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The Prussian Captain
Finding love in the most unlikely place, Edward's secret longing is finally realized.
Edward turned twenty nine-years-old on the ship. Looking out over the grey water back towards America, his heart ached for both the country he had adopted and loved, and for the woman he had lost there.
He was returning to England without having 'made good'. Without fortune. Without wife and family.
Based on a true story, spanning half a century, follow the lives of two very different people from opposite backgrounds. What happens when a middle-aged, wealthy aristocrat meets a young impoverished girl? In an era of strict class and social boundaries, when the rich and the poor of England each had their own firm, clearly defined limits, scandal could ruin the lives of not only the people involved, but reach into families and communities.
When Edward meets Gertrude, his hope for the future is suddenly transformed. But there's a big problem--he's already married. Will they risk the scandal? Will they both find what they are looking for?
Edward turned twenty nine-years-old on the ship. Looking out over the grey water back towards America, his heart ached for both the country he had adopted and loved, and for the woman he had lost there.
He was returning to England without having 'made good'. Without fortune. Without wife and family.
Based on a true story, spanning half a century, follow the lives of two very different people from opposite backgrounds. What happens when a middle-aged, wealthy aristocrat meets a young impoverished girl? In an era of strict class and social boundaries, when the rich and the poor of England each had their own firm, clearly defined limits, scandal could ruin the lives of not only the people involved, but reach into families and communities.
When Edward meets Gertrude, his hope for the future is suddenly transformed. But there's a big problem--he's already married. Will they risk the scandal? Will they both find what they are looking for?
342 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2017
664 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Ann Brough
6 books10 followersAnn Brough is in her mid-seventies and lives with her husband, David, on the shores of beautiful Lake Winnipeg in the province of Manitoba, Canada. She has been a keen storyteller for her whole life, and ventured into writing novels at the tender age of seventy three. This is Ann's third book and, like the first two, it is based on true facts remembered and recorded by her mother and grandmother. It is Ann's belief that all families have stories to tell-some fascinating and exciting. She is inspired by the hardships and heartaches her ancestors experienced, and was excited to write what she knows about their lives. All three novels are based in Staffordshire, England, where Ann grew up. Ann and David have a growing extended family. With three married children and five grandchildren (now six, as their eldest grand daughter married in 2018). Everybody loves the lake and summers are filled with family, food, sand, campfires, swimming and wonderful memories. This latest book attempts to emphasize the difference between Ann's mother's experience, growing up in an abusive household where alcohol was prevalent and children were only tolerated, and her father's family, who lived in the same area but attended a temperance chapel, and whose children were cherished and loved. The influence of Ann's paternal grandmother, May Podmore, has been apparent throughout her life. For more about Ann and her other books visit www.annbrough.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 31, 2017
Not my favorite
I really wanted to like this book. However, I'm not really sure what the point of the story was? It had potential as the author delved into the characters well But it just didn't go anywhere.
I really wanted to like this book. However, I'm not really sure what the point of the story was? It had potential as the author delved into the characters well But it just didn't go anywhere.
September 6, 2017
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the style with which the book was written. I read the promotional chapter and said "I must read this book". The whole book did not disappoint, I read it quickly, for me.
It is a story of two families of entirely different economic backgrounds, and how two people from these drastically different families find something in one another.
One part which was particularly pointed for me was when the author described a family living in poverty and suffering from chronic hopelessness. It was hard to take and it made me wonder, as we allow ever greater income disparities to develop, might we be the architects of poverty like this in future?
I enjoyed reading about how two lives were both transformed and how a third could flourish as a product of two very different people. But when all hell broke loose I was left to wonder if one character may have suffered an inherited mental illness?
All in all, an excellent read and an interesting look at the two sides of life in England at the peak of its economic powers.
It is a story of two families of entirely different economic backgrounds, and how two people from these drastically different families find something in one another.
One part which was particularly pointed for me was when the author described a family living in poverty and suffering from chronic hopelessness. It was hard to take and it made me wonder, as we allow ever greater income disparities to develop, might we be the architects of poverty like this in future?
I enjoyed reading about how two lives were both transformed and how a third could flourish as a product of two very different people. But when all hell broke loose I was left to wonder if one character may have suffered an inherited mental illness?
All in all, an excellent read and an interesting look at the two sides of life in England at the peak of its economic powers.
May 24, 2018
3.5 stars A true story of two lives from opposite sides of the tracks. Edward born into the upper-class and Gertrude from the poorest London neighborhood. Much of the book is taken up with the telling of their lives before they ever meet. The romance is not the major part of this book so I question the "Romance" category it received on Goodreads. Was a good read though if you like historical fiction.
September 13, 2020
The book is well written and kept my attention. It was a sad story of a man in love but couldn’t marry and when he finally got what he always wanted, that also was denied him. The experiences of life at the bottom of the social structure compared to life at the top of the social structure were stark. The lives of the two main characters make me look forward to reading the sequel.
August 31, 2020
A captivating story!
I was very pleasantly surprised by how good this book was. I had no expectations because I have never read a true family saga before, but the summary intrigued me.
The writing style is concise and economic and through its simplicity, I was drawn in and curious to find out everything I could about these two families.
The various experiences of the family members were sweet, poignant, tragic, disappointing, and funny.
I highly recommend this book and will now read the sequel.
I was very pleasantly surprised by how good this book was. I had no expectations because I have never read a true family saga before, but the summary intrigued me.
The writing style is concise and economic and through its simplicity, I was drawn in and curious to find out everything I could about these two families.
The various experiences of the family members were sweet, poignant, tragic, disappointing, and funny.
I highly recommend this book and will now read the sequel.
September 11, 2017
A Reader’s Review
Ann Brough, The Prussian Captain.
The Prussian Captain
The title is a ruse. The ‘captain’ is a toy - a boy’s toy that belongs to one of the characters of the book, Edward. Edward was born to privilege; the toy captain was Edward’s constant companion through childhood right into his senior years.
The book explores the lives of three characters in early twentieth century England. Besides Edward, there’s mother Emma and her daughter Gertrude. There’s the tryst - Gertrude and Edward, and they eventually have a daughter Dorothy in 1921.
Edward was born rich. He meandered between England and California via New York, but fulfillment eluded him - he wants love - and for him Dorothy was born to fill that cup. It was not to be; Dorothy was usurped by Emma. Emma is Gertrude’s mom, She’s poor but wears the cloak of poverty with of style and purpose. She never lets on. She’s crusty. Gertrude is her eldest. Gertrude vows she will not succumb to the crush of poverty. Dorothy is still a child when the story ends.
The characters are compelling. Each lives in her or his own bubble but share a common territory. Bubbles collide and burst as life finds its path. There is energy. But in the end, the three characters remain standing, still yearning - one for love, one for a bit more money and the other for adventure. One wonders whether it will be Dorothy that pays a price.
The book has more than 300 pages. Its very attractive. The print is large. There’s energy. Some readers will enjoy the flowery sentences more than others. Many of the sentences are overloaded with excessive baggage. There is graphic intimacy and some of it seems included for its own sake and doesn’t really advance the storyline. At times the sentences seem to slow to a trickle. All in all, the story bristles. I think I’ll read it again.
This story reaches across the divide of early 20th century England. On one end are the privileged haves; on the other are the have-nots. It feels authentic because it is authentic. It grabs. It emerged from the memory of a person who lived it and her daughter who had the vision to tell it.
Arne & Jessie Schellenberg
ps The ‘captain’ lies low for most of the story - in the end Edward leaves him with Dorothy - its their secret to keep.
Ann Brough, The Prussian Captain.
The Prussian Captain
The title is a ruse. The ‘captain’ is a toy - a boy’s toy that belongs to one of the characters of the book, Edward. Edward was born to privilege; the toy captain was Edward’s constant companion through childhood right into his senior years.
The book explores the lives of three characters in early twentieth century England. Besides Edward, there’s mother Emma and her daughter Gertrude. There’s the tryst - Gertrude and Edward, and they eventually have a daughter Dorothy in 1921.
Edward was born rich. He meandered between England and California via New York, but fulfillment eluded him - he wants love - and for him Dorothy was born to fill that cup. It was not to be; Dorothy was usurped by Emma. Emma is Gertrude’s mom, She’s poor but wears the cloak of poverty with of style and purpose. She never lets on. She’s crusty. Gertrude is her eldest. Gertrude vows she will not succumb to the crush of poverty. Dorothy is still a child when the story ends.
The characters are compelling. Each lives in her or his own bubble but share a common territory. Bubbles collide and burst as life finds its path. There is energy. But in the end, the three characters remain standing, still yearning - one for love, one for a bit more money and the other for adventure. One wonders whether it will be Dorothy that pays a price.
The book has more than 300 pages. Its very attractive. The print is large. There’s energy. Some readers will enjoy the flowery sentences more than others. Many of the sentences are overloaded with excessive baggage. There is graphic intimacy and some of it seems included for its own sake and doesn’t really advance the storyline. At times the sentences seem to slow to a trickle. All in all, the story bristles. I think I’ll read it again.
This story reaches across the divide of early 20th century England. On one end are the privileged haves; on the other are the have-nots. It feels authentic because it is authentic. It grabs. It emerged from the memory of a person who lived it and her daughter who had the vision to tell it.
Arne & Jessie Schellenberg
ps The ‘captain’ lies low for most of the story - in the end Edward leaves him with Dorothy - its their secret to keep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2017
I was really looking forward to reading this book - a true story - and it certainly didn't disappoint! I read it in a day!
The story revolves around two families from very different backgrounds, between the late 19th and 20th century
The Wrightson family were a very wealthy family and well travelled and educated.
The Bryan family were raised into poverty in the north of England, with families either working the mines or working in the pottery industry.
The two worlds collide when Edward, in his 50's and married falls in love with Gertrude Bryan, 18 and a pottery worker. They go on to produce an illegitimate child, Dorothy ( the authors mother )
Edward dotes on his daughter, but like her mother before, Gertrude is indifferent ( I wonder if she was suffering from post natal depression? )
Gertrude goes on to marry, and the poor little girl is cruelly left to be brought up by her equally indifferent grandmother, Emma. Edward's hands are tied as his name isn't on the birth certificate and he has no claim on his beloved little girl.
I was in tears by the end of this book. I really felt for Edward and especially so for poor little Dorothy. I really hope she went on to lead a good life full of love and happiness.
I really can't believe this is the authors first book, she wrote with so much professionalism and confidence - outstanding work! I think the era suits her writing style and I'd love to read more of her work...please write more books Ann!
The story revolves around two families from very different backgrounds, between the late 19th and 20th century
The Wrightson family were a very wealthy family and well travelled and educated.
The Bryan family were raised into poverty in the north of England, with families either working the mines or working in the pottery industry.
The two worlds collide when Edward, in his 50's and married falls in love with Gertrude Bryan, 18 and a pottery worker. They go on to produce an illegitimate child, Dorothy ( the authors mother )
Edward dotes on his daughter, but like her mother before, Gertrude is indifferent ( I wonder if she was suffering from post natal depression? )
Gertrude goes on to marry, and the poor little girl is cruelly left to be brought up by her equally indifferent grandmother, Emma. Edward's hands are tied as his name isn't on the birth certificate and he has no claim on his beloved little girl.
I was in tears by the end of this book. I really felt for Edward and especially so for poor little Dorothy. I really hope she went on to lead a good life full of love and happiness.
I really can't believe this is the authors first book, she wrote with so much professionalism and confidence - outstanding work! I think the era suits her writing style and I'd love to read more of her work...please write more books Ann!
March 23, 2018
Lovely and tragic
This is a book I could easily get into as my mother had such an interesting and hard to imagine life before my birth. Hers came out in drive and drabs as well so I was unable to truly appreciate her until after her passing.
Anne Brough does an excellent job of filling in as many blanks as possible in this history of both of her grandparents. The story is interesting and rather sad at times. The lives of both Edward and Gertrude are detailed from birth and then their story together is told. Being from two entirely different backgrounds, one of privilege and the other of poverty, is striking.
My feelings about Edward's decision to stay with Amy are hard to understand given this day and age. But then men of that time and social status had a lot more choices than women.
The stark, desparately poor and ugly life of Gertrude struck me to my core. I totally understand a young woman's need to escape it. As to her other choices along the way, I understand them, but am so sorry for both her and Edward the end. Her self-centered actions with regard to her child, though, is horrible.
I hope to see a sequel as the author suggests. It is a tragic tale that I highly recommend to readers of historical romance fiction.
This is a book I could easily get into as my mother had such an interesting and hard to imagine life before my birth. Hers came out in drive and drabs as well so I was unable to truly appreciate her until after her passing.
Anne Brough does an excellent job of filling in as many blanks as possible in this history of both of her grandparents. The story is interesting and rather sad at times. The lives of both Edward and Gertrude are detailed from birth and then their story together is told. Being from two entirely different backgrounds, one of privilege and the other of poverty, is striking.
My feelings about Edward's decision to stay with Amy are hard to understand given this day and age. But then men of that time and social status had a lot more choices than women.
The stark, desparately poor and ugly life of Gertrude struck me to my core. I totally understand a young woman's need to escape it. As to her other choices along the way, I understand them, but am so sorry for both her and Edward the end. Her self-centered actions with regard to her child, though, is horrible.
I hope to see a sequel as the author suggests. It is a tragic tale that I highly recommend to readers of historical romance fiction.
March 6, 2018
I thought the story was very interesting, and I liked the character development, but the ending left me hanging. I have been informed that there is a sequel. Maybe that will clear up the situation. The description of the poverty situation in England was very eye opening. It was such a grim description, but I do believe it was probably true for that time frame. So sad.
January 18, 2018
We all have that one childhood memory that we never forget.
Very interesting storyline and well-written. I enjoyed the way the plot flowed. Interesting facts of the past and how love prevails through despare and poverty. A must read historical novel.
Very interesting storyline and well-written. I enjoyed the way the plot flowed. Interesting facts of the past and how love prevails through despare and poverty. A must read historical novel.
May 2, 2019
The divide between the educated & lack of education
A wonderful story of adventure, choices, hardship for both the wealthy & poor. Also demonstrates selfish revenge taken out on children.
A wonderful story of adventure, choices, hardship for both the wealthy & poor. Also demonstrates selfish revenge taken out on children.
August 25, 2017
I enjoyed The Prussian Captain by Ann Brough, immensely . Wasn't sure how it was going to end , and was quite surprised. Very excited and pleased for her first novel.
August 27, 2017
I loved the book. Loved reading about the history of London, but learning the family history at the same time. So well done
January 5, 2022
I really loved this story. As an amateur genealogist for over 20 years, and this being a true story, it really fascinated me. My husband's family were from Birmingham, his father growing up in a typical back-to-back house as described in the book, the area of Kings Norton during the period written about would have been very "posh" indeed. I'm not so familiar with the Stoke on Trent area, but I've read a lot about the Black Country, adjacent to Birmingham, which wasn't much different, except everyone there made chains. Every home had a chainmaking shed in the yard where the women and children worked long hours making smaller chains. The Attraction between Edward, from his wealthy backround, handsome and charming but trapped in a marriage to a very wealthy lesbian who kept him in the lifestyle to which he'd been accustomed until he foolishly lost his money, in return for escorting her to social events, to save her reputation, and Gertrude, unloved and ground down by poverty, but determined to escape, believing Edward's devotion to her was her escape route, until she found out about his marriage, was doomed from the start, and Gertrude's vengeance was to take away the beautiful daughter he adored but had no claim to. The way Ann Brough, the author, and her sister found out their mother's history is exactly how my husband and I started finding out about ours. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys real people's history
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2020
Ann Brough out did herself on this story, "The Prussian Captain" !! This is fantastic,exciting historical story of this one man's family ,The "Wrightson Family". The story starts in England in the late 1800's., Starting with Edwards family at the age of 6,he starts to tell of the members of the family,his siblings . You watch as Edward grows,his as so does his family. Follow Edward's life from the age of six to his age in his fifties. This is the first book of a series but I believe that they could be read separate but who wants to do that,you will miss so much of this one! Historical places and time of different parts of the world where you can tell as you travel with Edward and his family and friends ,how much research that went into writing this most exciting story! As you become part of this fantastic family of the Wrightson, you find adventure,mystery, new worlds,love of family the fun times and also the tragic times. All of the characters in this story you will get to know and you become part of this family. Grab some tissues,you will need some at times but this is just a wonderful heart warming story that will stay with you for a really long time. The Second book,the name is "The Welsh Guardsman"! One other book you should read is "The Bigger Sweet Life of Annie Jenkins" .. I don't think this one is tied to these other two books.. Enjoy the story ,I know I did,I became part of this family and Ann has a way with her words!!
January 8, 2025
This was an eye opening book into the daily lives of the people that lived and worked in the pottery industry of England, in contrast with the upper class. The time in America was interesting, if not as well developed. I enjoyed reading this book very much, perhaps because it was a true story. Impressive at the age of 73 the author decided to write this story. I would love to have known what happened with Dorothy and her father, but alas I guess I will have to read the next book to hopefully find out!
January 22, 2021
Interesting Family Saga
A cross between a romance and a family history, this story tells of two very different family backgrounds of two who came together and had a child. The role of the Prussian captain in the young boy's life filled a similar role in the young girl's. The story is well-written and touching, and I found my heart go out to the characters more than once. A good read.
A cross between a romance and a family history, this story tells of two very different family backgrounds of two who came together and had a child. The role of the Prussian captain in the young boy's life filled a similar role in the young girl's. The story is well-written and touching, and I found my heart go out to the characters more than once. A good read.
August 10, 2018
4.5*
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Especially after I learned it was based on a true story and the author resides at Lester Beach where my good friend has a cottage. I put off reading it initially because I feared it was too romancy but it was so much more than that. The two main characters have really stuck with me.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Especially after I learned it was based on a true story and the author resides at Lester Beach where my good friend has a cottage. I put off reading it initially because I feared it was too romancy but it was so much more than that. The two main characters have really stuck with me.
January 10, 2019
Written very factually in a way that didn't draw me in, but rather left me in the outside looking in. Time would jump years from 1 paragraph to the next. By the time I finally got to part 2 of the 3 part book, I was not engaged enough to keep trodding through the landscape that was a dreary as the weather described in the London towns it is set in.
January 24, 2019
More like 3.5 stars ;-)
Not an overly exciting read , but it does plod along in an acceptable manner . Based on a true story , I found the characters sad and somewhat strange . I believe this is due to the time period this took place , although I still wanted to shake them and yell , " Wake Up ! " . The book ends nicely .
Not an overly exciting read , but it does plod along in an acceptable manner . Based on a true story , I found the characters sad and somewhat strange . I believe this is due to the time period this took place , although I still wanted to shake them and yell , " Wake Up ! " . The book ends nicely .
September 1, 2017
I always enjoy reading about family dynamics. Ann does an amazing job describing the characters and their individual stories. It's like you are part of the family. This is a wonderful first book. I am looking forward to more.
September 12, 2017
This book is a great read! Ann Brough gives the reader a great look into the lives of two main characters from different worlds. By the middle of the book, I just had to keep reading. And the ending was so sad it made my heart break! This book is totally worth your time!
June 10, 2018
Family story, in-depth!
Such a good book! I enjoyed the characters very much, so well developed. The in-depth description of events was outstanding. I highly recommend this book and look forward for more by Ann Brough.
Such a good book! I enjoyed the characters very much, so well developed. The in-depth description of events was outstanding. I highly recommend this book and look forward for more by Ann Brough.
August 17, 2018
Enjoyable
This book is a work of historical fiction about two very different people. I e is rich and affluent. The other is poor working class. They meet, fall in love, have a child and then part. I enjoyed everything but the ending. I don't like having to wait on a sequel.
This book is a work of historical fiction about two very different people. I e is rich and affluent. The other is poor working class. They meet, fall in love, have a child and then part. I enjoyed everything but the ending. I don't like having to wait on a sequel.
October 22, 2018
Heartbreaking well written story of families
I loved this true story especially since I just finished my memoir from birth to age 74. It's so wonderful that Dorothy 's daughters discovered this story of their family.
I loved this true story especially since I just finished my memoir from birth to age 74. It's so wonderful that Dorothy 's daughters discovered this story of their family.
September 7, 2017
Good read. Enjoyed the story,characters and prose. Well written. Glad to know that you have a sequel in mind. Looking forward to it.
September 7, 2017
I loved this book. It grabbed me immediately and held me throughout the entire story. I couldn't put it down and when I got to the end, I wanted more. I'm glad to hear there is a sequel planned.
April 20, 2018
I remember
I enjoyed this book very much. It is amazing Dorothy survived and led a happy adult life. I look forward to reading the next book
I enjoyed this book very much. It is amazing Dorothy survived and led a happy adult life. I look forward to reading the next book
June 30, 2018
Left wanting more...
Good read, but left hanging at the end. Hopefully she will write a sequel about Dorothy as she gets older.
Good read, but left hanging at the end. Hopefully she will write a sequel about Dorothy as she gets older.
October 17, 2018
Great
Enjoyed the story and will continue to read this author. I love family histories and hope to continue with it this one . Told with love and heart
Enjoyed the story and will continue to read this author. I love family histories and hope to continue with it this one . Told with love and heart
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews