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Morland Dynasty #20
The Winter Journey
1851 - The Mid-Victorian era; The Great Exhibition; The Crimean War
The Great Exhibition brings all the Morlands to London - including a cousin from America. Charlotte is using her wealth and social position to build a hospital, and, aware of how badly sick people are nursed, defies convention to train a team of female nurses. When the Crimean war begins, and her brother Cavendish departs with his cavalry regiment and her husband is called on to serve with the Intelligence Department, Charlotte goes too. Not all the soldiers' courage or high spirits can save them from the brutal horrors of war, and as the bitter Russian winter sets in, Charlotte's nursing skills are desperately needed as the army falls victim to cholera, dysentry, frostbite and gangrene.
The Great Exhibition brings all the Morlands to London - including a cousin from America. Charlotte is using her wealth and social position to build a hospital, and, aware of how badly sick people are nursed, defies convention to train a team of female nurses. When the Crimean war begins, and her brother Cavendish departs with his cavalry regiment and her husband is called on to serve with the Intelligence Department, Charlotte goes too. Not all the soldiers' courage or high spirits can save them from the brutal horrors of war, and as the bitter Russian winter sets in, Charlotte's nursing skills are desperately needed as the army falls victim to cholera, dysentry, frostbite and gangrene.
624 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
149 books502 followersCynthia Harrod-Eagles (aka Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennett)
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 8, 2019
This book is number 20 in the Morland family saga. I love these books so much! The family has grown on me and I love watching the characters develop as the story continues through the years. The historical research is spot on, and historical events are carefully integrated into the family story. One of the things I liked best about this book was the details surrounding the charge of the Light Brigade. I knew the poem but never much about what actually happened.
This series is a truly inspiring set of stories. I have enjoyed traveling through time with the Morlands, and the next book brings in the American side of the family as well. Looking forward to it!
This series is a truly inspiring set of stories. I have enjoyed traveling through time with the Morlands, and the next book brings in the American side of the family as well. Looking forward to it!
June 17, 2025
Die Großcousinen Fanny und Charlotte haben als junge Frauen viel zusammen erlebt. Inzwischen sind sie beide verheiratet, doch während Charlotte mit Oliver eine Ehe auf Augenhöhe führt und sich weiterhin ihrem sozialen Engagement für die Ärmsten von London widmet, ist Fanny todunglücklich. Ihr Gatte Philip entspricht im Privaten nämlich ganz und gar nicht seinem öffentlichen Image als beliebter und geachteter Arzt. Er hält sie klein, will über jedes noch so kleine Detail ihres Lebens bestimmen und versucht sie auch von Charlotte abzuschotten, damit sie bloß keinen schlechten Einfluss ausüben kann.
Neben dieser schwierigen Situation beschäftigt Charlotte auch die immer wieder ausbrechende Cholera, deren Ursache ihr guter Bekannter John Snow auf der Spur zu sein scheint, entgegen der bisherigen wissenschaftlichen Standards. Auch Charlotte selbst lehnt sich medizinisch aus dem Fenster, denn ihr neuestes Projekt ist die Gründung eines Krankenhauses, in dem chirurgische Eingriffe durchgeführt werden - bisher das Metier von Barbieren und Knochensägern und nichts, worauf sich ein respektabler Arzt einlassen würde.
Dass es zwischen Russland und der Türkei Streitigkeiten um den Besitz bestimmter Gebiete gibt, ist zunächst nur Hintergrundrauschen. Weil er des Russischen mächtig ist, wird Oliver in geheimer Mission in den Osten entsandt, und nach einem heimtückischen Angriff Russlands auf die Türkei steigen England und Frankreich tatsächlich in den Konflikt ein. Charlottes Bruder Cavendish brennt wie viele andere junge Offiziere darauf, sich endlich im Kampf beweisen zu dürfen - denn die Briten waren seit den Napoleonischen Kriegen nicht mehr in militärische Auseinandersetzungen involviert.
Charlotte folgt Oliver in die Konfliktzone, in der Hoffnung, ihre Kenntnisse in der Krankenpflege dort anwenden zu können. In der Tat werden fähige Krankenschwestern dort sehr gebraucht - allerdings steht ihrem Einsatz die vorherrschende Meinung entgegen, Krankenpflege sei nichts für Frauen und schon gar nicht für Adelige.
Das Buch beginnt eher gemächlich mit innerfamiliären kleinen und großen Dramen - eine schwere Geburt, Todesfälle, die Zwangslage, in der die arme Fanny dank ihres reizenden Gatten steckt. Der historische Rahmen macht sich zunächst nur im Zusammenhang mit Charlottes Herzensangelegenheiten in Medizin und Sozialarbeit bemerkbar. Doch als die Ereignisse auf der Krim immer brisanter werden, wird der Ton auch merklich düsterer und wir sind hautnah dabei auf den Schlachtfeldern (inklusive dem grauenvollen Ausgang des Angriffs der leichten Brigade) und den fürchterlichen Zuständen in den improvisierten Feldlazaretten. Das ist alles nichts für Zartbesaitete.
Die Charakterzeichnung hat mir auch hier wieder gefallen, bis auf den abgrundtief grässlichen Philip haben sie alle ihre Sonnen- und Schattenseiten und handeln wie Menschen ihrer Zeit. Selbst die beherzte und fortschrittliche Charlotte hat hier und da ihre Scheuklappen, wie sie eine Frau ihres Kalibers damals wohl gehabt hat. Wie immer mochte ich die Mischung aus geschichtlichen Ereignissen (nebst ein paar historischen Gestalten, die am Rande auftauchen) und Familiensaga. Ein bisschen was fürs Herz ist auch dabei, aber angenehm dosiert. Schön, dass es Stand heute noch 16 weitere Bände zu entdecken gibt.
Neben dieser schwierigen Situation beschäftigt Charlotte auch die immer wieder ausbrechende Cholera, deren Ursache ihr guter Bekannter John Snow auf der Spur zu sein scheint, entgegen der bisherigen wissenschaftlichen Standards. Auch Charlotte selbst lehnt sich medizinisch aus dem Fenster, denn ihr neuestes Projekt ist die Gründung eines Krankenhauses, in dem chirurgische Eingriffe durchgeführt werden - bisher das Metier von Barbieren und Knochensägern und nichts, worauf sich ein respektabler Arzt einlassen würde.
Dass es zwischen Russland und der Türkei Streitigkeiten um den Besitz bestimmter Gebiete gibt, ist zunächst nur Hintergrundrauschen. Weil er des Russischen mächtig ist, wird Oliver in geheimer Mission in den Osten entsandt, und nach einem heimtückischen Angriff Russlands auf die Türkei steigen England und Frankreich tatsächlich in den Konflikt ein. Charlottes Bruder Cavendish brennt wie viele andere junge Offiziere darauf, sich endlich im Kampf beweisen zu dürfen - denn die Briten waren seit den Napoleonischen Kriegen nicht mehr in militärische Auseinandersetzungen involviert.
Charlotte folgt Oliver in die Konfliktzone, in der Hoffnung, ihre Kenntnisse in der Krankenpflege dort anwenden zu können. In der Tat werden fähige Krankenschwestern dort sehr gebraucht - allerdings steht ihrem Einsatz die vorherrschende Meinung entgegen, Krankenpflege sei nichts für Frauen und schon gar nicht für Adelige.
Das Buch beginnt eher gemächlich mit innerfamiliären kleinen und großen Dramen - eine schwere Geburt, Todesfälle, die Zwangslage, in der die arme Fanny dank ihres reizenden Gatten steckt. Der historische Rahmen macht sich zunächst nur im Zusammenhang mit Charlottes Herzensangelegenheiten in Medizin und Sozialarbeit bemerkbar. Doch als die Ereignisse auf der Krim immer brisanter werden, wird der Ton auch merklich düsterer und wir sind hautnah dabei auf den Schlachtfeldern (inklusive dem grauenvollen Ausgang des Angriffs der leichten Brigade) und den fürchterlichen Zuständen in den improvisierten Feldlazaretten. Das ist alles nichts für Zartbesaitete.
Die Charakterzeichnung hat mir auch hier wieder gefallen, bis auf den abgrundtief grässlichen Philip haben sie alle ihre Sonnen- und Schattenseiten und handeln wie Menschen ihrer Zeit. Selbst die beherzte und fortschrittliche Charlotte hat hier und da ihre Scheuklappen, wie sie eine Frau ihres Kalibers damals wohl gehabt hat. Wie immer mochte ich die Mischung aus geschichtlichen Ereignissen (nebst ein paar historischen Gestalten, die am Rande auftauchen) und Familiensaga. Ein bisschen was fürs Herz ist auch dabei, aber angenehm dosiert. Schön, dass es Stand heute noch 16 weitere Bände zu entdecken gibt.
December 14, 2025
A brilliant 20th instalment of the Morland Dynasty series. This one packs so much in as Charlotte, Duchess of Southport, sets up a hospital and her brother, Cavendish, leaves to fight in the Crimea. There is so much history between the pages of these books and I especially love to see women subverting the belief that a lady should not be interested in medicine. Fabulous - onto book 21 now.
August 25, 2019
Even though this is the twentieth book in the series, I strongly suggest starting at the beginning, to understand the connections between the various members of the family.
It is now the middle of the nineteenth century. The Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace is a huge success, and various members of the Morland family attend. Charlotte is happy in her marriage, as is her cousin Benedict with his second wife; but Fanny's husband seems intent on isolating her away from her family, and controlling every aspect of her life. Charlotte's brother Cavendish fall in love — over and over again, and eventually also marries. The next generation is being born, even as an earlier one begins to pass away. But when war breaks out in the Crimea, Cavendish, as a cavalry officer, responds to the call. When Charlotte's husband Oliver is asked to accompany the army, Charlotte goes too, and takes on nursing duties. But no one can foresee what the English will face there.
Fascinating, detailed view of an episode of English history that has been something of a legend. The characters all come alive, and the reader can't help but continue to discover what happens next. Highly recommended.
It is now the middle of the nineteenth century. The Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace is a huge success, and various members of the Morland family attend. Charlotte is happy in her marriage, as is her cousin Benedict with his second wife; but Fanny's husband seems intent on isolating her away from her family, and controlling every aspect of her life. Charlotte's brother Cavendish fall in love — over and over again, and eventually also marries. The next generation is being born, even as an earlier one begins to pass away. But when war breaks out in the Crimea, Cavendish, as a cavalry officer, responds to the call. When Charlotte's husband Oliver is asked to accompany the army, Charlotte goes too, and takes on nursing duties. But no one can foresee what the English will face there.
Fascinating, detailed view of an episode of English history that has been something of a legend. The characters all come alive, and the reader can't help but continue to discover what happens next. Highly recommended.
August 19, 2024
Morland Dynasty #20, 1851 - 56, Crimean War, Charge of the Light Brigade.
There is a lot packed in to this book, so it runs out at 624 pages. Too much! There could easily have been a bit less detail in some parts. However, I suppose the author didn't want to skimp on the coverage of some of the major themes - the poor status and rights of women, the appaling standard of medicine, the horrors of war and the inefficencies of its conduct.
Fanny was a wealthy girl, but once she married, her husband got all her money and property, and she was just a chattel with no rights. What happened to her is called coercive control these days.
Women were unwelcome in nursing as they were not considered fit to deal with issues. This was even more pronounced in military hospitals, where the injuries and illnesses were terrible, and the author has not spared the reader at all. Florence Nightingale was only beginning to make her mark, and she met with lots of resistance before making her mark.
This is an interesting and revealing story about a period of history I have not been interested in. I always assumed the Light Brigade was just the name of the troop, so here I learned about the difference between light and heavy cavalry.
Do go ahead and read this but be warned, and perhaps do not eat just before reading!
Rating 3.9.
There is a lot packed in to this book, so it runs out at 624 pages. Too much! There could easily have been a bit less detail in some parts. However, I suppose the author didn't want to skimp on the coverage of some of the major themes - the poor status and rights of women, the appaling standard of medicine, the horrors of war and the inefficencies of its conduct.
Fanny was a wealthy girl, but once she married, her husband got all her money and property, and she was just a chattel with no rights. What happened to her is called coercive control these days.
Women were unwelcome in nursing as they were not considered fit to deal with issues. This was even more pronounced in military hospitals, where the injuries and illnesses were terrible, and the author has not spared the reader at all. Florence Nightingale was only beginning to make her mark, and she met with lots of resistance before making her mark.
This is an interesting and revealing story about a period of history I have not been interested in. I always assumed the Light Brigade was just the name of the troop, so here I learned about the difference between light and heavy cavalry.
Do go ahead and read this but be warned, and perhaps do not eat just before reading!
Rating 3.9.
April 15, 2018
i really enjoyed reading the continued adventures of the Morland family. It was especially nice to see how well Charlotte has adapted to her new world and yet still makes it her own. and i love her relationship with Oliver which is somehow modern, but still appropriate for the period (the way she finally realizes how others see her work in the Crimea is priceless).
some of the stuff about the war got a little boring (Oliver's dispatches were a bit like reading a history book and i had a hard time believing some of the conversation about tactics and strategies amongst the characters). also, the romantic plots revolving around the Great Exhibition in this one weren't as interesting. the fate of Fanny made up for it, though. also really liked Benedict's decision in terms of how to deal with his complicated daughter. it's sad, but once again, true to the era no matter how outrageous our modern sensibilities might find it.
i'm pretty well sold on the series at this point (at least through the end of the century) and looking forward to the next one.
some of the stuff about the war got a little boring (Oliver's dispatches were a bit like reading a history book and i had a hard time believing some of the conversation about tactics and strategies amongst the characters). also, the romantic plots revolving around the Great Exhibition in this one weren't as interesting. the fate of Fanny made up for it, though. also really liked Benedict's decision in terms of how to deal with his complicated daughter. it's sad, but once again, true to the era no matter how outrageous our modern sensibilities might find it.
i'm pretty well sold on the series at this point (at least through the end of the century) and looking forward to the next one.
August 7, 2024
An overall excellent volume in this long-running series.
Some of the Crimean War elements were a little unclear. I wish the politics leading up to it had been more clearly signposted throughout the book earlier, but it was still very well done.
I'm sure it's not the last we hear of Fenwick and Mary, but his sudden existence and appearance seemed a bit too contrived.
Loved Fanny's story, especially how the book ends. Somewhat unexpected, but felt convincing.
Some of the Crimean War elements were a little unclear. I wish the politics leading up to it had been more clearly signposted throughout the book earlier, but it was still very well done.
I'm sure it's not the last we hear of Fenwick and Mary, but his sudden existence and appearance seemed a bit too contrived.
Loved Fanny's story, especially how the book ends. Somewhat unexpected, but felt convincing.
February 14, 2024
5 stars, again!
I read the entire series in paperback almost 20 years ago. That the books can hold your interest for over 20 instalments is testament itself. Start at Book 1 and i assure you, you'll keep going. Just one caveat, i remember being less enamoured with the last few books and positively disappointed with the last.
I read the entire series in paperback almost 20 years ago. That the books can hold your interest for over 20 instalments is testament itself. Start at Book 1 and i assure you, you'll keep going. Just one caveat, i remember being less enamoured with the last few books and positively disappointed with the last.
August 13, 2024
This is an excellent well-paced volume (don't let the book thickness throw you.) The Morland saga continues against the backdrop of the Crimean War and warning, those scenes are brutal. I think this is one of Cynthia's best. Can't wait to get to the next one.
December 26, 2018
Loved all the women's rights messages in this one and also liked learning mom or about the Crimean War. I had heard of the Charge of the Light Brigade but knew nothing about it.
March 22, 2023
My most recent catch up on The Moreland Family as entertaining as always
December 22, 2011
The year is 1851 and the great exhibition is on in London.Benedict Morland had helped with the exhibition because of his experience of engineering. Sibella and Mary are out one day and they come across a stranger looking at their home . The stranger turns out to be a distant relative from america Fenwick Morland. The whole family go to london to see the great exhibition and they stay with Tom Weston and his wife. Cavendish Charlottes brother marries and then goes to the crimea. Charlotte and her husband also go to the crimea and she helps in the field hospital. They watch the battle of balaclava and she sees cavendish fall and she believes him dead. Charlotte finds out that see is pregnant and has to go back to London. Her husband stays behind and he finds cavendish and they both come home. Can't wait to get the next book for the continuing story of the morlands.
January 27, 2015
Back to the ups and downs of the family in peace time and the tribulations of war time. ..(spoiler alert) I always had an inkling of Cav's return....I've read this series meticulously following the proper order the books were written and I've found it the most enjoyable journey. ..and still 12-14 books to go. ..I love the intertwining of real history with the everyday events of the families' lives and they feel like old friends. .when I finally finish the series I'll definitely be missing something! !
February 23, 2013
I love this book as much as others in the series, but I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because 1) I didn't think there was enough coverage of a particular character's death and 2) I thought there was too much coverage of the Crimean war. (Yes, I know it's historical fiction & must include the historical events. It was just too much for me and a lot of it didn't have enough to do with the book's main characters.)
July 14, 2013
Comments taken from my Blog Post (#87) in February 2011, after borrowing the book from the local library.
The continuing sage of the Morland Family, pretty much with with Charlotte - now the Duchess of Southport - as the pin-wheel.
I thoroughly enjoyed it a 4.5 star read, and I can't wait to track down some more of them to continue the tale. Hopefully Book 21 will have more of Fanny's story.
The continuing sage of the Morland Family, pretty much with with Charlotte - now the Duchess of Southport - as the pin-wheel.
I thoroughly enjoyed it a 4.5 star read, and I can't wait to track down some more of them to continue the tale. Hopefully Book 21 will have more of Fanny's story.
December 6, 2016
Once again the author's description of the battles that took place, this time during the Crimean war, make one feel as if you're right there with the troops every step of the way. Harrod-Eagles doesn't disappoint in taking you straight into the action. Loved it!
February 13, 2009
#20 in the Morland Dynasty series finds some of the Morlands off to the Crimean War. One of the best of the series.
January 30, 2014
This book is not for the faint of heart. Very graphic detail about the Crimean War. The history I learned and the maps made it a 5 star book for me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews