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Shadow of a Lady
Against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the glitter of the court of Naples, this captivating novel unfolds the story of Helen Telfair, a young English woman in search of herself. Helen, intelligent, witty, rebellious, had sworn never to marry. But when she found herself with child after a brutal encounter with a stranger, she agreed to marry the wealthy and dissolute Lord Henry Merritt. Helen, neglected by her husband, felt very much alone—until she met Emma, the celebrated Lady Hamilton. No two women were less alike. Emma was uneducated, sensual, and by sheer will and unsurpassed beauty had catapulted herself into a brilliant marriage and into a scandalous affair with the famous Lord Nelson. But fate joined these two unforgettable women in a drama of intrigue and war and Helen's destiny was newly shaped by a great and exotic moment in history. Born near Cambridge, Massachusetts to Pulitzer prize-winning poet Conrad Aiken and his first wife, the writer Jessie McDonald. Jane Hodge was 3 years old when her family moved to Great Britain, settling in Rye, East Sussex, where her younger sister, Joan, who would become a novelist and a children’s writer, was born. Their parents divorced in 1929. From 1935, Jane Hodge read English at Somerville College, Oxford University, and in 1938 she took a second degree in English at Radcliffe College, her mother’s alma mater. She was a civil servant for a time, and also worked for Time Magazine , before returning to the UK in 1947. Her works of fiction include historical novels and contemporary detective novels. In 1972 she renounced her United States citizenship and became a British subject. For many years a believer in the right of people to end their own lives, Hodge chose to end her own by means of an overdose in June 2009. The Times obituary (pub. July 25, 2009) stated that she left ‘a letter expressing her deep distress that she had felt unable to discuss her plans with her daughters without risking making them accessories.’
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
42 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Jane Aiken Hodge
54 books82 followersJane Aiken Hodge was born in the USA, brought up in the UK and read English at Oxford. She received a master's degree from Radcliffe College, Harvard University.
Before her books became her living she worked as a civil servant, journalist, publishers' reader and a reviewer.
She has written lives of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer as well as a book about women in the Regency period, PASSION AND PRINCIPLE. But her main output has been over twenty historical novels set in the eighteenth century, including POLONAISE, THE LOST GARDEN, and SAVANNAH PURCHASE, the beloved third volume of a trilogy set during and after the American War of Independence. More recently she has written novels for Severn House Publishers.
She enjoys the borderland between mystery and novel, is pleased to be classed as a feminist writer, and is glad that there is neither a glass ceiling nor a retiring age in the writers' world. She was the daughter of Conrad Aiken and sister of Joan Aiken.
Before her books became her living she worked as a civil servant, journalist, publishers' reader and a reviewer.
She has written lives of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer as well as a book about women in the Regency period, PASSION AND PRINCIPLE. But her main output has been over twenty historical novels set in the eighteenth century, including POLONAISE, THE LOST GARDEN, and SAVANNAH PURCHASE, the beloved third volume of a trilogy set during and after the American War of Independence. More recently she has written novels for Severn House Publishers.
She enjoys the borderland between mystery and novel, is pleased to be classed as a feminist writer, and is glad that there is neither a glass ceiling nor a retiring age in the writers' world. She was the daughter of Conrad Aiken and sister of Joan Aiken.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 27, 2016
Meh. It's not poorly written, & I liked the heroine well enough...it's just slooow. And boring. And then the lengthy sea voyage? NOPE. This is one of those rare books where I actually preferred the childhood table-setting section to the adulthood bits afterward. More 'stuff' happened before they were restricted to society & whatnot. Zzz.
If you prefer a more sedate romantic suspense, this is for you -- not so torrid as either Whitney or Holt, with dialogue that harkens to squeaky Regency a la Heyer. (FYI, the villain rapes the heroine, but it's extremely glossed & not lurid.)
Anyhow -- I didn't mind the prose per se, so I'll cross my fingers & try other Hodges before giving up.
If you prefer a more sedate romantic suspense, this is for you -- not so torrid as either Whitney or Holt, with dialogue that harkens to squeaky Regency a la Heyer. (FYI, the villain rapes the heroine, but it's extremely glossed & not lurid.)
Anyhow -- I didn't mind the prose per se, so I'll cross my fingers & try other Hodges before giving up.
October 6, 2018
Helen Telfair has an inheritance coming to her, though none of her family or friends knows of it, and for this and other reasons she has determined not to marry. Travelling into the Mediterranean on her naval father's ship for the sake of her mother's health, though, a brutal attack forces her to change her mind and accept a rich and important, though not very bright, man who has been wanting to marry her for most of the voyage. But marriage seems to change him, and not for the better. Taken by him to Naples, Helen unwillingly becomes embroiled in the events surrounding the rise of both Napoleon and Nelson...
Well written and intricate, this book both interested and entertained me. I learnt quite a bit about the happenings of the time period, and was also drawn into the life and trials of Helen Telfair. It's not a quick or light read, but was good for those looking for something a bit more historical and less romantic, though there is definitely still some romance. My biggest problems were the abrupt finish (is there a sequel? it felt almost cliffhangerish) and her attitude towards her son - sometimes they seemed very close, but then she would apparently ignore him for ages. All in all, though, a good read.
Characters: Some I liked, some I hated, some I despised. They were all well drawn, though some were highly unpleasant people - but Helen and a few others made up for it.
Storyline: I'm not sure how to express this, but it felt a bit more like a personalised and expanded history book than a typical novel - a far less straightforward 'story arc' or anything. That being said, I'm not generally a fan of history books and prefer novels, but I found that this had enough personal interest and story that I found it both educational and enjoyable.
Content and language: I would class this book as clean, but readers should be aware that there is a rape scene. However, it is sufficiently vague and non-explicit that I did not find it a problem. As far as I recall, the language was also okay.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Well written and intricate, this book both interested and entertained me. I learnt quite a bit about the happenings of the time period, and was also drawn into the life and trials of Helen Telfair. It's not a quick or light read, but was good for those looking for something a bit more historical and less romantic, though there is definitely still some romance. My biggest problems were the abrupt finish (is there a sequel? it felt almost cliffhangerish) and her attitude towards her son - sometimes they seemed very close, but then she would apparently ignore him for ages. All in all, though, a good read.
Characters: Some I liked, some I hated, some I despised. They were all well drawn, though some were highly unpleasant people - but Helen and a few others made up for it.
Storyline: I'm not sure how to express this, but it felt a bit more like a personalised and expanded history book than a typical novel - a far less straightforward 'story arc' or anything. That being said, I'm not generally a fan of history books and prefer novels, but I found that this had enough personal interest and story that I found it both educational and enjoyable.
Content and language: I would class this book as clean, but readers should be aware that there is a rape scene. However, it is sufficiently vague and non-explicit that I did not find it a problem. As far as I recall, the language was also okay.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
December 5, 2021
I did not finish reading this one. Though I have enjoyed other books written by this author, I could not get past the rape scene that came out of nowhere in the first quarter of the book. It was not overly graphic, but detailed enough that it made me uncomfortable.
November 3, 2018
Absorbing historical fiction, first published in 1973 and now available as an ebook. This has some of the trappings of historical romance, but it doesn't really have the shape of genre romance.
In the late 1700s, Helen Telfair grows up knowing that she has a secret inheritance from her namesake aunt, assuming that she can reach the age of 21 without falling afoul of the hidden conditions. To preserve her independence, she vows never to marry, because a husband would control of her money. But when her naval captain father takes her to the Mediterranean, circumstances force Helen to change her mind and marry the wealthy Lord Merritt.
They settle in Naples, attending the royal court and the British ambassador and his wife. Helen determines to make the best of her lot, but her husband doesn't make it easy. And neither does the ever-present threat of the French--especially their rising commander, Napoleon.
In the late 1700s, Helen Telfair grows up knowing that she has a secret inheritance from her namesake aunt, assuming that she can reach the age of 21 without falling afoul of the hidden conditions. To preserve her independence, she vows never to marry, because a husband would control of her money. But when her naval captain father takes her to the Mediterranean, circumstances force Helen to change her mind and marry the wealthy Lord Merritt.
They settle in Naples, attending the royal court and the British ambassador and his wife. Helen determines to make the best of her lot, but her husband doesn't make it easy. And neither does the ever-present threat of the French--especially their rising commander, Napoleon.
November 4, 2021
Miss Tillingdon was always a little shocked by Helen’s interest in the one-time Emmy Hart. She believed that women should be liberated, but not, perhaps, quite so liberated as Lady Hamilton. [p. 41]
Labelled as a Regency romance, but to my mind it's neither: it's set in the 1780s, and the romance is secondary to the historical narrative. Helen Telfair has sworn never to marry. She is due to inherit a great deal of money when she comes of age, and she intends to set up house with her friend Miss Tillingdon. Then her mother falls ill, and she and Helen accompany Helen's father, a naval captain, to the Mediterranean. Captain Telfair assures the ladies that they will be quite safe: in this, he is incorrect. Helen finds herself in a terrible quandary, and marriage to the dilettante (and very probably homosexual) Lord Merritt seems the only solution. Then, of course, she must face the man she could have loved, to whom she cannot explain the reason for her marriage. And, once ashore in Naples, she finds herself in the company of her childhood 'angel', a beautiful woman who once danced on a table for the entertainment of some dissolute aristocrats: Lady Emma Hamilton, wife of the British Ambassador.
Lots of naval action, double-crossing, perfidy, bad behaviour and poor parenting. Helen does seem prone to dropping people when their faults become evident: I don't think she ever writes to Miss Tillingdon to say that her plans have changed; she is immensely grateful for the company of Charlotte in the first days of her marriage, but begins to find her company grating; and though by the end of the novel she has every reason to distrust and fear Lord Merritt, she is never really appreciative of the fact that he's saved her reputation and perhaps her life.
The novel seemed to end very suddenly, in a flurry of action and resolution. An epilogue might have helped...
I found the historical aspects of the novel more compelling than Helen's story, though it's interesting to see the everyday effects of revolution, war and volcanic eruption -- and the efforts of Sir William Hamilton on behalf of the British -- from the perspective of a lonely and desperate Englishwoman. Not one of Aiken Hodge's best, though.
October 11, 2018
This is the third book I’ve read by this author. Her books are slower paced, rich with historical detail, and have well crafted, unique characters. This was no exception. While I enjoyed the story quite a bit, I felt the ending was more abrupt and anticlimactic than other books of hers I’ve read and the story seemed to drag in places. Still a great choice for a relaxing read on a rainy day.
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2019
Both of Conrad Aiken's daughters wrote unpretentious genre fiction that went far beyond the requirements for the genre. Jane's talent, if less dazzling than Joan's, still gave the world some novels that meet the requirements for Regency Romances, and more. This romance stands comparison with Serious Literary Novels.
Let's just say...I bought a copy of this book dirt cheap, read it, displayed it for resale at a substantial profit, and didn't own it for long. Two months? Three?
Let's just say...I bought a copy of this book dirt cheap, read it, displayed it for resale at a substantial profit, and didn't own it for long. Two months? Three?
November 25, 2024
Pleasant read. wasn't until I was to page 50 that I realized that I had read it 40 years ago, but finished it anyway. Was amazed that >SO< much more was clearer to me especially since I picked up 1812 re-enacting 30 years ago.
January 16, 2019
History
I enjoy reading historical fiction especially European history. I did enjoy this book but I thought it a bit too long and wordy.
I enjoy reading historical fiction especially European history. I did enjoy this book but I thought it a bit too long and wordy.
April 18, 2014
A historical novel about a woman who is pressed into marrying a wealthy but potentially dangerous man, then finds herself trapped in Naples during the early Napoleonic wars. 1973.
Full review at Another look book
Ever seen those pictures where someone has photoshopped their cat into famous paintings? Yeah, well, that's sort of what this book is like: I get the feeling it's supposed to be about Lady Emma Hamilton and the early days of her love affair with naval captain (later Lord) Horatio Nelson. The author certainly talks about them enough. And yet, the book is actually about a woman who is forced by circumstances into marrying a man who must have a wife in order to inherit a fortune. Then they set up house in Naples, where the British are actively at war with the French. It's a good story and engagingly told. It started out as a 4-star, then dropped a star because the protagonist is strong enough to get herself into trouble, but not strong enough to get herself out of it. *headdesk*
Full review at Another look book
Ever seen those pictures where someone has photoshopped their cat into famous paintings? Yeah, well, that's sort of what this book is like: I get the feeling it's supposed to be about Lady Emma Hamilton and the early days of her love affair with naval captain (later Lord) Horatio Nelson. The author certainly talks about them enough. And yet, the book is actually about a woman who is forced by circumstances into marrying a man who must have a wife in order to inherit a fortune. Then they set up house in Naples, where the British are actively at war with the French. It's a good story and engagingly told. It started out as a 4-star, then dropped a star because the protagonist is strong enough to get herself into trouble, but not strong enough to get herself out of it. *headdesk*
July 31, 2009
Historical novel, set in the time of Nelson, with wars surrounding it. Helen Telfair is the fictional heroine, surrounded by a cast of characters from history, including the flamboyant Emma Hart.
Recommended for anyone who likes their historical fiction to be primarily history. The writing is very good, but I found the story a bit too full of ships and battles, and rather sordid (though no doubt realistic).
My tastes run towards more fiction and less history, so I found it a bit tedious.. although I read to the end, and found the conclusion reasonably satisfying, albeit too fast and rather too tidy.
Recommended for anyone who likes their historical fiction to be primarily history. The writing is very good, but I found the story a bit too full of ships and battles, and rather sordid (though no doubt realistic).
My tastes run towards more fiction and less history, so I found it a bit tedious.. although I read to the end, and found the conclusion reasonably satisfying, albeit too fast and rather too tidy.
May 17, 2014
A bit too much about the war and not enough of the story, like the ending though.
December 6, 2018
I first read books by this author a long time ago so it was amazing to find this title.It is beautifully written and well researched.You feel like you are on board a British ship in the time of Napoleon and Nelson..
The female lead is feisty and resilient.Despite the confines of Regency times she thrives in adversity.She is a Jane Austen figure who has fallen from grace through no fault of her own..Elements of Georgette Heyer's writing are here too in Hodges depiction of the aristocracy.. I just love the way Nelson and Lady Hamilton's relationship starts here. It is an exciting read with a quiet love story that finally gives our heroine happiness at the end,
Well worth a read..
The female lead is feisty and resilient.Despite the confines of Regency times she thrives in adversity.She is a Jane Austen figure who has fallen from grace through no fault of her own..Elements of Georgette Heyer's writing are here too in Hodges depiction of the aristocracy.. I just love the way Nelson and Lady Hamilton's relationship starts here. It is an exciting read with a quiet love story that finally gives our heroine happiness at the end,
Well worth a read..
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews