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House #2
The House at Old Vine
The House at Old Vine is the second in a trilogy of novels by Norah Lofts about the inhabitants of a country house in Suffolk from the late fourteenth century to the middle of the twentieth. Covering the turbulent years of 1496 to 1680. It follows six generations of the descendants of Martin Reed, who founded the 'House' dynasty through his act of rebellion in The Town House, through persecution, war and revolution, from the era of Christopher Columbus to the Restoration of Charles II. Written with Lofts' customary attention to historical detail, this is a series of stories about characters who lived and died for what they believed.
446 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
92 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Norah Lofts
107 books309 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 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 9, 2025
This sequel to The Townhouse was just as entertaining, continuing the history of the house through the next 200 years. Quite a motley crew of heirs and evolution of businesses that also give us a bit of English history and how unimportant people are affected. I was completely wrapped up in the story and the talent of the author as she showed us some evil characters and some good. As in the first book, watch out for those wily females who know more ways than one to get what they want.
December 29, 2018
WHEW! I cannot wait to start #3 House at Sunset.
This one is a 4.5 star. I rounded up because it holds some of my most favorite characters in all of Norah Lofts' HUGE output. This is the Townhouse in Baildon (Suffolk) which was begun by Martin Reed upon diseased vineyard land. It grows over centuries to "Old Vine" a hostel/inn and then to a boys' school. But it is in great flux once again now at the ending of this center portion of this House series trio.
The characters in this one are epic, IMHO. Especially the 3 women. I remembered the girl in the portray with the Elizabethan ruff named Elizabeth and her long life with most of the details for about 3 or 4 decades myself. She is A PIECE OF WORK! Probably I should say "WAS" a piece of work. But then again, maybe she still is.
And her daughter-in-law and the eventual owner after the Civil War and Restoration, does her legacy differently but in double time. The final woman, Ethelreada, is from the Fens isles and a pagan Viking at heart and in reality of her cognition (never seeing anything but a marsh and about 4 other people in her entire life before 15). So now we have Saxon, Norman, Romany, Norse in the bloodlines.
And England becomes a different place in culture after the "old" queen (Elizabeth I) is gone. Building and growth in great upsurge during the years after her death, indeed on all that confiscated land. And the great Abbey is now in ruins- yet our Townhouse has neighbors and streets that hold carriages beyond the double horse width.
But the culture! Inns with liquor are out! Refined and staid starkness is in! Cromwell and the fanatic Puritans have initiated their own "hope and change". Entire words and phrases have been banned. Nothing can tweak of popery or gleam any twinge of non-judgment that is apart from the current "correct". Neighbor against neighbor and lots of "calling-out". Does it sound familiar?
And then the wool too has changed to silk for more clear profit and less availability in England. But the weavers and looms are eventually lost and burnt out. Spies who seek out priest holes! More ancestors in the fire?
We end this one far past the Restoration and with more than a spattering of modern domestic "in-house" issues. And the school will fall, that is certain. Where will it go now? These are people of the "new money" and merchant classes, not noble. And will that ugly and snappish stick of a woman let down that knee length hair again?
Oh, I would love to see that portray in that room that was moved from the hall way of our smiling little 8 year old!
I note that the reviews for this one are mixed. This is not happy face story, nor as fast moving as other Lofts. Nor is it constant action. This is personality cored far more than the others. But more mundane drudgery and nuance of manner and approach. This is the reality behind the faces. This one reminds me of Hilary Mantel but with far more servant "eyes" to the smallest motions.
This one is a 4.5 star. I rounded up because it holds some of my most favorite characters in all of Norah Lofts' HUGE output. This is the Townhouse in Baildon (Suffolk) which was begun by Martin Reed upon diseased vineyard land. It grows over centuries to "Old Vine" a hostel/inn and then to a boys' school. But it is in great flux once again now at the ending of this center portion of this House series trio.
The characters in this one are epic, IMHO. Especially the 3 women. I remembered the girl in the portray with the Elizabethan ruff named Elizabeth and her long life with most of the details for about 3 or 4 decades myself. She is A PIECE OF WORK! Probably I should say "WAS" a piece of work. But then again, maybe she still is.
And her daughter-in-law and the eventual owner after the Civil War and Restoration, does her legacy differently but in double time. The final woman, Ethelreada, is from the Fens isles and a pagan Viking at heart and in reality of her cognition (never seeing anything but a marsh and about 4 other people in her entire life before 15). So now we have Saxon, Norman, Romany, Norse in the bloodlines.
And England becomes a different place in culture after the "old" queen (Elizabeth I) is gone. Building and growth in great upsurge during the years after her death, indeed on all that confiscated land. And the great Abbey is now in ruins- yet our Townhouse has neighbors and streets that hold carriages beyond the double horse width.
But the culture! Inns with liquor are out! Refined and staid starkness is in! Cromwell and the fanatic Puritans have initiated their own "hope and change". Entire words and phrases have been banned. Nothing can tweak of popery or gleam any twinge of non-judgment that is apart from the current "correct". Neighbor against neighbor and lots of "calling-out". Does it sound familiar?
And then the wool too has changed to silk for more clear profit and less availability in England. But the weavers and looms are eventually lost and burnt out. Spies who seek out priest holes! More ancestors in the fire?
We end this one far past the Restoration and with more than a spattering of modern domestic "in-house" issues. And the school will fall, that is certain. Where will it go now? These are people of the "new money" and merchant classes, not noble. And will that ugly and snappish stick of a woman let down that knee length hair again?
Oh, I would love to see that portray in that room that was moved from the hall way of our smiling little 8 year old!
I note that the reviews for this one are mixed. This is not happy face story, nor as fast moving as other Lofts. Nor is it constant action. This is personality cored far more than the others. But more mundane drudgery and nuance of manner and approach. This is the reality behind the faces. This one reminds me of Hilary Mantel but with far more servant "eyes" to the smallest motions.
December 30, 2025
2.5 stars
Before I get into this book, it helps to know where the trilogy starts. The Town House follows Martin Reed, a serf born in 1381 who manages to free himself from the feudal system and build the house that becomes the trilogy’s anchor point. The first novel stays mostly within Martin’s lifetime, told through a handful of shifting perspectives, and Lofts focuses on ordinary people navigating fourteenth- and fifteenth-century life. It’s grounded, character-focused historical fiction, and I loved it — I gave it 4.5 stars.
The House at Old Vine picks up generations later, covering the years 1496 to 1680. In theory, it follows six generations of Martin Reed’s descendants through persecution, war, and the massive cultural changes sweeping England. It should feel like a natural extension of the first book — widening in scope while still orbiting the house and the family line that began it.
But that’s where things fell apart for me, and it’s why my rating dropped all the way to 2.5 stars.
My main frustration is that the house never becomes the unifying presence the trilogy promises. If this series is built around a single place, I want the house to feel like a thread running through each story — a witness, a constant. But here, Old Vine is mentioned so lightly and so sporadically that it barely registers as an anchor at all.
The structural shift from the first book didn’t help. The Town House stays largely within one man’s life, so you have a clear emotional through-line. In this second book, Lofts jumps across six generations, but the transitions are abrupt and the connections thin. We skip forward in time without a clear sense of who’s tied to the original Reed family, who owns the house, or what through-line we’re meant to track. Instead of feeling expansive, it all felt scattered — like loosely bound short stories rather than a true continuation.
That lack of cohesion left me without anything solid to hold onto: no central character, no meaningful connection to the house, and no real momentum from one section to the next. The individual chapters aren’t badly written — Lofts’ historical detail is still there — but as a whole, the novel felt unfocused and needlessly confusing.
So while I loved The Town House, The House at Old Vine just didn’t work for me. It didn’t build on what made the first book so compelling, and without a stronger connection to the house or the Reed line, I’m not sure the trilogy’s concept can carry through. I may still try the final book, The House at Sunset, but this middle volume didn’t give me much confidence heading in.
Before I get into this book, it helps to know where the trilogy starts. The Town House follows Martin Reed, a serf born in 1381 who manages to free himself from the feudal system and build the house that becomes the trilogy’s anchor point. The first novel stays mostly within Martin’s lifetime, told through a handful of shifting perspectives, and Lofts focuses on ordinary people navigating fourteenth- and fifteenth-century life. It’s grounded, character-focused historical fiction, and I loved it — I gave it 4.5 stars.
The House at Old Vine picks up generations later, covering the years 1496 to 1680. In theory, it follows six generations of Martin Reed’s descendants through persecution, war, and the massive cultural changes sweeping England. It should feel like a natural extension of the first book — widening in scope while still orbiting the house and the family line that began it.
But that’s where things fell apart for me, and it’s why my rating dropped all the way to 2.5 stars.
My main frustration is that the house never becomes the unifying presence the trilogy promises. If this series is built around a single place, I want the house to feel like a thread running through each story — a witness, a constant. But here, Old Vine is mentioned so lightly and so sporadically that it barely registers as an anchor at all.
The structural shift from the first book didn’t help. The Town House stays largely within one man’s life, so you have a clear emotional through-line. In this second book, Lofts jumps across six generations, but the transitions are abrupt and the connections thin. We skip forward in time without a clear sense of who’s tied to the original Reed family, who owns the house, or what through-line we’re meant to track. Instead of feeling expansive, it all felt scattered — like loosely bound short stories rather than a true continuation.
