Gerald & Elizabeth

Gerald and Elizabeth #1

by D.E. Stevenson

Gerald is a young man travelling by ship from South Africa, avoiding his fellow passengers, yet hugely attractive to the ladies aboard. Elizabeth is the enigmatic star of a new musical in London. What are the secrets being harboured by the pair and how will it affect their relationship?

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Scotland, British Literature, Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.

D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gerald lost his job in a mine after being framed for stealing some diamonds, but doesn't seem to have any interest in figuring out who done him wrong. There is some long-hidden secret concerning the mother of his half-sister, Bess, but she doesn't make any effort to find out what it is. Luckily there is a secondary character with more get-up-and-go or this story would be pretty feeble...

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not a favorite DES but enjoyable nonetheless. DES is so good at characterization. I really enjoyed Gerald and Bess and found them so fun. There is a lot of interpersonal mystery in this that was also fun. Sir Walter is great! He’s in the Betty Neels mold of masterful, competent, wealthy, benevolent male. 😂 He likes to have his own way but he’s so often right that he’s very likable. His son was adorable and I loved Gerald’s short time with him. I didn’t particularly enjoy Gerald’s time on the farm and I’m not quite sure why we had to have Cousin Matt. The Harrimans were fun but also not particularly necessary, except for Penelope giving Gerald a new way to think about his tough situation. Gerald does make a lot of progress through the story. That was gratifying. I am looking forward to the sequel since Gerald didn’t end up paired off, which is rather unusual.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read as audiobook.

[Claude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant light reading. Not your best D.E. Stevenson, but pleasant all the same.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

First: Gerald and Elizabeth are siblings, not a romantic couple.

Fun, lighthearted, easy-reading. Sort of a popcorn-with-hot-butter kind of book. Written in 1969 it has less of that post-war village feel. More modern in many ways.

I'm slowly making my way through the DES oeuvre.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I felt about a D.E. Stevenson novel written from a man's point of view, but it was surprisingly good! I loved the close relationship of Gerald and his sister, Elizabeth (affectionately known as "Bess"). Even though they are only half brother and sister, they love, care and support each other all through their lives.

When Gerald hits upon hard times, it's amazing how Bess (a popular and talented actress) takes charge right away and helps to get him back on his feet. Bess' admirer, Sir Walter MacCallum, is another wonderful and likable character who helps Gerald in his time of need. He is strong, reliable, practical and charming—clearly a great person to have on your side.

The only aspect of the book that made it than 5 stars is that Gerald himself is a bit of a wet noodle. He's not much younger than Bess, but he didn't seem to be very motivated at times. He is a proper "Eeyore" and spent a long time being proud (and mildly depressed) instead of taking charge of his own life.

Other than that, it was another cozy DES book. I'm already reading the sequel to this, The House of the Deer, and hoping it's just as good. Lovely, simple and cozy, especially if you loved Scotland and stories about brother/sister relationships.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightfully relaxing novel, even though it doesn't count amongst D E Stevenson's finest.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the characters, the drama, the relationships, the setting. The mystery took an unexpected turn which truly affected all parties involved. Didn't see that coming...!

I thought the characters were well developed and I wanted to know more about their story line but the book just kind of ended.

I believer there is a sequel which I'll look for at my library.

Another review that I thought I had written but seemed to disappear.

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice story with likable characters but for some reason it didn't really feel like the D.E. Stevenson I've come to know.
Gerald is coming home to England after having lost his job at a diamond mine in South Africa. Stolen diamonds were found in the inner lining of his jacket. He just barely escaped being thrown in prison. Obviously he was framed, but why? And by whom? He is completely depressed and uncertain of being able to get another job, since he has no references.
Eventually he decides to seek out his sister Elizabeth (Bess), who is a famous actress of the stage. They were extremely close siblings and she is relieved and delighted to see him after a long time of hearing nothing. He is invited to stay at her place while he looks for a job.
Meanwhile, Bess has her own troubles. She believes that she is suffering from an inherited mental disorder, melancholia. She has occasional bouts of utter despair. For this reason, she refuses the man who wants to marry her. She is terrified of bringing trouble to him later in life, or of passing on some sort of mental unbalance to her offspring.
How both siblings find their way out of their worries is the plot of the story.
Sir Walter McCallum, the would-be fiancé of Bess, is quite a good character, and Gerald and Bess are both nice. Not a bad book, but for some reason it didn't quite feel like D.E. Stevenson's métier. Maybe it was the fact that the so-called mystery of who took the diamonds wasn't really a mystery at all (anyone could identify the culprit almost from the beginning). Maybe it was also the loose ends regarding Gerald's uncle and the farm. Anyway, I'll give any sequels a chance, but probably won't revisit this one.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was absolutely zero tension in this book (which does not necessarily have to be a bad thing!). Everything seemed to fall in place a bit too readily.

My 4th D.E. Stevenson, and my least favorite to date. It was just "ok".

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare when a D.E. Stevenson book gets less than 4 or 5 stars from me however this one comes in at 3.5. I enjoyed reading it but it just didn't have quite the appeal I've come to expect from one of my favorite authors. Can't really put my finger on why this one felt less satisfying to me.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m just thankful that I purchased the audiobook when it was on mega special as this might be one of my least liked Stevenson books so far.
The story feels twee and tepid; and, the dog collar analogy at the end concerning marriage doesn’t read well then or now.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, being the final mini series that D.E. Stevenson wrote.

Full review here:

http://www.readingtoknow.com/2021/06/...

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Gerald Burleigh Brown loses his job due to a frame-up, he has no one to turn to. He returns to London in despair, too devastated even to speak to anyone. Gerald avoids even the shortest of conversations with a stranger. His reputation has been deeply tarnished (undeservedly), and there isn’t a thing he can do about it.

“It was easy to make friends on shipboard – in fact it was difficult not to – but Mr. Brown eluded them, and, apart from a chance meeting in the corridor when he hurried past with a muttered ‘Good morning’ in answer to their smiles, no contact had been made. He was never visible except at meals when he sat at a small table in the corner of the dining-room, eating and reading a book. He was never to be seen on deck. He took no part in games nor swam in the swimming-pool..."

Back in London Gerald decides to visit his sister who has made a success of her actress job and is a well-known star in a play. Once he is back with family (even one sister constitutes ‘family’!), and a loving atmosphere, he begins to regain his equilibrium.

“Gerald had been living at the flat for three weeks by this time and, in spite of the fact that he couldn’t find a job, he felt a great deal better. It was Bess, of course. Bess was giving him back his self-respect. Perhaps his room had helped too. You couldn’t occupy such a comfortable room and continue to feel dirty...”

When Sir Walter MacCallum, a shipyard owner, offers Gerald a job, he jumps at the chance. But will he ever clear up the mystery of who stole the diamonds from the mine where he lost his job?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Gerald and Elizabeth” and was rooting for Gerald all the way! Gerald is polite and unassuming, and determined to conduct himself responsibly (no taking hand-outs for Gerald Burleigh Brown!) The character analysis in this novel, (one of Stevenson's strengths), is full of insight. The hidden undercurrents revealed in conversation and situations that arise illustrate a great deal about each character's personality and motives. The author, through her characters, puts her finger on the difficulties and struggles within the human heart.

It is easy to sympathize with Gerald’s plight as, although innocent, his circumstances work to disillusion and discourage him. But all is not lost and Gerald will soon find his way.

Although (as some reviewers mentioned), the plot is often predictable, I found plenty to entertain and amuse me. Another light pleasant read from DE Stevenson to add to my shelf!

[EJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Generally speaking I like even the more romance centered Stevenson books, but this one was both weird and rough on the old brain pan.
It opens with pretty blatant colonial racism within the first chapter and the thread of that is throughout the book and ends with the main female character using the anology of a 'dog without a collar' for how she feels previous to getting married and that her fiance is 'going to put a collar around her neck'. Like. Genuinely. What the hell.
This is on TOP OF the weird maybe incest vibes that turn out to NOT be technically incest because two babies were switched at birth so it's fine except then it's reinforced how they only think of each other as brother and sister despite the fact that???? they've kissed at least twice??????????????????????? and the main guy character is obviously ALSO in love with his "sister's" fiance and is going to live with them once they're married.
Just a very strange and bad vibe from this one, folks!

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realize I've been rating Stevenson's books relative to each other. They've really all been 3s (except Miss Buncle's Book, which really is a cut above), but I've been giving 4s to the ones I think I might want to reread someday. I found this one rather engaging, though Gerald was a bit of a nincompoop at times and Stevenson's eugenicism/racism is cringey. I was glad not much of the book took place in South Africa—just in flashback, really—because I'm sure she'd’ve been downright unreadable if she'd gotten onto the topic of race in that context.

It's a rare British narrator who can do American accents well. Griffins, though rare creatures, are apparently not rare narrators.

[Bookworman · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have said, this isn't a typical Stevenson story. However, it's still a good book and I just finished listening to the Audible version which was quite enjoyable. I look forward to listening to "The House of the Deer" which continues Gerald's story.

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. okay but not special.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

My D.E. Stevenson group recently started reading "Gerald and Elizabeth" together -- one of Stevenson's later novels, first published in 1969. As usual, I read the entire novel though myself, and will count it as a re-read once we've finished our chapter-by-chapter group read in December.

This was a new book to me (if I did read it as a teenager, I have no memory of it), and my assumption from the title alone was that Gerald and Elizabeth would be a romantic couple. (I may also have been influenced by the cover image on the used paperback edition I managed to find and purchase online -- see photo, left!). They are, in fact, half-siblings.

Even though it was published in 1969, there's still a very 1950s flavour to this book (not a hippie or Beatle in sight, lol). As the story opens, Gerald is travelling aboard a ship from South Africa back to England. He is in no mood to socialize and keeps to himself (we soon learn why), but still manages to attract the attention of a wealthy American family (and their pretty daughter Penelope, in particular).

Back in London, he reunites with his half-sister, Elizabeth (Bess). Bess has always wanted a husband and family, and has neither, for reasons that eventually become clear -- even though she's being pursued by Sir Walter MacCallum, a wealthy shipbuilder from Glasgow. Instead, she's pursued a career on the stage and become a famous stage actress. She's overjoyed to see Gerald again, give him a home and help him get back on his feet again.

Many Stevenson novels are at least partly set in Scotland, and this one is no different: Gerald travels there to visit his aging Uncle Gregor on Cannochbrae, the farm where he spent part of his childhood.

Many Stevenson books also contain references to the characters and settings in her other novels, and this one is full of them: Drumburly ("Music in the Hills" and "Shoulder the Sky/Winter and Rough Weather"); Haines, Reverend Mr. Kirke and Freda Lorimer ("Five Windows"); the Reverend Mr. Heath and Limbourne ("Katherine Wentworth" and "Katherine's Marriage"); and I believe there are others from the books I haven't yet read (which I'm sure my fellow DESsies will point out as we progress through the book together). ;) Gerald's story continues in "The House of the Deer" (the last book Stevenson wrote before her death in 1973, published in 1970), which we will also be reading sometime in 2022.

This had many of the hallmarks of another great Stevenson read: strong characters, lovely descriptions, a strong sense of morality and propriety. Unfortunately, my usual enjoyment of another Stevenson novel was somewhat marred by a couple of things as the plot unfolded.

(**SPOILER ALERTS**)

Bess's reluctance to marry and have children stems from the mental illness that runs in her mother's side of the family. Gerald sets out to learn more and hopefully put her mind at ease. What he discovers had me rolling my eyes and shaking my head. It's one of those hoary old plot twists -- not entirely out of the realm of probability, I'm sure -- but one that happens far more often in the books and movies than in real life...!

The books is also marred by some anti-Semitic references in a scene that takes place in an antique shop near the end of the book. I was forewarned because I had read some reviews mentioning this on Goodreads (and apparently this passage was toned down somewhat in later editions of the book), but I still found it wince-inducing to read. Yes, times were different then, and Stevenson was very much a product of the time and place she lived in -- but still, this was 1969 and not the 1930s, when she began publishing books. One would hope for something better, 24 years after the end of WWII...! I would never tell anyone not to read a book based on a few offensive paragraphs -- but be forewarned.

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 (because of my abiding affection for DES) -- but not one of her best.

*** *** ***

UPDATE/Re-read: My D.E. Stevenson online fan group recently completed our chapter-by-chapter reading & discussion of "Gerald and Elizabeth," which I read on my own before we started, back in mid-October. (Original review above.)

Gerald and Elizabeth (Bess) are half-siblings: as the story opens, Gerald is returning to England via ocean liner after several years in South Africa, for reasons we soon learn about. In the meantime, Bess has become a famous stage actress, and is being pursued by Sir Walter MacCallum, a wealthy shipbuilder from Glasgow. Walter wants to marry her, but Bess keeps putting him off, despite her longtime desire for a husband and children. Then Gerald travels to Scotland to visit his aging Uncle Gregor, meets Sir Walter, and learns a secret about Bess that will change all of their lives.

This was one of Stevenson's later novels, first published in 1969. The ambiance, however, is still very 1950s -- as I said in my original review, not a hippie or Beatle in sight, lol. Unfortunately, some aspects of this book have aged very badly -- for example, a scene in a Glasgow antique shop that prompted a lively discussion within our group over the casually anti-Semitic descriptions of the shopkeeper. As I also said in my original review, I would never tell anyone not to read a book based on a few offensive paragraphs, especially since they are in no way representative of Stevenson's work -- but be forewarned.

My original rating of 2.5 stars on Goodreads, rounded up to 3, still stands.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

She remains one of my favorite go-to authors. Her books are always a joy to read.

[CLM · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review:

https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a classic book with a vintage tone, look no further. This won’t astound you but you’ll definitely enjoy your time reading it.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a handful of Stevenson's novels, and after reading this one have decided I'll stick with her earlier stuff from the 30s and 40s. This book is old enough to be dated, but not old enough to be charmingly quaint. And perhaps it was dated even when it was written, given the age of the author. Also, it seemed to lack a bit of humor I remember from others of her books. Gerald and Elizabeth are a grown brother and sister with, it turns out, secrets. This is the kind of world where a man has to wear the correct jacket for the occasion. Gerald, who had worked as an electrical engineer in South Africa at a diamond mind, is accused of stealing. From the moment the story was told I knew who the real thief was, and Gerald seems a little thick not to have worked it out himself. Other plot elements seem just too convenient, if something is needed to help the plot along, poof! it just appears. Also, although only briefly mentioned, the local workers at the South African mine are talked of and treated in a most condescending way. Elizabeth, who is about 30, is a rising star on the London musical comedy stage. [The play she is starring in has a most peculiar and very English feel to it.] Attitudes towards marriage are exceedingly old-fashioned. At one point Elizabeth says that she is a "dog without a collar" until she is married! If she marries she will, of course, give up her life on stage, which would be like Mary Martin retiring at the peak of her career. There are also several characters who are introduced (Gerald's Scottish relatives who he goes to visit, Elizabeth's housekeeper Matilda, and a young disabled girl) and then basically drift away. On the other hand, given what it is, it is satisfying in its way. The chapters set in rural Scotland I preferred to those set in London. Each chapter has a title and there is a list of chapters at the beginning, an old-fashioned style of which I approve. A sequel to this book finds Gerald's true love, and I am looking forward to reading it, if I can get my hands on it.

[Curtiss Matlock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. D. E. Stevenson takes me to a place I want to be and away from my own world. I find her books worthy of study, too, teaching me about of a graceful way of life gone by, and the construction of a good novel.

This, as each of her stories, is unique. Gerald and Elizabeth are brother and sister, not a couple as is the norm. The story is told mainly through Gerald's viewpoint. D. E. Stevenson's stories are akin to Jan Karon's, in that they are gently told yet do deal with every human issue, funny to sordid. The books have such understanding for the human condition.

I found this book a little rushed and even a bit silly toward the end, but I still enjoyed reading it. Now I'm on to another of Stevenson's. I think I'll read all I can get my hands on. No easy task, with her books all being published in the first half of the 1900s.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerald has been fired from his job. He was discovered stealing diamonds from his South African jobsite. He considers himself disgraced and lucky to have been fired without prosecution.
He returns to England under a cloud, without a recommendation, not believing that he will be able to work again. His well-known actress sister Elizabeth introduces him to a shipbuilder magnate. Gerald becomes a personal secretary to him. Gerald finds himself in an atmosphere in intrigue at the shipyard.

It has connections to The House of the Deer, Smouldering Fire and The Enchanted Isle.

[Elizabeth Mann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Stevenson’s best by a long shot. The characters are mostly boring and the plot “twists” predictable. Plus, casual anti-semitism. I usually like her books, but not this one.

[Anne Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book twice, and I loved it both times. It's just a cozy, enjoyable tale of brother-sister affection, a bit of mystery, and a tangled story of origin.

Gerald is (rightly) concerned because he has been sacked for a crime he knows he did not commit. When he returns to England, he tries to steer clear of his famous actress sister... but she finds him out anyway. And since he can't find a job with no references, she cheerfully provides for him more than just a place to stay. The two are very close - I very much enjoy close siblings in literature - so their relationship is a big piece of the book.

From there, the book is a tangled web of why Gerald was sacked, the origin of his sister, and her devotion to the man she wants to marry (Sir Walter). There's only one line in the entire book that might be hard on children (this book is g-rated), and even that isn't bad.

Overall, a great, cozy read.

Read-Aloud Rating: 4 out of 5
Child-Friendly: For older children (10+)

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love D. E. Stevenson's books, and many, many are worth a reread for me. Three or four of them are on their way to being practically memorized; I reread so often.

I also love how some places and people are mentioned in other books. This has Drumburly, for example, and the little village of Haines.

This is the second time I've read Gerald and Elizabeth. I'm about to dive into The House of the Deer, again, the other title in this small series.

But this is not a favorite. It's a good story, just not a fantastic story. I kind of don't like Bess (Elizabeth). A bit too spoiled, even though Stevenson tries to make her kind and beautiful, and a terrific actress.

Gerald is a wimp, at first. Gave up too easily and ran off when things got difficult.

Like some of her other books, the ending is too rushed and too perfect.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gerald Brow. Is framed and fired from his job as an electrical engineer at a diamond mine in South Africa. He avoids everyone on the ship, but is stalked by a vivacious young American, Penelope HarrimanHe returns to London determined to find a job, any job, before he contacts his sister, Elizabeth Burleigh, who is a star on the London stage. She too is hiding a secret and fears her own sanity.
Together again each bolsters the other, and others step in to help untangle the obstacles to their futures.