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Fortunate Son: A Novel of the Greatest Trial in Irish History
Meet James Annesley, son of 18th Century Ireland. Though you may have never heard his name before, his story has already touched you in profound ways. Now, for the first time, novelist David Marlett brings that incredible story to life.Stretching from the dirty streets of Ireland to the endless possibilities of Colonial America, from drama on the high seas with the Royal Navy to a life-and-death race across England and up the Scottish Highlands, from the prospect of a hangman’s noose to a fate decided in the halls of justice, FORTUNATE SON is a powerful, relentless epic. Here nobility, duels, love, courage, revenge, honor, and treachery among family, friends and ancient enemies abound. And at its center is the most momentous trial in Irish history – the trial of Annesley v. Anglesea from which our modern “attorney/client privilege” was forged, and our concept of a “jury of one's peers” was put to the test.Carefully researched, vividly evoked, and lovingly brought to the page, FORTUNATE SON is an unforgettable work of fiction based on fact, one that will resonate deep within you long after you finish it.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
David Marlett
5 books21 followersDavid Marlett is an award-winning storyteller and writer of historical fiction, primarily historical legal thrillers bringing alive the fascinating people and events leading to major historical trials. His first such novel,
FORTUNATE SON,
became a critically acclaimed, national bestseller in 2014. The late Vincent Bugliosi (#1 New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter) said David is “a masterful writer of historical fact and detail, of adventure and peril and courtroom drama.” Just released is
AMERICAN RED
which follows the extraordinary true story of a set of radical lovers, lawyers, killers, and spies who launched the Great American Century. Visit www.AmericanRedBook.com. He is currently writing his next historical legal thriller,
ANGELES REX,
which continues some of the lead characters from
AMERICAN RED.
ANGELES REX
is based on the true story at the 1910 intersection of the first movies made in Los Angeles, the murderous bombing of the Los Angeles Times, and eccentric Abbot Kinney's "Venice of America” kingdom. In addition, David is a professor at Pepperdine Law School, was the managing editor of OMNI Magazine, and guest-lectures on story design. He is a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law, the father of four, and lives in Manhattan Beach, California. For more, visit www.DavidMarlett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 21, 2015
Why, in a review, do people give a synopsis of a book? It's not going to happen in my review. Besides, I could never tell it as well as Marlett. Excellent writing, wonderful story, well edited, and it seems well researched for a book which is only based on a true story.
I rarely give a five star rating. I rounded up a bit because this book made me think and was not your typical story, besides, it was closer to the 5 star end of the spectrum than to the 4.5 end. They say truth is stranger than fiction and that is certainly true in Fortunate Son. I really enjoyed reading this for the history, because it was set in Ireland and colonial America, and some of the book revolved around a court room drama. Among other things.
The problem with reading a great book like this is the question of what to read next. But I know this...I will be reading another David Marlett book in the near future.
Love this book!
I rarely give a five star rating. I rounded up a bit because this book made me think and was not your typical story, besides, it was closer to the 5 star end of the spectrum than to the 4.5 end. They say truth is stranger than fiction and that is certainly true in Fortunate Son. I really enjoyed reading this for the history, because it was set in Ireland and colonial America, and some of the book revolved around a court room drama. Among other things.
The problem with reading a great book like this is the question of what to read next. But I know this...I will be reading another David Marlett book in the near future.
Love this book!
September 9, 2016
Fortunate Son: A Novel of the Greatest Trial in Irish History by David Marlett is a magnificently written story that is deep, compelling and undoubtedly engaging. The fact that it is based on real life makes it all the more entertaining. The depth of conviction and the amount of time invested by David Marlett to bring James Annesley to life through the pages of this book is highly laudable.
What is truly commendable about the book is the author’s insistence on highlighting significant milestones in an era gone by which has relevance to today’s contemporary world as in the case of “attorney/client privilege.” This is a sweeping novel that will take you from the shores of Ireland to England, and over to the colonies whose beauty is as marvelous as the awesomeness with which David Marlett weaved Fortunate Son. The past will come alive as you leaf through its pages, with the characters almost dancing on your laps.
