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The River Between Us
A forgotten house and a secret hidden for a century…
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Theo has bought a tumbledown cottage on the banks of the river Tamar which divides Cornwall and Devon. The peace and tranquillity of Boatman’s Cottage, nestled by the water, is just what she needs to heal.
Yet soon after her arrival, Theo discovers a stash of hidden letters tied with a ribbon, untouched for more than a century. The letters – sent from the battlefields of France during WW1 – tell of a young servant from the nearby manor house, Abbotswood, and his love for a woman he was destined to lose.
As she begins to bring Boatman’s Cottage and its gardens back to life, Theo pieces together a story of star-crossed lovers played out against the river, while finding her own new path to happiness.
The River Between Us beautifully explores the mystery and secrets of a long-forgotten love affair, and will be loved by fans of Kate Morton.
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Theo has bought a tumbledown cottage on the banks of the river Tamar which divides Cornwall and Devon. The peace and tranquillity of Boatman’s Cottage, nestled by the water, is just what she needs to heal.
Yet soon after her arrival, Theo discovers a stash of hidden letters tied with a ribbon, untouched for more than a century. The letters – sent from the battlefields of France during WW1 – tell of a young servant from the nearby manor house, Abbotswood, and his love for a woman he was destined to lose.
As she begins to bring Boatman’s Cottage and its gardens back to life, Theo pieces together a story of star-crossed lovers played out against the river, while finding her own new path to happiness.
The River Between Us beautifully explores the mystery and secrets of a long-forgotten love affair, and will be loved by fans of Kate Morton.
512 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2021
271 people are currently reading
1260 people want to read
About the author
Liz Fenwick
25 books578 followersAward winning author of ten novels and two novellas. The latest is The Secrets of Harbour House out in the UK in July 2025. There are translated editions of my novels available in Dutch, German, Portuguese, French, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Estonian, Latvian, Turkish, Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, Italian, and Finnish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
June 12, 2021
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I very quickly got caught up in this book.
The writing was exquisite and flowed so well which is something I notice with this author. I enjoy her books. Class distinction, love, romance and all in reflection too. I found that a superb touch which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Theo’s marriage has come to an end. So she moved into a quaint cottage on the banks of the river Tamar. Cornwall and Devon is such a lovely area so it was easy to imagine her living there.
I loved how all that surrounded her and her trying to now live an independent life was making good progress for her.
She finds letters in the cottage that turn out to be such an exciting, sometimes tragic part of a love lost. I was so taken into these letters the story of the past being peeled away bit by bit.
These letters have never been open. They’ve also been sent from a Battlefield. Love letters?
A love lived and lost?
She just had to read them. Wouldn’t you?
It’s such a great story that I was drawn in hook, line and sinker.
If you like stories of love and lost. Intense reads. A well written and well thought out book, starting over, finding happiness, then this is your book.
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I very quickly got caught up in this book.
The writing was exquisite and flowed so well which is something I notice with this author. I enjoy her books. Class distinction, love, romance and all in reflection too. I found that a superb touch which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Theo’s marriage has come to an end. So she moved into a quaint cottage on the banks of the river Tamar. Cornwall and Devon is such a lovely area so it was easy to imagine her living there.
I loved how all that surrounded her and her trying to now live an independent life was making good progress for her.
She finds letters in the cottage that turn out to be such an exciting, sometimes tragic part of a love lost. I was so taken into these letters the story of the past being peeled away bit by bit.
These letters have never been open. They’ve also been sent from a Battlefield. Love letters?
A love lived and lost?
She just had to read them. Wouldn’t you?
It’s such a great story that I was drawn in hook, line and sinker.
If you like stories of love and lost. Intense reads. A well written and well thought out book, starting over, finding happiness, then this is your book.
September 9, 2021
Sometimes, a book goes by decently well and yet it doesn't impact you as much as you had expected. This is one such book.
After the dissolution of her loveless marriage, 54 year old Theo moves into an old cottage on the banks of the river Tamar. Known as the Boatman’s Cottage, it provides Theo with the right opportunity to get away from her past pains and put her skills as a garden specialist to good use. During the course of her renovation work, she discovers an old bundle of letters, all addressed to “My Lady” and signed by “Z”. These letters are set around WWI, and talk of Z’s love for some upper class lady living in the nearby manor house. While Theo uses her contacts and the modern day technology to piece together the story of the unfortunate lovers, a parallel narrative takes us into the historical timeline and gives us a direct glimpse into who the lovers were and what happened to their romance.
Usually in a dual timeline book, I prefer the historical story to the contemporary one. This book is a rare exception as both the narratives have equal pros and cons.
- The contemporary narrative moves ahead smoothly. The writing in this section is almost atmospheric at times, what with the old house, gushing river, secret letters and lost loves. I was intrigued, impressed and annoyed by Theo. That makes her as real as a character can be. On the down side, the other characters are quite predictable and stereotypical. There’s hardly any other memorable character in this timeline.
- In the historical narrative, what works fabulously are the characters. Every single character, whether main or secondary, is pretty well-formed and their struggles are depicted wonderfully. The main female character is a woman beyond her times as she loves fishing, swims nude in the river when it catches her fancy, endorses women’s right to vote, and is very clear about not wanting to marry. But the flip side is that you struggle to remember who’s who, especially if you are listening to the book. There are too many characters to keep track of. Plus, the detailed description of physical desire in this narrative turned me off. (Kind of ironic, if you think about it!)
The link between both the timelines goes much beyond the letters and everything is tied together a little too neatly at the end. The writing in the last 25% of the book is repetitive and contained too many coincidences to be believable. The resultant family tree is a complicated and convoluted one where almost every main character is related to another! I struggled to keep track of the network of relationships in the audio version. This is a book where a family tree would have worked wonders but wouldn’t be feasible because a part of the mystery was to figure out the interconnectedness between the characters.
One point that worked well in the book for me was the abundance of themes covered in the historical narrative: class distinctions, women’s rights, same-sex relationships, universal suffrage, marrying for titles and status rather than love… All are blended seamlessly into the narrative without overburdening the reader. Just like a river, the story progresses at its own sweet time. The historical narrative especially takes a long time to establish itself. But the writing is beautiful so the slow pace shouldn’t deter. Fenwick brings Cornwall and Devon to life with her picturesque words. This is one of the few books where the author does complete justice to the locations by incorporating them into the storyline rather than only mentioning them when suitable.
The audiobook was narrated by Lucy Scott and she does complete justice to the characters. Her narration is perfect. At the same time, there is a big disadvantage to the audiobook in that you will find the number of characters in the historical timelines overwhelming and tough to keep track of. I would recommend the audio version only to seasoned audiobook listeners. But the book is certainly worth a try for lovers of this genre.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
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After the dissolution of her loveless marriage, 54 year old Theo moves into an old cottage on the banks of the river Tamar. Known as the Boatman’s Cottage, it provides Theo with the right opportunity to get away from her past pains and put her skills as a garden specialist to good use. During the course of her renovation work, she discovers an old bundle of letters, all addressed to “My Lady” and signed by “Z”. These letters are set around WWI, and talk of Z’s love for some upper class lady living in the nearby manor house. While Theo uses her contacts and the modern day technology to piece together the story of the unfortunate lovers, a parallel narrative takes us into the historical timeline and gives us a direct glimpse into who the lovers were and what happened to their romance.
Usually in a dual timeline book, I prefer the historical story to the contemporary one. This book is a rare exception as both the narratives have equal pros and cons.
- The contemporary narrative moves ahead smoothly. The writing in this section is almost atmospheric at times, what with the old house, gushing river, secret letters and lost loves. I was intrigued, impressed and annoyed by Theo. That makes her as real as a character can be. On the down side, the other characters are quite predictable and stereotypical. There’s hardly any other memorable character in this timeline.
- In the historical narrative, what works fabulously are the characters. Every single character, whether main or secondary, is pretty well-formed and their struggles are depicted wonderfully. The main female character is a woman beyond her times as she loves fishing, swims nude in the river when it catches her fancy, endorses women’s right to vote, and is very clear about not wanting to marry. But the flip side is that you struggle to remember who’s who, especially if you are listening to the book. There are too many characters to keep track of. Plus, the detailed description of physical desire in this narrative turned me off. (Kind of ironic, if you think about it!)
The link between both the timelines goes much beyond the letters and everything is tied together a little too neatly at the end. The writing in the last 25% of the book is repetitive and contained too many coincidences to be believable. The resultant family tree is a complicated and convoluted one where almost every main character is related to another! I struggled to keep track of the network of relationships in the audio version. This is a book where a family tree would have worked wonders but wouldn’t be feasible because a part of the mystery was to figure out the interconnectedness between the characters.
One point that worked well in the book for me was the abundance of themes covered in the historical narrative: class distinctions, women’s rights, same-sex relationships, universal suffrage, marrying for titles and status rather than love… All are blended seamlessly into the narrative without overburdening the reader. Just like a river, the story progresses at its own sweet time. The historical narrative especially takes a long time to establish itself. But the writing is beautiful so the slow pace shouldn’t deter. Fenwick brings Cornwall and Devon to life with her picturesque words. This is one of the few books where the author does complete justice to the locations by incorporating them into the storyline rather than only mentioning them when suitable.
The audiobook was narrated by Lucy Scott and she does complete justice to the characters. Her narration is perfect. At the same time, there is a big disadvantage to the audiobook in that you will find the number of characters in the historical timelines overwhelming and tough to keep track of. I would recommend the audio version only to seasoned audiobook listeners. But the book is certainly worth a try for lovers of this genre.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
June 26, 2023
Secret Love. Long buried mysteries. Intrigue. But… (I’ll explain my "but" later - at the end.)
Unidentified remains of soldiers killed in WWI found in a field in France. Who were they and what would be their significance to this story?
This story is told through a dual timeline. In the present we have Theo who has bought Boatman’s Cottage on the banks of the Tamar without even seeing it. She moves in after the breakdown of her marriage.
The cottage needs lots of TLC. While renovating it, she finds some letters that were dated from a century earlier. Love letters. It is through those letters that we are taken back into the second timeline of the story.
This timeline is of Lady Alice, the letter writer. She was sent to the countryside in disgrace after speaking out about women’s suffrage, and Zach, the young gillie on the estate. (A gillie is a young man who attends to someone on the estate.)
Theo is fascinated by these letters, and begins her investigation into finding out more about Lady Alice. Theo also has her own secrets, which soon come to light.
And of course, there is the setting. Beautiful. Boatman’s Cottage, with ten acres of woodland on the Cornish bank of the Tamar. Chapter 1.
But…
We have been here before…
Girl walking away from her marriage. Has a cottage to renovate. Finds letters. Investigates the past and the history of the cottage. And of course, romance anew.
It doesn’t mean the story isn’t lovely or not readable. Just has a familiar premise. And if that is okay with you, enjoy. 3.5 stars.
Unidentified remains of soldiers killed in WWI found in a field in France. Who were they and what would be their significance to this story?
This story is told through a dual timeline. In the present we have Theo who has bought Boatman’s Cottage on the banks of the Tamar without even seeing it. She moves in after the breakdown of her marriage.
The cottage needs lots of TLC. While renovating it, she finds some letters that were dated from a century earlier. Love letters. It is through those letters that we are taken back into the second timeline of the story.
This timeline is of Lady Alice, the letter writer. She was sent to the countryside in disgrace after speaking out about women’s suffrage, and Zach, the young gillie on the estate. (A gillie is a young man who attends to someone on the estate.)
Theo is fascinated by these letters, and begins her investigation into finding out more about Lady Alice. Theo also has her own secrets, which soon come to light.
And of course, there is the setting. Beautiful. Boatman’s Cottage, with ten acres of woodland on the Cornish bank of the Tamar. Chapter 1.
But…
We have been here before…
Girl walking away from her marriage. Has a cottage to renovate. Finds letters. Investigates the past and the history of the cottage. And of course, romance anew.
It doesn’t mean the story isn’t lovely or not readable. Just has a familiar premise. And if that is okay with you, enjoy. 3.5 stars.
June 14, 2021
My first read from Fenwick and I was not disappointed. With the Cornwall/Devon backdrop, Fenwick carefully explores love and family over two different time periods. It’s a novel that does not rush its story and for that I was grateful, relishing in the vivid setting and palpable emotions.
I can hardly believe that the concept of marrying for status and society was still occurring just over 100 years ago. Furthermore, the suffragettes were fighting for women’s rights and the vote, something that I think so many of us take advantage of today, without necessarily realising how lucky we are. In this case, we travel back to pre-World War One with Alice and her desire to remain a single woman, unattached from a husband and not to be traded as a piece of property. This, of course, creates conflict with her mother and, after shaming her family reputation at a debutante ball with the monarchy and other people of high status and importance, Alice is sent to Abbotswood to “recover” her reputation and realise a husband is what is needed.
Move to present day and Theo has moved into Boatman’s Cottage, on the Abbotswood estate. Discovering letters from an unknown ‘Z’, written from the trenches in the First World War, Theo moves to learn more about her recently deceased grandmother and the connection to Abbotswood. Initially, I found the present day narrative tricky to keep up with because of so many abstract character names that are thrown into the story. Theo and her brother start to learn more about their grandmother and the connections she had. As a result, a lot of new names are established and I struggled to keep track of their different identities. However, persevering with the book, this soon becomes clear through Alice’s story and I was glad I kept going with the novel.
Indeed, Fenwick’s writing does require concentration. I loved the map that is included right at the start of the book and only truly appreciated it in the closing chapters. I think I would have liked a family tree included at the end of the story to act as a reflection point on the plot. Having read the connections between different characters, it would have been helpful to visualise this properly and see how this became associated with Theo and her son, David.
Despite this, I really did enjoy Fenwick’s tale. The writer’s love of the area is portrayed through her vivid descriptions of Abbotswood, Boatman’s Cottage and the river Tamar. I felt like I was exploring the area with both female protagonists and also relished in the botanical references. Not hot on plant names myself, I still felt a part of the natural environment and could easily picture the scenery being described. Indeed, I actually felt a little inspired and my green fingers started to itch as a result!
I loved the parallels that are established between the female characters and the symbolism of the novel’s title was striking. There are so many layers to this title and I think it could be applied to several characters as well, especially as relationships are uncovered throughout the story.
Overall, I thought this was a bright, colourful read but equally charming and calming. I really enjoyed discovering more about Theo’s past and felt a little envious of her riverside, idyllic cottage. The characterisation in Fenwick’s writing is vivid and the attention to detail was truly reflected in the plot development. It’s a lengthy novel but definitely worth your time and attention.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can hardly believe that the concept of marrying for status and society was still occurring just over 100 years ago. Furthermore, the suffragettes were fighting for women’s rights and the vote, something that I think so many of us take advantage of today, without necessarily realising how lucky we are. In this case, we travel back to pre-World War One with Alice and her desire to remain a single woman, unattached from a husband and not to be traded as a piece of property. This, of course, creates conflict with her mother and, after shaming her family reputation at a debutante ball with the monarchy and other people of high status and importance, Alice is sent to Abbotswood to “recover” her reputation and realise a husband is what is needed.
Move to present day and Theo has moved into Boatman’s Cottage, on the Abbotswood estate. Discovering letters from an unknown ‘Z’, written from the trenches in the First World War, Theo moves to learn more about her recently deceased grandmother and the connection to Abbotswood. Initially, I found the present day narrative tricky to keep up with because of so many abstract character names that are thrown into the story. Theo and her brother start to learn more about their grandmother and the connections she had. As a result, a lot of new names are established and I struggled to keep track of their different identities. However, persevering with the book, this soon becomes clear through Alice’s story and I was glad I kept going with the novel.
Indeed, Fenwick’s writing does require concentration. I loved the map that is included right at the start of the book and only truly appreciated it in the closing chapters. I think I would have liked a family tree included at the end of the story to act as a reflection point on the plot. Having read the connections between different characters, it would have been helpful to visualise this properly and see how this became associated with Theo and her son, David.
Despite this, I really did enjoy Fenwick’s tale. The writer’s love of the area is portrayed through her vivid descriptions of Abbotswood, Boatman’s Cottage and the river Tamar. I felt like I was exploring the area with both female protagonists and also relished in the botanical references. Not hot on plant names myself, I still felt a part of the natural environment and could easily picture the scenery being described. Indeed, I actually felt a little inspired and my green fingers started to itch as a result!
I loved the parallels that are established between the female characters and the symbolism of the novel’s title was striking. There are so many layers to this title and I think it could be applied to several characters as well, especially as relationships are uncovered throughout the story.
Overall, I thought this was a bright, colourful read but equally charming and calming. I really enjoyed discovering more about Theo’s past and felt a little envious of her riverside, idyllic cottage. The characterisation in Fenwick’s writing is vivid and the attention to detail was truly reflected in the plot development. It’s a lengthy novel but definitely worth your time and attention.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2021
I loved this wonderful book. Set in the South West of England it had all the elements I love in a book. It was interesting and sometimes creepy but I throughly enjoyed it. The characters were very likeable and I warmed to them. This was a first read of this author and I’ve seen she’s written lots with a Cornish theme so, I’ll be reading those in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 3, 2021
Historical World War I Fiction / Mixed with Contemporary
Publication date : June 10, 2021
Narrated by: Lucy Scott
Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins
2019: When Theo's (54) marriage of 32 years break down after her husband cheats with his secretary, she decide to buy an old Boatman's Cottage by the river and move to live there. The cottage and its gardens need lot of work to be done but Theo is more than ready for the challange. Not long after her arrival, she discover a stash of hidden letters that were sent from the battlefields of France during WWI. Theo is also surprised to learn after her beloved grandmother's death that she didn't know her as well as she thought. Theo start to piece together a story of star-crossed lovers and search for her own family tree.
I liked the beginning. I was ready to follow Theo's journey to rebuild her life ... instead author added historical angle and I got frustrated by all those jumps in time and location. Perhaps with multiple narrators, it could have been done better, now the same voice for all the characters and timelines was not good enough.
Another thing I dislike is female characters with masculine names. Theo is a boy's name, so it takes time to get used to "Theo" as the female character. Perhaps if author had introduced the heroine properly, it wouldn't have confused me so much.
The writing was okay but I was a bit annoyed by the way author summarizes and simply tell the reader what is happening. Show, don't tell!
Overall this story felt kinda ovelong, disjointed, sometimes dragging/boring but I like that authors write more and more stories with mature heroines. Life won't stop when you are 40+ or even 70+!
Publication date : June 10, 2021
Narrated by: Lucy Scott
Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins
2019: When Theo's (54) marriage of 32 years break down after her husband cheats with his secretary, she decide to buy an old Boatman's Cottage by the river and move to live there. The cottage and its gardens need lot of work to be done but Theo is more than ready for the challange. Not long after her arrival, she discover a stash of hidden letters that were sent from the battlefields of France during WWI. Theo is also surprised to learn after her beloved grandmother's death that she didn't know her as well as she thought. Theo start to piece together a story of star-crossed lovers and search for her own family tree.
I liked the beginning. I was ready to follow Theo's journey to rebuild her life ... instead author added historical angle and I got frustrated by all those jumps in time and location. Perhaps with multiple narrators, it could have been done better, now the same voice for all the characters and timelines was not good enough.
Another thing I dislike is female characters with masculine names. Theo is a boy's name, so it takes time to get used to "Theo" as the female character. Perhaps if author had introduced the heroine properly, it wouldn't have confused me so much.
The writing was okay but I was a bit annoyed by the way author summarizes and simply tell the reader what is happening. Show, don't tell!
Overall this story felt kinda ovelong, disjointed, sometimes dragging/boring but I like that authors write more and more stories with mature heroines. Life won't stop when you are 40+ or even 70+!
