Being a fan of Minette Walters other books I was delighted to find she could write excellent historical fiction too.
This is truly a wonderful novel, it manages to inform and entertain in equal measures. I thought I knew about the Civil War, about it's reasons for causing brothers to fight with such belief that their side was the right one. I found out it was far more complex than I ever imagined. Through the characters eyes and their stories you begin to understand the truths behind both sides. Jayne Swift wants to be neutral she wants to use her medical skills to help both sides. My favourite was though William Harrier a real enigma his many changing characters made this book for me. The story of Jayne and William's journeys through this turbulent time really bring this period to life and the minor characters are so well drawn such as William's mentor Lady Alice,they have strong stories of their own there really is so much to enjoy in this book I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
This is truly a wonderful novel, it manages to inform and entertain in equal measures. I thought I knew about the Civil War, about it's reasons for causing brothers to fight with such belief that their side was the right one. I found out it was far more complex than I ever imagined. Through the characters eyes and their stories you begin to understand the truths behind both sides. Jayne Swift wants to be neutral she wants to use her medical skills to help both sides. My favourite was though William Harrier a real enigma his many changing characters made this book for me. The story of Jayne and William's journeys through this turbulent time really bring this period to life and the minor characters are so well drawn such as William's mentor Lady Alice,they have strong stories of their own there really is so much to enjoy in this book I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.