Fortunate Son is a real page-turner not to be missed.
What is truly commendable about the book is the author’s insistence on highlighting significant milestones in an era gone by which has relevance to today’s contemporary world as in the case of “attorney/client privilege.” This is a sweeping novel that will take you from the shores of Ireland to England, and over to the colonies whose beauty is as marvelous as the awesomeness with which David Marlett weaved Fortunate Son. The past will come alive as you leaf through its pages, with the characters almost dancing on your laps.
Fortunate Son is a real page-turner not to be missed.
March 20, 2014
David Marlett's story Fortunate Son opens with the death of Lord Arthur Annesley in 1727, an apparent accident in Dublin, Ireland, which sets the circumstances for the struggle over the Anglesea Estate. The tale of young James Annesley's fight to reclaim what is rightfully his from uncle Richard Annesley, has the ingredients of a 'fine mess' in which to make a good story. In the first chapter Fortunate Son is an exciting read, suggesting an adventurous approach that will put the reader in the shoes of young James as he fights to stay alive and overcome the odds stacked against him. However by the time Lord Annesley's funeral is through, the second chapter, it's clear this historical novel will not be skimping on detail explaining the relationships and history around the main character.
Like the beginning I found much of this book an enthralling read, in particular the abduction that carries James off to America together with the court scenes that see him back in Ireland again. While the story progresses there were times I found my attention flagging in the banality of James' 14 year indentured life in Pennsylvania and Virginia, the somewhat unlikely coincidence of, when in the rush of escaping, James finding his childhood friend in crowded Yorktown, America, and the awkward plot-relationship throughout the book of this friend Sean, Sean's dad Fynn and how they came to be in James' life.
While David Marlett says that Fortunate Son is a work of fiction the author has gone to great lengths to build the story around a set of facts. To this end he has my respect but I feel it's at the expense of narrative flow. I was gripped by the fight and flight scenes, absorbed by the legal theatre but unfortunately I went off the boil in between these sections as the story fulfilled its obligation to historical accuracy.
Fortunate Son has a very moving ending—one that could be said to be imperfect, flawed and therefore true to life. For me I would say the same about the overall reading of the novel. Its an uncomfortable marriage between accuracy and adventure where both participants are equally worthy but neither supports the other in the way I hoped for or expected. The chapter quotes from the trial transcripts of Annesley v. Anglesea, 1743 time and again brought me back to the pragmatic civil court proceedings, that are the basis of this historical story, but these chapters are followed by 'boys novel' sections, along the lines of Stevenson's Kidnapped, 'time warping' me back to the swashbuckling tales I read in my youth. Unfortunately this changing of pace and tone jarred the rhythm of my read and had me questioning whether the author had got the mix of historical authority v. adventure wrong.
I'm sure that many readers will view Fortunate Son differently. If you enjoy adventure there's much in the book to recommend. Likewise if studying history appeals then this story offers another perspective on a well known incident. Whether Fortunate Son as a novel can fulfill both roles is another thing.
Like the beginning I found much of this book an enthralling read, in particular the abduction that carries James off to America together with the court scenes that see him back in Ireland again. While the story progresses there were times I found my attention flagging in the banality of James' 14 year indentured life in Pennsylvania and Virginia, the somewhat unlikely coincidence of, when in the rush of escaping, James finding his childhood friend in crowded Yorktown, America, and the awkward plot-relationship throughout the book of this friend Sean, Sean's dad Fynn and how they came to be in James' life.
While David Marlett says that Fortunate Son is a work of fiction the author has gone to great lengths to build the story around a set of facts. To this end he has my respect but I feel it's at the expense of narrative flow. I was gripped by the fight and flight scenes, absorbed by the legal theatre but unfortunately I went off the boil in between these sections as the story fulfilled its obligation to historical accuracy.
Fortunate Son has a very moving ending—one that could be said to be imperfect, flawed and therefore true to life. For me I would say the same about the overall reading of the novel. Its an uncomfortable marriage between accuracy and adventure where both participants are equally worthy but neither supports the other in the way I hoped for or expected. The chapter quotes from the trial transcripts of Annesley v. Anglesea, 1743 time and again brought me back to the pragmatic civil court proceedings, that are the basis of this historical story, but these chapters are followed by 'boys novel' sections, along the lines of Stevenson's Kidnapped, 'time warping' me back to the swashbuckling tales I read in my youth. Unfortunately this changing of pace and tone jarred the rhythm of my read and had me questioning whether the author had got the mix of historical authority v. adventure wrong.
I'm sure that many readers will view Fortunate Son differently. If you enjoy adventure there's much in the book to recommend. Likewise if studying history appeals then this story offers another perspective on a well known incident. Whether Fortunate Son as a novel can fulfill both roles is another thing.
March 12, 2014
The year is 1727 and the place is Ireland. James Annesley is thirteen, the son of The Earl of Annesley, one of the richest peerages in England and Ireland, with extensive land holdings in both countries. The current Earl is killed in a street accident, which makes James the seventh Lord Annesley. That is, until his wicked uncle rides into town the day of the funeral, beating James in the street and sending him into hiding while he claims the title for himself.
Richard, the wicked uncle, claims that James was not the legitimate child of his father, but born of an alliance with the woman who was James' wet nurse. This woman, Juggy, was in love with Flynn, the stableman who was James' emotional father and the father of his best friend, Sean. Flynn and Sean try to protect James from Richard, but it is soon evident that he wants to have him killed to remove the threat he represents. He doesn't manage to have James killed, but instead James is kidnapped and sent as an indentured servant to the Colonies.
James is given a seven year sentence and when he attempts to escape, a further nine. When James is twenty-seven, he returns to England where he plans to mount a case against Richard and reclaim his inheritance. The trial is the biggest trial in English/Irish history, and everyone knew the story. The most amazing thing about this novel is that it is based on a true story.
David Marlett has written a fascinating tale of noble skulduggery, of a time when nobles were truly lords of all they surveyed, and they were able to commit heinous acts without fear of punishment. The case was so well known that it echoes in books based on the story. Some of these include Robert Lewis Stevenson's Kidnapped, Sir Walter Scott's Guy Mannering, and Tobias Smollett's novels, The Adventures Of Peregrine Pickle and The Adventures Of Roderick Random. The reader will be treated to a fast-paced story with unbelievable twists and turns, a famous tale that fell into obscurity over the years and is now rediscovered. This book is recommended for readers of historical fiction.
Richard, the wicked uncle, claims that James was not the legitimate child of his father, but born of an alliance with the woman who was James' wet nurse. This woman, Juggy, was in love with Flynn, the stableman who was James' emotional father and the father of his best friend, Sean. Flynn and Sean try to protect James from Richard, but it is soon evident that he wants to have him killed to remove the threat he represents. He doesn't manage to have James killed, but instead James is kidnapped and sent as an indentured servant to the Colonies.
James is given a seven year sentence and when he attempts to escape, a further nine. When James is twenty-seven, he returns to England where he plans to mount a case against Richard and reclaim his inheritance. The trial is the biggest trial in English/Irish history, and everyone knew the story. The most amazing thing about this novel is that it is based on a true story.
David Marlett has written a fascinating tale of noble skulduggery, of a time when nobles were truly lords of all they surveyed, and they were able to commit heinous acts without fear of punishment. The case was so well known that it echoes in books based on the story. Some of these include Robert Lewis Stevenson's Kidnapped, Sir Walter Scott's Guy Mannering, and Tobias Smollett's novels, The Adventures Of Peregrine Pickle and The Adventures Of Roderick Random. The reader will be treated to a fast-paced story with unbelievable twists and turns, a famous tale that fell into obscurity over the years and is now rediscovered. This book is recommended for readers of historical fiction.
March 14, 2014
This is one of those books that it took me a little bit to get into, but once I did I really quite enjoyed it. From what I gather this book is a work of fiction based on fact. The story part of it is fiction, but it's all based on true facts about the trial of Annesley v. Anglesea. The book contains pieces of actual testimony from the trial. It's all very interesting.
This is the story of James Annesley. His father was killed when he was only 12 or 13 and his uncle Richard wanted the Anglesea title so he claimed that James was not legitimate. Richard had his men put James on a ship and he was sold as an indentured servant in America. This is James story, it follows him from the streets of Ireland to America where he stayed in servitude for nearly 14 years. He finally makes his way back to Ireland where he fights to regain what is rightfully his in one of the biggest trials in Ireland's history. Along the way James becomes quite a fine man. Despite his situation he grows up to be a good man. He does have the good fortune to have a couple of good male role models as he is growing up. He also falls in love and is blessed to have a family of his own in the end. There is a nice little twist at the end that I didn't expect and that made the book even better for me.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I would say the only thing that I didn't care for was how the accents were written and that's totally a personal thing. I think sometimes it makes the reading a little slower going when you have to wade through all the odd spellings and stuff. This is also why it took me a little longer to get into the book. Once I got used to it the reading went smoother.
I did really enjoy the characters and the history of the story. I liked the combination of fiction and non-fiction quite a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good historical read.
This is the story of James Annesley. His father was killed when he was only 12 or 13 and his uncle Richard wanted the Anglesea title so he claimed that James was not legitimate. Richard had his men put James on a ship and he was sold as an indentured servant in America. This is James story, it follows him from the streets of Ireland to America where he stayed in servitude for nearly 14 years. He finally makes his way back to Ireland where he fights to regain what is rightfully his in one of the biggest trials in Ireland's history. Along the way James becomes quite a fine man. Despite his situation he grows up to be a good man. He does have the good fortune to have a couple of good male role models as he is growing up. He also falls in love and is blessed to have a family of his own in the end. There is a nice little twist at the end that I didn't expect and that made the book even better for me.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I would say the only thing that I didn't care for was how the accents were written and that's totally a personal thing. I think sometimes it makes the reading a little slower going when you have to wade through all the odd spellings and stuff. This is also why it took me a little longer to get into the book. Once I got used to it the reading went smoother.
I did really enjoy the characters and the history of the story. I liked the combination of fiction and non-fiction quite a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good historical read.
January 16, 2023
If you ever need a reminder that our legal system has evolved from something much less likely to deliver justice, then this is it. If you ever thought that the power of the state could be turned against the powerless, then this is it. If you ever thought that you were having a bad day, a bad month, or a bad decade, then you need to compare your situation to that of James Annesley, one of the disputants of the ‘greatest trial in Irish history’ in the 1700s. This book traces James’ career from about ten years old (about 1724) through the time of the trial (1743) against his usurping uncle, Richard, the Seventh Earl of Annesley. During the interval between his father Arthur’s death and the trial, James suffered kidnapping, being sold from Ireland into indentured servitude in Colonial America, being impressed into the British Navy, and multiple assassination attempts, imprisonment charged with murder, the loss of his mother, loss of his spiritual father, the betrayal of his best friend, and several other crises. At the beginning of each chapter is an excerpt from the actual witnesses’ testimony at the trial and then an excerpt from James’s journal or some contemporary poetry that reflects on the state of his mind. Marlett delves into his characters skillfully as he follows the timeframes and outcomes of the historical events of the story and the memoirs of an unfortunate young nobleman.
February 18, 2014
If I could have assigned more than five stars I certainly would have! As a lifelong reader, I can honestly say this one ranks right in the top few of my all time favorites. What did I like? Everything except the fact that it ended. I wanted the story to continue. I want to personally meet Jemmy.
Being able to walk with him through his childhood, turbulent teenage years and young adulthood as he traverses tragedy after tragedy, none of which he brought on himself moved me to tears several times. Watching James Annesley emerge on the other side as a caring, self-confident young man was incredible. You can't help caring about what happens to him and there are plenty of villains to hate as well.
It is obvious an amazing amount of work and research went into this story and we the readers are the beneficiaries. One can almost see, feel and smell the scenes in Ireland. As one with a Scottish and Irish ancestry, this was especially meaningful for me. Thank you Mr. Marlett!
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I highly recommend this book. Buy it … you won't be disappointed. One thing though — you'd better carve out some significant reading time and get some extra sleep before you begin. You won't want to put it down and may find yourself reading into the wee hours of the morning.
Being able to walk with him through his childhood, turbulent teenage years and young adulthood as he traverses tragedy after tragedy, none of which he brought on himself moved me to tears several times. Watching James Annesley emerge on the other side as a caring, self-confident young man was incredible. You can't help caring about what happens to him and there are plenty of villains to hate as well.
It is obvious an amazing amount of work and research went into this story and we the readers are the beneficiaries. One can almost see, feel and smell the scenes in Ireland. As one with a Scottish and Irish ancestry, this was especially meaningful for me. Thank you Mr. Marlett!
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I highly recommend this book. Buy it … you won't be disappointed. One thing though — you'd better carve out some significant reading time and get some extra sleep before you begin. You won't want to put it down and may find yourself reading into the wee hours of the morning.
May 1, 2014
I won Fortunate Son by David Marlett from Goodreads.
Based on the events in a life of a real person, and laced with quotes from the transcript of the actual trial and from the Memoirs of the man at the center of the story, Fortunate Son is the amazing account of an incredible life.
James Annesley, the focus of the book, is courageous, determined, honorable, and exceptionally likable. Along his journey, he meets many persons as admirable as he, but he also endures the ruthlessness of evil individuals. The author does a truly fine job of presenting all these characters in a manner that stirs the reader to be repulsed by the antagonists and charmed by the protagonists. However, there are a few surprises.
Marlett's descriptions of the settings and the people within those settings creates atmosphere and meaning. The reader feels immersed in the time and place, and familiar with the people.
The story, based on research into the true events, is enthralling from the very first scene. As James moves through the circumstances thrust upon him and then moves to take control of his own destiny, the reader endures his pain and celebrates his joy with him.
Fortunate Son is an astonishing adventure, a fascinating historical saga, a stunning character study, and a truly great read.
Based on the events in a life of a real person, and laced with quotes from the transcript of the actual trial and from the Memoirs of the man at the center of the story, Fortunate Son is the amazing account of an incredible life.
James Annesley, the focus of the book, is courageous, determined, honorable, and exceptionally likable. Along his journey, he meets many persons as admirable as he, but he also endures the ruthlessness of evil individuals. The author does a truly fine job of presenting all these characters in a manner that stirs the reader to be repulsed by the antagonists and charmed by the protagonists. However, there are a few surprises.
Marlett's descriptions of the settings and the people within those settings creates atmosphere and meaning. The reader feels immersed in the time and place, and familiar with the people.
The story, based on research into the true events, is enthralling from the very first scene. As James moves through the circumstances thrust upon him and then moves to take control of his own destiny, the reader endures his pain and celebrates his joy with him.
Fortunate Son is an astonishing adventure, a fascinating historical saga, a stunning character study, and a truly great read.
March 10, 2014
Fortunate Son is the fictionalized story of James Annesley, Irish born to Arthur Annesley 5th Baron Altham and Mary Sheffield. He was abandoned by his father and raised by another woman, Joan Landry. After the death of his father, James is kidnapped and sent as an indentured servant to the American Colonies at the behest of his uncle Richard who has the titles. After serving 12 years he returns as a free man to Ireland to claim his title of Earl of Anglesea and all that went with the title. I loved this fictionalized version of this long forgotten historical Irish person who is said to have been the inspiration for the book Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. The addition of a lifelong friend Sean, his lawyer and James wife make this a very interesting historical read. It has heartbreak, love, murder, honor and a court trial called the greatest trial in Irish history that will keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book to the Irish/English history.
I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
March 2, 2014
First let me say that I wasn't sure about this book. I thought it would take place mostly in the courtroom. BORING. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Very little takes place in the courtroom. It follows James from basically his father's death (the Earl) to just after the trial against his uncle, Richard, who had James kidnapped at 13 & sent to America as an indentured servant. Richard did this so he could steal the earldom from James. Through the first part of the book, each chapter begins with an exert from the trail's testimony. The author states he comes from a family of storytellers. Well, he differently inherited those genes. To think that this a very much based on TRUE FACTS, makes this book that much more incredible. If you enjoy Irish history, 18th century history, emigration to America history, adventure, this is a MUST READ!!! Was not looking forward to reading this book, but was TOTALLY surprised. David Marlett ranks with Jean Plaidy in my book. That is the highest praise I can give!
March 20, 2014
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I'm always a little leery on "fiction based on fact" type novels, so I started this with a little trepidation. It took a bit for me to find my feet as I was reading--some of the language was a touch old fashioned and I didn't always understand all the politics--but once I got about 20 pages inI was hooked. It was a wonderfully compelling story with lots of action and dtama and good human characters. I read it largely while waiting for my dad to finish with doctor's appointments and physical therapy (he just had knee surgery) and every time he finished with an appointment and came out I wanted to say, "No, we can't leave yet--I'm at the exciting part!"
Apparently the author plans more books like this one. I look forward to reading them!
I'm always a little leery on "fiction based on fact" type novels, so I started this with a little trepidation. It took a bit for me to find my feet as I was reading--some of the language was a touch old fashioned and I didn't always understand all the politics--but once I got about 20 pages inI was hooked. It was a wonderfully compelling story with lots of action and dtama and good human characters. I read it largely while waiting for my dad to finish with doctor's appointments and physical therapy (he just had knee surgery) and every time he finished with an appointment and came out I wanted to say, "No, we can't leave yet--I'm at the exciting part!"
Apparently the author plans more books like this one. I look forward to reading them!
July 9, 2018
Historical novel based on the life of James Annesley, who was the plaintiff in the most famous trial in Irish history. James was kidnapped by a scheming uncle to gain access to the earldom of his deceased brother. The tale follows his time in the American Colonies as an indentured servant and how he makes his way back to Britain to reclaim what was rightfully his.
It's a great adventure story, as he avoids many attempts to end his life and climaxes in the actual trial.
The man's life was the basis for Robert Lewis Stevenson's "Kidnapped" and also a lesser known book based on his time in the Royal Navy as he made is circuitous way from the Colonies back to Ireland.
Great research with each chapter beginning with an excerpt from trial testimony.
It's a great adventure story, as he avoids many attempts to end his life and climaxes in the actual trial.
The man's life was the basis for Robert Lewis Stevenson's "Kidnapped" and also a lesser known book based on his time in the Royal Navy as he made is circuitous way from the Colonies back to Ireland.
Great research with each chapter beginning with an excerpt from trial testimony.
February 20, 2014
I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to read this novel. The inclusion of real events through out history from Ireland to England to the Colonies made this a captivating read that was hard to put down. It was a wonderfully weaved story with an awesome conclusion equal to or better than any court room drama the likes of those written by John Grisham because it was based in historical happenings. Mr. Marletts research and effort put into this book was well worth the effort and you the reader are the beneficiary of that. I am truly looking forward to his next book. Thank you Mr. Marlett!!!!!
August 21, 2014
Enjoyed this book a lot. The author took painstaking steps to ensure that the true story was written into the novel. Everything that I have read about this incident makes it a most fascinating historical story, and the authors treatment of this in a novel was very well done. One or two slow parts, but on the whole it kept my attention. Wish there would have been a few more trial scenes in the book. Also not sure about the last two chapters of the book, since that does not seem to line up with any known historical accuracy, but nonetheless does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. Looking forward to his next book American Red.
Read
February 28, 2014I won this book through Goodreads' giveaway program and was excited to read about a prominent Irish case. Despite the interesting subject, I had a difficult time getting into this book. I tried two separate times, but couldn't make it past the 75 page mark. The descriptive writing was good, but not enough to hold the story together. I couldn't stand the antiquated Irish dialect, such as ye and 'tis, which made reading this story difficult. There also wasn't enough character development, and I didn't connect to any of the characters or care about them enough to continue reading.
November 9, 2014
This is an exceedingly well done storytelling of actual historical events. Truth really is stranger than fiction, and the author tells the story well, building the characters and the events that lead up to the culmination of the story.
I had a difficult time putting this one down and by the time I got to the end, the house could've fallen down around me. I will definitely watch for the next novel by this author.
I had a difficult time putting this one down and by the time I got to the end, the house could've fallen down around me. I will definitely watch for the next novel by this author.
August 13, 2016
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you Goodreads! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The story, historical fiction, based on fact, tells the tale of James Annesley, and his years of struggle to reclaim his title from his unscrupulous uncle. Kidnapped and sent to the Colonies as an indentured servant at 13, he finally manages to return to his homeland and bring his uncle to trial. This is a book that is hard to put down. Highly recommend.
November 28, 2014
Fabulous
Fact is often stranger than fiction. A cliche well born by this novel of a young boy's extreme trials endured at the behest of his uncle who usurped his title and lands. An excellently written novel of the trials (in life and courtrooms) of the Eighth Earl of Anglesea, based on 18th century court transcripts. Fabulous. Highly recommended. I definitely intend to read more by this author.
Fact is often stranger than fiction. A cliche well born by this novel of a young boy's extreme trials endured at the behest of his uncle who usurped his title and lands. An excellently written novel of the trials (in life and courtrooms) of the Eighth Earl of Anglesea, based on 18th century court transcripts. Fabulous. Highly recommended. I definitely intend to read more by this author.
July 15, 2015
This was a random book I decided to read. I am glad I did. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something else even more unsettling happened. James Annesley's life was full of heartbreak, danger, betrayal and excitement. In spite of it all, the author, portrays him as keeping his capacity to love and enjoy the beauty of his world. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 5, 2016
This was one good historical novel! David Marlett did a masterful job, not only in telling the story, but giving us rich, vivid details of a true trial on Irish soil. I don't want to spoil the secret, but the book really meant more after I read the LAST page, where David pens a letter to the reader. The one page was worth the read! I can't wait to see David's next novel. I am really looking forward to it!
April 22, 2014
I saw this at a ridiculously low price last week and snapped it up. It was very well constructed, the trial transcripts and quotations served well to remind us that although written as fiction there's a lot of truth in the story. For all that, the story itself flows along beautifully and was a pleasure to read. I am looking forward to the author's next, coming "late 2014".
January 28, 2015
If there were ten more stars, they would be filled. This is without a doubt, one of the most enthralling books I have read. I'm not given to lengthy reviews that seek to re-hash the plot, characters or storyline. The historical journey taken by the author in his detailed and exhaustive research, must have been the most rewarding and shocking literary experience imaginable.
December 12, 2017
Excellent book! What was so special about this book is it is a true account of a relatively unknown piece of history that in-and-of-itself was interesting learn about but the way the characters were presented, developed and instrumental in setting the attorney/client legal precedent. The book was informative and entertaining.
April 23, 2014
Very good book based on a historical trial in the 1600s. The characters were very well represented, and Jemmy's adventures kept me spellbound. Full of action and drama, with a surprise twist at the end. Neat epilogue regarding the ultimate fates of the main characters and their descendants.
July 16, 2014
Historically interesting, as it is the basis of attorney client privilege. Also a part of the history of the Kennedy family (yes, that one). Unfortunately, it is not compelling reading. You have to persevere.
January 17, 2019
Absolutely vivid and enthralling
This is the best history book I've ever read! Extremely well written, captivating characterizations of historical figures, and excellent account of a suspenseful courtroom drama. Wow, just wow! I loved it.
This is the best history book I've ever read! Extremely well written, captivating characterizations of historical figures, and excellent account of a suspenseful courtroom drama. Wow, just wow! I loved it.
February 22, 2014
Fortuante son was a great read, where the pages of history came alive. Well written and researched and a real page turner of a book. I'd recommend
May 10, 2014
Great book!
April 27, 2014
Excellent read. The storyline is intriguing and the characters are vivid. The real delight comes at the finish when you finally realize the significance of what you've just read.
July 8, 2014
Excellent historical fiction.
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