May 27, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Theo had bought a tumbledown cottage on the banks of the river Tamar which divides Cornwall and Devon. The peace and tranquillity of Boatman's Cottage, nestled by the water, is just what she needs to heal. Theo soon discovers a stash of hidden letters tied with a ribbon, untouched for more than century. The letters have been sent from the battlefields of France during WW1- tell of a young servant from the nearby manor house. Abbotswood, and his love for a woman he was destined to loose.
This is a descriptively written book and i got quickly caught in Theo, Alice and Claire's lives. A story of forbidden love set in Cornwall and Devon. Alice and Zach's story was heart-breaking. Written in the present day and 1914, both parts of the story were intriguing but there was a lot of characters/relationships to keep up with. A story of love and loss that will mess with your emotions.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #LizFenwick for my ARC of #TheRiverBetweenUs in exchange for an honest review.
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Theo had bought a tumbledown cottage on the banks of the river Tamar which divides Cornwall and Devon. The peace and tranquillity of Boatman's Cottage, nestled by the water, is just what she needs to heal. Theo soon discovers a stash of hidden letters tied with a ribbon, untouched for more than century. The letters have been sent from the battlefields of France during WW1- tell of a young servant from the nearby manor house. Abbotswood, and his love for a woman he was destined to loose.
This is a descriptively written book and i got quickly caught in Theo, Alice and Claire's lives. A story of forbidden love set in Cornwall and Devon. Alice and Zach's story was heart-breaking. Written in the present day and 1914, both parts of the story were intriguing but there was a lot of characters/relationships to keep up with. A story of love and loss that will mess with your emotions.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #LizFenwick for my ARC of #TheRiverBetweenUs in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
Visit the locations in the novel
FULL REVIEW HERE
I love this author and her writing. She really makes me want to live in Cornwall. Every time I go and read one of her books, I'm taken there, meet some lovely people and really explored the landscape and history of the area. The author says her heart is in Cornwall and you can definitely tell. I don't want to say anything about the plot otherwise to say you will go on quite the journey and drift along the river Tamar as you go, visiting new friends, a lovely cottage on the banks of a beach and feel yourself float into the book and away....
September 10, 2022
Ik had wat moeite met de vele personen ( ik ben erg slecht in namen onthouden ) in dit verhaal . Voorin staat een getekend kaartje van de omgeving waarin zich het grootste deel van het verhaal zich afspeelt , op zich wel leuk maar ik had meer gehad aan een soort van stamboom van al de personen die bij elkaar hoorden voor de beide tijdlijnen .
Een prachtig verhaal maar met een beetje te veel toevalligheden om het echt geloofwaardig te maken .
Een prachtig verhaal maar met een beetje te veel toevalligheden om het echt geloofwaardig te maken .
July 24, 2024
Köpt på Willys i Sundsvall 😍 den var tillräckligt underhållande men den spårade lite på slutet👎 hade hopp i början men icke den var inte bra rakt igenom
June 4, 2021
Another beautifully written (and stunningly-located) novel from Liz Fenwick. There's romance, a mystery dating to the First World War and a fabulous central figure in Theo, who is building a new life for herself in the Boatman's Cottage on the river Tamar, on the border of Devon and Cornwall. As usual, there is such a strong sense of place and love. I can certainly recommend the audiobook. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
May 24, 2021
The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick is a powerful dual timeline novel about life, love and loss. The love found within its pages radiates outwards to encompass the reader.
The novel is set in present day and mainly in 1914 and up to 1921. As the dates suggest, this is a time of loss. A whole generation of young men were lost as cannon fodder to the battle fields of France.
Love is the main theme. There are many different sorts of love – that of a mother, of children towards their parents, of a nanny towards her charges and between couples. In 1914 some of this love was forbidden.
This links to the theme of identity. Some characters had to hide who they were for fear of judgment and/or incarceration.
1914 was a frustrating time for women. They were seeking the vote, marriage alliances were for wealth and power and not for love, love matches between the different social classes were a no-no.
It is against this background that the leading lady tries to break free from all constraints. She is brave, gutsy and forward thinking but then war intervenes and all she can do is to pray for her loved ones at the Front.
The two time periods are linked by the Cornish setting where a discovery of a century old pile of letters prompts those in present day to learn the stories of the past.
There are the themes of truth and secrets. Some secrets needed to be kept in 1914 for fear of what others said or worse. In present day secrets are unearthed and the truth is revealed.
I could not get enough of The River Between Us and greedily devoured it on an otherwise gloomy afternoon. It brightened my day as I learned about lives, losses and deep love. True love does not die but remains down the years. It was a powerful, beautiful book.
I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is set in present day and mainly in 1914 and up to 1921. As the dates suggest, this is a time of loss. A whole generation of young men were lost as cannon fodder to the battle fields of France.
Love is the main theme. There are many different sorts of love – that of a mother, of children towards their parents, of a nanny towards her charges and between couples. In 1914 some of this love was forbidden.
This links to the theme of identity. Some characters had to hide who they were for fear of judgment and/or incarceration.
1914 was a frustrating time for women. They were seeking the vote, marriage alliances were for wealth and power and not for love, love matches between the different social classes were a no-no.
It is against this background that the leading lady tries to break free from all constraints. She is brave, gutsy and forward thinking but then war intervenes and all she can do is to pray for her loved ones at the Front.
The two time periods are linked by the Cornish setting where a discovery of a century old pile of letters prompts those in present day to learn the stories of the past.
There are the themes of truth and secrets. Some secrets needed to be kept in 1914 for fear of what others said or worse. In present day secrets are unearthed and the truth is revealed.
I could not get enough of The River Between Us and greedily devoured it on an otherwise gloomy afternoon. It brightened my day as I learned about lives, losses and deep love. True love does not die but remains down the years. It was a powerful, beautiful book.
I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2021
You know when you’re not enjoying a book much but you know the fault is with you? It was a slow starter but a weekend in the lakes to do a lot of reading did the trick. I loveeee books that go from past to present, it’s so interesting seeing history being interwoven. Certain links and twists in this book did boggle my mind and it was a bit hard to keep up, but it was really cleverly written. It was heartwarming in so many ways and you become invested in the characters stories and where things are going to go,especially Alice’s. 4 stars from moi
June 28, 2021
“Only love can cause such pain, and only love can ease it!”
I was privileged to read an early draft of The River Between Us, and today, I was delighted to finish the final revised story.
Liz Fenwick has strayed from her beloved Cornwall, but only to the other bank of the Tamar. That river, and the border between Devon and Cornwall features large, as do borders between families and generations.
Of all the authors I read, Liz Fenwick stands near the head for her spirit of place. You read of a location in her books, and you too can find it or an equivalent, and approach it with a comforting feeling of familiarity. This is storytelling of the highest calibre.
The divisions of class were very much set in stone in the years before WW1. You might think the idea of a Duke’s daughter felling in love with a gillie or gamekeeper unreasonable, nay impossible. Yet these things did happen. In my own family, an Earl’s daughter ran off with the local baker! (it worked out eventually.
But back to The River Between Us. The story of Alice, Zach and Edmund, and of Theo in more modern times, and of the madness and slaughter of the trenches, and of the pressures of society, family and class, all leading to the massive changes on life and attitudes of the age.
This is a wonderfully layered tale that moves seamlessly from the West Country to Paris and London and back. Highly recommended.
I was privileged to read an early draft of The River Between Us, and today, I was delighted to finish the final revised story.
Liz Fenwick has strayed from her beloved Cornwall, but only to the other bank of the Tamar. That river, and the border between Devon and Cornwall features large, as do borders between families and generations.
Of all the authors I read, Liz Fenwick stands near the head for her spirit of place. You read of a location in her books, and you too can find it or an equivalent, and approach it with a comforting feeling of familiarity. This is storytelling of the highest calibre.
The divisions of class were very much set in stone in the years before WW1. You might think the idea of a Duke’s daughter felling in love with a gillie or gamekeeper unreasonable, nay impossible. Yet these things did happen. In my own family, an Earl’s daughter ran off with the local baker! (it worked out eventually.
But back to The River Between Us. The story of Alice, Zach and Edmund, and of Theo in more modern times, and of the madness and slaughter of the trenches, and of the pressures of society, family and class, all leading to the massive changes on life and attitudes of the age.
This is a wonderfully layered tale that moves seamlessly from the West Country to Paris and London and back. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2021
Theo is in her mid-50s, although divorced from a highly successful man she is nevertheless fairly destitute (because she couldn't be bothered to fight for half of what she helped him to build) and has bought a small derelict Boatman's cottage on the banks of the river Tamar, which divides Cornwall and Devon, sight unseen. As she restores the cottage and gardens she discovers a pile of unopened love letters dating from World War 1 written by a male servant who was spurned by his lover.
Gradually Theo pieces together the story of forbidden love and secrets of one hundred years earlier, centred on the cottage and the nearby manor house, Abbotswood.
I enjoyed reading this very much, but now I have finished the novel I am struck by the ridiculous number of similarities that link three separate generations and the amazing coincidences necessary to bring it all together, and it has just kind of fallen apart in my hands. Also the inter-relationships are so convoluted that I am left with the sneaking suspicion that someone might be their own father (well you know what I mean).
Strangely this is the second book in a few weeks which reminds me of those family sagas we used to read in the 1980s, where generation after generation made the same mistakes in love. Maybe its just that this book is set mostly in the present day and in the 1910s but also partially in World War II and the 1980s.
Overall, an enjoyable read, provided you can suspend disbelief.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Gradually Theo pieces together the story of forbidden love and secrets of one hundred years earlier, centred on the cottage and the nearby manor house, Abbotswood.
I enjoyed reading this very much, but now I have finished the novel I am struck by the ridiculous number of similarities that link three separate generations and the amazing coincidences necessary to bring it all together, and it has just kind of fallen apart in my hands. Also the inter-relationships are so convoluted that I am left with the sneaking suspicion that someone might be their own father (well you know what I mean).
Strangely this is the second book in a few weeks which reminds me of those family sagas we used to read in the 1980s, where generation after generation made the same mistakes in love. Maybe its just that this book is set mostly in the present day and in the 1910s but also partially in World War II and the 1980s.
Overall, an enjoyable read, provided you can suspend disbelief.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 25, 2021
Once again, Liz Fenwick has proved she is the mistress of pure escapism. Spanning generations, with a beautiful love story and unearthed secrets about ancestry at its core, this book is just what the world needs right now. This will be a gorgeous summer read, and definitely one to look out for in 2021.
October 16, 2021
If you adore a sweeping love story that includes secrets from the past, then I highly recommend The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick. Having been described as the contemporary Queen of Cornish romance, Fenwick has strayed across the Tamar River into Devon for her latest release, something I’m sure her loyal readership will forgive.
When Theo’s marriage falls apart, she requires space and time to regroup, and the boatman’s cottage, situated on the river where she spent happy summers with her beloved grandmother, offers the perfect escape. But when she discovers a stash of hidden letters, she begins on a journey that weaves back to Lady Alice, who was banished to the countryside for being brave enough to fight for women’s rights.
The River Between Us flows beautifully between the present and past, joined by descriptions of flowers and nature, a historic mansion house and, of course, the Tamar River. With themes of ancestry and affairs of the heart, it might have been useful to have a family tree included in the end pages. However, I understand that this might also have revealed something of the plot line. One for fans of Kate Morton, The River Between Us is a study in how love, in all its forms, remains constant until the last.
When Theo’s marriage falls apart, she requires space and time to regroup, and the boatman’s cottage, situated on the river where she spent happy summers with her beloved grandmother, offers the perfect escape. But when she discovers a stash of hidden letters, she begins on a journey that weaves back to Lady Alice, who was banished to the countryside for being brave enough to fight for women’s rights.
The River Between Us flows beautifully between the present and past, joined by descriptions of flowers and nature, a historic mansion house and, of course, the Tamar River. With themes of ancestry and affairs of the heart, it might have been useful to have a family tree included in the end pages. However, I understand that this might also have revealed something of the plot line. One for fans of Kate Morton, The River Between Us is a study in how love, in all its forms, remains constant until the last.
June 9, 2021
This is an atmospheric and lyrical story of love, loss and familial relationships. Written in dual timelines, 2019 and the early twentieth century during WW1 and its tragic aftermath. The Cornish setting is wonderfully described and gives the story its mystical and timeless qualities.
The characters are diverse and relatable, and the different relationships are full of emotion. The plot is layered and beautifully woven together to allow the reader some precious moments of escapism.
I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 1, 2022
This is Liz Fenwicks best book to date I think. Its a story of great love and loss, spanning several generations of intertwining families. Romantic but not slushy or soppy!
August 28, 2021
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/book-...
I loved everything about The River Between Us, so much so that my dreams carried on the story, and awake, my thoughts often returned to Theo and Alice.
Narrations in the historical past, recent past and 2019 lead us through an emotional minefield.
Alice’s love story is poignant. She’s a woman who isn’t afraid to break through society’s expectations but she does pay the price through isolation. She’s so consumed by emotion that she’s not able to think outside of that rawness. Her ultimate sacrifice shows her strength and her maturity. So much suspense in this timeline!
54 year old Theo is re-learning who she is and is on her path of finding the strength and confidence to allow herself to be that person. The community at Horsebridge and specifically Abbotswood give her much more than the space to do that!
The past intertwines with 2019 in surprising ways. And there are surprises in each narration too. I love how we’re teased with clues in one timeline but the reveals make us take stock of what we thought.
The historical past is authentic – the social divide, expectations, roles in society but also small nuggets like how you would be treated if you had asthma. I was as absorbed in this timeline as I was in 2019.
Another thing I wanted to share, Liz Fenwick’s love of plants and botany is very much in evidence in both timelines. She uses her knowledge to add another layer of meaning to the story.
The River Between Us is a testament to the legacy of love, family and survival. Of where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Of secrets revealed that are empowering.
One of my favourite reads this year.
I loved everything about The River Between Us, so much so that my dreams carried on the story, and awake, my thoughts often returned to Theo and Alice.
Narrations in the historical past, recent past and 2019 lead us through an emotional minefield.
Alice’s love story is poignant. She’s a woman who isn’t afraid to break through society’s expectations but she does pay the price through isolation. She’s so consumed by emotion that she’s not able to think outside of that rawness. Her ultimate sacrifice shows her strength and her maturity. So much suspense in this timeline!
54 year old Theo is re-learning who she is and is on her path of finding the strength and confidence to allow herself to be that person. The community at Horsebridge and specifically Abbotswood give her much more than the space to do that!
The past intertwines with 2019 in surprising ways. And there are surprises in each narration too. I love how we’re teased with clues in one timeline but the reveals make us take stock of what we thought.
The historical past is authentic – the social divide, expectations, roles in society but also small nuggets like how you would be treated if you had asthma. I was as absorbed in this timeline as I was in 2019.
Another thing I wanted to share, Liz Fenwick’s love of plants and botany is very much in evidence in both timelines. She uses her knowledge to add another layer of meaning to the story.
The River Between Us is a testament to the legacy of love, family and survival. Of where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Of secrets revealed that are empowering.
One of my favourite reads this year.
March 18, 2023
I enjoyed the first hundred pages or so but ultimately the novel dragged on and the circumstances and coincidences that the author used to bring the two time lines together were so great in number it all just became too silly for this reader.
May 31, 2021
A compelling story of forbidden love, secrets, and new beginnings told over a dual timeline between 1914 and 2019. All the elements required for a fantastic story and Liz does not disappoint!
When Theo and her husband divorce she moves to a little cottage by a river which separates Devon and Cornwall. She has bought it without viewing so is a little disappointed when she arrives to find it so run down she has to sleep in her car the first night. She soon becomes friendly with the local hotel manager and his acquaintances who help get the run down cottage habitable. Whilst cleaning, Theo finds a box in a hidden compartment in the bedroom containing letters dating back to the great war. She sends them to an archivist to help uncover the identities and the stories of the addressee and the writer - ‘Z’
We also have the earlier storyline in which Lady Alice is being prepared for her first debutant ball. Her aunt is desperate to find her a husband but Alice is not interested in marriage. She is too focused on being an independent woman and votes for women. When she speaks up to the King and Queen about women’s votes, she is quickly sent away to Abbotswood with her nanny and cousin under a cloud of shame. She surprisingly falls head over heels for a young gillie, Zach, who is teaching her fly fishing, but they would never be allowed to marry. Alice is expected to marry at her own level or above if possible.
When war breaks out, Zach goes to enlist along with all the other men, not knowing Alice is expecting his child.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and as usual with dual timeline books I preferred the ‘past’ story as the history is so interesting. There are many secrets to be uncovered and surprises along the way which will keep you turning those pages!
I highly recommend this book and will be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy of the book for an honest review.
When Theo and her husband divorce she moves to a little cottage by a river which separates Devon and Cornwall. She has bought it without viewing so is a little disappointed when she arrives to find it so run down she has to sleep in her car the first night. She soon becomes friendly with the local hotel manager and his acquaintances who help get the run down cottage habitable. Whilst cleaning, Theo finds a box in a hidden compartment in the bedroom containing letters dating back to the great war. She sends them to an archivist to help uncover the identities and the stories of the addressee and the writer - ‘Z’
We also have the earlier storyline in which Lady Alice is being prepared for her first debutant ball. Her aunt is desperate to find her a husband but Alice is not interested in marriage. She is too focused on being an independent woman and votes for women. When she speaks up to the King and Queen about women’s votes, she is quickly sent away to Abbotswood with her nanny and cousin under a cloud of shame. She surprisingly falls head over heels for a young gillie, Zach, who is teaching her fly fishing, but they would never be allowed to marry. Alice is expected to marry at her own level or above if possible.
When war breaks out, Zach goes to enlist along with all the other men, not knowing Alice is expecting his child.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and as usual with dual timeline books I preferred the ‘past’ story as the history is so interesting. There are many secrets to be uncovered and surprises along the way which will keep you turning those pages!
I highly recommend this book and will be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy of the book for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
The first book I have read by Liz Fenwick and after my experience with this story it won’t be my last.
This story tugged at my heartstrings and I felt very emotional at a couple of points throughout which is massive praise to the author as it takes a lot to make me teary eyed.
The descriptive and emotive language flows from beginning to end allowing the connection to be established between various characters in the book and to feel their wonder, joy, heartache and tragedy.
This was a delight to read, from the dual timelines of 1914-1920 and 2019. I fell in love with the story from the first page with Theo and her opinionated mother and her awful husband. I love how Theo retained a positive outlook on life even faced with the rundown cottage that was not as idyllic at first sight as she had hoped. I loved the detailed weaving of her present and past life and how there was a symmetry with Alice who also had a domineering mother and although for different reasons, a complex love life.
The story touches on womens rights, cross class relationships, same sex relationships, different types of love, infidelity and the power that secrets can have and the ripple effect this can have in different generations.
I loved everything about this story and would like to thank #NetGalley and publishers HQ for providing me with an advanced copy of #TheRiverBetweenUs which is released on 10 June. This is my honest review.
This story tugged at my heartstrings and I felt very emotional at a couple of points throughout which is massive praise to the author as it takes a lot to make me teary eyed.
The descriptive and emotive language flows from beginning to end allowing the connection to be established between various characters in the book and to feel their wonder, joy, heartache and tragedy.
This was a delight to read, from the dual timelines of 1914-1920 and 2019. I fell in love with the story from the first page with Theo and her opinionated mother and her awful husband. I love how Theo retained a positive outlook on life even faced with the rundown cottage that was not as idyllic at first sight as she had hoped. I loved the detailed weaving of her present and past life and how there was a symmetry with Alice who also had a domineering mother and although for different reasons, a complex love life.
The story touches on womens rights, cross class relationships, same sex relationships, different types of love, infidelity and the power that secrets can have and the ripple effect this can have in different generations.
I loved everything about this story and would like to thank #NetGalley and publishers HQ for providing me with an advanced copy of #TheRiverBetweenUs which is released on 10 June. This is my honest review.
June 15, 2021
The story had a dual story line which was very good and well written, even on audio this was incredibly clear and I didn't get lost once between the two. The heroine in then historical genre was incredibly awe inspiring, especially in the era where women were 'seen and not hear d'. I enjoyed the current main character too, very much and I think that I cheered with one part of the story. An great book for a summer read, one that you can really sink your teeth into.
June 12, 2021
What a beautiful read and a wonderful story!
I loved how the book set itself up, building up the tale from Theo first arriving at her dilapidated and run down cottage on the river Tamar, to her discovering a past she was intimately connected to. A story of love, loss, happiness and heartbreak, it was a truly beautiful story and a definite worthy 5 stars.
You felt like you were on a journey with the main characters, with the descriptive nature of the authors writing style effortlessly painting vivid pictures in your head from the get go. I loved how it was written.
Immersive and addicting, it was such a joy to listen to and narrated well. I loved the split perspective chapters, spanned between times and building up a story between past and present. The chapters with Lady Alice were great, and a fast forward through time to join Theo in the present. I loved how as the book went on, more of the story advanced and a more solid picture you began to build until the end.
I really loved this whole story and I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you to the author and publishers via NetGalley for tis audiobook, in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I loved how the book set itself up, building up the tale from Theo first arriving at her dilapidated and run down cottage on the river Tamar, to her discovering a past she was intimately connected to. A story of love, loss, happiness and heartbreak, it was a truly beautiful story and a definite worthy 5 stars.
You felt like you were on a journey with the main characters, with the descriptive nature of the authors writing style effortlessly painting vivid pictures in your head from the get go. I loved how it was written.
Immersive and addicting, it was such a joy to listen to and narrated well. I loved the split perspective chapters, spanned between times and building up a story between past and present. The chapters with Lady Alice were great, and a fast forward through time to join Theo in the present. I loved how as the book went on, more of the story advanced and a more solid picture you began to build until the end.
I really loved this whole story and I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you to the author and publishers via NetGalley for tis audiobook, in return for my honest thoughts and review.
April 21, 2021
I was lucky to be able to read an advance copy of The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick and it was the perfect novel to get absorbed in. I found it really hard to put down and it was full of characters whom you really would like to know what happened, in their lives, after the final page.
Multi-layered in both time and themes it shone with the Author's usual copious research and attention to detail.
It would be a perfect read for a book club as lots to debate and discuss; from the main theme of Love, in all its many forms, to women's politics and their place, restrictions, freedoms and choices to be made, in 'polite society'.
The main women, of different generations, Theo (present) and Alice (past), were equally, beautifully drawn with similarities and differences - also good to discuss.
As per usual, Liz's descriptive talents truly evoke the sense of place - whether the landscape or the bricks and mortar.
There are several narrative threads which are woven throughout and come together in a very satisfactory ending.
I really enjoyed this novel which was absorbing and thought-provoking as well as a really good read.
Multi-layered in both time and themes it shone with the Author's usual copious research and attention to detail.
It would be a perfect read for a book club as lots to debate and discuss; from the main theme of Love, in all its many forms, to women's politics and their place, restrictions, freedoms and choices to be made, in 'polite society'.
The main women, of different generations, Theo (present) and Alice (past), were equally, beautifully drawn with similarities and differences - also good to discuss.
As per usual, Liz's descriptive talents truly evoke the sense of place - whether the landscape or the bricks and mortar.
There are several narrative threads which are woven throughout and come together in a very satisfactory ending.
I really enjoyed this novel which was absorbing and thought-provoking as well as a really good read.
May 3, 2021
When Theo's marriage dissolves due to her husband's affairs she sets out for independence by buying a ramshackle cottage on the banks of the river Tamar. With the help of new friends she begins to rebuild the cottage and her life. Finding a box of love letters leads her to discover the history of Boatman's cottage. Did Zach one of the previous residents have a relationship with Lady Alice from the estate where he worked? The letters reveal a distraught man fighting during the first world war tormented by his lost love. Can Theo weave all of the strands of history back together?
Firstly this book is really good. For once with a dual narrative book both stories are equally interesting. Theo's present day relationships and discoveries are page turners. In 1914 Lady Alice's story is one of hopes and passion and destroyed dreams.
So why only three stars? There are way too many coincidences. There's a lot going on and so many relationships (by blood or love) and the number of coincidences really pushing the limit of what is believable. Which is a real shame. It's still a thoroughly enjoyable book, with its Cornwall/Devon setting.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.
Firstly this book is really good. For once with a dual narrative book both stories are equally interesting. Theo's present day relationships and discoveries are page turners. In 1914 Lady Alice's story is one of hopes and passion and destroyed dreams.
So why only three stars? There are way too many coincidences. There's a lot going on and so many relationships (by blood or love) and the number of coincidences really pushing the limit of what is believable. Which is a real shame. It's still a thoroughly enjoyable book, with its Cornwall/Devon setting.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.
September 27, 2021
Words can’t describe the true beauty of this book. It was so delicately written moving from the present day to pre and post WW1, I didn’t see the links between the characters coming until it was revealed. By the end I felt like I was like getting a hug from this book after going on an emotional rollercoaster throughout - anger, frustration and a lot of upset. this was the first I’ve read of Fenwick’s works and I’ll definitely look out for more.
April 6, 2023
Emanuela - per RFS
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Un bellissimo romanzo che racconta le vicende parallele di due donne: Lady Alice, vissuta nei primi anni del 900 e Theo Pascoe, un’esperta di architettura del verde che dopo un tristissimo divorzio va a vivere in un piccolo cottage sulle rive del fiume Tamar, nelle desolate e solitarie lande della Cornovaglia.
Durante i lavori di ristrutturazione del cottage, quest’ultima ritrova un pacchetto di lettere che Lady Alice Exeter ricevette dal fronte della grande guerra da Zachary Carne.
Grazie alla corrispondenza e a una serie di fortunate coincidenze, Theo e suo fratello Martin – un sacerdote cattolico – entreranno in contatto con la nobile famiglia dei conti di St Loy e conosceranno la storia tristissima di una giovane donna che voleva essere libera e si batteva per il suffragio universale, ma che non compresa era stata esiliata in una remota proprietà in Cornovaglia dove aveva vissuto uno sfortunato amore per un giovane sorvegliante.
Un destino infausto che si era tristemente ripetuto con John, figlio di Lady Alice e Claire (la nonna di Theo) e infine per la protagonista stessa che prima di sposarsi aveva vissuto un brevissimo e infelice amore per un pittore francese.
Tre donne dunque legate da avvenimenti simili, intricati legami di sangue e la triste consapevolezza di come il genere femminile sia destinato da millenni a sopportare il peso di segreti e pregiudizi che fanno fatica a scomparire.
L’elemento naturalistico di piante e fiori legati al lavoro di Theo, una professione stupenda che né la madre né il primo marito avevano apprezzato, rivelano un animo nobile e profondo che la donna, grazie agli insondabili giochi del DNA, ha ereditato proprio da Lady Alice insieme a un’impressionante somiglianza fisica.
Toccherà proprio a Theo chiudere il cerchio della storia e mettere a posto, in qualche modo, i torti e le ingiustizie patiti dai suoi antenati.
Bellissimo e triste, Il giardino sull’acqua mi ha particolarmente emozionato.
«Non esiste la libertà a questo mondo.» Si posò le mani in grembo e guardò Alice negli occhi. «Ci sono livelli di libertà resi possibili dal denaro, dal sesso, dalla classe sociale, ma nessuno è libero, neppure l’eremita nel deserto. Ricordatelo, Alice, e chiediti a quale grado di libertà puoi ambire, perché non sarai mai libera.»
.
Un bellissimo romanzo che racconta le vicende parallele di due donne: Lady Alice, vissuta nei primi anni del 900 e Theo Pascoe, un’esperta di architettura del verde che dopo un tristissimo divorzio va a vivere in un piccolo cottage sulle rive del fiume Tamar, nelle desolate e solitarie lande della Cornovaglia.
Durante i lavori di ristrutturazione del cottage, quest’ultima ritrova un pacchetto di lettere che Lady Alice Exeter ricevette dal fronte della grande guerra da Zachary Carne.
Grazie alla corrispondenza e a una serie di fortunate coincidenze, Theo e suo fratello Martin – un sacerdote cattolico – entreranno in contatto con la nobile famiglia dei conti di St Loy e conosceranno la storia tristissima di una giovane donna che voleva essere libera e si batteva per il suffragio universale, ma che non compresa era stata esiliata in una remota proprietà in Cornovaglia dove aveva vissuto uno sfortunato amore per un giovane sorvegliante.
Un destino infausto che si era tristemente ripetuto con John, figlio di Lady Alice e Claire (la nonna di Theo) e infine per la protagonista stessa che prima di sposarsi aveva vissuto un brevissimo e infelice amore per un pittore francese.
Tre donne dunque legate da avvenimenti simili, intricati legami di sangue e la triste consapevolezza di come il genere femminile sia destinato da millenni a sopportare il peso di segreti e pregiudizi che fanno fatica a scomparire.
L’elemento naturalistico di piante e fiori legati al lavoro di Theo, una professione stupenda che né la madre né il primo marito avevano apprezzato, rivelano un animo nobile e profondo che la donna, grazie agli insondabili giochi del DNA, ha ereditato proprio da Lady Alice insieme a un’impressionante somiglianza fisica.
Toccherà proprio a Theo chiudere il cerchio della storia e mettere a posto, in qualche modo, i torti e le ingiustizie patiti dai suoi antenati.
Bellissimo e triste, Il giardino sull’acqua mi ha particolarmente emozionato.
«Non esiste la libertà a questo mondo.» Si posò le mani in grembo e guardò Alice negli occhi. «Ci sono livelli di libertà resi possibili dal denaro, dal sesso, dalla classe sociale, ma nessuno è libero, neppure l’eremita nel deserto. Ricordatelo, Alice, e chiediti a quale grado di libertà puoi ambire, perché non sarai mai libera.»
May 30, 2021
What an amazing and beautiful book The River Between Us is. The title is also quite clever as it provides not only a geological divide but also one that shows the divide between the classes.
This is a dual timeline story that is so easy to follow. Theo is the present-day character and it is through her unseen purchase of an old cottage on the River Tamar that gives the introduction to the tale from the past.
Theo discovers old letters that had been hidden, they tell a tale of forbidden love, of sacrifice, and of times just before and through the first world war. This is a time when women's suffrage is being spoken about more. When the country and the world is changing as are peoples attitudes. Some attitudes can never be changed and when it comes to having the right marriage then that is what matters. This is the case for Lady Alice.
The author uses her knowledge of the South West to create a mesmerising and beautifully written story. It is mainly set in the earlier timeline of Lady Alice, this is something that worked so well as some events of the past become quite relevant to the present day.
I do adore the author's descriptions and this time gardening, flowers and wildlife play a good part. Using the flora and fauna to great effect in expressing emotions is wonderful. The days Lady Alice spent fishing and her time on and around the river are gorgeous.
The present-day timeline is also quite emotional, but for very different reasons. Theo's move and purchase of a cottage open up a mystery and one that has many links to the past. So, while this story is very much contemporary fiction it is also a mystery. It delves into family, secrets long forgotten and hidden things.
The author paces this book wonderfully, it makes the reading extremely addictive and so effortless. I found myself transported with her descriptions. It was emotional and heartbreaking with the revealing of the past through the earlier timeline and also through the forgotten letters.
It was a wonderful book to read. Mesmerising, beautiful and I adored it very much. It is one I would definitely recommend.
This is a dual timeline story that is so easy to follow. Theo is the present-day character and it is through her unseen purchase of an old cottage on the River Tamar that gives the introduction to the tale from the past.
Theo discovers old letters that had been hidden, they tell a tale of forbidden love, of sacrifice, and of times just before and through the first world war. This is a time when women's suffrage is being spoken about more. When the country and the world is changing as are peoples attitudes. Some attitudes can never be changed and when it comes to having the right marriage then that is what matters. This is the case for Lady Alice.
The author uses her knowledge of the South West to create a mesmerising and beautifully written story. It is mainly set in the earlier timeline of Lady Alice, this is something that worked so well as some events of the past become quite relevant to the present day.
I do adore the author's descriptions and this time gardening, flowers and wildlife play a good part. Using the flora and fauna to great effect in expressing emotions is wonderful. The days Lady Alice spent fishing and her time on and around the river are gorgeous.
The present-day timeline is also quite emotional, but for very different reasons. Theo's move and purchase of a cottage open up a mystery and one that has many links to the past. So, while this story is very much contemporary fiction it is also a mystery. It delves into family, secrets long forgotten and hidden things.
The author paces this book wonderfully, it makes the reading extremely addictive and so effortless. I found myself transported with her descriptions. It was emotional and heartbreaking with the revealing of the past through the earlier timeline and also through the forgotten letters.
It was a wonderful book to read. Mesmerising, beautiful and I adored it very much. It is one I would definitely recommend.
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