Caravan

by Lady Eleanor Smith

Set in mid-nineteenth century England and Spain, James Darrell is a young English gentleman whose love of language and writing sends him on an unusual path, eventually returning him to Oriana, the love of his life.

276 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 1943

About the author

Lady Eleanor Furneaux Smith (1902 – 1945)was an English writer. The eldest of the politician F. E. Smith's three children, she worked as a society reporter and cinema reviewer for a while, then as a publicist for circus companies. In the latter role she travelled more widely, and gained inspiration for her third career, writing popular novels and short stories which often provided the basis for the 'Gainsborough melodramas' of the period. These stories often had a romanticised historical or Gypsy setting, based on her own research into Romany culture (she believed her paternal great-grandmother to have been a gypsy).

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift from a student. Given that it’s old and without a cover, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was utterly taken by it. It’s a sweeping adventure and romance that completely carried me away. It’s melodramatic, but in on the joke. (Went down a rabbit hole about the author and her life, and that was riveting too.)

[manatee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this treasure in the freebie bin of the book cellar,the library store that sells donated books. This book contains sublimely crappy writing and many howlers. It is so bad it is good. Lady Eleanor doesn't just use one adjective when five would be better. She is from the tell don't show school of fiction. Lady Eleanor cannot pass up the chance to describe any home furnishings.It makes no difference if it bogs down the "plot."
If there is any justice this book is out of print !