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Forgiven: A New Zealand historical novel
1899...Rachel is young, charming, intelligent and troubled. By chance, she meets Richard and things start to change, although potential problems still abound. Her father is a wealthy self-made man who will be hard to convince that Richard should be allowed to court her - and things don't quite go to plan. Keen to prove that he is worthy, Richard errs when he volunteers to fight in South Africa and leaves New Zealand under a cloud, and once there, one sobering experience is followed by others until he is captured by the enemy and plunges into despair. Meanwhile, waiting at home, Rachel's safety is threatened by a loan shark and desperate measures are required by her family to get her back.
That is all I will tell. To find out how it ends, you'll have to read Forgiven...
That is all I will tell. To find out how it ends, you'll have to read Forgiven...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2014
48 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Lawson
6 books9 followersGeoff Lawson left school at fifteen to become an all-round handy guy. His hobbies taught him other skills, such as vintage car and house restoring and a fascination for the historical. Along the way he acquired the 'good wife,' lovely daughters (and grandchildren too) and walked his way through the 101 things that mark a life well lived. His first serious foray into writing came with the restoration of an iconic antique artillery gun that resulted in his book 'Our Gun.' "I started to create a booklet that in six years had evolved into a full length book." This has now been followed by his first novel, "Forgiven."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 4, 2019
"Forgiven" is a lovely book written about a lovely story. Set in Victorian New Zealand, one gets to feel that they have been transported back in time, it is so well told. Richard has been born in rural New Zealand on a farm, and meets Rachel from bit larger town and daughter of a wealthy department store owner. Richard falls instantly in love, but unknown to him, Rachel likes him to. When their mutual attraction becomes known, and she eventually reveal their love to her parents, they are not too happy. Richard ends up volunteering to serve in the Boer War in South Africa in order to prove himself to her father, where he seems to have an uncanny knack of surviving and becoming an hero. I really enjoyed this book-- the author had done his research well, and I felt transported to those locations in that era. I felt Mr. Lawson captured the ambiance perfectly-- there was a couple times I had to look up what some words were-- but not bad, and I was warned beforehand-- in the front of the book the reader is notified that it is written in New Zealand English-- which I think only added to its charm.I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
September 4, 2018
Three things attracted me to this book. Firstly it is historical fiction which is my favorite genre. Secondly it is set in two parts of history I don’t know too much about; Victorian New Zealand and the Boer war in South Africa. Part romance part adventure/war story it follows two young New Zealanders from early courtship, through separation by war and reunion.
The boy’s part is written in the first person, which I liked as it gave you a look inside the head of a young man dealing with the horrors of war. The details of this book where fabulous, the writer knows a lot about 19th century guns. I’m not a lover of guns but I appreciate he made these come alive for me. I felt he might have handled these weapons rather than read up on them.
The part of Rachel was written in the third person and the kidnap plot I could have done without. It might be because I’m a female reader that I would have liked a bit more of her emotions about a fiancée that is fighting on the other side of the world; how New Zealanders viewed the Boer war etc.
What you can’t fault this book on is its immaculate research; it can’t have been easy to bring 1990’s Wanganui to life. Start to finish it was a riveting read.
The boy’s part is written in the first person, which I liked as it gave you a look inside the head of a young man dealing with the horrors of war. The details of this book where fabulous, the writer knows a lot about 19th century guns. I’m not a lover of guns but I appreciate he made these come alive for me. I felt he might have handled these weapons rather than read up on them.
The part of Rachel was written in the third person and the kidnap plot I could have done without. It might be because I’m a female reader that I would have liked a bit more of her emotions about a fiancée that is fighting on the other side of the world; how New Zealanders viewed the Boer war etc.
What you can’t fault this book on is its immaculate research; it can’t have been easy to bring 1990’s Wanganui to life. Start to finish it was a riveting read.
May 30, 2018
Geoff Lawson’s novel drew me in from the start as part of it was based in Africa. From what I could see the story is well-researched, and the author appeared to be familiar with his settings. The story is well-written and appears to be professionally edited. He used simple, but good descriptive language throughout as he crafted each scene with outstanding skill. The book tells the tale of a young love that formed back in the year 1898. The romantic thread that wove in and out of the story as it combined the intricacies of lives that crossed kept me turning the pages. The story is told through the eyes of a young New Zealand farmer who is attracted to a woman but then runs off to fight in the South African Boer War. It is on those battlefields that his maturing takes place. He comes to realise the value of the simple things in life as he encounters a diverse range of people who span across numerous class and cultures, some rich and some poor. Eventually, he emerges with a greater understanding of life and of other people’s situations that make for a richer intellectual reward. In most cases luck is on his side but not in all.
June 14, 2017
4/1899, Whanganui, New Zealand. Richard was now working for Tingey Glass Co. (Victoria Ave).
Racheal introduced Mr. Alistair Montgomery Purdue (father) & Mrs. Emily Ellen Purdue (mother) to Lance Corporal Richard Wilson (New Zealand Mounted Rifles).
10/1899, Cape Colony, South Africa. Camp Ormanville. Major Matlock (40+, co. commander),
Major Watermeyer (40+, Intelligence Bureau), & Corporal Crawford (sketch artist, Intelligence Bureau) had met with Private Richard Wilson (soldier, narrator).
Private Wilson’s description & Corporal Crawford drawing matched not only that of Erich von Smidt (30+, President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius Prussian mercenary spy/saboteur, explosives, Moriarty).
Major Matlock informed Private Wilson that he was to go on the mission to help pursue/capture Erich von Smidt.
Major Matlock & Private Wilson met with Major Kieran Conrad-Jones (40+, Royal Corps of Engineers).
Next, Colonel Walter Walt James Anderson (former Canadian Mounties), Ambrose Floyd (Australian), & Harold Potts introduced themselves to Private Wilson (aka land agent) objective was to establish a ranching enterprise titled British South Africa Cattle Co.
12/1898, Patea (Mount Egmont), New Zealand. Aunt Zelda introduced Private Wilson too her 2 daughters: Agnes, Emma, & Rachel Purdue (Agnes’ BFF).
Jamestown, Cape Colony, South Africa. Harold, Ambrose & Colonel Anderson woke up Private Wilson.
The Dr., was looking Private Wilson over because he had been mugged.
Chief Constable Wilkes had done an investigation but it turned up nothing.
Why had Furtive Ferg (Fergie, local crook) been murdered with a shotgun through the jail cell window?
Illwe, Cape Colony. South Africa. Catherine, Harriet, & Nellie stunned & looked on as the train station had been blown to smithereens.
The Orange Free State prisoners that were still alive were rounded up & taken back into custody.
Shaun Blaine was also another person of interest.
12/1899, Duntroon, Cape Colony South Africa. Who is Erich von Smidt (spy/master saboteur, kidnapper) after?
Lance Corporal Richard Wilson in the New Zealand Mounted Rifles was reporting for duty as ordered.
1/1900, Rensburg, Cape Colony South Africa. Major Ainsworth & Lieutenant Devereaux are from the New South Wales Carbineers.
What was Alistair Montgomery Purdue Esq. going before Justice Bulcher about?
Molly had joined the Imperial Army Nursing Reserve.
What were Sergeant Wallace Hillman & Colonel Peregrine Smith talking with Lance Corporal Wilson about?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Boar War Historical Fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Boar War fictional movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Lawson books; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Racheal introduced Mr. Alistair Montgomery Purdue (father) & Mrs. Emily Ellen Purdue (mother) to Lance Corporal Richard Wilson (New Zealand Mounted Rifles).
10/1899, Cape Colony, South Africa. Camp Ormanville. Major Matlock (40+, co. commander),
Major Watermeyer (40+, Intelligence Bureau), & Corporal Crawford (sketch artist, Intelligence Bureau) had met with Private Richard Wilson (soldier, narrator).
Private Wilson’s description & Corporal Crawford drawing matched not only that of Erich von Smidt (30+, President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius Prussian mercenary spy/saboteur, explosives, Moriarty).
Major Matlock informed Private Wilson that he was to go on the mission to help pursue/capture Erich von Smidt.
Major Matlock & Private Wilson met with Major Kieran Conrad-Jones (40+, Royal Corps of Engineers).
Next, Colonel Walter Walt James Anderson (former Canadian Mounties), Ambrose Floyd (Australian), & Harold Potts introduced themselves to Private Wilson (aka land agent) objective was to establish a ranching enterprise titled British South Africa Cattle Co.
12/1898, Patea (Mount Egmont), New Zealand. Aunt Zelda introduced Private Wilson too her 2 daughters: Agnes, Emma, & Rachel Purdue (Agnes’ BFF).
Jamestown, Cape Colony, South Africa. Harold, Ambrose & Colonel Anderson woke up Private Wilson.
The Dr., was looking Private Wilson over because he had been mugged.
Chief Constable Wilkes had done an investigation but it turned up nothing.
Why had Furtive Ferg (Fergie, local crook) been murdered with a shotgun through the jail cell window?
Illwe, Cape Colony. South Africa. Catherine, Harriet, & Nellie stunned & looked on as the train station had been blown to smithereens.
The Orange Free State prisoners that were still alive were rounded up & taken back into custody.
Shaun Blaine was also another person of interest.
12/1899, Duntroon, Cape Colony South Africa. Who is Erich von Smidt (spy/master saboteur, kidnapper) after?
Lance Corporal Richard Wilson in the New Zealand Mounted Rifles was reporting for duty as ordered.
1/1900, Rensburg, Cape Colony South Africa. Major Ainsworth & Lieutenant Devereaux are from the New South Wales Carbineers.
What was Alistair Montgomery Purdue Esq. going before Justice Bulcher about?
Molly had joined the Imperial Army Nursing Reserve.
What were Sergeant Wallace Hillman & Colonel Peregrine Smith talking with Lance Corporal Wilson about?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Boar War Historical Fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Boar War fictional movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Lawson books; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 11, 2017
This is a wonderful book I am so glad I read it. I had not previously known much about this period of history I have always been more interested with a slightly earlier time. Everything was described with such detail and in such an interesting way. I could almost feel myself present within each scene as I was reading. I learned so much and am grateful to the author for sharing his knowledge. I felt very comfortable with his style of writing and felt a sort of recognition which at first I did not understand. Then after finishing the book I read his biography and learned we are the same age and probably have a lot of the same interests. Things he mentioned like the books of Zane Gray were immediately memorable to me. My father and I loved them. I wish all youngsters could learn history from books like this, they would have no problems I am sure. Though the times were terribly harsh and war was devastating,relationships between men and women had an innocence and beauty that is completely lost now. We will never see that again and I for one am very sad about that
November 26, 2017
A story of love and war that takes place in late 19th century in colonial New Zealand and South Africa during the Boer War. Richard and Rachel are lovers who are separated by the demands of war, and the story depicts the struggles they both go through during this awful time of warfare and hostilities. I wasn't that familiar with the Boer War prior to reading this, but I learned quite a bit from this novel; the author did a good job of presenting the historical background in an interesting manner, to make you want to keep reading. He has written a riveting historical novel of a time and place that although filled with bloodshed and combat, seems a much more peaceful time than our present highly volatile time. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
July 9, 2018
Love and War
Forgiven tells the story of Richard Wilson and Rachael Purdue over the course of one year and begins in 1899. The story starts in New Zealand but soon after Richard enlists to fight in the Boer War. Richard and Rachael had an encounter as children and he never forgot her. When they meet again as adults they immediately know they are meant for each other. Differences in social status prove a stumbling block at first but Richard proves his worth to Rachael's family and they begin a courtship.
This is a wonderful historical novel that weaves two stories together seamlessly. There is the love story which is based in New Zealand and the story of Richard's experience in the Boer war. Nothing in life ever goes smoothly for Richard and Rachael but they prevail throughout this story.
As most young men going off to war for the first time Richard has a romanticized view of it. He quickly learns he is ill prepared for what he's signed up for. However, because of his quick thinking, observational skills, sound judgement and bravery he soon comes to the attention of his superiors and excells as a soldier.
This is such a well developed and researched book I found myself constantly comparing today's military to the military of 1899 in South Africa. Imagine trying to plan and manage a war with no computers, phone lines or even telegraph communications. Instead of humvees and tanks there are horses and wagons. The author did a wonderful job of bringing that era to life for the reader. I found this quote from Richard very interesting:
"The European view is that you do not knowingly kill the officers of an opposing army – they are the aristocracy and therefore, should be spared in order that they may surrender their swords as dignified gentlemen do."
To think that was still true in 1899 surprised me because that was a major factor for Britain's loss of the U.S. Revolutionary War.
The two overlapping story lines were both well developed and kept my interest as a reader. I kept wondering what kind of uncomfortable situation Richard would find himself in next and felt Rachael's anxious desire for Richard's return.
The character development was excellent and as a reader I felt I knew and understood both Richard and Rachael as well as their family and friends.,
This book is a very easy read. It took me approximately 7 hours to finish the book. Because the story flows and intertwines so well it's easy to get lost in the book and find you've lost track of time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It has something to appeal to both men and women and is a period/piece of history rarely written about.
Forgiven tells the story of Richard Wilson and Rachael Purdue over the course of one year and begins in 1899. The story starts in New Zealand but soon after Richard enlists to fight in the Boer War. Richard and Rachael had an encounter as children and he never forgot her. When they meet again as adults they immediately know they are meant for each other. Differences in social status prove a stumbling block at first but Richard proves his worth to Rachael's family and they begin a courtship.
This is a wonderful historical novel that weaves two stories together seamlessly. There is the love story which is based in New Zealand and the story of Richard's experience in the Boer war. Nothing in life ever goes smoothly for Richard and Rachael but they prevail throughout this story.
As most young men going off to war for the first time Richard has a romanticized view of it. He quickly learns he is ill prepared for what he's signed up for. However, because of his quick thinking, observational skills, sound judgement and bravery he soon comes to the attention of his superiors and excells as a soldier.
This is such a well developed and researched book I found myself constantly comparing today's military to the military of 1899 in South Africa. Imagine trying to plan and manage a war with no computers, phone lines or even telegraph communications. Instead of humvees and tanks there are horses and wagons. The author did a wonderful job of bringing that era to life for the reader. I found this quote from Richard very interesting:
"The European view is that you do not knowingly kill the officers of an opposing army – they are the aristocracy and therefore, should be spared in order that they may surrender their swords as dignified gentlemen do."
To think that was still true in 1899 surprised me because that was a major factor for Britain's loss of the U.S. Revolutionary War.
The two overlapping story lines were both well developed and kept my interest as a reader. I kept wondering what kind of uncomfortable situation Richard would find himself in next and felt Rachael's anxious desire for Richard's return.
The character development was excellent and as a reader I felt I knew and understood both Richard and Rachael as well as their family and friends.,
This book is a very easy read. It took me approximately 7 hours to finish the book. Because the story flows and intertwines so well it's easy to get lost in the book and find you've lost track of time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It has something to appeal to both men and women and is a period/piece of history rarely written about.
April 28, 2018
I was first attracted to the book by its stunning cover.
It tells the story of Richard Wilson, a New Zealander, who leaves his homeland and his fiancé, Rachel, to fight in the Boer War in South Africa.
I lived in that country for many years and must say I was unaware that Australians and News Zealanders took up arms to fight alongside the British in the 19th century conflict.
It is an adventure story of a courageous young man, seeking to prove himself to his soon to be father-in-law, and almost loses his life in the process.
The description and detail of the NZ and SA landscape, the skirmishes and weaponry are very well depicted, as is the protagonist.
However, I like my characters to be somewhat flawed. So, if I had one criticism, it would be that Richard is a little too good to be true.
I would have loved him to have had a romantic interlude with Sarah, an officer’s wife, with whom he spends a few hazardous days escorting her back to her father.
Nevertheless, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
4.5 stars.
It tells the story of Richard Wilson, a New Zealander, who leaves his homeland and his fiancé, Rachel, to fight in the Boer War in South Africa.
I lived in that country for many years and must say I was unaware that Australians and News Zealanders took up arms to fight alongside the British in the 19th century conflict.
It is an adventure story of a courageous young man, seeking to prove himself to his soon to be father-in-law, and almost loses his life in the process.
The description and detail of the NZ and SA landscape, the skirmishes and weaponry are very well depicted, as is the protagonist.
However, I like my characters to be somewhat flawed. So, if I had one criticism, it would be that Richard is a little too good to be true.
I would have loved him to have had a romantic interlude with Sarah, an officer’s wife, with whom he spends a few hazardous days escorting her back to her father.
Nevertheless, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
4.5 stars.
August 6, 2018
Forgiven was of interest to me because of wanting to know more about the Boer war.
Didn't remember much from my schooldays more then half a century ago so this was a nice refresher.
Geoff Lawson did a wonderful job portraying daily life in New Zealand in the late Eighteen hundreds. The customs of the Victorian age related to relationships and social status. Guidance about delicate issues given by both mothers to Richard and Rachel shows the caring and the naivety of the young people of those days.
The book is well written and a lot of research was done to give an accurate view of the manner on how this war was fought. Not only from the British side but also from the Boer commandos.
Parts of the book are based on actual events . If you have some time you might want to check some of the information in Wikipedia on the Second Boer war. The pictures and descriptions will bring this book even more to life.
Didn't remember much from my schooldays more then half a century ago so this was a nice refresher.
Geoff Lawson did a wonderful job portraying daily life in New Zealand in the late Eighteen hundreds. The customs of the Victorian age related to relationships and social status. Guidance about delicate issues given by both mothers to Richard and Rachel shows the caring and the naivety of the young people of those days.
The book is well written and a lot of research was done to give an accurate view of the manner on how this war was fought. Not only from the British side but also from the Boer commandos.
Parts of the book are based on actual events . If you have some time you might want to check some of the information in Wikipedia on the Second Boer war. The pictures and descriptions will bring this book even more to life.
November 24, 2018
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts:
A very well researched historical novel. There is very rich historical detail which shows very detailed research. The danger in a novel is that it can become a dry historical text and the human aspect can be overlooked, but the history is always explored through the characters so that there is a compelling story, and truly exciting action in equal measure. You never feel like you are reading a text book
The action is thrilling and informative and the characters are engaging. This book will keep you interested, even if you're not historically minded, and will keep you very interested if you are.
A very well researched historical novel. There is very rich historical detail which shows very detailed research. The danger in a novel is that it can become a dry historical text and the human aspect can be overlooked, but the history is always explored through the characters so that there is a compelling story, and truly exciting action in equal measure. You never feel like you are reading a text book
The action is thrilling and informative and the characters are engaging. This book will keep you interested, even if you're not historically minded, and will keep you very interested if you are.
April 2, 2020
This story set in the space of one year from1898 and 1899 giving us two protagonists from New Zealand. It takes us back and forth between Richard Wilson’s adventures in South Africa during the Boer War and his meeting and growing relationship with Rachel Purdue before leaving for war. The story weaves back and forth with chapters sharing military adventures and chapters that capture the growing romance between Richard and Rachel. We follow along from the beginning of their courtship, separation between them due to the war and their reunion. The details and research for this book...impeccable. Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2018
I am truly a sucker for classically written historical fiction with lots of action and a bit of romance. 'Forgiven' certainly fills the bill, and I would have given it 6 stars if I could. Mr. Lawson has certainly done his homework in creating the historical canvas that his characters are painted on . It is unusual to find an action packed story anymore that does not use gratuitous sex and/or profanity to capture the reader's imagination, and I would not hesitate to recommend this to any of my younger readers.
January 14, 2019
Historical adventure at its finest
I raced to the end of this story, I couldn’t put it down. It takes us back and forth between Richard Wilson’s adventures in South Africa during the Boer War and his meeting with and growing relationship with Rachel Purdue before leaving for war. The tension grows with each switch in time until they meet again. The details were luscious, the characters wonderful, the period of history authentic. I would be thrilled to read more by author Geoff Lawson!
I raced to the end of this story, I couldn’t put it down. It takes us back and forth between Richard Wilson’s adventures in South Africa during the Boer War and his meeting with and growing relationship with Rachel Purdue before leaving for war. The tension grows with each switch in time until they meet again. The details were luscious, the characters wonderful, the period of history authentic. I would be thrilled to read more by author Geoff Lawson!
June 27, 2020
I was really excited about this as I love historical fiction and am always on the lookout for those set in Africa.
This unfortunately did not live up to my expectations. It was like a love story to old guns. Superfluous kidnapping of a woman- and I think this might be an addition to the collection of “how not to write a woman.” I tried really hard to like this but it was bordering on dreck.
Maybe it all wrapped up in the end, but this is my first DNF in years, so I don’t know.
This unfortunately did not live up to my expectations. It was like a love story to old guns. Superfluous kidnapping of a woman- and I think this might be an addition to the collection of “how not to write a woman.” I tried really hard to like this but it was bordering on dreck.
Maybe it all wrapped up in the end, but this is my first DNF in years, so I don’t know.
October 29, 2020
Based in New Zealand, this classic historical novel will be remembered. Descriptions of youth, love, hardships, and combat for the crown in South Africa immersed me within each scene. Tears appeared and pride was felt when significant stages of characters’ lives were reached. The refreshing New Zealand English was enjoyed. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2020
This review first appeared on and was written for OnlineBookClub.org. It has been slightly edited here and the rating has been adjusted for a 5-star system, which is more common.
Forgiven by Geoff Lawson introduces us to a brave young man named Richard Wilson, as he fights in the Second Boer War and for the love of his life. Rachel Purdue is the beautiful and equally brave socialite who has captured our protagonist's heart. They meet once when they were still kids. They see each other again coincidentally around one and a half decades later, and fall in love. The difference in their economic status is already a hurdle in their relationship, given that the setting was in the Victorian era where social standing is very prominent. But then, a lot more things emerge to make their love story even more complicated.
The first half of the book juxtaposes the past and the present, and one must be careful to read the year at the start of every chapter to not be confused. I liked that the story features a handful of strong female characters such as Rachel, Mary, and Lady Sarah. In an outdated social setting where women were only expected to get married at a certain age and make a happy home, they definitely exceeded expectations and have shown strength both inside and out.
Rachel was stubborn. And although that may be seen more as a negative than a positive trait, it helped her grow as a person. That same stubbornness helped her survive and stand out in some scenes. Mary is Richard's wise and loving mother, and I'm pretty sure Richard won't be half the great man that he is if not for this heroine. Lady Sarah was one of the royalties that Richard had to escort as a soldier. She seems to be a stuck-up and spoiled bride, but there were scenes in the book that will show you that she is capable of a whole lot of admirable things.
The story's pace was kind of slow for me, but it was not boring either. I would honestly say that most of the chapters did not move me, and only the last ones had a real impact. I was expecting a different kind of surprise, but the book's ending is still surprising and dramatic in its own way.
I cannot pinpoint anything that I particularly disliked, so I would say that this is a good book worth recommending. It was well-written, and the author did a good job in his research and in building such great imagery. Trigger warnings include a few mentions of violent acts, gore, and some hints of cheating.
Forgiven by Geoff Lawson introduces us to a brave young man named Richard Wilson, as he fights in the Second Boer War and for the love of his life. Rachel Purdue is the beautiful and equally brave socialite who has captured our protagonist's heart. They meet once when they were still kids. They see each other again coincidentally around one and a half decades later, and fall in love. The difference in their economic status is already a hurdle in their relationship, given that the setting was in the Victorian era where social standing is very prominent. But then, a lot more things emerge to make their love story even more complicated.
The first half of the book juxtaposes the past and the present, and one must be careful to read the year at the start of every chapter to not be confused. I liked that the story features a handful of strong female characters such as Rachel, Mary, and Lady Sarah. In an outdated social setting where women were only expected to get married at a certain age and make a happy home, they definitely exceeded expectations and have shown strength both inside and out.
Rachel was stubborn. And although that may be seen more as a negative than a positive trait, it helped her grow as a person. That same stubbornness helped her survive and stand out in some scenes. Mary is Richard's wise and loving mother, and I'm pretty sure Richard won't be half the great man that he is if not for this heroine. Lady Sarah was one of the royalties that Richard had to escort as a soldier. She seems to be a stuck-up and spoiled bride, but there were scenes in the book that will show you that she is capable of a whole lot of admirable things.
The story's pace was kind of slow for me, but it was not boring either. I would honestly say that most of the chapters did not move me, and only the last ones had a real impact. I was expecting a different kind of surprise, but the book's ending is still surprising and dramatic in its own way.
I cannot pinpoint anything that I particularly disliked, so I would say that this is a good book worth recommending. It was well-written, and the author did a good job in his research and in building such great imagery. Trigger warnings include a few mentions of violent acts, gore, and some hints of cheating.
April 12, 2020
The book takes place in the late 19th century, beginning in New Zealand. Richard and Rachel met as very young children. When they met again when they were older, they know that they were in love. Rachel was the daughter of a rich shop owner and Richard was the son of a farmer. Somehow Richard must proof himself the Rachel's father. He joins the military and goes to So, Africa to fight in the Boer War.
In Africa, there is nothing that Richard can do wrong. He is given medals and praise. Here it gets funny at time.
I knew very little about the Boer War, so this part was learning for me. When Richard returns, he is a hero and able to marry Rachel, but his heart is not in the city, he dreams of the farm.
In Africa, there is nothing that Richard can do wrong. He is given medals and praise. Here it gets funny at time.
I knew very little about the Boer War, so this part was learning for me. When Richard returns, he is a hero and able to marry Rachel, but his heart is not in the city, he dreams of the farm.
August 26, 2015
The synopsis sounded exciting but sadly the book wasn't, with the exception of the last few chapters. The constant jumping from one location to another was annoying and the book clearly needs proof read as there were some areas that didn't make sense. Overall there were some good points but sadly these were overshadowed by the mistakes, the length of the book and the fact that it didn't live up to its promises.
November 30, 2017
Richard and Rachel are lovers who are separated by the demands of the Boer War. This book depicts the struggles they both go through during this awful time of warfare and hostilities. I wasn't that familiar with the Boer War prior to reading this, but I learned quite a bit from this novel.
I enjoyed learning about the Boer War by reading this book, as I did not know anything about it. However, this book jumped around a lot and it was kind of hard to stay interested because of this.
I enjoyed learning about the Boer War by reading this book, as I did not know anything about it. However, this book jumped around a lot and it was kind of hard to stay interested because of this.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews