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Rebecca's Children
A heart-wrenching saga of revolution, regret and family secrets... For fans of Nadine Dorries, Maeve Binchy, Freda Lightfoot and Dilly Court. Lives are on the line as the workers fight back in the Welsh countryside… 1829, Wales For centuries. generations of the Jenkins family have eked out a living from their Carmarthenshire hill farm. But when a fire destroys virtually all of their possessions the children witness their lives crumbling around them. Mary and William find they have barely enough land left to provide for their basic needs. Their only option is to take on more work, but William longs for action, and Mary begins to suspect that he has become embroiled with the Rebecca-ites, a shadowy group of nationalists pitted against the English landowners whose tolls have bankrupted so many Welshman. As tensions mount, Mary becomes ever more torn between her mistrust of the rebels’ violence and her growing attraction to Jac Tŷ Isha, one of their leaders. And when the British government decides to put a stop to the revolt, the danger to the men she loves increases a hundredfold… REBECCA’S CHILDREN is a poignant, beautifully crafted saga of love and betrayal, set against the background of Wales in mid-1800s – a country aflame with political and social unrest. "An accomplished first novel." - The Times "A well-handled tale of passion, social injustice and nationalist fervour in nineteenth century Wales." - The Liverpool Post “Kate Dunn is a fine storyteller.” - Ben Elton
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 1, 2020
Oh, I didn’t really enjoy this one. I tried so hard but it wasn’t a read for me. Whilst appreciating the historical element, I struggled to engage with either plot or characters.
I do dislike offering poor reviews and maybe I should have discontinued reading this book. However, I was desperate to give this novel a chance and wanted to see if the plot would pick up and that I would begin to enjoy it. Alas, this time it was not the case.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this plot to be so political. I was completely unaware of the ‘Rebecca riots’ that took place in nineteenth century Wales, and actually thought this book was about a family! The riots were based on land ownership against the English, leading to many protests and violence. The protagonist, Mary, gets caught up in this behaviour because of her brother’s involvement, and then falls in love with one of the leaders.
There is a little romance in the story but it does not dominate. I could not believe in Mary’s love interest but found the story surrounding Hugh curious to watch. Indeed, it was the authorial note at the closing of the novel that made the read all the more worthwhile because he seemed like a person with a fascinating story to tell.
I’m disappointed to say that this book did not meet my expectations. It wasn’t favoured by myself and I often lost interest when reading. You can’t always choose books that perfectly match your tastes and in this case, I got it quite wrong.
With thanks to Sapere books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I do dislike offering poor reviews and maybe I should have discontinued reading this book. However, I was desperate to give this novel a chance and wanted to see if the plot would pick up and that I would begin to enjoy it. Alas, this time it was not the case.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this plot to be so political. I was completely unaware of the ‘Rebecca riots’ that took place in nineteenth century Wales, and actually thought this book was about a family! The riots were based on land ownership against the English, leading to many protests and violence. The protagonist, Mary, gets caught up in this behaviour because of her brother’s involvement, and then falls in love with one of the leaders.
There is a little romance in the story but it does not dominate. I could not believe in Mary’s love interest but found the story surrounding Hugh curious to watch. Indeed, it was the authorial note at the closing of the novel that made the read all the more worthwhile because he seemed like a person with a fascinating story to tell.
I’m disappointed to say that this book did not meet my expectations. It wasn’t favoured by myself and I often lost interest when reading. You can’t always choose books that perfectly match your tastes and in this case, I got it quite wrong.
With thanks to Sapere books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2018
I thought the first part of the book was good but then it became too wordy and alittle boring. I liked Mary’s story but just thought the book was just ok.
January 30, 2019
Honestly, I didn't think that I was going to like this book, mainly because of the subtitle: 'love and betrayal' sounded a bit Catherine Cookson, and whilst I liked Cookson as a teenager, not so much now. BUT this is NOTHING like her books! There is a bit of romance, but I didn't find that it overwhelmed the story, and I really the historical detail fascinating. I'd never heard of the Rebecca Riots before, and I found the descriptions really interesting (and the English reaction completely unsurprising). Dare I say that I completely empathised with them?
Mary and William's story alone was interesting, but I really enjoyed the other sides to the story: the other Rebecca-ites, the Law and Mary's rather unfortunate, and slightly toe-curling, employer Hugh. There's a large cast of characters, as we meet a fair few Rebecca-ites, soldiers, policemen and politicians, but it didn't put me off or confuse me. It was all a clear, well-told, touching story. And I learnt something. So all good!
Many thanks to Sapere Books for giving me a copy of this book to read and honestly review.
Mary and William's story alone was interesting, but I really enjoyed the other sides to the story: the other Rebecca-ites, the Law and Mary's rather unfortunate, and slightly toe-curling, employer Hugh. There's a large cast of characters, as we meet a fair few Rebecca-ites, soldiers, policemen and politicians, but it didn't put me off or confuse me. It was all a clear, well-told, touching story. And I learnt something. So all good!
Many thanks to Sapere Books for giving me a copy of this book to read and honestly review.
December 14, 2018
Interesting read though a bit slow to start, I enjoyed the main characters development though the plot could be confusing at times, overall a good book!
November 24, 2018
Wow
That was my first word after finishing this book...wow! The detail, the atmospheric writing that lures you in, the characters that sweep you alongside them, all lead to a rollercoaster of a ride and knowing there is elements of historical fact just makes it all the more impressive a story. This is my first book by the author but I will be seeking out more as, she has such a way with her writing that has your heart leaping and dropping along with the story. Highly recommend reading this.
That was my first word after finishing this book...wow! The detail, the atmospheric writing that lures you in, the characters that sweep you alongside them, all lead to a rollercoaster of a ride and knowing there is elements of historical fact just makes it all the more impressive a story. This is my first book by the author but I will be seeking out more as, she has such a way with her writing that has your heart leaping and dropping along with the story. Highly recommend reading this.
February 24, 2019
Learned slot and will be looking in Rebecca's children thank you for the insight
Never knew of Rebecca's children be looking into it more thank you for the insight a very enjoyable book great
Never knew of Rebecca's children be looking into it more thank you for the insight a very enjoyable book great
April 3, 2019
Life is soulful and sad
The book. Took me a little while to get into the story .worth reading on.Very thoughtfully written characters very believable ,,made me find out more about the history of Wales at the time of this story
The book. Took me a little while to get into the story .worth reading on.Very thoughtfully written characters very believable ,,made me find out more about the history of Wales at the time of this story
June 29, 2019
Rebecca’s Children is the story of a forbidden romance, and a fight for the freedom of a country. The story began a bit slow, but the characters drew me in. I will be looking forward to Kate Dunn’s next book!
May 30, 2020
Fantastic Read
This is a history of Wales that I never knew about. I live on the doorstep of Wales and live it dearly . I was fascinated by the tail of the people who lived in these times.
A good book for schools to see the reality off life good and bad.
This is a history of Wales that I never knew about. I live on the doorstep of Wales and live it dearly . I was fascinated by the tail of the people who lived in these times.
A good book for schools to see the reality off life good and bad.
December 22, 2018
Rebecca’s Children
I found this hard to read as it’s not my usual genre. But I stuck with it & found it interesting. Worth reading. Thanks
I found this hard to read as it’s not my usual genre. But I stuck with it & found it interesting. Worth reading. Thanks
February 4, 2019
Started really well, but became too much about the rebelling people and less about Mary, William and Hugh’s story.
February 9, 2019
Just could not get into this book, made it to 25% bit still didn’t really understand (or care) who was who and what was happening.
Did not finish the book past 25% on that basis.
Did not finish the book past 25% on that basis.
January 30, 2019
Rebecca's Children, by Kate Dunn, introduced me to an entire chapter of life in Wales that I was previously unaware of. Dunn is a fantastic storyteller. She interweaves the tale of her protagonist, Mary, with the facts of the Welsh Rebecca Riots of the nineteenth century. Dunn cleverly tells us the main story in the form of a flashback. This helps to shield our hearts from despair and grief since we know who is alive to tell the tale. This was a hard time in a hard land where death was frequent.
Through Mary's eyes we witness the events that lead up to the riots: failed crops, a divided class system, unfair taxation, dire poverty, starvation and workhouses. While all these negative events were swirling around Mary she is a character who endures nothing but misfortune – the loss of her family's farm, the swindling of her father, the loss of her parents, the prejudice against women in the workplace, sexual harassment, the maiming of her brother, loss of her beloved, as well as numerous rapes.
Dunn has done her research in preparation for writing this book. Her descriptions of Rebecca's Children from their inspiration from Genesis 24:60, their leaderless uprising, dressing in white petticoats with blackened faces, their mandate to avoid violence, their infiltration by criminals and the the increased troop levels required to shut them down are all documented in her accurate portrayal.
Her character development along with her descriptive passages showcase Dunn's excellent writing skills. The reader believes they understand exactly what makes each of the characters tick and have a clear picture, in their mind's eye, of both the Welsh towns and countryside during the 1840s.
I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Through Mary's eyes we witness the events that lead up to the riots: failed crops, a divided class system, unfair taxation, dire poverty, starvation and workhouses. While all these negative events were swirling around Mary she is a character who endures nothing but misfortune – the loss of her family's farm, the swindling of her father, the loss of her parents, the prejudice against women in the workplace, sexual harassment, the maiming of her brother, loss of her beloved, as well as numerous rapes.
Dunn has done her research in preparation for writing this book. Her descriptions of Rebecca's Children from their inspiration from Genesis 24:60, their leaderless uprising, dressing in white petticoats with blackened faces, their mandate to avoid violence, their infiltration by criminals and the the increased troop levels required to shut them down are all documented in her accurate portrayal.
Her character development along with her descriptive passages showcase Dunn's excellent writing skills. The reader believes they understand exactly what makes each of the characters tick and have a clear picture, in their mind's eye, of both the Welsh towns and countryside during the 1840s.
I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 3, 201719th century Wales - not a country or period I was very familiar with and this story a mix of historical fiction along with a complex story of both love and betrayal was portrayed very well.
The setting was tough. A hard setting to have any degree of warmth or much happily ever after and the fact that it achieved a certain degree of it, bodes well for the author's story telling. The spirit of nationalism as well as social upheaval was beginning and uprisings were becoming common. The ordinary man seemed to have had enough and fighting against tolls and taxes is the background for this story.
Our heroine Mary handles adversity stoically, from the suicide of her father to the injury caused to her brother, the loss of the farm held by her family for generations and the entire burden of the family falling on her shoulders. It was a hard story to follow because there seemed no let up at all for Mary and whatever happiness she had was fleeting and then taken away.
The story telling was very good and characters were spot on.
The setting was tough. A hard setting to have any degree of warmth or much happily ever after and the fact that it achieved a certain degree of it, bodes well for the author's story telling. The spirit of nationalism as well as social upheaval was beginning and uprisings were becoming common. The ordinary man seemed to have had enough and fighting against tolls and taxes is the background for this story.
Our heroine Mary handles adversity stoically, from the suicide of her father to the injury caused to her brother, the loss of the farm held by her family for generations and the entire burden of the family falling on her shoulders. It was a hard story to follow because there seemed no let up at all for Mary and whatever happiness she had was fleeting and then taken away.
The story telling was very good and characters were spot on.
April 1, 2019
Thank you to Sapere books for this ARC.
When I read the blurb, I thought the book sounded interesting. I like historical fiction, especially on time periods I don't know much about.
This book was good but I felt that I got lost in the politics of the story. It describes a period of rebellion in Wales in the early 19th century but there was a little too much history for me and not enough fiction.
The writing was good and painted a good picture of life in Wales at that time. I liked some of the characters but at times didn't understand their motivations.
I have it 3 stars because it was good - just not great - but I do believe that is just for me.
When I read the blurb, I thought the book sounded interesting. I like historical fiction, especially on time periods I don't know much about.
This book was good but I felt that I got lost in the politics of the story. It describes a period of rebellion in Wales in the early 19th century but there was a little too much history for me and not enough fiction.
The writing was good and painted a good picture of life in Wales at that time. I liked some of the characters but at times didn't understand their motivations.
I have it 3 stars because it was good - just not great - but I do believe that is just for me.
December 10, 2018
Received a copy from SAPERE with thanks.
Rebecca's Children, what a beautifully written novel, Mary is a great character and so easy to like, I love the way Kate Dunn describes the surroundings, quite unique!
With little Welsh villages and wonderful rolling countryside that you can almost see, I would definitely recommend this very special story and it's Author - Kate Dunn.
Will be buying more of her books. 📖💓
Rebecca's Children, what a beautifully written novel, Mary is a great character and so easy to like, I love the way Kate Dunn describes the surroundings, quite unique!
With little Welsh villages and wonderful rolling countryside that you can almost see, I would definitely recommend this very special story and it's Author - Kate Dunn.
Will be buying more of her books. 📖💓
January 10, 2019
I would give this book two and a half stars, but rounded up to three.
The book started out good, a wonderful story for a book. For me it fell short. There's a ton of characters in it, kind of hard to keep up with so many. Then it went in so many different directions that I was lost a couple of times. However, I think a lot of people will enjoy this book.
I received a galley from Netgalley. As always, thank you,Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.
The book started out good, a wonderful story for a book. For me it fell short. There's a ton of characters in it, kind of hard to keep up with so many. Then it went in so many different directions that I was lost a couple of times. However, I think a lot of people will enjoy this book.
I received a galley from Netgalley. As always, thank you,Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2016
I started reading Rebecca's Children because I was curious about this period of history. I continued reading it because of good characterizations and interesting, flowing storytelling. I'm looking forward to reading more novels from Kate Dunn -- I'm off to buy The Line Between Us now.
December 17, 2018
Good read. With a good inlook into that period. I found the story easy to read and follow. I did find my attention drifting but that may be due to my lack of reading stories from this era and area
Thank you for allowing me to read.
Thank you for allowing me to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews