How close were Victor Hugo and his copyist?
1862 Young widow Eugénie is left bereft when her husband dies suddenly and faces an uncertain future in Guernsey. A further tragedy brings her to the attention of Monsieur Victor Hugo, living in exile on the island in his opulent house only yards away from Eugénie’s home. Their meeting changes her life and she becomes his copyist, forming a strong friendship with both Hugo and his mistress, Juliette Drouet.
2012 Doctor Tess Le Prevost, Guernsey born though now living in Exeter, is shocked to inherit her Great-Aunt’s house on the island. As a child she was entranced by Doris’s tales of their ancestor, Eugénie, whose house this once was, and who, according to family myth, was particularly close to Hugo. Was he the real father of her child? Tess is keen to find out and returning to the island presents her with the ideal opportunity.
Will she discover the truth about Eugénie and Hugo? A surprise find may hold the answer as Tess embraces new challenges which test her strength – and her heart.
Review: I have read several of Anne Allen’s Guernsey novels. Each one is a stand alone story even though they are all written against the backdrop of Guernsey in the historical fiction genre.
While my favourite is still, Echoes of Time, The Inheritance is just as well written and just as captivating.
Anne Allen is an exceptional writer who has mastered the art of presenting a story through two different timelines. In The Inheritance she does this using Eugenie’s diary from the mid 1800s. Eugenie is Tess’ ancestor in the present day. And so the story unfolds of the great Victor Hugo, his mistress, Eugenie and the inheritance of Tess.
A must read for any fan of historical fiction and romance.
Always a pleasure, Teagan. Thanks for your support. 🙂
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I’m very intrigued. Thanks for the review, Kev. Hugs.
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Thanks, Sue. You too! 🙂
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I had some catching up to do being out of the blogophere so long, but I finally got there. It was a pleasure to read and review your latest work, Anne. Hope it does well. 🙂
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Always a pleasure, Olga. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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A Wonderful review, I enjoy historical novels, 🙂 Just wish I had more time to sit and read them all..
Have a lovely weekend
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Thank you so much, Kevin, for not only reading my book but reviewing it. I’m glad you enjoyed it and although The Inheritance is now my favourite, I do have a particular soft spot for Echoes of Time ☺
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It sounds good. Thanks for the recommendation, Kevin!
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Lol… Sounds ominous… You better get reading! 😀
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Thanks, Christy. I do read a lot… It’s my way of escaping the mundane realities of life. 🙂
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Thanks, Robbie! 🙂
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I’ve never really tried it myself in any kind of depth. Only flashbacks in Miedo.
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Lol… Sounds like mine. 😀
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Thank you, John. 🙂
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This sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing, Kevin. I daren’t look at my TBR right now, lol … it keeps growling at me from a dark corner! 🙂
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You are quite the reader, Kevin! Great overview here of the book.
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A lovely review of this book, Kevin. I do like historical books.
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I’d think carrying off two timelines would be difficult. This sounds good, Kevin, thanks!
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Oooh, I like the sound of this. My TBR is already mammoth, but there’s always room for one more 🙂
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Good review, Kevin. Thanks.
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