Tansy - a Devon Romance

by Nan Dalton

200 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rosemary Griggs]

An unusual choice for me. Tansy, A Devon Romance by Nan Dalton was leant to me by a friend because it contains so many references to my home town of Newton Abbot at the turn of the twentieth century. As the title suggests it is a rather charming romance which introduces us to the lives and expectations of girls in service at that time. There are indeed many vivid references to places I know such as the Puritan’s Pit in Bradley Woods and to local events like the Kingsteignton Ram Fair that still takes place today. The contrast between those at the “big house” and the people who are squashed into cramped dwelling in the courts next to the River Lemon is well drawn. The story centres on Tansy’s dilemma between two suitors; the first a good hearted local farmers son, the second a preacher who arrives in town from Wales. This is a gentle read, interesting for anyone who lives locally.