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Hester Roon
The Fleece Inn stood where the three roads joined—to London, to Norwich and to the sea. Its trade was prosperous, its hospitality famous and its host, fat Job, was jolly and generous—to his guests. To his servants Job was cruel and menacing and to Ellie Roon, the most menial servant at the Fleece, he was a figure of terror. Ellie was used to being shouted at and bullied, but when her illegitimate daughter was born—in a rat-ridden attic of the Fleece—she decided that Hester must have a different kind of life. And so Hester Roon, equipped with little more than courage and a strong will, began her eventful progress in the harsh world of 18th century England. After fleeing from the inn, she became involved in the London underworld. From there she was to find herself a destiny far beyond her imaginings.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1940
84 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Norah Lofts
108 books310 followersNorah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 3, 2018
Note, Jan. 3, 2018: I edited this review just now to make a minor, one-word correction in the text.
Although Norah Lofts is a writer I first encountered back in the 60s, and I count her as a favorite, I've still only scratched the surface of her work, which includes voluminous historical fiction. This novel, set in the 18th century (a date, 1775, is given only late in the book; but her reference, in a note preceding the book text, to Bayne-Powell's English Life in the 18th Century clues us to the general setting, and the period details are consistent with that) is one of her best that I've yet read; there was no way I could rate it at less than five stars! It's also one of her earlier works --her sixth novel, penned when she'd only been a published author for about four years. It already exhibits a marked maturity of style and literary vision. In particular, while it has similarities to her fourth novel, Out of This Nettle (1938), in that both have a protagonist who goes from the British Isles in the 1700s to the West Indies (that would be a spoiler, if not for the fact that the front cover copy of the edition in the above description, which isn't the one I read, already announces the fact!), this one is far more readable, IMO, than the earlier book, better paced, and has a much more likeable protagonist.
That isn't to say that Hester is a plaster saint without foibles; she's a very realistically drawn, imperfect human being. The same can be said for most of the supporting characters; even the great majority of the sympathetic characters have shortcomings. But the deep human sympathy for her characters that shines through Loft's mature work is already present here; even her genuine villains usually have some good qualities, and we can always understand what motivates and shapes the characters' social and moral choices. Hester, however, transcends the circumstances of her rearing; she grows into a strong, courageous woman with a solid moral compass, whom readers can like and respect.
There's a sustained note of social concern here, sympathy for the downtrodden and hatred for cruelty and injustice. Related to this is a definite feminist subtext (written in a social milieu that was much less equalitarian than today's). Lofts does not, however, fall into the trap of portraying oppressed people as themselves invariably saintly and benevolent, or suggesting that every way that they respond to oppression is blameless. Parts of the novel are dark and tragic, fully illustrating the human capacity for treating other humans inhumanly. But the tone isn't as hopeless as the dark, unremitting grimness I found in Out of This Nettle (in fairness, I didn't read the whole of the latter novel), and a livelier plot; indeed, this book is compulsively readable, abounding in genuinely suspenseful situations. Lofts' treatment of evangelical characters elsewhere in her work is often colored by apparent "high-church" prejudice, but that's not the case here; she has two of the latter who come across as very admirable and sympathetic (and an Anglican vicar who does not!).
My only regret is that I waited so long to read this one!
Although Norah Lofts is a writer I first encountered back in the 60s, and I count her as a favorite, I've still only scratched the surface of her work, which includes voluminous historical fiction. This novel, set in the 18th century (a date, 1775, is given only late in the book; but her reference, in a note preceding the book text, to Bayne-Powell's English Life in the 18th Century clues us to the general setting, and the period details are consistent with that) is one of her best that I've yet read; there was no way I could rate it at less than five stars! It's also one of her earlier works --her sixth novel, penned when she'd only been a published author for about four years. It already exhibits a marked maturity of style and literary vision. In particular, while it has similarities to her fourth novel, Out of This Nettle (1938), in that both have a protagonist who goes from the British Isles in the 1700s to the West Indies (that would be a spoiler, if not for the fact that the front cover copy of the edition in the above description, which isn't the one I read, already announces the fact!), this one is far more readable, IMO, than the earlier book, better paced, and has a much more likeable protagonist.
That isn't to say that Hester is a plaster saint without foibles; she's a very realistically drawn, imperfect human being. The same can be said for most of the supporting characters; even the great majority of the sympathetic characters have shortcomings. But the deep human sympathy for her characters that shines through Loft's mature work is already present here; even her genuine villains usually have some good qualities, and we can always understand what motivates and shapes the characters' social and moral choices. Hester, however, transcends the circumstances of her rearing; she grows into a strong, courageous woman with a solid moral compass, whom readers can like and respect.
There's a sustained note of social concern here, sympathy for the downtrodden and hatred for cruelty and injustice. Related to this is a definite feminist subtext (written in a social milieu that was much less equalitarian than today's). Lofts does not, however, fall into the trap of portraying oppressed people as themselves invariably saintly and benevolent, or suggesting that every way that they respond to oppression is blameless. Parts of the novel are dark and tragic, fully illustrating the human capacity for treating other humans inhumanly. But the tone isn't as hopeless as the dark, unremitting grimness I found in Out of This Nettle (in fairness, I didn't read the whole of the latter novel), and a livelier plot; indeed, this book is compulsively readable, abounding in genuinely suspenseful situations. Lofts' treatment of evangelical characters elsewhere in her work is often colored by apparent "high-church" prejudice, but that's not the case here; she has two of the latter who come across as very admirable and sympathetic (and an Anglican vicar who does not!).
My only regret is that I waited so long to read this one!
January 19, 2011
I was so happy to find a Norah Lofts book that I had not yet read. I kept thinking I might
discover that I had read it and just forgotten, but it was all new to me. As usual, I enjoyed
all the historical details and interesting cast of characters. Hester started out rather selfish
and unlikable, but as the story went on she became more sympathetic. I was a little disappointed
in the ending. Not with what transpired or how things ended up, but the last few chapters seemed
as if they were cobbled together without as much thought or solidity as the rest of the book.
The character of Bruce was especially thin and one dimensional.
March 21, 2016
A very interesting book by Norah Lofts, with the main character being sent to the West Indies after a lot of adventures. Unfortunately, the version I have is missing some ten minutes at the end. So I will try and get my hands on a physical book to read the final chapter.
How frustrating! But this novel is certainly well worth reading.
How frustrating! But this novel is certainly well worth reading.
August 14, 2020
I love when a book has an Epic journey over time and yet is only couple hundred pages ! So much invigorating story telling condensed perfectly, so that you get your fill without spending 700 pages. Norah is one author that I would read pretty much anything she has written, she is a gifted story teller, wasting not a single page! Love her!
January 21, 2018
Slow Going.
I gave Hester Roon two stars because it was slow going and a bit boring. This book needed more sustenance. It was, however, an easy read. Not difficult to understand at all.
I gave Hester Roon two stars because it was slow going and a bit boring. This book needed more sustenance. It was, however, an easy read. Not difficult to understand at all.
May 7, 2019
Not Lofts Best
At the conclusion, the story seems half finished. Characters not particularly well developed. The story a bit odd and disjointed.
At the conclusion, the story seems half finished. Characters not particularly well developed. The story a bit odd and disjointed.
June 22, 2022
so much better than anticipated
I love historical fiction, mainly because I like to be entertained while I am learning about people and experiences of the past. Hester Roon does not disappoint in any way. I had not previously read about the particular events depicted here and the author made me feel as if I were Hester’s constant companion. Very well researched and written and it kept my rapt attention.
I love historical fiction, mainly because I like to be entertained while I am learning about people and experiences of the past. Hester Roon does not disappoint in any way. I had not previously read about the particular events depicted here and the author made me feel as if I were Hester’s constant companion. Very well researched and written and it kept my rapt attention.
August 5, 2018
Another great read from this fabulous author.
March 2, 2021
Another good time well spent reading! I love the way the characters are portrayed, just didn't want to put it down. Always leave her books with a feeling of 'What happened next? '
Read
May 24, 2021Read May 2021
February 18, 2022
Fascinating and absorbing, like all her novels. This one ended too suddenly, though.
March 23, 2022
Well written, well researched with an ending that befits the heroine.
September 5, 2022
I normally finish books more quickly than this, but ALAS, it was not a page turner. The last quarter of the book was better, but I wouldn't recommend this to friends.
April 4, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the characters!
October 12, 2025
❤️🔥this one was a sad one. The ending unsatisfying.
May 9, 2025
‘Hester Roon’ is set over the first eighteen years of the title character’s life. It opens when she’s newly born, though for the opening chapters she’s left in the background, with the emphasis being on her mother.
Ellie Roon is a single mother who works for a despicable pub landlord. She also lives in the pub.
Through Ellie’s daily toils, the author brings to life the hardship and misery of the lowest members of the working class. It’s an endless grind for small pay with little or no social life.
Much of the novel is set at the pub, with occasional wanderings off into the local area. I like this setting the best and miss it when, about halfway through the novel, the teenage Hester is compelled to leave. We see her go from place to place in England until she eventually ends up in the West Indies.
The story is set from the 1750s through to the 1770s, and while the characters are fictional, some of the events in the latter part of the book are based on real events.
The narrative is a bit slow to get going, owing to too much description and explanations instead of drama and action. I wondered for a while if I wasn’t going to enjoy it, but at length we get some character interaction, and I soon became engaged. So, don’t stop reading if you find the first few pages a bit slow – it’s well worth sticking with.
Hester is most interesting. She’s not perfect, not evil, but human with flaws and attributes, and therefore believable. She has a vengeful streak but is good at heart. She has a hard life but manages to survive many situations that would make some people emotionally crumble.
Norah Lofts was particularly good at creating believable characters. She expertly brings them all to life in this entertaining novel.
I can only fault her on two things, one of which is using too much explanation or reporting on events. She’s superb at drama and dialogue, so I can’t understand why she didn’t rely on these attributes consistently.
The other thing I didn’t like was – on three occasions, if I recall correctly – inserting historical notes in brackets, of which the fictitious ones should’ve been added at the end in an epilogue (or cut altogether), and the factual one should’ve been included at the end in an author’s note. Including this sort of thing takes the reader out of the story, destroying all feelings of escapism. When reading a chapter set around 1770, I don’t want an aside telling me that ‘In 1936, etc., etc.’
Don’t be put off by these criticisms, though, if you’re thinking of reading ‘Hester Roon’. About 90 per cent or more of this novel is brilliant.
This is the seventh novel I’ve read by Norah Lofts. After the first one, she became an author whose works I wanted to read more of. After the second, she entered my Top Ten favourite authors. By the time I’d read six, she was in my Top Three. After reading ‘Hester Roon’, she’s become my favourite author. She has a style like no one else I’ve read.
She has a way of drawing you into her stories and, at times, the writing is so absorbing, it leaves certain scenes imprinted in my mind like memories; as though I was there witnessing what her larger-than-life characters were doing.
Ellie Roon is a single mother who works for a despicable pub landlord. She also lives in the pub.
Through Ellie’s daily toils, the author brings to life the hardship and misery of the lowest members of the working class. It’s an endless grind for small pay with little or no social life.
Much of the novel is set at the pub, with occasional wanderings off into the local area. I like this setting the best and miss it when, about halfway through the novel, the teenage Hester is compelled to leave. We see her go from place to place in England until she eventually ends up in the West Indies.
The story is set from the 1750s through to the 1770s, and while the characters are fictional, some of the events in the latter part of the book are based on real events.
The narrative is a bit slow to get going, owing to too much description and explanations instead of drama and action. I wondered for a while if I wasn’t going to enjoy it, but at length we get some character interaction, and I soon became engaged. So, don’t stop reading if you find the first few pages a bit slow – it’s well worth sticking with.
Hester is most interesting. She’s not perfect, not evil, but human with flaws and attributes, and therefore believable. She has a vengeful streak but is good at heart. She has a hard life but manages to survive many situations that would make some people emotionally crumble.
Norah Lofts was particularly good at creating believable characters. She expertly brings them all to life in this entertaining novel.
I can only fault her on two things, one of which is using too much explanation or reporting on events. She’s superb at drama and dialogue, so I can’t understand why she didn’t rely on these attributes consistently.
The other thing I didn’t like was – on three occasions, if I recall correctly – inserting historical notes in brackets, of which the fictitious ones should’ve been added at the end in an epilogue (or cut altogether), and the factual one should’ve been included at the end in an author’s note. Including this sort of thing takes the reader out of the story, destroying all feelings of escapism. When reading a chapter set around 1770, I don’t want an aside telling me that ‘In 1936, etc., etc.’
Don’t be put off by these criticisms, though, if you’re thinking of reading ‘Hester Roon’. About 90 per cent or more of this novel is brilliant.
This is the seventh novel I’ve read by Norah Lofts. After the first one, she became an author whose works I wanted to read more of. After the second, she entered my Top Ten favourite authors. By the time I’d read six, she was in my Top Three. After reading ‘Hester Roon’, she’s become my favourite author. She has a style like no one else I’ve read.
She has a way of drawing you into her stories and, at times, the writing is so absorbing, it leaves certain scenes imprinted in my mind like memories; as though I was there witnessing what her larger-than-life characters were doing.
September 23, 2016
Intriguing, suspenseful
What makes Norah Lofts' work special is her refusal to ingratiate her key characters with an audience -- she puts them out there warts and all, and you can't be sure a heroine is going to be nice just because she's a heroine. Hester Roon is a classic Lofts heroine in that regard, a mix of good (smart, good-looking, resourceful) and not-so-good (impulsive, sometimes self-absorbed). Poverty and rotten luck cause her to grow up fast, so it's a good thing she's a champion at thinking on her feet. Set in the mid-18th century, the book takes Hester from a rural English inn to wicked London and eventually to a Caribbean sugar plantation, where even cynical Hester finds life can still throw surprises her way. It's written with Lofts' customary flair, marred a bit by an extremely dated take on race politics and an overly abrupt ending. But it remains a compelling read, definitely worth spending time with, especially for those interested in this period of British history.
What makes Norah Lofts' work special is her refusal to ingratiate her key characters with an audience -- she puts them out there warts and all, and you can't be sure a heroine is going to be nice just because she's a heroine. Hester Roon is a classic Lofts heroine in that regard, a mix of good (smart, good-looking, resourceful) and not-so-good (impulsive, sometimes self-absorbed). Poverty and rotten luck cause her to grow up fast, so it's a good thing she's a champion at thinking on her feet. Set in the mid-18th century, the book takes Hester from a rural English inn to wicked London and eventually to a Caribbean sugar plantation, where even cynical Hester finds life can still throw surprises her way. It's written with Lofts' customary flair, marred a bit by an extremely dated take on race politics and an overly abrupt ending. But it remains a compelling read, definitely worth spending time with, especially for those interested in this period of British history.
July 19, 2014
Another romantic historical fiction by Norah Lofts that is so much more than that genre implies. Yes, it is, ultimately, a romance. But it is also a deftly told story of class differences and conflict, the effects of slavery on both owner and slave, and the system of indentured servitude that laws and values established and maintained. The fiction, while always masterfully created by Lofts, is rooted in her deep knowledge and understanding of history. The title character is not to be forgotten--a vividly memorable heroine.
November 2, 2011
I recently re-read this one to see if it was a good as I remembered from reading it in the 70's! It was! I think that I like to get a little more into the head of the heroine, than this book did when Hester lost her mother. But then I think that maybe that showed the character depth...she didn't think much about what motivated her to do things, just followed gut instinct to what her basic survival needs were. Recommend this read!
January 10, 2011
Norah Lofts is an old-fashioned author whom I read when young, but am once again picking up her books. This is one I missed when young and so far I am enjoying the story. It is very rich in historical detail as she always does and spans many years in the life of Hester Roon from her birth. Norah Lofts was always a great writer to me and this one is no exception. The audio version is great with the different accents well done by the reader. Helps to enjoy the book much more.
February 19, 2010
I'm pretty sure I read this a long time ago. My aunt had loaned it to me. I THINK this is the one I'm thinking of, but I guess I'm not really sure. I remember servants, a dark old inn/house/mansion whatever, I vaguely recall the name Hester, and that's about it.
September 13, 2009
I got bored. It just kept dragging so I ended up flipping through pages until I got the jist of it.
August 31, 2010
A scullery maid in 18th century England.
April 30, 2013
A slightly more likeable and less immoral Moll Flanders.
October 27, 2013
The Wayside Tavern is a follow-up to this
January 27, 2016
Great story line and well-written. It wasn't a time period I usually read but stories about life are timeless.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews