This book is unique in that it is just as much about the majestic Highclere Castle and the history of the home as the colorful family that inhabited iThis book is unique in that it is just as much about the majestic Highclere Castle and the history of the home as the colorful family that inhabited it.
It is fascinating to read about how old English mansions like Highclere functioned before the first world war. Reading this book is like entering another world. It's interesting to read about how the very wealthy lived as well as the lives of the servants and those who worked on the estate.
Highclere shares the spotlight with Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon, who was a real character. Almina, the reputed illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild, was full of life, talent and generosity. A popular society hostess who decided she wanted more out of life than just giving parties at Highclere, she tried her hand at different things before discovering she had a gift for nursing, and went so far as to turn Highclere into a hospital during World War I.
Lord Carnarvon was also interesting. Obsessed with ancient Egypt he and his colleague Howard Carter were responsible for uncovering King Tut's tomb. ...more
Anyone who is a fan of Winston Graham would love this book. I couldn't stop reading it. It was full of excitement, suspense, romance.It kind of remindAnyone who is a fan of Winston Graham would love this book. I couldn't stop reading it. It was full of excitement, suspense, romance.It kind of reminded me of an old fashioned melodrama. Of all the male authors I've read Winston Graham is probably the best at writing for female characters.
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