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Heirs Apparent: A Tale of Loyalty, Betrayal, and Ambition in 17th Century England
A captivating tale unfolds in 'Heirs Apparent', which takes place within the hallowed halls of Oxford, where youthful exuberance masks deeper desires. Julian, our protagonist, walks a precarious path, his last chance at redemption slipping away. Meanwhile, Audrey, his confidante, finds herself expelled after a reckless escapade with unforeseen consequences. Faced with the weight of consequences, Julian abandons academia for the realm of words, seeking solace in Literature's embrace. Yet, as the narrative unfurls, he learns that life's whimsical jests can evolve into harrowing trials, unearthing the gravity beneath playful facades. In this enthralling novel, destiny's hand guides Julian and Audrey through a transformative journey, where youthful indiscretions yield profound lessons.
- GenresFiction
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
9 people want to read
About the author
Philip Gibbs
248 books13 followersSir Philip Armand Hamilton Gibbs was an English journalist and novelist who served as one of five official British reporters during the First World War. Two of his siblings were also writers, A. Hamilton Gibbs and Cosmo Hamilton.
The son of a civil servant, Gibbs was born in London and received a home education and determined at an early age to develop a career as a writer. His debut article was published in 1894 in the Daily Chronicle; five years later he published the first of many books, Founders of the Empire.
He started work at the publishing house at Cassell; then editor of Tillotson's literary syndicate; was literary editor for Daily Mail in 1902; moved to Daily Express, and then to Daily Chronicle in 1908; also worked with Daily Graphic; war correspondent during 1914-18 war; KBE, 1920; chevalier of the Legion of Honour; toured United States lecturing in 1919; resigned from Daily Chronicle in 1920.
The son of a civil servant, Gibbs was born in London and received a home education and determined at an early age to develop a career as a writer. His debut article was published in 1894 in the Daily Chronicle; five years later he published the first of many books, Founders of the Empire.
He started work at the publishing house at Cassell; then editor of Tillotson's literary syndicate; was literary editor for Daily Mail in 1902; moved to Daily Express, and then to Daily Chronicle in 1908; also worked with Daily Graphic; war correspondent during 1914-18 war; KBE, 1920; chevalier of the Legion of Honour; toured United States lecturing in 1919; resigned from Daily Chronicle in 1920.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 1, 2021
I found one review for this online, it consisted of three words:
"Bright young things"
It is actually a pretty apt description. Set just after WW1 ended, in 1920, we follow the path of youth who are too young to be involved in the war but who most likely lost their older brothers. It is a changed world and perhaps unfairly, the older generation look to the younger to take note of the wrongs, get serious and make everything better. The youth, however, just want to be young.
The 1920s see the beginning of youthful independence, freedom, skepticism and folly. But while the old and young look at each other askance and think themselves wiser and their own way best, the truth lies somewhere in the middle and not so much separates them after all.
"The young idea is only the old idea with a new kind of slang".
An engaging book start to finish. I've yet to find a dud with Philip Gibbs.
"Bright young things"
It is actually a pretty apt description. Set just after WW1 ended, in 1920, we follow the path of youth who are too young to be involved in the war but who most likely lost their older brothers. It is a changed world and perhaps unfairly, the older generation look to the younger to take note of the wrongs, get serious and make everything better. The youth, however, just want to be young.
The 1920s see the beginning of youthful independence, freedom, skepticism and folly. But while the old and young look at each other askance and think themselves wiser and their own way best, the truth lies somewhere in the middle and not so much separates them after all.
"The young idea is only the old idea with a new kind of slang".
An engaging book start to finish. I've yet to find a dud with Philip Gibbs.
December 27, 2023
Heirs Apparent is a social commentary that dissects the follies of the upper-class youth in the aftermath of World War I. The narrative skillfully portrays the clash between the carefree attitudes of the younger generation and the frustrations of the older generation, both permissive and critical. The story is set against a backdrop of societal expectations and a looming concern about the fragility of peace in Europe.
Philip Gibbs, known for his journalistic work during World War I, brings his keen observational skills to this tale. The writing captures the essence of the time, painting a vivid picture of the societal dynamics and the struggles of both the younger and older generations. The initial chapters are engaging, pulling the reader into the narrative, but the pace slows down, and the plot becomes somewhat plodding.
The characters, especially Julian, go through a journey of self-discovery and growth. However, their often questionable decision-making and behavior may hinder readers from forming strong connections with them. The narrative seems to aim at bringing down the upper class a few pegs, showcasing their fall, much of which results from their own foolishness.
The storytelling addresses societal issues, including the permissive parenting of the upper class, generational wealth concerns, and the disparity between classes. It touches on themes of fiscal responsibility, familial relationships, and the inevitability of growing up.
Two noteworthy elements include Julian's role as a muckraker, writing for a newspaper that publishes scandalous tales, drawing parallels to the narrative itself. Additionally, the book's foresight about the potential for another war with Germany, expressed by some characters, adds an intriguing layer, given the book's publication in 1924.
Heirs Apparent caters to a niche audience interested in early 20th-century societal critiques. While it may not be widely known or appreciated, those with a specific interest in the time period may find it a thought-provoking exploration of generational dynamics and societal concerns.
Philip Gibbs, known for his journalistic work during World War I, brings his keen observational skills to this tale. The writing captures the essence of the time, painting a vivid picture of the societal dynamics and the struggles of both the younger and older generations. The initial chapters are engaging, pulling the reader into the narrative, but the pace slows down, and the plot becomes somewhat plodding.
The characters, especially Julian, go through a journey of self-discovery and growth. However, their often questionable decision-making and behavior may hinder readers from forming strong connections with them. The narrative seems to aim at bringing down the upper class a few pegs, showcasing their fall, much of which results from their own foolishness.
The storytelling addresses societal issues, including the permissive parenting of the upper class, generational wealth concerns, and the disparity between classes. It touches on themes of fiscal responsibility, familial relationships, and the inevitability of growing up.
Two noteworthy elements include Julian's role as a muckraker, writing for a newspaper that publishes scandalous tales, drawing parallels to the narrative itself. Additionally, the book's foresight about the potential for another war with Germany, expressed by some characters, adds an intriguing layer, given the book's publication in 1924.
Heirs Apparent caters to a niche audience interested in early 20th-century societal critiques. While it may not be widely known or appreciated, those with a specific interest in the time period may find it a thought-provoking exploration of generational dynamics and societal concerns.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews