What do you think?
The Unreliable Death of Lady Grange
'An amazing story.' - Sally Magnusson
Edinburgh, January 1732: It's Lady Grange's funeral. Her death is a shock: still young, she'd shown no signs of ill health. But Rachel is, in fact, alive. She's been brutally kidnapped by the man who has falsified her death - her husband of 25 years, a pillar of society with whom she has raised a family. Her punishment, perhaps, for railing against his infidelity - or for uncovering evidence of his treasonable plottings against the government.
Whether to conceal his Jacobite leanings, or simply to `replace' a wife with a long-time mistress, Lord Grange banishes Rachel to the remote Hebridean Monach Isles, until she's removed again to distant St Kilda, far into the Atlantic - to an isolated life of primitive conditions, with no shared language - somewhere she can never be found. This is the incredible and gripping story of a woman who has until now been remembered mostly by her husband's unflattering account. Sue Lawrence reconstructs a remarkable tale of how the real Lady Grange may have coped with such a dramatic fate, with courage and grace
Edinburgh, January 1732: It's Lady Grange's funeral. Her death is a shock: still young, she'd shown no signs of ill health. But Rachel is, in fact, alive. She's been brutally kidnapped by the man who has falsified her death - her husband of 25 years, a pillar of society with whom she has raised a family. Her punishment, perhaps, for railing against his infidelity - or for uncovering evidence of his treasonable plottings against the government.
Whether to conceal his Jacobite leanings, or simply to `replace' a wife with a long-time mistress, Lord Grange banishes Rachel to the remote Hebridean Monach Isles, until she's removed again to distant St Kilda, far into the Atlantic - to an isolated life of primitive conditions, with no shared language - somewhere she can never be found. This is the incredible and gripping story of a woman who has until now been remembered mostly by her husband's unflattering account. Sue Lawrence reconstructs a remarkable tale of how the real Lady Grange may have coped with such a dramatic fate, with courage and grace
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 10, 2023
Inspired by a true story, this novel centres around the abduction of Lady Grange which was arranged by her husband. Lord Grange wanted to marry his mistress so his friend sorted out the current wife issue by having her roughly taken from her home and stranded on a remote Scottish island. If you didn't know this was a true event from the 18th century you would believe the plot somewhat far fetched! While not perfect, Lady Grange did not deserve her fate and this story breathes life into this long ago woman from history.
August 2, 2026
Dearest gentle author, I would like to introduce you to my friend “show it, don’t tell it”. It seems you two haven’t yet been properly introduced.
—
The book is based on a true story and the plot has soo much potential! Unfortunately, the writing style completely ruined it for me and the characters are all kind of annoying so I had to dnf🥲
Also, who are these people talking to??
(But maybe it gets better by the end?)
—
The book is based on a true story and the plot has soo much potential! Unfortunately, the writing style completely ruined it for me and the characters are all kind of annoying so I had to dnf🥲
Also, who are these people talking to??
(But maybe it gets better by the end?)
March 29, 2020
This is a haunting and sad tale of Lady Grange who is betrayed in a terrible way by the man she loved. Finding out that he is up to no good, in more ways that one, Rachel confronts him but this is something she will later come to regret. She is kidnapped and transported miles away from her home and children and dumped on a remote island where the only person she can communicate with is the Minister, who she befriends. But things don’t go to plan and she ends up being removed again to St Kilda where she’s not able to communicate with anyone; and where she has to face the fact that her remaining years on earth will be spent there…….
The author has based the story around facts that she had researched about Lady Grange and has written it around how she may have coped with the fate that befell her; and it’s so interesting!
I fell in love with Rachel from the beginning, and wasn’t particularly taken with Lord Grange who seemed to be very uncaring towards his wife. What is interesting is their differing views on the things happening. The chapters are written from the viewpoint of different characters so one minute we will see the scenario from Rachels’ point of view and the next from James’ and they are very different! Mary, Rachel and James’ daughter, is a strong and amazing character – again one whom I loved and was glad that things turn out how they do for her. As for some of the other characters….there are definitely some unsavoury characters in here!! As well as some wonderful characters who will surprise you!
The settings are amazing! Despite the fact that storms rage, and the islands that Rachel are on can only be accessed via boats in good weather, they do sound amazing. She must have had a stressful (because of circumstance) but somewhat tranquil life, living out in such beautiful natural surroundings.
The story is well written, easy to follow and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. When you think things may start looking up, you’ll be in for a surprise! The story is thought provoking and made me really think about what life must have been like for Lady Grange, and I’d definitely like to find out more! She’s certainly an interesting character and I’m grateful to the author for bringing this intriguing Lady into my awareness!
Overall, I found this thoroughly enjoyable and a pleasure to read! Highly recommended by me!
The author has based the story around facts that she had researched about Lady Grange and has written it around how she may have coped with the fate that befell her; and it’s so interesting!
I fell in love with Rachel from the beginning, and wasn’t particularly taken with Lord Grange who seemed to be very uncaring towards his wife. What is interesting is their differing views on the things happening. The chapters are written from the viewpoint of different characters so one minute we will see the scenario from Rachels’ point of view and the next from James’ and they are very different! Mary, Rachel and James’ daughter, is a strong and amazing character – again one whom I loved and was glad that things turn out how they do for her. As for some of the other characters….there are definitely some unsavoury characters in here!! As well as some wonderful characters who will surprise you!
The settings are amazing! Despite the fact that storms rage, and the islands that Rachel are on can only be accessed via boats in good weather, they do sound amazing. She must have had a stressful (because of circumstance) but somewhat tranquil life, living out in such beautiful natural surroundings.
The story is well written, easy to follow and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. When you think things may start looking up, you’ll be in for a surprise! The story is thought provoking and made me really think about what life must have been like for Lady Grange, and I’d definitely like to find out more! She’s certainly an interesting character and I’m grateful to the author for bringing this intriguing Lady into my awareness!
Overall, I found this thoroughly enjoyable and a pleasure to read! Highly recommended by me!
March 15, 2020
The Unreliable Death of Lady Grange was a fascinating book to read, particularly since it is based on a true story. I'd never heard of Lady Grange before and quite honestly, if you didn't know she was a real person, you'd never believe that this kind of thing could have happened!
Rachel, Lady Grange, had a very stormy marriage to James Erskine, Lord Grange. She was known for her volatile temper and was rather fond of a glass (or three!) of claret. They were married for 25 years and had several children but separated, which must have been rather unusual back in the 18th century. When she tried to expose him as a Jacobite sympathiser, he had her kidnapped rather violently and she spent the rest of her life exiled on various remote Scottish islands.
In Sue Lawrence's imagined account of what might have happened, Rachel was a fascinating character to read about. She was feisty and opinionated woman and frequently disagreed very vocally with her husband. After her kidnap, her husband seriously underestimated his wife. She was determined to get back to her children, in particular her 'angel', her eldest daughter Mary who never believed her mother was dead as her father had told her. Despite not speaking Gaelic, which the vast majority of the islanders did, she somehow made connections and friends who were willing to try to help her.
The story is told from the points of view of several of the main players in the book and this kept it rattling along at a fair pace as the reader learns more about what happened to Lady Grange. it's hard to believe that Lord Grange could have got away with what he did and managed to keep his wife captive all these years, yet somehow he managed it.
This book has so much happening in it. There's kidnapping, mystery. intrigue, romance and even murder! It's all very dramatic and a very enjoyable romp through an interesting period of Jacobean history. Is it what really happened to Lady Grange? Well I suppose we can't know for sure but it was an entertaining tale of what might have been and gave a voice to someone who has, like many women, largely been forgotten or misrepresented in history.
Rachel, Lady Grange, had a very stormy marriage to James Erskine, Lord Grange. She was known for her volatile temper and was rather fond of a glass (or three!) of claret. They were married for 25 years and had several children but separated, which must have been rather unusual back in the 18th century. When she tried to expose him as a Jacobite sympathiser, he had her kidnapped rather violently and she spent the rest of her life exiled on various remote Scottish islands.
In Sue Lawrence's imagined account of what might have happened, Rachel was a fascinating character to read about. She was feisty and opinionated woman and frequently disagreed very vocally with her husband. After her kidnap, her husband seriously underestimated his wife. She was determined to get back to her children, in particular her 'angel', her eldest daughter Mary who never believed her mother was dead as her father had told her. Despite not speaking Gaelic, which the vast majority of the islanders did, she somehow made connections and friends who were willing to try to help her.
The story is told from the points of view of several of the main players in the book and this kept it rattling along at a fair pace as the reader learns more about what happened to Lady Grange. it's hard to believe that Lord Grange could have got away with what he did and managed to keep his wife captive all these years, yet somehow he managed it.
This book has so much happening in it. There's kidnapping, mystery. intrigue, romance and even murder! It's all very dramatic and a very enjoyable romp through an interesting period of Jacobean history. Is it what really happened to Lady Grange? Well I suppose we can't know for sure but it was an entertaining tale of what might have been and gave a voice to someone who has, like many women, largely been forgotten or misrepresented in history.
March 1, 2022
I was a little disappointed by this book tbh. It tells a story too far-fetched to be believable and yet is true, albeit given a fictional gloss to fill in the blanks (of which there are many) and make something of interest to modern readers. It follows upon the tradition of giving women a presence and voice long denied by an historical bias in favour of dead white men. Not many people have ever heard of Lady Grange never mind know why she deserves a book to tell her story. Many would struggle to recognise the Monach Islands or St Kilda or place them on a map, so its locations are intriguing and underrepresented in fiction. There are intrigue and treachery, Jacobites and Baddies, a period of Scottish history made internationally popular by 'Outlander'. So very promising then, yet only three stars. Why so?
While I enjoyed reading the book and finished it quickly it could have been more. Finishing my first reaction was to get hold of another book, this one entirely factual, 'The Prisoner of St Kilda' by Margaret Macaulay, with a quote from James Boswell on the back cover: "The true story of this lady is as frightfully romantic as if it had been the fiction of a gloomy fancy. " And there it is. There is simply no need to romanticise or embellish the story of Rachel, Lady Grange, and in so doing Lawrence's book failed to convince me as reader. All the way through I couldn't escape the niggling thought, "To whom are its multiple characters addressing their individual chapters? Who are they speaking to? Well, they're in a novel of course. So, what's true and what's made up? Lawrence does at least provide some answers in the Notes at the end. Of course novelists have freedom denied historians, necessary to tell a story for which there simply is no first person account left to us other than some letters, and a portrait to show what she looked like.
Lawrence's decision to tell the story in First Person pov using multiple characters to expand the perspective is what really didn't work for me. This is subjective but this IS a review of MY reading experience. Clearly most people enjoyed the book for what it is, a Good Read, and I'm aware how unfair and selfish it is to criticise a novel for not being the book I wanted. My particular eye-rolling experience was the addition of a romantic subplot in a story with more than enough Romance in itself! Am I being unfair? You can judge.
Having said what I didn't enjoy let me tell you what I liked. The character of Lady Grange is well done. She's flawed but sympathetic, fiesty unbiddable and strong-willed at a time when even powerful women were subject to social and legal constraints, yet she's convincingly of her class in the 18thC. Lady Grange experiences something of the lot of the lower classes she'd hitherto either ignored or looked down upon as dirty, uneducated, uncouth. As an account of the treatment of women, historically and, sadly, still in many places, it's realistically shocking and horrifying. Good, too, is the setting, with well researched depictions of contemporary Edinburgh and the Western Isles. My favourite part, however, was how Lawrence conveys genuine love for the little known Monach Isles, with their beautiful sandy fringes and the floral abundance of the Machair. I've spent a lot of time in the Western Isles and was motivated to order this novel in advance of a trip to St Kilda. I've seen the Monach Islands, and far off St Kilda, too, from North Uist, tantalisingly close yet distant. As is Lady Grange, such a vivid character, a woman who had privilege yet no power to control her fate. We can visit the site of her St Kilda exile, the stone belatedly erected to mark her grave in Skye. I had never heard of her before reading about the recent collapse of the Cleit marking the site of the house where she stayed on Hirta, the main island of the St Kilda archipelago. Sue Lawrence's book brings the extraordinary story to a wider audience and for that she is to be applauded. What a brilliant TV series it would make!
While I enjoyed reading the book and finished it quickly it could have been more. Finishing my first reaction was to get hold of another book, this one entirely factual, 'The Prisoner of St Kilda' by Margaret Macaulay, with a quote from James Boswell on the back cover: "The true story of this lady is as frightfully romantic as if it had been the fiction of a gloomy fancy. " And there it is. There is simply no need to romanticise or embellish the story of Rachel, Lady Grange, and in so doing Lawrence's book failed to convince me as reader. All the way through I couldn't escape the niggling thought, "To whom are its multiple characters addressing their individual chapters? Who are they speaking to? Well, they're in a novel of course. So, what's true and what's made up? Lawrence does at least provide some answers in the Notes at the end. Of course novelists have freedom denied historians, necessary to tell a story for which there simply is no first person account left to us other than some letters, and a portrait to show what she looked like.
Lawrence's decision to tell the story in First Person pov using multiple characters to expand the perspective is what really didn't work for me. This is subjective but this IS a review of MY reading experience. Clearly most people enjoyed the book for what it is, a Good Read, and I'm aware how unfair and selfish it is to criticise a novel for not being the book I wanted. My particular eye-rolling experience was the addition of a romantic subplot in a story with more than enough Romance in itself! Am I being unfair? You can judge.
Having said what I didn't enjoy let me tell you what I liked. The character of Lady Grange is well done. She's flawed but sympathetic, fiesty unbiddable and strong-willed at a time when even powerful women were subject to social and legal constraints, yet she's convincingly of her class in the 18thC. Lady Grange experiences something of the lot of the lower classes she'd hitherto either ignored or looked down upon as dirty, uneducated, uncouth. As an account of the treatment of women, historically and, sadly, still in many places, it's realistically shocking and horrifying. Good, too, is the setting, with well researched depictions of contemporary Edinburgh and the Western Isles. My favourite part, however, was how Lawrence conveys genuine love for the little known Monach Isles, with their beautiful sandy fringes and the floral abundance of the Machair. I've spent a lot of time in the Western Isles and was motivated to order this novel in advance of a trip to St Kilda. I've seen the Monach Islands, and far off St Kilda, too, from North Uist, tantalisingly close yet distant. As is Lady Grange, such a vivid character, a woman who had privilege yet no power to control her fate. We can visit the site of her St Kilda exile, the stone belatedly erected to mark her grave in Skye. I had never heard of her before reading about the recent collapse of the Cleit marking the site of the house where she stayed on Hirta, the main island of the St Kilda archipelago. Sue Lawrence's book brings the extraordinary story to a wider audience and for that she is to be applauded. What a brilliant TV series it would make!
March 19, 2020
Time taken to read - in and out as able over 1 week
Pages - 304
Publisher - Contraband
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Edinburgh, January 1732: It's Lady Grange's funeral. Her death is a shock: still young, she'd shown no signs of ill health. But Rachel is, in fact, alive. She's been brutally kidnapped by the man who has falsified her death - her husband of 25 years, a pillar of society with whom she has raised a family. Her punishment, perhaps, for railing against his infidelity - or for uncovering evidence of his treasonable plottings against the government. Whether to conceal his Jacobite leanings, or simply to `replace' a wife with a long-time mistress, Lord Grange banishes Rachel to the remote Hebridean Monach Isles, until she's removed again to distant St Kilda, far into the Atlantic - to an isolated life of primitive conditions, with no shared language - somewhere she can never be found. This is the incredible and gripping story of a woman who has until now been remembered mostly by her husband's unflattering account. Sue Lawrence reconstructs a remarkable tale of how the real Lady Grange may have coped with such a dramatic fate, with courage and grace
My Review
So I hadn't heard of Lady Grange ever before let alone her disappearance, to be fair my knowledge on history is pretty sparse. I liked the sound of this one so signed up for the tour, we are headed back to the 1700s and we meet Rachel and hear how she came to be Lady Grange. She has a bit of a stain on her past, her families name rather so is delighted to catch the eye of someone so prominent. Marriage and babies come along and quickly we head to her disappearance and death.
The chapters are titled for who is speaking so easy enough to follow, Rachel is a bit of a lively character, especially for ladies of that time. Expected to behave in a certain way Rachel is very much an anomaly in her behaviour. We follow her through her early relationship with her husband to be until later when she is kidnapped and everything that follows.
The book doesn't go into any horrific details so if you fancy a book that has a genteel pace but still a flash of darkness then this is for you. Not much is known about Lady Grange, Lawrence has done her research on what she could find and made an account of what she thought may well have been Rachel's thoughts/actions during what we do know of her life. I am interested in reading more about this historical character and even the locations where the story is set. I have lived in Scotland my whole life but a bit like my history, my knowledge of places is very lax and I do like islands and remote places. The pace and feel definitely turned in the last quarter of the book and I ended up keeping the book in hand and read the last quarter in one sitting, 3.5/5 for me this time. This was my first time reading this author, I will be checking out their other works.
Pages - 304
Publisher - Contraband
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Edinburgh, January 1732: It's Lady Grange's funeral. Her death is a shock: still young, she'd shown no signs of ill health. But Rachel is, in fact, alive. She's been brutally kidnapped by the man who has falsified her death - her husband of 25 years, a pillar of society with whom she has raised a family. Her punishment, perhaps, for railing against his infidelity - or for uncovering evidence of his treasonable plottings against the government. Whether to conceal his Jacobite leanings, or simply to `replace' a wife with a long-time mistress, Lord Grange banishes Rachel to the remote Hebridean Monach Isles, until she's removed again to distant St Kilda, far into the Atlantic - to an isolated life of primitive conditions, with no shared language - somewhere she can never be found. This is the incredible and gripping story of a woman who has until now been remembered mostly by her husband's unflattering account. Sue Lawrence reconstructs a remarkable tale of how the real Lady Grange may have coped with such a dramatic fate, with courage and grace
My Review
So I hadn't heard of Lady Grange ever before let alone her disappearance, to be fair my knowledge on history is pretty sparse. I liked the sound of this one so signed up for the tour, we are headed back to the 1700s and we meet Rachel and hear how she came to be Lady Grange. She has a bit of a stain on her past, her families name rather so is delighted to catch the eye of someone so prominent. Marriage and babies come along and quickly we head to her disappearance and death.
The chapters are titled for who is speaking so easy enough to follow, Rachel is a bit of a lively character, especially for ladies of that time. Expected to behave in a certain way Rachel is very much an anomaly in her behaviour. We follow her through her early relationship with her husband to be until later when she is kidnapped and everything that follows.
The book doesn't go into any horrific details so if you fancy a book that has a genteel pace but still a flash of darkness then this is for you. Not much is known about Lady Grange, Lawrence has done her research on what she could find and made an account of what she thought may well have been Rachel's thoughts/actions during what we do know of her life. I am interested in reading more about this historical character and even the locations where the story is set. I have lived in Scotland my whole life but a bit like my history, my knowledge of places is very lax and I do like islands and remote places. The pace and feel definitely turned in the last quarter of the book and I ended up keeping the book in hand and read the last quarter in one sitting, 3.5/5 for me this time. This was my first time reading this author, I will be checking out their other works.
March 15, 2024
2.5* It's okay.
I'm afraid I found the author's note with the facts of Lady Grange more enjoyable than the novel.
First the positives - I enjoyed the short paragraphs and switches between narrators. This made it a quick and easy read. As a reader, you can tell that this is an extremely well researched book with a very interesting plot and premise. And overall, it is well and competently written in terms of technical writing ability. I also liked the well-rounded nature of the plot and how little clues kept falling into place throughout the novel.
Now for the other side - the characters are not overly well developed. Although able to express themselves through 1st hand narratives, they still felt - unfinished. Because of which, it was hard to fully relate or empathise with them. (Outside of the fact they all sound like horrible people.) I love the feminist undertones, however, the very nature of Lady Grange's character undermines this a great deal. She is not just strong-willed and independent with flaws, she is often manic and cruel. She often comes off as insane, rather than just a feisty female born at the wrong time. And unfortunately, the imagined ending didn't feel like it fit her character at all, so this hindered the realism element of the novel.
To be honest, this is a good novel. It isn't bad. I believe it may just be one of those that the very style itself just didn't suit my tastes.
I'm afraid I found the author's note with the facts of Lady Grange more enjoyable than the novel.
First the positives - I enjoyed the short paragraphs and switches between narrators. This made it a quick and easy read. As a reader, you can tell that this is an extremely well researched book with a very interesting plot and premise. And overall, it is well and competently written in terms of technical writing ability. I also liked the well-rounded nature of the plot and how little clues kept falling into place throughout the novel.
Now for the other side - the characters are not overly well developed. Although able to express themselves through 1st hand narratives, they still felt - unfinished. Because of which, it was hard to fully relate or empathise with them. (Outside of the fact they all sound like horrible people.) I love the feminist undertones, however, the very nature of Lady Grange's character undermines this a great deal. She is not just strong-willed and independent with flaws, she is often manic and cruel. She often comes off as insane, rather than just a feisty female born at the wrong time. And unfortunately, the imagined ending didn't feel like it fit her character at all, so this hindered the realism element of the novel.
To be honest, this is a good novel. It isn't bad. I believe it may just be one of those that the very style itself just didn't suit my tastes.
March 18, 2020
Lady Grange was an actual historical figure, and what happened to her is a matter of record. Nothing is known from Lady Grange’s point of view. This fictional story is an interpretation of, what her feelings may have been, and how those closest to her perceived her, and what happened to her.
The position of women in the eighteenth century is explored. Women’s rights were non-existent and they were effectively invisible. History reports Lady Grange as unbalanced, alcoholic and violent. The story doesn’t shy away from this but does put it into a believable perspective. Importantly, it attempts to switch the emphasis onto the actions of her husband, his abuse of her and his power.
The story is character-driven and told from key points of view. The strength of Lady Grange comes across in this story, and her willingness to share skills with the people she is left with, even with language barriers. The story focuses on a little known historical event, from a human point of view and delivers a great story with well researched historic detail and vibrant characters.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The position of women in the eighteenth century is explored. Women’s rights were non-existent and they were effectively invisible. History reports Lady Grange as unbalanced, alcoholic and violent. The story doesn’t shy away from this but does put it into a believable perspective. Importantly, it attempts to switch the emphasis onto the actions of her husband, his abuse of her and his power.
The story is character-driven and told from key points of view. The strength of Lady Grange comes across in this story, and her willingness to share skills with the people she is left with, even with language barriers. The story focuses on a little known historical event, from a human point of view and delivers a great story with well researched historic detail and vibrant characters.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
This enthralling novel is based on a true story. A fascinating insight into what could happen to even a wealthy woman in an age when men held all the power. Lady Grange’s tragic story features her exile in islands off the west of Scotland. Despite Lady Grange’s privations she finds some solace, particularly in the beautiful Monach Islands. I loved the author’s informed descriptions of the landscapes and flowers. Sue Lawrence’s other ‘life’ as a cookery writer is very evident in the fascinating details of the diet of the period. I love a book like this which gives us insight into history, particularly the treatment of women
March 31, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Oh man, what a heartbreaker! A short but devastating tale of a complicated, headstrong woman whose husband had her abducted from Edinburgh society to the farthest Western isles. Her crime? Chafing against what society demanded of a married noblewoman in 1730s Scotland. Yet despite her long fall from grace to the alien, inhospitable St Kilda, the eponymous Lady Grange never managed to lose her fire.
Some of the character resolutions felt a little contrived, but the historical detail was intricate, and the ending haunting (in a strangely uplifting way).
Oh man, what a heartbreaker! A short but devastating tale of a complicated, headstrong woman whose husband had her abducted from Edinburgh society to the farthest Western isles. Her crime? Chafing against what society demanded of a married noblewoman in 1730s Scotland. Yet despite her long fall from grace to the alien, inhospitable St Kilda, the eponymous Lady Grange never managed to lose her fire.
Some of the character resolutions felt a little contrived, but the historical detail was intricate, and the ending haunting (in a strangely uplifting way).
August 18, 2020
What a tale. Based on historical fact, the story of Lady Grange is both strange and tragic. Set firmly within the historical context, we see the powerlessness of women, even those as feisty as Rachel.
Full of believable characters, a sharp plot and interesting snippets along the way, this is a tale that will engage you from start to finish.
Full of believable characters, a sharp plot and interesting snippets along the way, this is a tale that will engage you from start to finish.
September 26, 2021
Lady Grange is dead and her funeral is held at the start of the book. We learn though that her husband wanted rid of her and things aren't as they seem.
Based around the real life story the author imagines what could have really happened. From a life of plenty she becomes isolated on a Scottish island where she can't even communicate with the Gaelic speaking locals.
It's a fascinating read and feels like the real story of lady Grange. She gradually makes some kind of life but aways longs to be reunited with her children.
Based around the real life story the author imagines what could have really happened. From a life of plenty she becomes isolated on a Scottish island where she can't even communicate with the Gaelic speaking locals.
It's a fascinating read and feels like the real story of lady Grange. She gradually makes some kind of life but aways longs to be reunited with her children.
January 26, 2022
Love the book. It’s fascinating and thrilling. Such an intense woman facing men of loose morals but so much power. Lovat is up to his (bad) reputation. James is shallow and William is, well, he is a minister 🤷🏻♀️
Rachel is strong and brave and even if the story told here is broadly fictional it’s still a good way to bring back women’s voice in our memories
Rachel is strong and brave and even if the story told here is broadly fictional it’s still a good way to bring back women’s voice in our memories
September 21, 2020
This book gives a fictionalised account of the kidnapping and imprisonment of Lady Grange on the Monach Islands and subsequently on St Kilda.
I enjoyed the characterisation of Lady Grange and her feisty spirit. The description of the islands is also well rounded. All in all this was an enjoyable read and gave life to a woman about whom little is known - a believable, possible version of events.
I enjoyed the characterisation of Lady Grange and her feisty spirit. The description of the islands is also well rounded. All in all this was an enjoyable read and gave life to a woman about whom little is known - a believable, possible version of events.
January 13, 2021
Really interesting story but didn't love the writing style.
July 10, 2024
Would have loved to be able to read more about her life on St Kilda. A really interesting read.
February 24, 2025
Written in first person based on historical events involving Lady Grange and her family from Preston House, Prestonpans. An enjoyable read .
May 7, 2026
À six year old book from a second hand shop read in one sitting.
Fantastic for fans of historical fiction and missing persons.
Fantastic for fans of historical fiction and missing persons.
September 8, 2026
Really enjoyed it. Based on fact this story is about Lady Grange at the time of the Jacobite risings. Definitely worth a read
September 18, 2026
A fabulous story, based on historical events, that is a real page turner.
Read
August 22, 2021First off, I've never much liked the goodreads 'stars' rating system. We all have our own system in our heads for evaluating books and my two stars rating probably means something very different to another person's.
You see, there was not a bad bit in this book and indeed there were quite a few good bits. I felt the early chapters were the strongest and in particular I found the author's balanced and insightful portrayal of her protagonist Rachel Chiesley, and Rachel's husband Lord Grange- both very complex and fascinating characters, and both flawed (though one considerably more so than the other)- extremely impressive. Overall though this book just didn't speak to me. Partly this may have been due to the first person narration- to use first person narration for multiple different characters, some quite minor, and all very different, did not seem like a good choice to me and I don't think that the author quite succeeded in giving each character a distinct voice. Throughout the book I also had to deal with a little voice in the back of my head which was constantly wondering who these characters were actually narrating their stories to. I can suspend my disbelief if only one or even two voices are narrating their story in first person, but when it's over half a dozen that becomes difficult.
On another note I can see what the author was trying to do in changing some details for dramatic effect, and in an attempt to suggest what *might* have happened rather than what did, but for my part I would probably have preferred a novel that stuck more closely to the few historical facts we know.
I do believe however that there are people out there who would adore this book and I found it was a good Saturday read, so this review is not to put people off, it just wasn't quite my cup of tea.
You see, there was not a bad bit in this book and indeed there were quite a few good bits. I felt the early chapters were the strongest and in particular I found the author's balanced and insightful portrayal of her protagonist Rachel Chiesley, and Rachel's husband Lord Grange- both very complex and fascinating characters, and both flawed (though one considerably more so than the other)- extremely impressive. Overall though this book just didn't speak to me. Partly this may have been due to the first person narration- to use first person narration for multiple different characters, some quite minor, and all very different, did not seem like a good choice to me and I don't think that the author quite succeeded in giving each character a distinct voice. Throughout the book I also had to deal with a little voice in the back of my head which was constantly wondering who these characters were actually narrating their stories to. I can suspend my disbelief if only one or even two voices are narrating their story in first person, but when it's over half a dozen that becomes difficult.
On another note I can see what the author was trying to do in changing some details for dramatic effect, and in an attempt to suggest what *might* have happened rather than what did, but for my part I would probably have preferred a novel that stuck more closely to the few historical facts we know.
I do believe however that there are people out there who would adore this book and I found it was a good Saturday read, so this review is not to put people off, it just wasn't quite my cup of tea.
March 21, 2020
What a great book. It is based on a true story.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. Some of what Lady Grange is absolutely shocking and at times it’s hard to believe that this is a true story. The author has put so much research into the writing of this book.
There is a lot of content in this book. There is romance, kidnapping, mystery and murder. This is a tale of Jacobean history which is very interesting and shocking.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. Some of what Lady Grange is absolutely shocking and at times it’s hard to believe that this is a true story. The author has put so much research into the writing of this book.
There is a lot of content in this book. There is romance, kidnapping, mystery and murder. This is a tale of Jacobean history which is very interesting and shocking.
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