A Notorious Woman
-
-
5.0 • 1 Rating
-
-
- $2.99
-
- $2.99
Publisher Description
Published by St Martin's Press in New York and Piatkus in London, in 1988, A Notorious Woman attracted the following notices:
* A compelling tale, offering an interesting insight into Cornish life a century ago — Cornish Packet
* These adventures of the beguiling Ms Rosewarne will keep a fair few enthralled during ... this summer — Manchester Evening News
* Ably blends cogent social commentary with romance ... With its emphasis on moral propriety, tart repartee, and the all-important social milieu, this book echoes 19th century fiction, but its protrayal of the degradation and oppression of women has contemporary relevance — Publishers Weekly
* The writing has pace ... by an author who clearly loves the Cornish countryside — Plymouth Sunday Independent
* Macdonald is as long-winded as ever, but his readers should find reason to stay with him–or with Jo, a character they'll take a shine to — Kirkus
* ... will sweep you into the world of lovers' secrets and titillate you with the deep passions lying beneath a calm surface — Rave Reviews
* True to form, Macdonald has penned another gloriously impassioned adventure ... Splendid historical fiction from a master of the genre — Margaret Flanagan in Booklist
And—of Macdonald himself: *He is every bit as bad as Dickens – Martin Seymour-Smith
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this novel set in mid-19th century England, Macdonald ( The World from Rough Stones ) ably blends cogent social commentary with romance. He depicts the era when females were expected to be benign and ``biddable''; those attaining gainful, non-domestic employment and personal autonomy often became pariahs. Such is the case with Johanna Rosewarne, an orphan living with her lecherous uncle, John Visick, and his wife. When Dr. Tony Moore arrives to court the Visicks' daughter, but instead declares his affection for Johanna, she leaves her relatives' home and finds lodging with a wealthy widow. Rather than encourage the attentions of the dependable doctor, however, Johanna capriciously plans to marry incorrigible womanizer Hal Penrose. After Hal heads for America, Johanna (now pregnant with his child) supports herself by housekeeping at an inn and soliciting orders for the innkeeper's beer. Though her occupationplus her shocking status as an unwed mother-to-beinvites scorn, Johanna's determination to succeed never wanes. With its emphasis on moral propriety, tart repartee, and the all-important social milieu, this book echoes 19th century fiction, but its portrayal of the degradation and oppression of women has contemporary relevance.
