its original plot and humor. However, while the "Family Mansion" made me chuckle once in a while, and it was very informative in terms of England's primogeniture practice and Jamaica during slavery, I felt that something was missing to make this novel memorable.
I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters set in England. This was probably because I knew very little about England's primogeniture practice. Nevertheless, because I am a fan of Caribbean litearture, I have read many novels about slavery and colonial times on these islands, so I thought that the chapters set in Jamaica had nothing new to offer regarding this topic. They were still interesting plot wise, but its goal to inform about colonial times in Jamaica had nothing insightful to offer if you are already familiar with this topic.
Something I enjoyed about this novel was Winkler's writing skills. Not only he makes a terrific job at evoking the sounds, sights and smells of both England and Jamaica, but he also made an impressive display of his rich lexicon. Moreover, while the novel is peppered with historical facts about England and Jamaica, it never feels like a history book, and it flows and makes for a fast-paced read.
All in all, it is a good novel, but I didn't think it was memorable. I am still eager to his his debut novel "The Painted Canoe", which has been on my bookshelf for years but never get round to reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters set in England. This was probably because I knew very little about England's primogeniture practice. Nevertheless, because I am a fan of Caribbean litearture, I have read many novels about slavery and colonial times on these islands, so I thought that the chapters set in Jamaica had nothing new to offer regarding this topic. They were still interesting plot wise, but its goal to inform about colonial times in Jamaica had nothing insightful to offer if you are already familiar with this topic.
Something I enjoyed about this novel was Winkler's writing skills. Not only he makes a terrific job at evoking the sounds, sights and smells of both England and Jamaica, but he also made an impressive display of his rich lexicon. Moreover, while the novel is peppered with historical facts about England and Jamaica, it never feels like a history book, and it flows and makes for a fast-paced read.
All in all, it is a good novel, but I didn't think it was memorable. I am still eager to his his debut novel "The Painted Canoe", which has been on my bookshelf for years but never get round to reading.
Read
January 11, 2013Great, funny satire of European colonization of Jamaica. Hartley Fudges attempts to assassinate his brother because otherwise he will inherit nothing himself, thanks to the English law of Progeniture. His brother basically slaps his hand in return and, with the help of their father, condemns him to Jamaica "to make his own way." There, Hartley languishes in boredom on a plantation. He nearly dies the first month of yellow fever. But upon awakening he discovers that his identity as a proper English gentleman has no place in his new savage surroundings. Having bought a slave upon arriving, he now feels the prospect to be somewhat tiring and gives his slave his freedom. Ironically, he had also taught his slave the very shallow understanding of Plato that he himself knew - the perfect mirror image of ourselves exists in another universe. The slave got it into his head that he wanted to be the perfect slave but when he was given his freedom that chance for perfection was ripped away from him. Angered, he becomes a rebel slave with, unknown to Hartley, intentions to have his revenge in the form of a proper English duel with his previous Master. Hartley also finds himself in love with a slave woman (after a series of dissatasifying rapes of other women) ... he is shocked by his love for her considering that she doesn't speak, write or read English very well at all. But they live in happiness until Hartley is kidnapped by his slave. He tries to get out of the duel by saying only proper English gentleman can fight duels. So the slave insists that he teach him how to be exactly proper before they fight. So a grotesque training session begins. Just in time, Hartley's slave lover rescues him and they try to run to the boats to return to England (Hartley has convinced himself that his family will accept her in time.) But they are intercepted by the slave on the road. He attempts to shoot Hartley but the lover throws herself in front of him. He ends up going off to England by himself and living "happily ever after" according to standards that no longer make sense to him.
Very cheeky. Liked it a lot.
Like: Vonnegut, Chuck P, Mark Twain
Very cheeky. Liked it a lot.
Like: Vonnegut, Chuck P, Mark Twain
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2013
We first meet Hartley Fudges, the main character, in England, where he bemoans his bad luck at being the second (and non inheriting) son of a wealthy aristocrat. Since he will not inherit anything from his father due to England’s primogeniture laws, his options for the future are limited-marry for wealth, join the clergy, or head to the colonies to make a living. After some very bad choices, Hartley does head out – to work at a sugar plantation in Jamaica. Once there, he immediately falls ill with Yellow Fever, which he barely survives. After his recuperation, Hartley works as a backra, one of six white men who run the plantation under the manager.
Mr. Winkler has written an amusing, at times satirical novel, while touching on important historical aspects, such as human rights, slavery, and colonization. There were times I felt it was almost too funny, but I never lost interest in the story. I especially enjoyed the way the author described Hartley’s surroundings-
“London in 1805 was a crowded, dirty city exploding with industry and people. The streets were jammed with horse-drawn carriages, and the pedestrians swarming everywhere had the pallor and bustling, scurrying energy of constant motion that might be found in a population of hungry marsupials. Everywhere the eye looked it beheld smokestacks, grimy working men, sidewalk butchers, shrieking hankerers, and peddlers against a backdrop of persistent staccato hoof beats made by overworked horses harnessed to carriages, hackney cabs, and drays.”
I would recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received this book through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. Winkler has written an amusing, at times satirical novel, while touching on important historical aspects, such as human rights, slavery, and colonization. There were times I felt it was almost too funny, but I never lost interest in the story. I especially enjoyed the way the author described Hartley’s surroundings-
“London in 1805 was a crowded, dirty city exploding with industry and people. The streets were jammed with horse-drawn carriages, and the pedestrians swarming everywhere had the pallor and bustling, scurrying energy of constant motion that might be found in a population of hungry marsupials. Everywhere the eye looked it beheld smokestacks, grimy working men, sidewalk butchers, shrieking hankerers, and peddlers against a backdrop of persistent staccato hoof beats made by overworked horses harnessed to carriages, hackney cabs, and drays.”
I would recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received this book through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2013
In 19th century England, the aristocracy were compelled to follow primogeniture laws, where first born sons inherited all the family wealth and second or subsequent born sons were left to find other means to scrape out a living without family financial support. Despite this, these sons were still expected to uphold social morals and values. Many travelled to the colonies to start new lives.
In the novel, THE FAMILY MANSION, second born son, Hartley Fudges, is faced with the dilemma of how to support himself. The easiest way to gain wealth would be to seduce and then marry a young wealthy widow. When this fails, he attempts to murder his elder brother with disastrous results. His plot is discovered and his father exiles him to Jamaica. There, on a sugar plantation, Hartley must learn to manage not only the daily operations, but slaves and their forced labour. In this land of contrasts, slave vs master, black vs white, poor vs rich, Hartley seeks to adapt, hoping to find contentment and happiness.
As a native of Jamaica, the author is able to weave intricate historical and environmental details which lend authenticity to this satire. The novel is charming, filled with accurate facts, and gives precious insight into a way of life long abandoned. The characters are vividly portrayed, their actions cleverly touching upon the readers’ emotions because of their heart-wrenching predicaments and/or sometimes laugh-out-loud antics. It is written in an easy to read prose. Witty, humorous, and full of interesting predicaments, this is a wonderful human interest story.
In the novel, THE FAMILY MANSION, second born son, Hartley Fudges, is faced with the dilemma of how to support himself. The easiest way to gain wealth would be to seduce and then marry a young wealthy widow. When this fails, he attempts to murder his elder brother with disastrous results. His plot is discovered and his father exiles him to Jamaica. There, on a sugar plantation, Hartley must learn to manage not only the daily operations, but slaves and their forced labour. In this land of contrasts, slave vs master, black vs white, poor vs rich, Hartley seeks to adapt, hoping to find contentment and happiness.
As a native of Jamaica, the author is able to weave intricate historical and environmental details which lend authenticity to this satire. The novel is charming, filled with accurate facts, and gives precious insight into a way of life long abandoned. The characters are vividly portrayed, their actions cleverly touching upon the readers’ emotions because of their heart-wrenching predicaments and/or sometimes laugh-out-loud antics. It is written in an easy to read prose. Witty, humorous, and full of interesting predicaments, this is a wonderful human interest story.
October 8, 2013
Although I don't think that this is a really great novel, I really enjoyed it. It felt quite different from the usual, sweeping historical fiction novels to which I've become accustom. This one is a bit slick and quick with a hesitant and distant finish - a quick read. However, it has a really fascinating, albeit slightly vacuous and unlikable, main character and the whole story works so well around this strange guy. I really wanted to see what was going to happen to him and what choices would he make. He ended up in Jamaica, which is what made the story so fun and interesting. The author occasionally stops the action to give brief and tidy history lessons that are quite palatable and enjoyable. There is a lot of humor and somewhat perverted topics, which was also fun. I rather wish it had been more developed into a longer story! I will seek out this author again. If you like historical fiction in less than 300 pgs, grab this book.
November 24, 2013
This was one of the top books I've read all year and it was quite a surprise too. The library I go to has a section with new books and I randomly picked it up on a whim. The main character is such an entitled ass but the author does a good job making you want to root for him anyway. (Think almost a 19th century Kenny Powers kind of person) It's the story of a man booted from England because he is the 2nd born son and what happens to him when he sets sail to Jamaica to work on a sugar plantation. It would have been an interesting read anyway, but the cherry on top is all of the humor throughout. I was not surprised to learn that the author has screenplay writing credits under his belt because the book really moves along and keeps you wanting to come back. I kept wanting to go to bed early so that I could get to reading it.
February 2, 2015
Winkler's novel is a history lesson about Jamaica in the early 1800's. Second sons of British estates are is particularly hard straits. They have no inheritance and very few options at home in England. In this biting satire, "Fudges" fails to assassinate the eldest son and is sent to Jamaica to make his way in the world. Interlaced with bawdy humor and extremely violent scenes of slavery, the story unfolds the history of Jamaica and the English sugar plantations. The Story ends with the end of slavery in England and the end of "Fudges" time on the island.
The author uses the last pages to set up a sequel - second son of Fudges may go to India.
Sarah
The author uses the last pages to set up a sequel - second son of Fudges may go to India.
Sarah
April 19, 2013
This book is one for the history...buffs! Not my cup of tea which is why I gave it a three star but definitely something worth trying. This book was completely out of my comfort zone but even so I enjoyed it. Thank you to Goodreads for giving me this book! One thing I can't get over, which seems quite silly, is the book pages itself. It's the type of page where the ends are purposely roughed up to feel really soft. Absolutely awesome and actually does add appeal to the overall aesthetic appeal of the book!
June 12, 2013
I was delighted to receive this book from Goodread Giveaways!
I was totally impressed with how the author Anthony Winkler was able to capture such a delicate subject and turn it into such fantastic read. His ability to capture the essence of this historical period of time and bring to life this character of Hartley Fudges produced a wonderful book to read.
I would totally recommend this book to read for anyone that loves to read Historical Fiction.
I was totally impressed with how the author Anthony Winkler was able to capture such a delicate subject and turn it into such fantastic read. His ability to capture the essence of this historical period of time and bring to life this character of Hartley Fudges produced a wonderful book to read.
I would totally recommend this book to read for anyone that loves to read Historical Fiction.
April 16, 2013
I won this book from Goodreads. I thought it was fabulous! The story is a lightly satiric, yet indepth look at early nineteenth century British life (primarily the right of primogeniture, problems with being the second son, British aristocratic manners, and dueling), both in England and Jamaica. Lots of background is provided to refresh or educate the reader.
May 4, 2013
I found this book to be a quick read and informative about Jamaica. Historical fiction can add a lot to a person's knowledge. I enjoyed this book and would like to read more by Anthony Winkler. It had a provocative story line and made me want to learn more about the history of Jamaica. That is what good historical fiction should do.
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