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No Place For A Lady
All’s fair in love and war …
1854. England is in the grip of a gruesome war.
Lucy Harvington, ill-educated beyond how to be a wife, has travelled to the Crimea with her handsome and impetuous officer husband Charlie. As the day of battle dawns she can only pray her husband survives. If he doesn’t, what will become of her?
Dorothea Gray, volunteer nurse at the Westminster Hospital, is determined to follow her little sister Lucy to the front and to serve her country alongside her heroine Florence Nightingale and the pioneering nurses already risking their lives.
But neither sister could possibly have known the horrors they are about to witness – the courage, the cowardice, the danger – and the excitement – nor could they have guessed the risks they must take, the passion they will taste, and the simple fact that they may never see one another again …
If you love Poldark, Gone With The Wind or the storytelling of Victoria Hislop, this is the perfect summer escape for you.
No Place for a Lady is a beautiful story you will never forget.
1854. England is in the grip of a gruesome war.
Lucy Harvington, ill-educated beyond how to be a wife, has travelled to the Crimea with her handsome and impetuous officer husband Charlie. As the day of battle dawns she can only pray her husband survives. If he doesn’t, what will become of her?
Dorothea Gray, volunteer nurse at the Westminster Hospital, is determined to follow her little sister Lucy to the front and to serve her country alongside her heroine Florence Nightingale and the pioneering nurses already risking their lives.
But neither sister could possibly have known the horrors they are about to witness – the courage, the cowardice, the danger – and the excitement – nor could they have guessed the risks they must take, the passion they will taste, and the simple fact that they may never see one another again …
If you love Poldark, Gone With The Wind or the storytelling of Victoria Hislop, this is the perfect summer escape for you.
No Place for a Lady is a beautiful story you will never forget.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
871 people are currently reading
3911 people want to read
About the author
Gill Paul
52 books1,826 followersGill Paul is the international bestselling author of thirteen novels, many of them reevaluating extraordinary twentieth-century women whom she believes have been marginalized or misjudged. Her novels have reached the top of the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Toronto Globe & Mail charts, and have been translated into twenty-three languages.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
May 22, 2017
Nothing prepared me for how the book would impact me! Looking at the lovely cover, reading the book description, seeing its publisher (Avon), I expected the usual - somewhat fluffy wartime romance. Instead, the story turned out to be a very powerful read from which I still can’t get over three days later.
This is a beautifully written story of love, duty, obligations and choices. I think what is most compelling to me in the story is the emphasis on women during wartime- how brave and courageous many of them were.
To say the author did her homework on the historical period is understatement. She used her historical and medical knowledge to create a gripping, intense, emotion filled storyline set during Crimean War (1853-1856). Historically, the war, during which the Russian Empire lost to an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire and Sardinia, became an iconic symbol of logistical and tactical failures and mismanagement on all sites. It also saw dramatic progress in military medicine and Florence Nightingale gained worldwide attention for pioneering and publicizing modern nursing while treating the wounded.
Two sisters caught up in the Crimean War: one a young bride following her Captain husband, the other her sister who signs up as a nurse to try and rescue her sister.
I loved how this novel told the story from both sisters’ viewpoints. It’s through their eyes we see the horror, the mismanagement, the carnage of the war. The horrendous conditions of the camps and hospitals with lack of food, clean water and medical supplies. Along with some very vivid and disturbing scenery there is also underlining line of humanism, of sacrifices, and love.
I really didn't want to put this book down, it had me hooked from start to finish and I enjoyed every single second of this story. It was incredibly thought-provoking, realistic, and fascinating.
This is a beautifully written story of love, duty, obligations and choices. I think what is most compelling to me in the story is the emphasis on women during wartime- how brave and courageous many of them were.
To say the author did her homework on the historical period is understatement. She used her historical and medical knowledge to create a gripping, intense, emotion filled storyline set during Crimean War (1853-1856). Historically, the war, during which the Russian Empire lost to an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire and Sardinia, became an iconic symbol of logistical and tactical failures and mismanagement on all sites. It also saw dramatic progress in military medicine and Florence Nightingale gained worldwide attention for pioneering and publicizing modern nursing while treating the wounded.
25th October 1854
Mrs. Lucy Harvington stands shivering on a hilltop near the coast of Crimea, watching armies massed for battle below, waiting to find out if her husband will die today.
Two sisters caught up in the Crimean War: one a young bride following her Captain husband, the other her sister who signs up as a nurse to try and rescue her sister.
I loved how this novel told the story from both sisters’ viewpoints. It’s through their eyes we see the horror, the mismanagement, the carnage of the war. The horrendous conditions of the camps and hospitals with lack of food, clean water and medical supplies. Along with some very vivid and disturbing scenery there is also underlining line of humanism, of sacrifices, and love.
I really didn't want to put this book down, it had me hooked from start to finish and I enjoyed every single second of this story. It was incredibly thought-provoking, realistic, and fascinating.
July 16, 2018
A historical fiction that takes readers from England to the front lines of the Crimean War and features two sisters Dorothea and Lucy. A bit predictable in nature, but I still found myself turning the pages to see what would happen next.
July 17, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary
In No Place for a Lady by Gill Paul, the story opens in 1854 as Britain marches into the Crimean War. Lucy Harvington, a romantic and impulsive young woman, defies her conventional upbringing by eloping with a dashing cavalry officer. She follows him to the front lines, swept away by love and adventure, but soon learns about the terrible conditions of war: filth, frostbite, endless casualties, and complete chaos. Despite her wildest dreams, Lucy finds herself engulfed in a realm of misery, where she must face inconsolable realities regarding her husband and the path she has chosen in life.
Though deeply offended by Lucy's rash decisions, her older sister Dorothea Gray, who lives in England, is more sensible and cautious. She joins Florence Nightingale's groundbreaking team as a volunteer nurse. She enters the war zone with the goal of locating her sister. Even as the cruelty of war puts her strength to the test, Dorothea finds inside herself a sense of strength she never expected she had while taking care of the injured soldiers in overcrowded hospitals.
The sisters' experiences begin to deeply influence them as they travel parallel paths through the atrocities of Crimea. While Dorothea evolves from a dedicated caregiver into a courageous, compassionate woman willing to question the system, Lucy, who has endured betrayal and hardship, finds solace in unexpected love. Because the unbreakable bond of sisterhood ties the two women together, their journey is not only one of survival but also one of reconciliation. No Place for a Lady is a sweeping historical novel about love, loyalty, and the strength of women confronting adversity.
The Characters
Lucy Harvington: A romantic and impulsive young woman who follows her husband to the Crimean War, expecting adventure. She’s forced to confront harsh truths as war and betrayal reshape her completely.
Dorothea Gray: Lucy’s older sister, calm and responsible, who joins Florence Nightingale’s nurses to find and protect her sister. Her journey reveals inner strength and a deep capacity for compassion.
Captain Charlie Harvington: Lucy’s charming but flawed husband, whose dashing exterior hides selfishness and moral weakness. His actions have lasting consequences for Lucy’s life and trust.
Florence Nightingale: A pioneering nurse and reformer, leading the charge to bring order and humanity to war hospitals. She inspires Dorothea and represents the emerging strength of women in medicine.
Dr. Jack Curtis: A dedicated and kind-hearted army doctor who works closely with Nightingale’s nurses. He becomes a source of support for Dorothea amid the chaos.
Writing Style
I found Gill Paul's writing style in No Place for a Lady to be vivid, immersive, and emotionally resonant, blending historical detail with accessible, modern prose. She shifts perspectives between the two sisters, giving each a unique voice while maintaining a smooth narrative flow. I appreciate that her descriptions of war, nursing, and 19th-century society are rich and evocative without becoming overly dense, balancing gritty realism with moments of tenderness and quiet strength. The dialogue feels natural, and the pacing keeps the story engaging without going overboard. Perhaps the only negative aspect of the writing that comes to mind is that there were occasionally more melodramatic scenes.
Setting and atmosphere
The novel is mainly set during the Crimean War of the 1850s, moving between the battlefronts of Crimea, the military hospitals of Scutari (modern-day Istanbul), and the more sheltered world of Victorian England. The settings are vividly drawn—from the freezing, disease-ridden trenches of Sebastopol to the chaotic, under-resourced hospital wards where nurses struggle to save lives with limited supplies. What I really liked about her setting is that the author firmly roots the story in historical fact, placing her characters within the real geography and events of the war, while also capturing the broader societal changes of the era, especially around medicine and women’s roles.
The atmosphere of No Place for a Lady is tense, emotional, and often somber, with a constant undercurrent of urgency and danger. There's a grim realism to the war scenes—mud, blood, infection, and loss—while the hospital settings evoke a sense of both despair and determination. Yet amid the darkness, there’s also resilience, hope, and quiet heroism. Moments of intimacy, sisterly love, and moral courage cut through the bleakness, creating an emotionally charged tone that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. In my opinion, the atmosphere of the story is its biggest strength.
Overall Impression
No Place for a Lady is a compelling mix of historical fiction and emotional drama, with a strong focus on sisterhood, resilience, and the often-overlooked role of women in war. Gill Paul brings the Crimean War to life with vivid detail, especially through the gritty hospital scenes and the portrayal of Florence Nightingale’s reforms. Despite not being a fan of multiple POVs, the alternating perspectives of Lucy and Dorothea add depth, showing how two very different women respond to the same chaotic world in uniquely personal ways. The story has a solid emotional core, and its themes of love, loss, and personal growth are genuinely moving.
That said, the novel doesn't always hit its stride. Some plot points feel a bit predictable, and a few secondary characters could have been fleshed out more. The pacing sometimes drags in the middle, and certain romantic elements feel rushed or underdeveloped. While the writing is accessible and the historical background engaging, it leans more toward melodrama at times than nuanced storytelling. Overall, it’s a good read—especially for fans of women-centered historical fiction—but not quite a standout.
Read this review with quote images on my blog:
https://constantinebooks.blogspot.com/2025/07/no-place-for-lady.html
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary
In No Place for a Lady by Gill Paul, the story opens in 1854 as Britain marches into the Crimean War. Lucy Harvington, a romantic and impulsive young woman, defies her conventional upbringing by eloping with a dashing cavalry officer. She follows him to the front lines, swept away by love and adventure, but soon learns about the terrible conditions of war: filth, frostbite, endless casualties, and complete chaos. Despite her wildest dreams, Lucy finds herself engulfed in a realm of misery, where she must face inconsolable realities regarding her husband and the path she has chosen in life.
Though deeply offended by Lucy's rash decisions, her older sister Dorothea Gray, who lives in England, is more sensible and cautious. She joins Florence Nightingale's groundbreaking team as a volunteer nurse. She enters the war zone with the goal of locating her sister. Even as the cruelty of war puts her strength to the test, Dorothea finds inside herself a sense of strength she never expected she had while taking care of the injured soldiers in overcrowded hospitals.
The sisters' experiences begin to deeply influence them as they travel parallel paths through the atrocities of Crimea. While Dorothea evolves from a dedicated caregiver into a courageous, compassionate woman willing to question the system, Lucy, who has endured betrayal and hardship, finds solace in unexpected love. Because the unbreakable bond of sisterhood ties the two women together, their journey is not only one of survival but also one of reconciliation. No Place for a Lady is a sweeping historical novel about love, loyalty, and the strength of women confronting adversity.
The Characters
Lucy Harvington: A romantic and impulsive young woman who follows her husband to the Crimean War, expecting adventure. She’s forced to confront harsh truths as war and betrayal reshape her completely.
Dorothea Gray: Lucy’s older sister, calm and responsible, who joins Florence Nightingale’s nurses to find and protect her sister. Her journey reveals inner strength and a deep capacity for compassion.
Captain Charlie Harvington: Lucy’s charming but flawed husband, whose dashing exterior hides selfishness and moral weakness. His actions have lasting consequences for Lucy’s life and trust.
Florence Nightingale: A pioneering nurse and reformer, leading the charge to bring order and humanity to war hospitals. She inspires Dorothea and represents the emerging strength of women in medicine.
Dr. Jack Curtis: A dedicated and kind-hearted army doctor who works closely with Nightingale’s nurses. He becomes a source of support for Dorothea amid the chaos.
Writing Style
I found Gill Paul's writing style in No Place for a Lady to be vivid, immersive, and emotionally resonant, blending historical detail with accessible, modern prose. She shifts perspectives between the two sisters, giving each a unique voice while maintaining a smooth narrative flow. I appreciate that her descriptions of war, nursing, and 19th-century society are rich and evocative without becoming overly dense, balancing gritty realism with moments of tenderness and quiet strength. The dialogue feels natural, and the pacing keeps the story engaging without going overboard. Perhaps the only negative aspect of the writing that comes to mind is that there were occasionally more melodramatic scenes.
Setting and atmosphere
The novel is mainly set during the Crimean War of the 1850s, moving between the battlefronts of Crimea, the military hospitals of Scutari (modern-day Istanbul), and the more sheltered world of Victorian England. The settings are vividly drawn—from the freezing, disease-ridden trenches of Sebastopol to the chaotic, under-resourced hospital wards where nurses struggle to save lives with limited supplies. What I really liked about her setting is that the author firmly roots the story in historical fact, placing her characters within the real geography and events of the war, while also capturing the broader societal changes of the era, especially around medicine and women’s roles.
The atmosphere of No Place for a Lady is tense, emotional, and often somber, with a constant undercurrent of urgency and danger. There's a grim realism to the war scenes—mud, blood, infection, and loss—while the hospital settings evoke a sense of both despair and determination. Yet amid the darkness, there’s also resilience, hope, and quiet heroism. Moments of intimacy, sisterly love, and moral courage cut through the bleakness, creating an emotionally charged tone that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. In my opinion, the atmosphere of the story is its biggest strength.
Overall Impression
No Place for a Lady is a compelling mix of historical fiction and emotional drama, with a strong focus on sisterhood, resilience, and the often-overlooked role of women in war. Gill Paul brings the Crimean War to life with vivid detail, especially through the gritty hospital scenes and the portrayal of Florence Nightingale’s reforms. Despite not being a fan of multiple POVs, the alternating perspectives of Lucy and Dorothea add depth, showing how two very different women respond to the same chaotic world in uniquely personal ways. The story has a solid emotional core, and its themes of love, loss, and personal growth are genuinely moving.
That said, the novel doesn't always hit its stride. Some plot points feel a bit predictable, and a few secondary characters could have been fleshed out more. The pacing sometimes drags in the middle, and certain romantic elements feel rushed or underdeveloped. While the writing is accessible and the historical background engaging, it leans more toward melodrama at times than nuanced storytelling. Overall, it’s a good read—especially for fans of women-centered historical fiction—but not quite a standout.
Read this review with quote images on my blog:
https://constantinebooks.blogspot.com/2025/07/no-place-for-lady.html
June 21, 2015
I have a couple of Gill’s previous books hidden on my Kindle (The Affair and Women and Children First) and I now feel quite ashamed that I haven’t yet read them (for no other reason other than having too many books and not enough time) although after reading this, I shall now be keen to bump them up the reading list. No Place for a Lady was a wonderful read and I‘m sure that fans of historical fiction will enjoy it too.
I’ve read many books over the last year or so about WW1 but have never read anything about the Crimean War. I’ve heard of it but I didn’t take in the intricacies of who was fighting against who. Having read this book I feel I know a little more and I do love books that leave you with a little extra knowledge. Don’t think for one moment that this is a history text book though – it is a beautifully written story of love and duty and the horrors and hardship of war.
When young Lucy Gray marries the handsome and cavalier Charlie Harvington, her elder sister Dorothea is horrified. She thinks that Lucy is far too young to marry and urges her to wait, but Lucy will not be deterred. She thinks that Dorothea is interfering in her life and having discarded her sister from her life, decides to travel with Charlie and his regiment to the Crimea. She is still a teenager and completely unprepared for the hardship of living in a foreign land and on a battlefield.
Dorothea, a nurse, is desperately worried for her. She is very much a person with a strong sense of duty and wants to do her part in caring for those injured in the war and at the same time she hopes to try and find her sister. Her travels lead her first to Constantinople and to Florence Nightingale – I must admit that I now have a different picture in my mind of Florence who, for all the right reasons, appears to have been a much more difficult person than I had previously believed.
The story is told by both Dorothea and Lucy (by third party narration), with their narratives sometimes overlapping. Rather than being repetitive, I found it really helpful to see the same timeline of events told through a different pair of eyes.
Ms Paul doesn’t hold back on the horrors of war – some of the injuries are graphically described, although not gratuitously, and every aspect is so vividly described that you can clearly imagine the landscape and the awful conditions that both nurses and soldiers had to live with.
I really enjoyed the style of writing. I found this an easy and engaging read, and whilst the text was superbly descriptive, it didn’t slow down the story. The story appears to have been meticulously researched and this shows in the level of detail throughout. At the back of my copy (which was a proof copy) were several pages of notes explaining the background to the Crimean War, which I found particularly helpful.
Their different experiences had left their marks on both Dorothea and Lucy and you could see how their characters changed as the story progressed. In their own way, both were strong women. Of the two sisters, Dorothea was my favourite, Lucy’s opinion of her trying to dominate and ruin her life was quite unfair and in fact Dorothea was extremely kind and caring and would always put others before herself. I felt that Lucy was initially rather spoilt and quite selfish which can be put down to her immaturity but even as she matured and after all that she had endured, I still found it difficult to warm to her.
There is so much that happens in the book that it is impossible to detail it all in a review. I loved it and definitely recommend it for fans of historical fiction.
I’ve read many books over the last year or so about WW1 but have never read anything about the Crimean War. I’ve heard of it but I didn’t take in the intricacies of who was fighting against who. Having read this book I feel I know a little more and I do love books that leave you with a little extra knowledge. Don’t think for one moment that this is a history text book though – it is a beautifully written story of love and duty and the horrors and hardship of war.
When young Lucy Gray marries the handsome and cavalier Charlie Harvington, her elder sister Dorothea is horrified. She thinks that Lucy is far too young to marry and urges her to wait, but Lucy will not be deterred. She thinks that Dorothea is interfering in her life and having discarded her sister from her life, decides to travel with Charlie and his regiment to the Crimea. She is still a teenager and completely unprepared for the hardship of living in a foreign land and on a battlefield.
Dorothea, a nurse, is desperately worried for her. She is very much a person with a strong sense of duty and wants to do her part in caring for those injured in the war and at the same time she hopes to try and find her sister. Her travels lead her first to Constantinople and to Florence Nightingale – I must admit that I now have a different picture in my mind of Florence who, for all the right reasons, appears to have been a much more difficult person than I had previously believed.
The story is told by both Dorothea and Lucy (by third party narration), with their narratives sometimes overlapping. Rather than being repetitive, I found it really helpful to see the same timeline of events told through a different pair of eyes.
Ms Paul doesn’t hold back on the horrors of war – some of the injuries are graphically described, although not gratuitously, and every aspect is so vividly described that you can clearly imagine the landscape and the awful conditions that both nurses and soldiers had to live with.
I really enjoyed the style of writing. I found this an easy and engaging read, and whilst the text was superbly descriptive, it didn’t slow down the story. The story appears to have been meticulously researched and this shows in the level of detail throughout. At the back of my copy (which was a proof copy) were several pages of notes explaining the background to the Crimean War, which I found particularly helpful.
Their different experiences had left their marks on both Dorothea and Lucy and you could see how their characters changed as the story progressed. In their own way, both were strong women. Of the two sisters, Dorothea was my favourite, Lucy’s opinion of her trying to dominate and ruin her life was quite unfair and in fact Dorothea was extremely kind and caring and would always put others before herself. I felt that Lucy was initially rather spoilt and quite selfish which can be put down to her immaturity but even as she matured and after all that she had endured, I still found it difficult to warm to her.
There is so much that happens in the book that it is impossible to detail it all in a review. I loved it and definitely recommend it for fans of historical fiction.
August 30, 2021
Nu este cea mai buna carte a autoarei, dar are sensibilitate si o intriga inchegata. Usor predictibila si cliseica, reuseste totusi sa atraga atentia asupra unor evenimente istorice si contributia unor femei la acele intamplari. Intreaga actiune se petrece in timpul Razboiului Crimeei (1853-1856) care pentru romani a avut o importanta majora, la fel cum a avut-o pentru sud-estul Europei, Rusia si Imperiul Otoman.
June 7, 2015
You may be forgiven for looking at the cover of this book and thinking you are going to read a light, fluffy wartime romance. But No Place for a Lady is far from that description and I was pleasantly surprised to read such an excellent jam packed story. This was the first book I had read from this author and from looking at her previous two releases it's obvious Gill has a passion for history and a real way with words. All her books have had totally different settings and themes. From the tragedy of the sinking of the titanic in Women and Children First, to the on set affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in The Affair and now to the stark, bleak realities of the Crimean War in No Place for a Lady. It's plain for all to see this author can turn her hand to any era and write a successful absorbing novel.Gill has written a superb historical saga that had me enthralled from page one. This book has everything a good book in this genre should have - strong characters that undergo several changes for the better, a gripping intense, emotion filled storyline, sharp gritty historical detail and of course some romance. Told in several parts and from our two main female protagonists point of view this book is a spectacular achievement.
Right from the opening page as we see Lucy Harvington standing on a hillside as she watches her army captain husband's Hussars prepare to charge in battle I knew I was in for an extremely good read. We are then taken back in time several months to London. Lucy is 18 and impressionable and from the moment she first laid eyes on Charlie across a friends drawing room she knew he was the man for her. Unfortunately her sister Dorothea (who works as a volunteer nurse in the Westminster hospital) does not believe that Lucy can experience true love at such a young age and that her heart will be broken. But defying the rules Lucy is soon married to Charlie and finds herself on board a shop bound for the bleak landscape of the Crimea where the British are engaged in a war over territory with the Russians. Dorothea had wanted the marriage stopped at all costs. Their father is not of a sound mind to agree to this relationship and their mother had died some years ago so she feels she is the adult figure in Lucy's life. I couldn't understand why Dorothea became so involved in Lucy's decision I felt she was sticking her nose into a matter that Lucy herself should be able to work her way through and eventually formulate her own decision. In the beginning Dorothea's actions did not endear me to her but over the course of the book she just like Lucy under goes a radical transformation that will ultimately make them strong, brave and fearless women.
On the one hand Lucy is admirable for leaving everything she has known and travelling to such a faraway dangerous country with her husband. But on the other Lucy's love obviously blind sided her to Charlie's faults and she really had no idea what she was getting herself into. Right from the moment Lucy lands in the hot exotic city of Constantinople the action never lets up. The author uses rich vivid imagery to describe her settings and I could picture every step of Lucy's journey as she gets nearer to the action of the battle field. In fact the whole story is so richly described that I felt I was a character myself in the book right there alongside the women as they acclimatise to the day to day struggles of being camped on a battle field whilst trying to retain some semblance of normality. Here is where we first see Lucy's whole demeanour begin to change and for the better. Up until now she has had a sheltered cosseted upbringing leading a frivolous life but now the demands and ruthlessness of a war become all too apparent for her. She begins to develop into the woman the reader knows she is capable of becoming. Tragedy strikes and soon Lucy finds herself alone and stuck in a land where disease and hardship is rife. I thought when this occurred where can the rest of the book go? So much had happened in such a short space of time that I wondered what had the author left to tell. But never fear Gill Paul was only getting warmed up and the story kept going at an incredible pace that lasted night until the very last page.
I loved how this novel told the story from both Lucy and Dorothea's view points. The same situations were explored but there was never any repetition. The descriptive elements were nicely balanced alongside the narrative of the story. The author was clearly not afraid from writing of the horrifying experiences of war or shying away from the cold hard facts. So when Dorothea volunteers as part of Florence Nightingale's team of nurses the story just took on a whole other level as the brutality and conditions were brought right to the forefront of what proved to be an intense, detailed memorable story. Dorothea herself had also led somewhat of a protected life although she had more experiences through her nursing. But as we read of her day to day struggles nursing in appalling conditions and witnessing such horrendous injuries I could see a total transformation in her. Her softer caring side came out and she even found time for some much needed romance.It made me realise she ultimately only ever wanted what was best for her sister. Her brutal introduction to nursing in the Crimea certainly hardened her and she becomes determined to discover just what has happened to Lucy and to reunite.
The only thing that frustrated me about this book was how often Lucy and Dorothea were so close to each other or barely missed crossing each others paths in Crimea. I wanted them to reunite and solve the problems between them. But I suppose if this had happened we would not have been given half the story that is presented to us.The later half may not have existed and this is where the book truly came into it's own and the author displayed her skilful talents.So much happens that you really just have to read it for yourselves because if you don’t you are truly missing out on what is a fantastic book. I can easily see this book on the big screen it reminds me of Dances with Wolves or The Last of the Mohicans. Obviously not in terms of content but just in the scale and depth of the story one in which you will forget all time and place around you as you are so caught up in the lives of Lucy and Dorothea. Two incredible women I won't forget in a hurry.
The historical note and photos at the end of the book were a welcome addition and only further enhanced what was a truly wonderful story. I even went and looked up Crimea and the war myself as up until reading this book I had only ever heard of the work of Florence Nightingale and had no real idea of just how bad things were.No Place for a Lady will undoubtedly deeply satisfy fans of Gill Paul's writing. At the same time this epic story will earn her many new readers - myself included. Gill Paul is an author to keep an eye on because if she is producing this calibre of writing at an early stage in her career than I can only imagine what treats are in store for us readers in the future. I hear she is researching Russia in the time of the Tsars... now that is one book I will definitely be putting on my future reading list. Meanwhile go buy and enjoy this one.
Right from the opening page as we see Lucy Harvington standing on a hillside as she watches her army captain husband's Hussars prepare to charge in battle I knew I was in for an extremely good read. We are then taken back in time several months to London. Lucy is 18 and impressionable and from the moment she first laid eyes on Charlie across a friends drawing room she knew he was the man for her. Unfortunately her sister Dorothea (who works as a volunteer nurse in the Westminster hospital) does not believe that Lucy can experience true love at such a young age and that her heart will be broken. But defying the rules Lucy is soon married to Charlie and finds herself on board a shop bound for the bleak landscape of the Crimea where the British are engaged in a war over territory with the Russians. Dorothea had wanted the marriage stopped at all costs. Their father is not of a sound mind to agree to this relationship and their mother had died some years ago so she feels she is the adult figure in Lucy's life. I couldn't understand why Dorothea became so involved in Lucy's decision I felt she was sticking her nose into a matter that Lucy herself should be able to work her way through and eventually formulate her own decision. In the beginning Dorothea's actions did not endear me to her but over the course of the book she just like Lucy under goes a radical transformation that will ultimately make them strong, brave and fearless women.
On the one hand Lucy is admirable for leaving everything she has known and travelling to such a faraway dangerous country with her husband. But on the other Lucy's love obviously blind sided her to Charlie's faults and she really had no idea what she was getting herself into. Right from the moment Lucy lands in the hot exotic city of Constantinople the action never lets up. The author uses rich vivid imagery to describe her settings and I could picture every step of Lucy's journey as she gets nearer to the action of the battle field. In fact the whole story is so richly described that I felt I was a character myself in the book right there alongside the women as they acclimatise to the day to day struggles of being camped on a battle field whilst trying to retain some semblance of normality. Here is where we first see Lucy's whole demeanour begin to change and for the better. Up until now she has had a sheltered cosseted upbringing leading a frivolous life but now the demands and ruthlessness of a war become all too apparent for her. She begins to develop into the woman the reader knows she is capable of becoming. Tragedy strikes and soon Lucy finds herself alone and stuck in a land where disease and hardship is rife. I thought when this occurred where can the rest of the book go? So much had happened in such a short space of time that I wondered what had the author left to tell. But never fear Gill Paul was only getting warmed up and the story kept going at an incredible pace that lasted night until the very last page.
I loved how this novel told the story from both Lucy and Dorothea's view points. The same situations were explored but there was never any repetition. The descriptive elements were nicely balanced alongside the narrative of the story. The author was clearly not afraid from writing of the horrifying experiences of war or shying away from the cold hard facts. So when Dorothea volunteers as part of Florence Nightingale's team of nurses the story just took on a whole other level as the brutality and conditions were brought right to the forefront of what proved to be an intense, detailed memorable story. Dorothea herself had also led somewhat of a protected life although she had more experiences through her nursing. But as we read of her day to day struggles nursing in appalling conditions and witnessing such horrendous injuries I could see a total transformation in her. Her softer caring side came out and she even found time for some much needed romance.It made me realise she ultimately only ever wanted what was best for her sister. Her brutal introduction to nursing in the Crimea certainly hardened her and she becomes determined to discover just what has happened to Lucy and to reunite.
The only thing that frustrated me about this book was how often Lucy and Dorothea were so close to each other or barely missed crossing each others paths in Crimea. I wanted them to reunite and solve the problems between them. But I suppose if this had happened we would not have been given half the story that is presented to us.The later half may not have existed and this is where the book truly came into it's own and the author displayed her skilful talents.So much happens that you really just have to read it for yourselves because if you don’t you are truly missing out on what is a fantastic book. I can easily see this book on the big screen it reminds me of Dances with Wolves or The Last of the Mohicans. Obviously not in terms of content but just in the scale and depth of the story one in which you will forget all time and place around you as you are so caught up in the lives of Lucy and Dorothea. Two incredible women I won't forget in a hurry.
The historical note and photos at the end of the book were a welcome addition and only further enhanced what was a truly wonderful story. I even went and looked up Crimea and the war myself as up until reading this book I had only ever heard of the work of Florence Nightingale and had no real idea of just how bad things were.No Place for a Lady will undoubtedly deeply satisfy fans of Gill Paul's writing. At the same time this epic story will earn her many new readers - myself included. Gill Paul is an author to keep an eye on because if she is producing this calibre of writing at an early stage in her career than I can only imagine what treats are in store for us readers in the future. I hear she is researching Russia in the time of the Tsars... now that is one book I will definitely be putting on my future reading list. Meanwhile go buy and enjoy this one.
July 22, 2018
This wasn't bad but I didn't particularly like it either. The first about 250 pages were just meh I skimmed alot and kind of wanted it to be over, than It got a little better more interesting. And i was not a fan of the ending.
August 16, 2017
I think this book has to go on my top 10 for 2017 so far. I really enjoyed it. Set in the Crimean war, two sisters end up in the war zone for very different reasons. Lucy goes to support her husband who is a Captain in the British army and her sister Dorothea goes to be a nurse under the tutorship of THE Florence Nightingale. Well thought out plot, well researched historical perspective of the Crimean conflict, and a great insight into nursing of the time, especially interesting for me. I loved both sisters, albeit they are such different characters. Heart wrenching and heart warming,definately worth reading
January 13, 2016
I must be missing something here. So many people have rated this four or five stars.. and I just didn't connect with it at all. To be fair, I read it "on the rebound" from an amazing book set in India (Zemindar) so maybe my expectations were set too high. But I read a lot of historical fiction and this one just seemed really flat. The historical research was there, but the characters weren't that interesting and we ended up being told how they felt and what they were going through rather than let the descriptions tell the story.
It was also quite unbelievable that Lucy should be such a strong person, coming from a sheltered and cosseted background. She seemed to go through tragedy after tragedy with hardly any reaction than a few tears. It would have been a lot more believeable if she had found some experiences rather more gruelling instead of sailing through them. Don't get me wrong, there are flashes of good writing, but it could do with a lot more characterisation. Otherwise I'm just reading about the Crimea and I know about that already.
It was also quite unbelievable that Lucy should be such a strong person, coming from a sheltered and cosseted background. She seemed to go through tragedy after tragedy with hardly any reaction than a few tears. It would have been a lot more believeable if she had found some experiences rather more gruelling instead of sailing through them. Don't get me wrong, there are flashes of good writing, but it could do with a lot more characterisation. Otherwise I'm just reading about the Crimea and I know about that already.
June 7, 2015
Lately I am really lucky to be able to read some really good historical fiction book, and I am slowly becoming a fan of this genre, so when I was asked if I'm interested in taking part in Blog Tour for "No Place for a Lady", and when I read a blurb, I was sure it's going to be a real corker of a book and agreed without hesitation. and it was one of the best decisions I could make - it is a great book! It was also my first book by Gill Paul, which made the reading even more interesting, and now I know where to look if I am in a need of good historical novel.
I absolutely adored how cleverly the author weaved in real people into the story, people who lived and were part of those times, especially the famous Miss Florence Nightingale, but also some of the soldiers that really were, that fought in this war, and their wives that followed them to those exotic parts of the world.
Gill has done a great work with describing all the things that she put in the book: characters, settings, views, all the details, and the book was brilliantly researched - I felt as if I were reading not only great fiction, but a brilliantly written history textbook. The great part of the story focused on the medical aspect of those times, and I read it holding my breath, really, because it was incredibly well, vivid and realistic written - what happened with the soldiers, or what didn't happen, how did the help looked like and what doctors and nurses had at their disposal, and how important it was to be not only a qualified personnel, but to have a heart, as so many of the soldiers were young boys, and it stroke me so much that mostly they were so worried about their mothers left at home, in England or Scotland - incredibly gentle and moving parts of the book.
I think I enjoyed Dorothea's story more than Lucy's, maybe perhaps I liked her also more than her younger sister? Lucy's story started abruptly and in fact ended abruptly after her husband's death, and as much as I appreciate the author's attempts to make her life like a roller - coaster ride, once high, and then down, after she left the British camp her story was good, but not as good as I hoped for it. To be honest, also her stay at the war focused only on her and Charlie making love and Lucy waiting for him. Yes, sure, it was what women there probably did, but taking into consideration that our Lucy considered herself to be a free spirit and a brave girl, I was expecting more creativity and more life in her. I also didn't fell for her after Charlie's death and meeting this handsome and very modern young Turkish man and with what happened later - in my eyes, Lucy was a spoiled girl and she stayed like this, and the war didn't change her at all.
But Dorothea is other story. Lucy claimed that her sister is bossy and wants all the things to be as she wants them, but I, to be honest, didn't find her like this at all. She was incredibly warm, lovely and wanted to help everybody, and she put herself on the last place, thinking only about other people. She wasn't afraid of leaving everything behind and travel to the dangerous grounds not only in search for Lucy, but having interest of the British soldiers in mind. Maybe it's because she was much older than Lucy and because she's seen their mother into her death, but she was undoubtedly my favourite sister. But liking here or there, it was really heart - breaking to see how close the sisters were to each other and yet they didn't know about this.
The book was divided in parts, and each part was devoted to either Lucy or Dorothea, and they covered the same period of time, but those periods overlapped themselves - first Lucy told us about her and her adventures in winter for example, and then Dorothea was going down the memory lane about this period and what happened to her in the same time. It was OK, but I'd rather preferred it when the book was told differently, chapter from Lucy's point of view and then the next from Dorothea's, I think it would worked out better for me if it would have been simultaneously, this coming back to the same period in time just wasn't for me. I mean, first Lucy told about a particular battle or situation but then she moved on, and for me it was like, OK, read and forgotten, but then Dorothea was talking about the same event again through her eyes, and it was as if taking one step forward, two steps back. But it is the only thing that I'm complaining about, the rest was truly perfect!
As much as it was historical fiction, it was also about incredibly strong, real women, who were willing to leave everything behind - and I mean everything, even the children! - only to follow their husbands in distant countries, not knowing what the future is going to bring. Already the opening lines of the story had me hooked and gave me goosebumps, when Lucy was watching the battle not knowing if her husband will survive or if he's going to die. I mean, just imagine - you are standing somewhere above the battle field, you see this all, you see men being killed, and you wonder if your husband is among them - how sick is this? It is also about being totally emphatic and unselfish, about sacrificing your own life to help those who are in need, and the passion the nurses and doctors were working with was really well described, it was absolutely convincing.
This book has given an incredibly vivid insight into a war that - like all other wars - was completely wrong and that claimed so many innocent lives. It is full of emotions and so many details, but the details are described in wonderfully colourful, engaging way, and I truly adored being able to see into private lives of the soldiers and their wives, and - again - learn about a piece of history that I had idea that happened, but didn't know much about. The descriptions of war reality were brutally honest, and I can only imagine how much thorough research went into writing this book.
I really didn't want to put this book down, it had me hooked from start to finish and I enjoyed every single second of this story. It was incredibly thought - provoking, and it felt so genuine and honest. Really great developed characters, and not only the main ones, but also all the supporting characters, wonderful and unique story - line, fantastic setting and views - if you haven't read this book yet, you are for a real treat, and not only when you're a fan of historical fiction.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
I absolutely adored how cleverly the author weaved in real people into the story, people who lived and were part of those times, especially the famous Miss Florence Nightingale, but also some of the soldiers that really were, that fought in this war, and their wives that followed them to those exotic parts of the world.
Gill has done a great work with describing all the things that she put in the book: characters, settings, views, all the details, and the book was brilliantly researched - I felt as if I were reading not only great fiction, but a brilliantly written history textbook. The great part of the story focused on the medical aspect of those times, and I read it holding my breath, really, because it was incredibly well, vivid and realistic written - what happened with the soldiers, or what didn't happen, how did the help looked like and what doctors and nurses had at their disposal, and how important it was to be not only a qualified personnel, but to have a heart, as so many of the soldiers were young boys, and it stroke me so much that mostly they were so worried about their mothers left at home, in England or Scotland - incredibly gentle and moving parts of the book.
I think I enjoyed Dorothea's story more than Lucy's, maybe perhaps I liked her also more than her younger sister? Lucy's story started abruptly and in fact ended abruptly after her husband's death, and as much as I appreciate the author's attempts to make her life like a roller - coaster ride, once high, and then down, after she left the British camp her story was good, but not as good as I hoped for it. To be honest, also her stay at the war focused only on her and Charlie making love and Lucy waiting for him. Yes, sure, it was what women there probably did, but taking into consideration that our Lucy considered herself to be a free spirit and a brave girl, I was expecting more creativity and more life in her. I also didn't fell for her after Charlie's death and meeting this handsome and very modern young Turkish man and with what happened later - in my eyes, Lucy was a spoiled girl and she stayed like this, and the war didn't change her at all.
But Dorothea is other story. Lucy claimed that her sister is bossy and wants all the things to be as she wants them, but I, to be honest, didn't find her like this at all. She was incredibly warm, lovely and wanted to help everybody, and she put herself on the last place, thinking only about other people. She wasn't afraid of leaving everything behind and travel to the dangerous grounds not only in search for Lucy, but having interest of the British soldiers in mind. Maybe it's because she was much older than Lucy and because she's seen their mother into her death, but she was undoubtedly my favourite sister. But liking here or there, it was really heart - breaking to see how close the sisters were to each other and yet they didn't know about this.
The book was divided in parts, and each part was devoted to either Lucy or Dorothea, and they covered the same period of time, but those periods overlapped themselves - first Lucy told us about her and her adventures in winter for example, and then Dorothea was going down the memory lane about this period and what happened to her in the same time. It was OK, but I'd rather preferred it when the book was told differently, chapter from Lucy's point of view and then the next from Dorothea's, I think it would worked out better for me if it would have been simultaneously, this coming back to the same period in time just wasn't for me. I mean, first Lucy told about a particular battle or situation but then she moved on, and for me it was like, OK, read and forgotten, but then Dorothea was talking about the same event again through her eyes, and it was as if taking one step forward, two steps back. But it is the only thing that I'm complaining about, the rest was truly perfect!
As much as it was historical fiction, it was also about incredibly strong, real women, who were willing to leave everything behind - and I mean everything, even the children! - only to follow their husbands in distant countries, not knowing what the future is going to bring. Already the opening lines of the story had me hooked and gave me goosebumps, when Lucy was watching the battle not knowing if her husband will survive or if he's going to die. I mean, just imagine - you are standing somewhere above the battle field, you see this all, you see men being killed, and you wonder if your husband is among them - how sick is this? It is also about being totally emphatic and unselfish, about sacrificing your own life to help those who are in need, and the passion the nurses and doctors were working with was really well described, it was absolutely convincing.
This book has given an incredibly vivid insight into a war that - like all other wars - was completely wrong and that claimed so many innocent lives. It is full of emotions and so many details, but the details are described in wonderfully colourful, engaging way, and I truly adored being able to see into private lives of the soldiers and their wives, and - again - learn about a piece of history that I had idea that happened, but didn't know much about. The descriptions of war reality were brutally honest, and I can only imagine how much thorough research went into writing this book.
I really didn't want to put this book down, it had me hooked from start to finish and I enjoyed every single second of this story. It was incredibly thought - provoking, and it felt so genuine and honest. Really great developed characters, and not only the main ones, but also all the supporting characters, wonderful and unique story - line, fantastic setting and views - if you haven't read this book yet, you are for a real treat, and not only when you're a fan of historical fiction.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
June 30, 2015
4.5 Stars
Most definitive statement for the historical research that went into this book: Holy carp!! There is a ton of information that serves as a background for this story of two sisters and their relationship during one of the Crimean War. Everything from horrifying details on battle and carnage to everyday life in hospitals and military camps to the glittering world of Constantinople and the seedy underbelly of that same city find their way into this book. I literally was learning as I read, and I love that in historical fiction.
I do have to give the author kudos for not being afraid to explore dark material as well as the general historical story. From just jaw-dropping carnage at Dorothea's hospital to the emotional turmoil on the soldiers and those experiencing the shells and death, this story covers it all and makes the reader think. I was especially touched at how the author portrayed PTSD and the depression present in the soldier population. It really made me think about our modern soldiers and what they're going through.
At first, I wasn’t that thrilled with out two sister leads. I felt they were almost stereotypical or caricatures of female roles in the mid-1850s, something I loathe with a vengeance. However, once the story gets rolling and the events start slamming our girls, I grew to love them more and more. They both mature and change their life outlooks as the war and story progresses. I found myself engrossed with their growth as chapters flew by.
Lucy’s and Dorothea’s relationship is the heart of the story; seeing how it develops and changes as the months go by kept me enthralled. The war changed both of them; the reader can see that reflected in how both girls’ views changed about each other. Lucy starts to view Dorothea as more than just someone trying to butt into her life as a bossy pseudo-mother. Dorothea starts to see the intelligence and maturity that Lucy possesses deep down as she deals with tragedy after tragedy.
At first, I was going to rate this book lower due to how much I was gritting my teeth in the beginning over the girls’ characterization. Yet, as the story progressed into the Crimea and the war story really got rolling, my adoration of the book rose and rose. The author’s attention to detail/research shines through, and her attention to the girls’ and their relationship is just astounding. I would recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction, as it’s topnotch, and I look forward to delving into more of the author’s HF!
Note: Book received for free from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Most definitive statement for the historical research that went into this book: Holy carp!! There is a ton of information that serves as a background for this story of two sisters and their relationship during one of the Crimean War. Everything from horrifying details on battle and carnage to everyday life in hospitals and military camps to the glittering world of Constantinople and the seedy underbelly of that same city find their way into this book. I literally was learning as I read, and I love that in historical fiction.
I do have to give the author kudos for not being afraid to explore dark material as well as the general historical story. From just jaw-dropping carnage at Dorothea's hospital to the emotional turmoil on the soldiers and those experiencing the shells and death, this story covers it all and makes the reader think. I was especially touched at how the author portrayed PTSD and the depression present in the soldier population. It really made me think about our modern soldiers and what they're going through.
At first, I wasn’t that thrilled with out two sister leads. I felt they were almost stereotypical or caricatures of female roles in the mid-1850s, something I loathe with a vengeance. However, once the story gets rolling and the events start slamming our girls, I grew to love them more and more. They both mature and change their life outlooks as the war and story progresses. I found myself engrossed with their growth as chapters flew by.
Lucy’s and Dorothea’s relationship is the heart of the story; seeing how it develops and changes as the months go by kept me enthralled. The war changed both of them; the reader can see that reflected in how both girls’ views changed about each other. Lucy starts to view Dorothea as more than just someone trying to butt into her life as a bossy pseudo-mother. Dorothea starts to see the intelligence and maturity that Lucy possesses deep down as she deals with tragedy after tragedy.
At first, I was going to rate this book lower due to how much I was gritting my teeth in the beginning over the girls’ characterization. Yet, as the story progressed into the Crimea and the war story really got rolling, my adoration of the book rose and rose. The author’s attention to detail/research shines through, and her attention to the girls’ and their relationship is just astounding. I would recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction, as it’s topnotch, and I look forward to delving into more of the author’s HF!
Note: Book received for free from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2021
This was so interesting. I know a lot about modern wars but this was unlike anything I have read before. Lucy is an eighteen year old girl who marries a soldier who is going to Crimea to fight in the war. During this time period officers could bring their wives with them. They were able to bring luggage! Soldiers wives could participate in a lottery so some of their wives could come. At first they would stay on the boat or hotels but many would stay in tents with their husbands. This was was a great debacle by the British government. They were still riding on a high from beating Napoleon and leadership was missing. Soldiers were starving and no way prepared for a winter siege. Apparently after this war you could no longer purchase a commission in the British army and they were only doled out on merit. What astounded me even more was that female tourists would arrive by yacht and expect to tour the towns and even hospitals in the middle of a war zone!
October 16, 2019
Lucy: Hey I just met this guy and now we are engaged, oh and I’m going off to the Crimean war to be an officers wife!
Dorothea: lol what?
Lucy: You don’t like it?!! I’m leaving!! To hell with you. I love him with all my heart. This is true love it’s me and Charlie against the world!
Months go by....
Lucy: Charlie’s dead, guess I’ll mope by his grave and let the exposure to the elements kill me.
A few more month go by....
Lucy: I’m in love with another man! I love him!! I’m pregnant and married to a new man but he’s in a coma now from his injuries. Oh well, teehee!
Dorothea: *lets out long irritated sigh* good for you.
See where I’m going with?? Idiotic
Dorothea: lol what?
Lucy: You don’t like it?!! I’m leaving!! To hell with you. I love him with all my heart. This is true love it’s me and Charlie against the world!
Months go by....
Lucy: Charlie’s dead, guess I’ll mope by his grave and let the exposure to the elements kill me.
A few more month go by....
Lucy: I’m in love with another man! I love him!! I’m pregnant and married to a new man but he’s in a coma now from his injuries. Oh well, teehee!
Dorothea: *lets out long irritated sigh* good for you.
See where I’m going with?? Idiotic
December 1, 2017
It was...actually I don't even know what this was. Lucy was an airhead. There was really no depth to the book or any of the characters at all. I honestly don't understand why Lucy wanted to go to the war with her husband so badly. Maybe because the whole book was just a sketch. Ugh. At least it was an easy read.
July 5, 2015
Really enjoyed this historical novel, lots of historical facts and adventures.
Would recommend to everyone who enjoys historical novels.
Won this book in Goodreads First-read giveaway.
Would recommend to everyone who enjoys historical novels.
Won this book in Goodreads First-read giveaway.
September 28, 2020
Why am I so surprised when I love another book by an author I enjoy. Gill Paul has such an ability to write historical fiction. I learned so much about the Crimea war and war and nursing in 1850's.
June 18, 2017
4.5 stars...mainly because I felt it needed an epilogue and I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first. That being said, this was a powerful book that felt very real, very authentic. There were times when it almost felt like I was reading a diary and I don't say that as a criticism, only that was how real it felt to me. Although I am by no means an expert on the Crimea War, I feel quite confident that the author certainly did her homework and her attention to detail was outstanding.
This is a story about two sisters, thirteen years apart. Dorthea was the eldest, 31 at the start of the book and Lucy was 18. Dorothea has been like a mother to Lucy since their own mother died when Lucy was 13 and had been ill for some time before her death. Lucy was the beautiful sister, loving but impetuous in nature. Dorothea, plainer in looks and steadfast and reliable. When the story begins, Lucy has just met a handsome military officer and after knowing him just 9 weeks, decides she must marry him and follow him off to the Crimea War. Of course, Dorothea does her best to dissuade her and by doing so, causes a riff in the sister's relationship.
The story is told alternately from each sister's viewpoint. The experiences of the sheltered Lucy once she finds herself smack in the middle of a war are eye-opening. A cholera epidemic killed over 1000 troops before a shot had even been fired. Eventually, Dorothea, a trained nurse and desperate to locate her sister, finds a way to at least get to the same region that Lucy is in so she can hopefully find her.
A lot happens within the pages of this book and if I go into too much it becomes spoilerish. As I said, this book felt very real and as in real life, not everything ends like a fairy tale romance. There is much to feel happy about and yet there is sadness too. In some ways, this book reminded me of another book I very much enjoyed about two sisters and their experiences in a war, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I would recommend both of these historical fiction/romances to those who love a realistic story.
This is a story about two sisters, thirteen years apart. Dorthea was the eldest, 31 at the start of the book and Lucy was 18. Dorothea has been like a mother to Lucy since their own mother died when Lucy was 13 and had been ill for some time before her death. Lucy was the beautiful sister, loving but impetuous in nature. Dorothea, plainer in looks and steadfast and reliable. When the story begins, Lucy has just met a handsome military officer and after knowing him just 9 weeks, decides she must marry him and follow him off to the Crimea War. Of course, Dorothea does her best to dissuade her and by doing so, causes a riff in the sister's relationship.
The story is told alternately from each sister's viewpoint. The experiences of the sheltered Lucy once she finds herself smack in the middle of a war are eye-opening. A cholera epidemic killed over 1000 troops before a shot had even been fired. Eventually, Dorothea, a trained nurse and desperate to locate her sister, finds a way to at least get to the same region that Lucy is in so she can hopefully find her.
A lot happens within the pages of this book and if I go into too much it becomes spoilerish. As I said, this book felt very real and as in real life, not everything ends like a fairy tale romance. There is much to feel happy about and yet there is sadness too. In some ways, this book reminded me of another book I very much enjoyed about two sisters and their experiences in a war, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I would recommend both of these historical fiction/romances to those who love a realistic story.
May 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book set in the Crimean War in the mid 1800's for all the incredible details about that time period. I learned a lot about this war as I didn't know a lot before. So sad and tragic to read about the senseless death and destruction of wars. Nothing is ever won and there is always so much devastating loss on both sides.
I liked the two sisters, Lucy and Dorothea who were quite different from each other. Lucy was so passionate and impulsive while older sister Dorothea was so dutiful and hard working.
The story was gripping and swept me along with tales of Lucy and her two loves. Then it switched to Dorothea's point of view as a nurse caring for wounded soldiers from the war. I found all the details about what she endured so fascinating and how terrible the conditions were in those hospitals in those times. And even Florence Nightingale was a character in the story. She was portrayed as a determined and difficult woman who wouldn't take no for an answer. A tough battle-axe!
I did find the ending disappointing how it ended abruptly and left me wanting more. Overall though, I did enjoy this book and the wonderful painstaking research that made the story come alive. Constantinople (now Istanbul) sounded so beautiful and fascinating how it was a mixture of Western and Eastern influences. I would love to visit this city. I have watched a few Turkish movies and have enjoyed them for a change of pace from the usual Hollywood fare.
I liked the two sisters, Lucy and Dorothea who were quite different from each other. Lucy was so passionate and impulsive while older sister Dorothea was so dutiful and hard working.
The story was gripping and swept me along with tales of Lucy and her two loves. Then it switched to Dorothea's point of view as a nurse caring for wounded soldiers from the war. I found all the details about what she endured so fascinating and how terrible the conditions were in those hospitals in those times. And even Florence Nightingale was a character in the story. She was portrayed as a determined and difficult woman who wouldn't take no for an answer. A tough battle-axe!
I did find the ending disappointing how it ended abruptly and left me wanting more. Overall though, I did enjoy this book and the wonderful painstaking research that made the story come alive. Constantinople (now Istanbul) sounded so beautiful and fascinating how it was a mixture of Western and Eastern influences. I would love to visit this city. I have watched a few Turkish movies and have enjoyed them for a change of pace from the usual Hollywood fare.
May 4, 2021
A completely delightful historical read from start to finish about two very different sisters. Lucy, flighty passionate and in love with a man her elder sister Dorothea considers very unsuitable. Dorothea adores her little sister and all she wants is to protect her and make sure she has the best possible life and not end up an old maid like she has. However her protection is seen as interfering and Lucy just wants to break free. She sees marriage as the route to freedom and having eloped with her young lover follows him to the Crimea as a war wife. Dorothea who divides her life between working as a volunteer nurse and caring for their increasingly senile father, breaks her own rules and acts on impulse, volunteering as a Nightingale nurse in the hope of following Lucy to the battlefields, where she is sure she needs her protection.
October 17, 2017
I found this to be a genuinely enjoyable work of historical fiction. And to think that I almost chose another book to read in its place! Gill Paul has written an addictive tale that constantly left me wanting more. It was a pleasure to read and I will definitely be delving into more of this authors books. I recommend this to all historical fiction lovers! I love how much accuracy there is in this story and I also love how many true historical figures were mentioned - including Mary Seacole whom I so admire. A wonderful book in many respects!
August 23, 2022
Jane Austens world meets the Russian Vs Turk French English war 1854, where army commissions are bought, wives may accompany their husbands to watch, and Florence nightingale intercedes to improve medical outcomes.
Sea travel, land marches, exotic drinks, and the abominable English preparation and support for pre during and post battle, even though that medical help far exceeds that given by the Russians, all feature in this book.
4 stars, a little too long winded, in the nicest possible way
Sea travel, land marches, exotic drinks, and the abominable English preparation and support for pre during and post battle, even though that medical help far exceeds that given by the Russians, all feature in this book.
4 stars, a little too long winded, in the nicest possible way
July 10, 2019
Good Read
The author creates characters and puts them in historical settings. This book was about the Crimean War. One of the most famous characters was Florence Nightingale. The two fictitious main characters were well developed and thereby created that magic tension between reader and plot that, in turn, makes a good read.
The author's mechanics were good.
Thank you, Ms. Paul, for a good read.
The author creates characters and puts them in historical settings. This book was about the Crimean War. One of the most famous characters was Florence Nightingale. The two fictitious main characters were well developed and thereby created that magic tension between reader and plot that, in turn, makes a good read.
The author's mechanics were good.
Thank you, Ms. Paul, for a good read.
March 5, 2018
a great read lost it
March 29, 2019
Beautiful and poignant
August 16, 2022
I have loved all of Gill Pauls books so far and true for this one also! The stories she writes pull at my heart strings. I love historical fiction and hearing about the details of history of wars I know nothing about. This one is centered around the Crimean War. Also Florence Nightingale is not the main character, but her personality is revealed. Well written!
April 18, 2017
Originally posted here.
No Place for a Lady was exactly what I needed, a super easy and enjoyable historical fiction focusing on the Crimean war of 1854-55, of which I knew nothing about. The story is about two sisters who are thirteen years apart. Dorothea is the elder, never married and very sensible, whilst Lucy is fickle and passionate. It switches between their perspectives and I enjoyed reading it for the most part.
I really liked the writing style, it was really easy to fly through and the plot was sufficiently fast paced enough to keep my interest all the way through. Some of Lucy's plot was really unbelievable and although I rolled my eyes on occasion it was still quite entertaining. The ending was a bit strange but I liked how it wasn't happily ever after.
It's not one of the best historical fiction novels that I have ever read but I appreciated learning my more about the Crimean war and the historical note at the end was very informative. Would I recommend it? Not to anyone who is looking for high quality historical fiction. It is however a fast paced and easy read with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, but I found it to be a distinctly average read.
No Place for a Lady was exactly what I needed, a super easy and enjoyable historical fiction focusing on the Crimean war of 1854-55, of which I knew nothing about. The story is about two sisters who are thirteen years apart. Dorothea is the elder, never married and very sensible, whilst Lucy is fickle and passionate. It switches between their perspectives and I enjoyed reading it for the most part.
I really liked the writing style, it was really easy to fly through and the plot was sufficiently fast paced enough to keep my interest all the way through. Some of Lucy's plot was really unbelievable and although I rolled my eyes on occasion it was still quite entertaining. The ending was a bit strange but I liked how it wasn't happily ever after.
It's not one of the best historical fiction novels that I have ever read but I appreciated learning my more about the Crimean war and the historical note at the end was very informative. Would I recommend it? Not to anyone who is looking for high quality historical fiction. It is however a fast paced and easy read with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, but I found it to be a distinctly average read.
April 2, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. I really enjoy history, however I am not a huge fan of the romance novel. So often when reading historical fiction these tow genres are entwined. I find often that in such novels the romance is primary and the history is secondary. No Place for a Lady does an excellent job of balancing the historical story and the lives of it's characters. I dropped my rating to three stars only because I found that the author tied everything up in a perfect little happy bow. In terms of social context and history the bow that was tied was to unbelievable for me.
I am looking forward to exploring Gill Paul's work further in her other novels.
I am looking forward to exploring Gill Paul's work further in her other novels.
June 24, 2019
Found the beginning slow, but good once you get I to it.
June 6, 2015
When I first started reading this by an unknown author, I was thoroughly engaged with the characters. You felt so much for how one's point of view can change people. Like how at the beginning, Lucy Harvington was a very innocent woman who wanted her own way in things. She was in love with her handsome suitor Charlie. He is an Officer with the horse guards and wants Lucy for his wife. But Lucy's sister Dorothea Gray forbids her to do this because she's so young. Wait til the war is over in the Crimea and then decide. But Lucy thinks her sister is against her and marries anyway.
Lucy and Charlie wind up in a very dangerous situation with hardships of cold, no food and battles surround them. You feel for the young and desperate Lucy when things go from bad to worse. People dying right and left with no doctors and no supplies.
Florence Nightingale has become a renown person pertaining to health matters and sends nurses out to the Crimea to help the war effort.
Dorothea is determined to become a nurse with the women going to help, and also to find her sister Lucy. Oh, the horrors of war and how can one survive during such carnage? Can Lucy and her sister be reunited? Please read this because it's very interesting til the very end.
I appreciate Net Galley for giving me this book to read and review.
Lucy and Charlie wind up in a very dangerous situation with hardships of cold, no food and battles surround them. You feel for the young and desperate Lucy when things go from bad to worse. People dying right and left with no doctors and no supplies.
Florence Nightingale has become a renown person pertaining to health matters and sends nurses out to the Crimea to help the war effort.
Dorothea is determined to become a nurse with the women going to help, and also to find her sister Lucy. Oh, the horrors of war and how can one survive during such carnage? Can Lucy and her sister be reunited? Please read this because it's very interesting til the very end.
I appreciate Net Galley for giving me this book to read and review.
August 20, 2016
This book is interesting in terms of it being historical fiction, it takes you on a journey back in time and on an adventure with the main protagonists exploring multiple settings and cultures. Also, it shows the gruesome side of war from the point of view of an English lady who follows her husband to war as she faces new struggles such as taking care of her self, cooking, the changing weather, and loneliness. I really liked the fact that it portrays war from a human level in terms the characters fear and struggle to cope with the horrors of war. I did not like Lucy (the main character) as much as her sister (Dorothea) because I found her personality to be rather fickle since she quickly seems to fall in love and out of it. Perhaps her personality is a result of her older sister bearing all the responsibilities, which did not give her a chance to grow up. As a result, she is forced to mature through her adventure. Personally, I found some parts of the book inappropriate (sexual content), but otherwise it was an interesting read. Finally, I am thankful that this book did not end up in "and they lived happily ever after" tone but in a more realistic one. But I do not think that this is a book that I would re-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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