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The Herries Chronicles #2
Judith Paris
Judith Paris Walpole, Hugh
463 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1931
13 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Walpole
412 books85 followersSir Hugh Seymour Walpole was an English novelist. A prolific writer, he published thirty-six novels, five volumes of short stories, two plays and three volumes of memoirs. His skill at scene-setting, his vivid plots, his high profile as a lecturer and his driving ambition brought him a large readership in the United Kingdom and North America. A best-selling author in the 1920s and 1930s, his works have been neglected since his death.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 19, 2016
I was given the first book in the Herries chronicles, Rogue Herries, as a birthday gift and enjoyed it so much I got the second one as a Christmas present. I am still boggling at the fact that it has not been turned into a BBC Sunday teatime costume drama. It would be a gift to Andrew Davies, given the juiciness of the plot, and there are great roles for pretty much every British female character actress - from the prepubescent to the just about still breathing- and a significant number of the fatter, older male ones. If Daniel Craig let himself go a bit ahe would make a perfect Rogue Herries from middle age onwards. The plot is a proper, juicy - but always credible - saga and more much Game of Thrones than Mallen Streak. Game of Sheep, perhaps?
Written in the 1930s, the characters seem as though they are drawn by a Dickens with most of the sentimentality beaten out of him, whilst the settings are reminiscent are reminiscent of a more sentimental Bronte. His descriptions of the streetlife and tensions of Regency London and Paris after the (first) defeat of Napolean are brilliant. The Lake District setting palls a bit (possibly because I have never been there) but his descriptions of the Cumbrians as a breed apart are wonderful. His view of them, and their deep link to the land, and of the racial characteristics of the English seem quaint now. They are very much of their time but more mocking than Mosleyite. When he refers to something like English spirituality he always sounds appropriately embarrassed, and these references are fleeting.
Although this is the second book in the series, I wish I had read it first. This book is better structured and more vivid, and I'd recommend someone new to the series reading them out of sync, as what is history in the former would be brought to life - with the enrichment of a more forensic understanding - in the latter.
Written in the 1930s, the characters seem as though they are drawn by a Dickens with most of the sentimentality beaten out of him, whilst the settings are reminiscent are reminiscent of a more sentimental Bronte. His descriptions of the streetlife and tensions of Regency London and Paris after the (first) defeat of Napolean are brilliant. The Lake District setting palls a bit (possibly because I have never been there) but his descriptions of the Cumbrians as a breed apart are wonderful. His view of them, and their deep link to the land, and of the racial characteristics of the English seem quaint now. They are very much of their time but more mocking than Mosleyite. When he refers to something like English spirituality he always sounds appropriately embarrassed, and these references are fleeting.
Although this is the second book in the series, I wish I had read it first. This book is better structured and more vivid, and I'd recommend someone new to the series reading them out of sync, as what is history in the former would be brought to life - with the enrichment of a more forensic understanding - in the latter.
October 8, 2016
Everyone is familiar with the Galsworthy family saga involving the Forsythes, however there were others during this period, probably starting with Compton Mackenzies' Sinister Street in 1914. He intended to write more, but the war of 1914 ruined what he hoped to write and ending with Hugh Walpole's Herries Chronicles of the 30s.
Judith Paris is the 2nd of the Quartet and covers the years from 1780s to the 1820s. Where Rogue Herries set up the family and it's connections, this one has a much more significance. An incident happens at a ball that will ripple for many years to come, and ripple into subsequent volumes.
The characters are varied and strong in these books. Walpole obviously believed in females with character, because the book is full of them. Not so outrageous to be unbelievable, but more women who would not be the meek doormat to spouses or family members. Considering the Wollstonecrafts & the artist colonies of Switzerland, or the Lake District, this isn't so far fetched. Nor are the men two dimensional, and their actions have consequences that will affect everyone.
The countryside descriptions are vivid, particularly those of the Lake District. Even now, the ranges and lakes permeate into all aspects of life; a fool doesn't look at the sky today if they aren't near their car or well awninged street. Regency London is well described and interesting; I learnt so much about post Napoleon Paris as well.
History & famous personages slip in occasionally to add colour and historical context. I found them fun rather than intrusive.
I did find the earlier years of Judith's life a little slow at times, but that might represent more my emotions at the time, than the actual writing. The style is like that of early 20th century, rather than making it more "authentic" by copying Smollett or Fielding. Note this, but it isn't obtrusive in anyway.
Have the 3rd book already lined up for early next year.
Judith Paris is the 2nd of the Quartet and covers the years from 1780s to the 1820s. Where Rogue Herries set up the family and it's connections, this one has a much more significance. An incident happens at a ball that will ripple for many years to come, and ripple into subsequent volumes.
The characters are varied and strong in these books. Walpole obviously believed in females with character, because the book is full of them. Not so outrageous to be unbelievable, but more women who would not be the meek doormat to spouses or family members. Considering the Wollstonecrafts & the artist colonies of Switzerland, or the Lake District, this isn't so far fetched. Nor are the men two dimensional, and their actions have consequences that will affect everyone.
The countryside descriptions are vivid, particularly those of the Lake District. Even now, the ranges and lakes permeate into all aspects of life; a fool doesn't look at the sky today if they aren't near their car or well awninged street. Regency London is well described and interesting; I learnt so much about post Napoleon Paris as well.
History & famous personages slip in occasionally to add colour and historical context. I found them fun rather than intrusive.
I did find the earlier years of Judith's life a little slow at times, but that might represent more my emotions at the time, than the actual writing. The style is like that of early 20th century, rather than making it more "authentic" by copying Smollett or Fielding. Note this, but it isn't obtrusive in anyway.
Have the 3rd book already lined up for early next year.
March 19, 2016
Free download available at eBooks@Adelaide.
Free download available at Faded Page.
This is the second book of the Herries Chronicles series.
The plot tell the story of a strong character - Judith, whose mother as a gipsy who married Rogue Herries.
The book begins with the death of her parents and, by consequence, she will be raised by some nearby Herries relatives who are minor gentlefolk. She gets a little education in her uncle’s household, but grows into a wild, self-willed nature-loving child. Later on, she falls in love of a French smuggler and gambler.
As historical background, two very important historical facts were mentioned by the author: Storming of the Bastille and Battle of Waterloo.
The sequel of this book is "The Fortress."
Herries Chronicles series:
5* Rogue Herries
5* Judith Paris
TR The Fortress
TR Vanessa
TR The Bright Pavilions
TR Katherine Christian
Rising City series:
TR The Duchess of Wrexe
TR The Green Mirror
TR The Captives
Free download available at Faded Page.
This is the second book of the Herries Chronicles series.
The plot tell the story of a strong character - Judith, whose mother as a gipsy who married Rogue Herries.
The book begins with the death of her parents and, by consequence, she will be raised by some nearby Herries relatives who are minor gentlefolk. She gets a little education in her uncle’s household, but grows into a wild, self-willed nature-loving child. Later on, she falls in love of a French smuggler and gambler.
As historical background, two very important historical facts were mentioned by the author: Storming of the Bastille and Battle of Waterloo.
The sequel of this book is "The Fortress."
Herries Chronicles series:
5* Rogue Herries
5* Judith Paris
TR The Fortress
TR Vanessa
TR The Bright Pavilions
TR Katherine Christian
Rising City series:
TR The Duchess of Wrexe
TR The Green Mirror
TR The Captives
March 6, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2013
I did so enjoy this second book in The Herris Chronicles, it is jammed packed with beautiful descriptions of the Cumbrian countryside, which brings a picture to your eye as you read. The Characters are all so strong and wonderfully rich in life and eccentricities!
Judith is a fantastic heroine with so much personality and adventure in her soul.
I loved it loved it loved it, a wonderful read, you just have to give it a go!!
Judith is a fantastic heroine with so much personality and adventure in her soul.
I loved it loved it loved it, a wonderful read, you just have to give it a go!!
October 14, 2014
Rich, deep and mesmerising. An incredible story, beautifully written. Walpole has a wonderful way of capturing the Lake District landscape, and of drawing and filling out his characters. I don't know if I enjoyed it quite as much as Rogue Herries, but I have only just finished it and am impatient to begin The Fortress. I cannot stop.
December 1, 2020
The 2nd in the Herries series by Hugh Walpole this is a tumble of history told through the eyes of Judith, daughter of Rogue Herries. Starting in the Lake District we go to Regency London and then post napoleon Paris. Judith loves as impetuously as her father and is loved by two completely different men, her shy stumbling cousin Reuben and Georges, an adventurer who loves her only in a possessive way. Again there is a tumult of Herries family members, loud and boisterous or shy and unassuming. But at the centre is Judith, small but passionate, loving the land of the countryside where she was born but visiting the London and Paris so we see, with her, the great changes happening at the beginning of the 19th century. It is literally 40 years since I have read these books and they still are as vibrant as ever. One over riding idea permeates the stories: we are all the products of what our parents and grandparents have done. we make decisions with the information we have to hand and hindsight is a wonderful but fruitless exercise. I will read the next book in 2021.
February 20, 2020
Rogue Harris took me through an incredible archive of the 1700s , beginning in a time there were no roads through England and settling in the old ansestry home of his family in the Lake District where the story begins.
Herries is a mysterious man and an outcast, he marches to the beat of his own drum and has little use for etiquette, or rules of class or the people of the small local town.
It is a time of suspicion and his wife and the young Herries are held at a distance...
These chronicals are Walpole's surprisingly masterpiece !!
Herries is a mysterious man and an outcast, he marches to the beat of his own drum and has little use for etiquette, or rules of class or the people of the small local town.
It is a time of suspicion and his wife and the young Herries are held at a distance...
These chronicals are Walpole's surprisingly masterpiece !!
March 11, 2012
Indifferent pacing - sometimes you can't put it down, sometimes it really drags, and the writing style is very old fashioned and pedantic, but the characters are great and believable, and the scenery descriptions are phenomenal - especially if you have ever lived in the Lakes - he really captures the essence of Cumbria, even 100 years later...
March 29, 2016
This is as mesmerizing a story as the first book. I am a big fan of Victorian style literature. Tho written in the 1930's, it is as beautifully written as you could wish for from this genre. Can't wait to get the third and,sadly, last book of this chronicle.
July 25, 2010
Part of the 'Herries Chronicle'. Reviewed under 'Rogue Herries'.
November 1, 2015
Absolutely loved the second installment in this series. Highly recommended and a fave of mine.
July 25, 2024
It was my brother-in-law who first introduced me to Hugh Walpole courtesy of Monty Python’s Cheese Shop. We were in a second-hand bookshop at a National Trust place and he laughed out loud to see a book with the bizarre title, “Rogue Herries”, by a certain Hugh Walpole.
As an aficionado of Monty Python, my brother-in-law remembered fondly the apparently hysterical Python sketch set in the National Cheese Emporium, where the customer explains he’d grown peckish for cheese while skimming through “Rogue Herries” by Hugh Walpole.
Neither my brother-in-law nor I could believe there really was a book called “Rogue Herries” by Hugh Walpole. So naturally I had to buy it – and promise to read it – out of sheer curiosity. And this is what started my decade-long fondness of Hugh Walpole.
“Rogue Herries” is only the first instalment of the Herries saga. There are four fat volumes that together chart the ups and downs of seven generations of the fictional Herries family – from their gentrified roots in 17th century Northumberland to high society London in the 1930s. It occupied Hugh Walpole for years, and me for several months, during which time I regularly consulted the detailed family tree that the publisher kindly included as a fold-out supplement.
The vast, rambling richness of Hugh Walpole’s Herries saga delighted me – but also explains why his writing probably appeals so little to today’s tastes. During the first half of the twentieth century, people had the time and inclination to delight in his expansive, some would say self-indulgent, fictional world. But almost immediately on his death during World War II Hugh Walpole’s popularity and reputation plummeted and have never recovered.
I probably spent no more than a tenner in total on second-hand copies of the “Herries” novels. But the investment required to read them was vast. If I were a lawyer charging by the hour for my time, I dare say the books have actually cost me tens of thousands of pounds. Of course, the joy of reading isn’t a profit and loss account. But I can see why the sheer luxury of sinking into a huge enterprise like “Herries” may not be attractive or affordable for many readers these days …
As an aficionado of Monty Python, my brother-in-law remembered fondly the apparently hysterical Python sketch set in the National Cheese Emporium, where the customer explains he’d grown peckish for cheese while skimming through “Rogue Herries” by Hugh Walpole.
Neither my brother-in-law nor I could believe there really was a book called “Rogue Herries” by Hugh Walpole. So naturally I had to buy it – and promise to read it – out of sheer curiosity. And this is what started my decade-long fondness of Hugh Walpole.
“Rogue Herries” is only the first instalment of the Herries saga. There are four fat volumes that together chart the ups and downs of seven generations of the fictional Herries family – from their gentrified roots in 17th century Northumberland to high society London in the 1930s. It occupied Hugh Walpole for years, and me for several months, during which time I regularly consulted the detailed family tree that the publisher kindly included as a fold-out supplement.
The vast, rambling richness of Hugh Walpole’s Herries saga delighted me – but also explains why his writing probably appeals so little to today’s tastes. During the first half of the twentieth century, people had the time and inclination to delight in his expansive, some would say self-indulgent, fictional world. But almost immediately on his death during World War II Hugh Walpole’s popularity and reputation plummeted and have never recovered.
I probably spent no more than a tenner in total on second-hand copies of the “Herries” novels. But the investment required to read them was vast. If I were a lawyer charging by the hour for my time, I dare say the books have actually cost me tens of thousands of pounds. Of course, the joy of reading isn’t a profit and loss account. But I can see why the sheer luxury of sinking into a huge enterprise like “Herries” may not be attractive or affordable for many readers these days …
May 15, 2020
Wonky pacing in places but SO GOOD.
March 16, 2025
Hugh Walpole , the master of description. Thank you , Hemingway
July 18, 2022
I was really enjoying this up until Judith's husband died; but then I lost interest.
Well written but too many characters to keep track of.
Well written but too many characters to keep track of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews