The Salamanca Drum

by Dorothy Eden

The blood of heroes beats in spirited Matilda Duncastle's veins. Born to one of Britain's legendary military families, Matilda was a direct scion of Empire. And ever in her heightened imagination, she heard the rat-a-tat of the Duncastles' most previous heirloom, the Salamanca Drum-the drum that had sounded to lead one of the Duke of Wellington's regiments into war.

Nestled deep in the Somerset countryside, Matilda's stately home, Sanctuary, was a memorial to those fiery, dedicated Duncastles. Its walls displayed their portraits in full regimental regalia; its Death Room housed their trophies-the faded, battle-stained colors, the tarnished sabers, the broken lances-Matilda Duncastle's legacy of valor and steel.

For Matilda was Duncastle to the core. Hers was the regal bearing, the elegance, the blazing auburn hair-and, above all, hers was the towering, implacable Duncastle pride. Her single sorrow was that she had not been born a son. But if no drums would sound to lead her into battle, then her heroism would be of quite another kind: by making a marriage of convenience with the wealthy banker Joshua Webb, who had paid her father's gambling debts and saved her beloved Sanctuary, Matilda would breed a new generation of young lions to carry on the Duncastle traditions. No matter that Joshua intended his sons for business, Matilda would ure them back with dreams of military glory. No matter that her daughters yearned for gentler pastimes, Matilda knew her dreams for them all...knew her combination of resistless will and Duncastle charm would prevail. After all, hadn't it always?

Sweeping from 1890 through World War I to the opening salvos of the English lion's confrontation with Adolph Hitler, THE SALAMANCA DRUM is Dorothy Eden's most panoramic, captivating novel yet.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical

286 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Aka Mary Paradise.

Dorothy Eden was born in 1912 in New Zealand and died in 1982. She moved to England in 1954 after taking a trip around the world and falling in love with the country. She was best known for her many mystery and romance books as well as short stories that were published in periodicals. As a novelist, Dorothy Eden was renowned for her ability to create fear and suspense. This earned her many devoted readers throughout her lifetime.

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Duncastle family has a long history of military service and heroism, and the many dead are memorialized in a room filled with war trophies. Matilda is as proud of the Duncastle military victories as her forebears, but when her father gambles away the family fortune she's forced to marry beneath her - up and coming banker Joshua Webb. Not a love match by any means, but the implacable and ever-so-proud Matilda wants sons to carry on the Duncastle military traditions, but Joshua just might have other plans for his sons. This story begins in the Victorian era and continues through WWI and WWII as we see the consequences of war on Matilda and Joshua's children.

While I did enjoy reading this, the story and characters are for the most rather forgettable once you've finished. If you come across it at a library sale it might be worth picking up, but I wouldn't go out of my way to hunt a copy down. Still, Eden is a good solid writer and I do plan on reading more of her books.

[La Bruja Lectora (Tata) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Demasiado lento y la historia es aburrida, la protagonista intento mantener el nombre militar de la familia obsesivamente, su matrimonio aparte de patético era a la fuerza y sus hijos de terror todos, no me gusto nada

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about two strong people with very different goals in life, their marriage, and their various descendents. The characters are more interesting than appealing; you're drawn into another time, another place; the plot grows logically out of the characters; and all-in-all it's a satisfying read, if not an excellent one. A good book to escape into, but not a great book that will have any hold on you afterwards.

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great historical gothic family saga by Dorothy Eden. Layered story folds through the years as the matriarch struggles for clarity in her old age. Headstrong characters, loss, madness, infidelity, and all the other hallmarks of a dramatic family saga play out well. My lack of knowledge about British military history put a slight damper on my enjoyment, but the unique characters and pacing kept me engaged. Tears welled several times but didn't spill.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book. But gees the main character is so self centered and rotten, but I guess that is what made it interesting.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked most about this book was that it tells the story of a family through various generations.

[Anum Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly captivating and expertly written. The story is engaging and layered with depth, keeping you enthralled from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their journeys even more compelling. The vivid setting breathes life into the story’s world, drawing you in completely.

One of the standout themes is courage, as characters confront various challenges and embark on thrilling adventures. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on edge, making it difficult to put the book down. The author’s skilful blend of adventure, mystery, and emotional elements creates a memorable and exhilarating reading experience.

In short, The Salamanca Drums is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a story that combines excitement, depth, and heart.

[Michel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up at a yard sale once. Glad I didn't pay that much for this book :-)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of an English military family.

[Gary Branson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, if a bit tedious at times. Very sad look at a great English family and what the World Wars did to it.

[Kimberly]

boring