That lack of cohesion left me without anything solid to hold onto: no central character, no meaningful connection to the house, and no real momentum from one section to the next. The individual chapters aren’t badly written — Lofts’ historical detail is still there — but as a whole, the novel felt unfocused and needlessly confusing.
So while I loved The Town House, The House at Old Vine just didn’t work for me. It didn’t build on what made the first book so compelling, and without a stronger connection to the house or the Reed line, I’m not sure the trilogy’s concept can carry through. I may still try the final book, The House at Sunset, but this middle volume didn’t give me much confidence heading in.
November 8, 2022
...people who cannot forgive themselves are unable to forgive anyone else; forgiveness, like charity, starts at home.
Another masterpiece of historical fiction by Norah Lofts. Like I have written in my review of 'The Town House' also this family saga (that took thread dozens of years after the end of previous part of series) was gripping with historical details and accuracy. It was a great journey through the everyday life of the common people , this time the story started at the end of XV century and ended almost at the end of XVII. Again, I was not at the court or on the battlefield, I was in the house of a tradesman, an innkeeper, a schoolmaster - in other words amongst common people.
Of course, their life was touched by big events, like religious movements and changes (English Reformation), the plague, English Civil War. Nonetheless, more important to them were their home, food, children, first love, broken hearts...
That was the year 1485, the year of great changes in the outside world. Even we, on our Flaxham farm, beard in due time news of the Battle of Bosworth, and how the crown had fallen from King Richard's head and landed in a thornbush, whence Henry Tudor plucked it as though it was a berry, and set it on his own head. To us it was a story of no importance; to us all kings were tax-extorters and one no better than the next. Much more important to us, in the autumn of that year, was the news that Lady Maude Rancon was to set about reviving a dead business and, late as it was in the season, was hunting all over the countryside for wool.
I adore Norah Lofts' storytelling, the way she intermingled lives of people, how their lots mingled also through their descendants.
...I learned it myself, the hard way, when you do things in anger you're more like to hurt yourself than anybody else - in the long run.
And her characters were flesh and blood.
So I looked at her with fury and hatred, and respect and admiration which was painfully near to love. "Cod knows how you do it," I said, "but you always strike the right note. You're old," I said brutally, "old and mined, beaten to your knees. Anybody else would be done for. But you're struggling up, ready to fight again. What else, by the flames of Hell, can I do but come in and fight alongside?"
I think you must simply try The Town House (the first novel of the series). I am sure that after a dozen of pages you will know that you love it.
Here is an example of historical information she put in her books:
Once upon a time, Mother said, dues had been paid at the gateway but the town walls were breaking down and people would squeeze in and set up in the market without paying, so nowadays a monk and another man walked around the market all the time. They took two of our cockerels and at least half of the apples and in exchange gave Mother a token, a piece of metal stamped with a pattern, which could be shown if, when they made their next round, they asked for the dues again. All these pieces of metal had to be put into a box when the market was over. "And it's no use taking it home because they have tokens of different sorts and if you show the wrong one, ever, you can never trade on this market again," Mother explained.
PS You can read the book as a standalone but I recommend to start with 'The Town House' - you will be able to find some connections and references.
March 1, 2016
In a trilogy that spans five centuries - beginning in the fourteenth century and concluding during the middle of the twentieth century - this is the second volume of the Suffolk House Trilogy. This is the continuing story of a town house and the various people who live there. The trilogy follows the story of Martin Reed and his descendants, men and women who found their place in the fascinating years of England's early history.
Starting in the late fifteenth century, and concluding during the time of the Restoration - The House at Old Vine follows the story of Josiana Greenwood - an illegitimate descendant of Martin Reed. For generations while the Reed family endured, England faced what was perhaps its most turbulent and troubled period. Josiana lived through this period of great upheaval - and it is through her that the family of the House will continue.
In a time when the Tudors fought for the throne and the violence of Oliver Cromwell's war threatened the safety of the nation, Josiana faced a tremendously difficult task. She was young, beautiful and very much in love. Yet the man to whom she had pledged her heart was a man whose fate was sealed. And, although her heart belonged to only one man, she was promised to another...
As with everything that I have previously read by Norah Lofts, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, Ms. Lofts is a tremendous writer whose stories are always well-detailed and historically accurate - she really knows her history. I really appreciate her writing style - and even though the story was slightly longer than I was expecting - it still was an intriguing plot. I give this book a definite A+!
I must say that although I have read almost every one of Norah Lofts' books, I'm not quite sure if I've ever read this one in particular. While I certainly remember reading the first book of the trilogy, as well as the third, I can't really remember reading this book. When I initially started reading it, I had thought that it was a reread for me from at least twelve years ago. However, the further I got into the story, the more I realized that I had absolutely no idea how the story would progress.
I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that I haven't read this book before, but I just thought that I would have some inkling of the plot or perhaps a vague memory of the characters. However, I really couldn't recall anything about the story, so it was entirely new to me. I'm completely amazed, and will definitely be keeping this book on my bookshelf to read again some time soon.
Starting in the late fifteenth century, and concluding during the time of the Restoration - The House at Old Vine follows the story of Josiana Greenwood - an illegitimate descendant of Martin Reed. For generations while the Reed family endured, England faced what was perhaps its most turbulent and troubled period. Josiana lived through this period of great upheaval - and it is through her that the family of the House will continue.
In a time when the Tudors fought for the throne and the violence of Oliver Cromwell's war threatened the safety of the nation, Josiana faced a tremendously difficult task. She was young, beautiful and very much in love. Yet the man to whom she had pledged her heart was a man whose fate was sealed. And, although her heart belonged to only one man, she was promised to another...
As with everything that I have previously read by Norah Lofts, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, Ms. Lofts is a tremendous writer whose stories are always well-detailed and historically accurate - she really knows her history. I really appreciate her writing style - and even though the story was slightly longer than I was expecting - it still was an intriguing plot. I give this book a definite A+!
I must say that although I have read almost every one of Norah Lofts' books, I'm not quite sure if I've ever read this one in particular. While I certainly remember reading the first book of the trilogy, as well as the third, I can't really remember reading this book. When I initially started reading it, I had thought that it was a reread for me from at least twelve years ago. However, the further I got into the story, the more I realized that I had absolutely no idea how the story would progress.
I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that I haven't read this book before, but I just thought that I would have some inkling of the plot or perhaps a vague memory of the characters. However, I really couldn't recall anything about the story, so it was entirely new to me. I'm completely amazed, and will definitely be keeping this book on my bookshelf to read again some time soon.
September 14, 2010
I love reading these typical Norah Lofts books that go through the generations. So interesting, though I must confess, fairly depressing in many of the chapters.
The coolest thing though, is that I happened to find this book at a used bookstore in Bern who had English paperbacks for 1 frank. And after a few short minutes of browsing, while my kids are waiting impatiently, I found two books by one of my favorite authors! What a great day.
The coolest thing though, is that I happened to find this book at a used bookstore in Bern who had English paperbacks for 1 frank. And after a few short minutes of browsing, while my kids are waiting impatiently, I found two books by one of my favorite authors! What a great day.
June 30, 2019
Norah Lofts was a remarkable writer, bringing the domestic and woman's view to historical events, long before it was fashionable to do so. In this second novel of the Old Vine trilogy we move through the history of the house during the Tudor and Stuart and Commonwealth periods through a series of determined, clever, industrious and manipulative matriarchs.
February 12, 2021
Wonderful
I love this trilogy, re-read all three books several times. Nora Lofts books always wonderfully written, such amazing knowledge of human nature.
I love this trilogy, re-read all three books several times. Nora Lofts books always wonderfully written, such amazing knowledge of human nature.
October 23, 2016
I'm sure I've read this book and its companions more than once, and may yet read them again. A house, especially an English house, has many inhabitants through its useful life, and these books follow the house through several centuries. History, romance, intrigue -- these books have it all, along with Lofts' mastery of setting. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2009
The second book of the trilogy on the town house, not so engaging as others Lofts books.
September 24, 2023
Not quite as good as the previous book in the series. This volume covers about 200 years and covers the religious turmoil caused by the introduction of an English language Bible, Henry VIII's break with Rome, and the Civil War and its aftermath. The house goes from wool production to silk then becomes an inn and finally a boy's school. I enjoyed seeing family traits pop up across the different generations. I also liked how the ending echoed the ending of the The Town House.
April 8, 2020
Old Vine Revisited
The first time I read this book was some 40 years ago. I seemed parts of it and recalled how much I enjoyed it.
This time around confirmed my first impression. If anything the re-reading surpassed it. I found the story and characters even more compelling than I did the first time around.
I only recently I discovered to my delight that the book was the second of a trilogy, good news indeed.
The interacting of the people and events, all tied firmly to points in history, added to the fascination as did as did inherited traits and similarities passed down to succeeding generations.
And now on to the first book in the trilogy.
The first time I read this book was some 40 years ago. I seemed parts of it and recalled how much I enjoyed it.
This time around confirmed my first impression. If anything the re-reading surpassed it. I found the story and characters even more compelling than I did the first time around.
I only recently I discovered to my delight that the book was the second of a trilogy, good news indeed.
The interacting of the people and events, all tied firmly to points in history, added to the fascination as did as did inherited traits and similarities passed down to succeeding generations.
And now on to the first book in the trilogy.
December 28, 2009
There seems to be much more bitterness in this volume than in the first (The Town House), which was all the sweeter for Maude Reed's Tale. However, this volume of the series was quite interesting.
December 7, 2015
Still very much enjoying this ambitious and well written historical trilogy which follows the fortunes of the inhabitants of The Old Vine. It's almost like a series of short stories - a format I'm not normally keen on - but in this case it works so well because of the ongoing links between the protagonists of each story.
November 7, 2011
This story covers 6 generations that all have ties to the home Old Vine. It is broken down into each persons story. I enjoyed the tales and would have rated it higher - except the ending left me dissatisfied. It was almost like the author tired of her tale and just ended the story.
August 24, 2011
Can't put it down. So good.
August 4, 2018
The second book of the trilogy covers 1496 to 1679. The narrative has the same structure: stories told by different people, mostly members of the family taking their roots from Walter (Martin) Reede, and "Interludes" covering the events in between the stories.
Compared to the first book, the narrative has expanded to include a wider historical background. While in the first book the storyline mostly focuses on the local events (uprising led by the citizens of Baildon against the Abbey, while larger historical events, such as peasants rising against the landlords are only briefly mentioned), in the second book, the main characters often directly participate in the historical events:
However, the historical events are rarely described in the 1st person's narrative as a live action scene; rather, the reader is shown their consequences. I personally was hoping for a more detailed description.
Also, I felt that the narratives became somewhat briefer focusing on one key episode in the character's life rather than presenting the whole picture. This is not necessarily a drawback but it did make me feel as if the narrative were somewhat rushed at times.
I quite enjoyed the "mirror effect": many events are an echo of similar events in the past.
Yet, the new set of characters are not mere copies of old ones. They are more fleshed out, and while reading book 1, I felt mostly engaged with Martin as a central figure and to a lesser extent, his granddaughter Maude, there is no central character in book 2. I found myself sympathizing with Josiana Greenwood, . Elizabeth Kentwoode was not a sympathetic but nevertheless a very interesting character, and the story of the priest dying of thirst and hunger is one of the most memorable - it stayed with me for 15 years since I have read the book. My personal favorite is Ethelreda Benedict with her quiet fortitude, which reminds of Griet in "The Girl with a Pearl Earring".
In general, women in this book are stronger personalities, who take charge of the house (Elizabeth and Barbara) and create their own destiny (Josiana and Ethelreda). Men are somehow less remarkable and more submissive.
I enjoyed tracking family traits running through generations; although, after a while, all the Walters and Henrys are somewhat mixed up in my mind. It is yet another evidence for the fact that male characters are less fleshed out and altogether less memorable.
Compared to the first book, the narrative has expanded to include a wider historical background. While in the first book the storyline mostly focuses on the local events (uprising led by the citizens of Baildon against the Abbey, while larger historical events, such as peasants rising against the landlords are only briefly mentioned), in the second book, the main characters often directly participate in the historical events:
However, the historical events are rarely described in the 1st person's narrative as a live action scene; rather, the reader is shown their consequences. I personally was hoping for a more detailed description.
Also, I felt that the narratives became somewhat briefer focusing on one key episode in the character's life rather than presenting the whole picture. This is not necessarily a drawback but it did make me feel as if the narrative were somewhat rushed at times.
I quite enjoyed the "mirror effect": many events are an echo of similar events in the past.
Yet, the new set of characters are not mere copies of old ones. They are more fleshed out, and while reading book 1, I felt mostly engaged with Martin as a central figure and to a lesser extent, his granddaughter Maude, there is no central character in book 2. I found myself sympathizing with Josiana Greenwood, . Elizabeth Kentwoode was not a sympathetic but nevertheless a very interesting character, and the story of the priest dying of thirst and hunger is one of the most memorable - it stayed with me for 15 years since I have read the book. My personal favorite is Ethelreda Benedict with her quiet fortitude, which reminds of Griet in "The Girl with a Pearl Earring".
In general, women in this book are stronger personalities, who take charge of the house (Elizabeth and Barbara) and create their own destiny (Josiana and Ethelreda). Men are somehow less remarkable and more submissive.
I enjoyed tracking family traits running through generations; although, after a while, all the Walters and Henrys are somewhat mixed up in my mind. It is yet another evidence for the fact that male characters are less fleshed out and altogether less memorable.
January 19, 2026
I only read about a third of The House at Old Vine before I gave up in disgust. The House at Old Vine is the second installment of a historical fiction trilogy centered on a house called The Old Vine, in Suffolk, England. The trilogy follows the lives of generations of its inhabitants. The first book of The Old Vine trilogy, The Town House, began in 1381 with the birth of the former serf who eventually became a free man and built The Old Vine with his own bare hands. It ended with his young granddaughter, Maude Reed, taking over the house. Maude is a wonderful character who is also the subject of her own book, The Maude Reed Tale, one of my favorite books ever.
The House at Old Vine has a similar format as its predecessor, in that it is divided in several chapters, each with the p.o.v. of a different character. It begins with the tale of Josiana Greenwood, who is connected to Maude Reed. We meet a much older Maude Reed, now a widow and grandmother, and her grandchildren. I was very disappointed by the overly melodramatic and miserable tone of the story. I also felt very angry with the author for betraying Maude in the way she did, making her suffer in agony in the last years of her life. I wished I had never read this sordid sequel and kept my illusions about Maude, her wonderful characterization, and the hopeful note that her tale had previously ended with. The tragic fate of her grandchildren was so over the top that it became camp.
The following chapter, narrated by Elizabeth Kentwoode, a descendant of Maude, who is living at The Old Vine during the reign of Elizabeth I, was so macabre that it stopped me short. I understand and appreciate the author writing historical fiction without sugar coating it. This isn’t a Disney movie. The Townhouse, as well as The Maude Reed Tale, and several other books of hers that I have enjoyed, showed the brutal realities of living in a medieval age, and all the tragedies and injustices suffered by the complex, interesting characters she described. But there was a balance between the bleak and the beautiful, the misery and the hopefulness. The House at Old Vine was so filled with horrors and lacking in any redeeming qualities that I began to suspect that the author meant to write a horror novel rather than a historical fiction. Rather than torture myself further, I cut my losses. Though I won’t be continuing with The Old Vine trilogy, I will still explore the rest of this author’s backlist, because I have adored many of her other novels.
The House at Old Vine has a similar format as its predecessor, in that it is divided in several chapters, each with the p.o.v. of a different character. It begins with the tale of Josiana Greenwood, who is connected to Maude Reed. We meet a much older Maude Reed, now a widow and grandmother, and her grandchildren. I was very disappointed by the overly melodramatic and miserable tone of the story. I also felt very angry with the author for betraying Maude in the way she did, making her suffer in agony in the last years of her life. I wished I had never read this sordid sequel and kept my illusions about Maude, her wonderful characterization, and the hopeful note that her tale had previously ended with. The tragic fate of her grandchildren was so over the top that it became camp.
The following chapter, narrated by Elizabeth Kentwoode, a descendant of Maude, who is living at The Old Vine during the reign of Elizabeth I, was so macabre that it stopped me short. I understand and appreciate the author writing historical fiction without sugar coating it. This isn’t a Disney movie. The Townhouse, as well as The Maude Reed Tale, and several other books of hers that I have enjoyed, showed the brutal realities of living in a medieval age, and all the tragedies and injustices suffered by the complex, interesting characters she described. But there was a balance between the bleak and the beautiful, the misery and the hopefulness. The House at Old Vine was so filled with horrors and lacking in any redeeming qualities that I began to suspect that the author meant to write a horror novel rather than a historical fiction. Rather than torture myself further, I cut my losses. Though I won’t be continuing with The Old Vine trilogy, I will still explore the rest of this author’s backlist, because I have adored many of her other novels.
February 17, 2021
On this , my umpteenth reading, I am still finding gems of psychological insights and still hoping against hope for a different outcome for most of the courageous, but ill-fated inhabitants of this noble old house of many functions! (It has served as a wool-merchant's premises, s silk-weaving factory, an upscale inn and a boy's school!)
This is the second volume in The House Trilogy by Norah Lofts, the 1st being: THE TOWN HOUSE, the last being: THE HOUSE AT SUNSET. In many ways, THE HOUSE AT OLD VINE is the saddest entry in the trio of this saga. It begins with Josiana Greenwoods' Tale, circa 1496, relating a love story gone horribly tragic (Romeo & Juliet aren't even close!) and proceeds through the centuries up until the last tale told by Oliver Stanton during the years 1679-1680. The author very successfully uses the multi-narrator device that is common to much of her work. Thus, we learn the history of the house and the events of the day happening as they swirl around it, but each "tale" is told from the unique perspective of either a family member or an intimate outsider. These narratives are woven together with brief "interludes" that segue from one time and protagonist to another. The transitions are smooth and create natural lead-ins to the next phase.
As in all her books, there is much introspection and pondering on life, fate and the human condition. There is almost always a solid core of sorrow embedded in her stories, but there are enough moments of happiness and humor to lighten the emotional load.
The authenticity of the historical background, the contemporary concerns, the religious and political stances of the personalities, the descriptions of the scenery and the language used blend seamlessly to satisfy the most discerning reader. In this particular book, the reader is treated to a section detailing the lost lifestyle of the mysterious Fen People who inhabited tiny islands that used to dot the intricate waterways of Norfolk. It is a most intriguing episode.
I will end where I began, by reiterating that I have reread this novel countless times and find new delights every time!
This is the second volume in The House Trilogy by Norah Lofts, the 1st being: THE TOWN HOUSE, the last being: THE HOUSE AT SUNSET. In many ways, THE HOUSE AT OLD VINE is the saddest entry in the trio of this saga. It begins with Josiana Greenwoods' Tale, circa 1496, relating a love story gone horribly tragic (Romeo & Juliet aren't even close!) and proceeds through the centuries up until the last tale told by Oliver Stanton during the years 1679-1680. The author very successfully uses the multi-narrator device that is common to much of her work. Thus, we learn the history of the house and the events of the day happening as they swirl around it, but each "tale" is told from the unique perspective of either a family member or an intimate outsider. These narratives are woven together with brief "interludes" that segue from one time and protagonist to another. The transitions are smooth and create natural lead-ins to the next phase.
As in all her books, there is much introspection and pondering on life, fate and the human condition. There is almost always a solid core of sorrow embedded in her stories, but there are enough moments of happiness and humor to lighten the emotional load.
The authenticity of the historical background, the contemporary concerns, the religious and political stances of the personalities, the descriptions of the scenery and the language used blend seamlessly to satisfy the most discerning reader. In this particular book, the reader is treated to a section detailing the lost lifestyle of the mysterious Fen People who inhabited tiny islands that used to dot the intricate waterways of Norfolk. It is a most intriguing episode.
I will end where I began, by reiterating that I have reread this novel countless times and find new delights every time!
September 20, 2023
(3.5 stars)
This sequel to The Townhouse picks up the story of the house and its inhabitants in the late 15th century, a couple generations after the close of the first book, and ends in the last half of the 17th century. The house itself does not change overmuch, but the town and world around it does, necessitating shifts in how its owners use it. The house thus first becomes a fine inn and then a boys school. The story focuses on the women, first Josiana and her cursed love, then manipulative and domineering Elizabeth, strong and loving Barbara, and finally long-suffering Ethelreda. Each of them makes a home in the Old Vine and must live with both the joyful and the sorrowful consequences of their choices and their relationships.
This books was pretty good. Lofts focuses on the ordinary lives of ordinary people and their small dramas rather than on the major events and people. It makes for a more intimate narrative. Lofts is also very good at maintaining continuity and connection even with the jumps in time and changes in the cast of characters.
This sequel to The Townhouse picks up the story of the house and its inhabitants in the late 15th century, a couple generations after the close of the first book, and ends in the last half of the 17th century. The house itself does not change overmuch, but the town and world around it does, necessitating shifts in how its owners use it. The house thus first becomes a fine inn and then a boys school. The story focuses on the women, first Josiana and her cursed love, then manipulative and domineering Elizabeth, strong and loving Barbara, and finally long-suffering Ethelreda. Each of them makes a home in the Old Vine and must live with both the joyful and the sorrowful consequences of their choices and their relationships.
This books was pretty good. Lofts focuses on the ordinary lives of ordinary people and their small dramas rather than on the major events and people. It makes for a more intimate narrative. Lofts is also very good at maintaining continuity and connection even with the jumps in time and changes in the cast of characters.
January 15, 2023
I found this book many years ago at an airport. I didn't realise until I started reading it that it was the middle of a trilogy. Since it was reduced to half price and was the only copy I assumed it was old so never bothered to chase up the first and third books. I found them accidentally, so, having read book 1, The Town House, the begining of this book made much more sense. Honestly, it is very different to anything else, being the story of a house, through the lives of the various inhabitants, one after the other, with short "interludes" to explain a character's origin. It is absolutely fascinating - I'd like to use a stronger expression if I could think of one. Having read The Town House, and all the changes the house went through, I couldn't help remembering Martin Reed, who built it before Henry VIII dissolved the monastries, and wondering what he'd think. This whole trilogy is a fantastic read that gives a wonderful insight into the changes in life over the centuries.
October 4, 2022
I hurried straight on from book one to book two of this series. A nostalgic journey for me, I read these books years ago, as a young girl.
Norah Loft’s prose and story-telling is as wonderful now as it was thirty years ago, and I think it has influenced my own writing style more than a little.
Here again is a troupe of colourful characters, all inhabiting and adding to the house that stands on the old vineyard. Here the house remains, silent witness to our struggles, loves and losses, harbouring secrets within its sturdy walls.
Norah Loft’s prose and story-telling is as wonderful now as it was thirty years ago, and I think it has influenced my own writing style more than a little.
Here again is a troupe of colourful characters, all inhabiting and adding to the house that stands on the old vineyard. Here the house remains, silent witness to our struggles, loves and losses, harbouring secrets within its sturdy walls.
February 23, 2024
Good, but really slow going. I can usually read a book in a few days, but this took me several months. It isn't even that long! The spacing and such was pretty all over the place, and I kept having to reread stuff to make sense of it. But all and all, it's great! I love the generational stuff and how it's all connected, haven't read anything like it before. It's like the house is the main charector, really. Unfortunately I read this before the first one so I didn't get all the references from the first, but I'll get to it soon and I suppose I shall see.
June 13, 2024
I read this 31 years ago. The author wonderfully painted a realistic picture of human nature in the numerous characters over two centuries and the possible impact of the great upheavals in history on people like those of that day. I was a young teen during my first reading, I just now wish to reacquaint myself with the story, since I have just re-read the Town House.
After three decades of the first reading, I cannot recall the kind of a husband Henry Racon was to Maud Reed.
After three decades of the first reading, I cannot recall the kind of a husband Henry Racon was to Maud Reed.
August 23, 2017
The book is about: THE second of the house-trilogy, covering the 15th to the 18th century centred on a house.
I liked: it depicts real people and throughout the chapters we see what the 'beautiful young heroine' turns out to be when she becomes old and how stories around her get passed down from generation to generation. Some (for me) little known aspects of English history appear like the drying of the marshes.
I didn't like: some characters are evidently good or bad and therefore a little shallow..
I liked: it depicts real people and throughout the chapters we see what the 'beautiful young heroine' turns out to be when she becomes old and how stories around her get passed down from generation to generation. Some (for me) little known aspects of English history appear like the drying of the marshes.
I didn't like: some characters are evidently good or bad and therefore a little shallow..
June 6, 2018
2nd of the trilogy: again, superb
The House at Old Vine jumps forward to the era of England’s civil war. Again, several interlocutors, narrated by in first person by principal and fifth person characters. Quite captivating, the writer has a gift for revealing the enlightened thoughts one gains after passage of time in a stream of consciousness format.
The House at Old Vine jumps forward to the era of England’s civil war. Again, several interlocutors, narrated by in first person by principal and fifth person characters. Quite captivating, the writer has a gift for revealing the enlightened thoughts one gains after passage of time in a stream of consciousness format.
March 28, 2022
Norah Lofts always keeps me intrigued and I have a hard time putting any of her titles down once I've picked one up! I read, "The Day of the Butterfly" more than 20 years ago and I still think of it!
"The House at Old Vine" is the story told through the eyes of different occupants over 4 generations. Every character is vivid and interesting. I enjoyed this book very much!
"The House at Old Vine" is the story told through the eyes of different occupants over 4 generations. Every character is vivid and interesting. I enjoyed this book very much!
October 22, 2023
Superb historical fiction. Second novel in the Suffolk trilogy. Constructed similarly to THE TOWNHOUSE—characters related to the OLD VINE narrate their tales during the period from 1476 to 1679. I find Lofts writing so compelling that I’m devouring her novels in a greedy and completely satiated manner. On to # 3!
January 31, 2025
3.5
Not as good as The Town House but still good with separate first person narratives from those who live at the newly named Old Vine
By the end of the book the owners are no longer the descendants of Martin Reede who built the house
I would have preferred if the house was linked to his descendants but I am keen to read the concluding book in the trilogy
Not as good as The Town House but still good with separate first person narratives from those who live at the newly named Old Vine
By the end of the book the owners are no longer the descendants of Martin Reede who built the house
I would have preferred if the house was linked to his descendants but I am keen to read the concluding book in the trilogy
May 12, 2025
Extremely well written historical novel.
Those who have a good background in British history will enjoy references to historical events while others may have trouble following.
Regardless; these are great character driven novels.
This is the 2nd of Lofts’ “House” trilogy spanning from the 14th through the 20th centuries.
Central to the books is the house built on an old abbey vineyard in Suffolk. The property is enlarged upon and adapted to fit the times and the owners.
Through 5 centuries and portraying a vast cast of characters who either live in the house or have a close connection, underlying is always the emotional and psychological connection to home experienced (positive or negative) by the characters.
Lofts never panders and the writing is subtle, never heavy handed, trite or predictable.
Just fascinating and enlightening!
Those who have a good background in British history will enjoy references to historical events while others may have trouble following.
Regardless; these are great character driven novels.
This is the 2nd of Lofts’ “House” trilogy spanning from the 14th through the 20th centuries.
Central to the books is the house built on an old abbey vineyard in Suffolk. The property is enlarged upon and adapted to fit the times and the owners.
Through 5 centuries and portraying a vast cast of characters who either live in the house or have a close connection, underlying is always the emotional and psychological connection to home experienced (positive or negative) by the characters.
Lofts never panders and the writing is subtle, never heavy handed, trite or predictable.
Just fascinating and enlightening!
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