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debra0330's review
5.0
In my almost five years of reviewing and recommending to friends, family and readers, there have been a few times, and only a few, when I have been completely and totally blown away by a book that I've read. This usually happens when there is a happy confluence of subject matter, writing prowess, research skill and character development, wrapped up in a believable, action filled story. If you haven't already guessed, The Lost Duchess, by Jenny Barden, is one of those books.
This second effort by Ms. Barden begins with the story of Emme Fifield, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I, who yearns to throw off the mantle of Court and live a normal life; one where marriage and children are a possibility without the Queen's interference. When her trust and naivety is brutally savaged by the erstwhile heir to the Duke of Somerset, she sees her only opportunity to forge a new life lies in joining an expedition to the Chesapeake, in the New World. She convinces the Palace to allow her to go, with the understanding that she will return with a full report on the new Colony's progress.
Christopher Doonan is an experienced mariner with a colorful and painful past. Taken by the Spanish and held in Mexico as a young man, he is sold into slavery. Rescued by Cimaroons, he becomes the leader of a pack of outlaws in Panama. When word comes to him of an English ship, he is reunited with his brother, a member of the crew, and makes his way back to England, a changed man. Drawn to the sea, he returns to the New World with Sir Francis Drake, where he acquires a page named Rob, who becomes his constant companion. "Kit" is once again set to return to the New World, as boatswain on a ship scheduled to leave England, but this time he will choose to remain as a permanent settler, for reasons he cannot yet divulge.
Kit and Emme meet at one of the Queen's audiences to fete the accomplishments of Sir Francis, and to discuss the recent and future expedition. Kit is entranced by Emme, but while Emme certainly notices him, she is intent on the seed of the plan that has already taken root in her mind.
Those familiar with American history and the nascent English settlement of the Colonies in the late 1500's know the story of the Lost Colony at Roanoke, whose original destination was actually the Chesapeake Bay area. There is no record of what happened to the 116 men, women and children who established that colony in 1587. However, Ms. Barden has an incredible knack for weaving fiction with fact. The story of the settlement is told through her characters, and the ending is one plausible explanation for what happened. She's done her research and it most definitely shows.
Descriptive passages are everywhere. Ms. Barden makes it very easy to imagine Emme's life at Court, the ocean voyage, the sights and sounds of the New World and the settlement itself.
The love story between Kit and Emme serves a dual purpose. The connection between them is sweet and beautifully written, and serves as a way to possibly define this novel as a historical romance. However, most historical romances highlight the characters' relationship, with the setting and time period secondary and as a means to an end. In fact, the setting of these novels are virtually interchangeable as long as the protagonists are together on the last page. Ms. Barden, conversely, uses her characters to highlight the setting and makes that the focal point of the story. What happens to them and where it happens is as important as who they are to each other. This is what makes this novel so very good.
The last few chapters are suspenseful, dramatic, and satisfying in their resolution. It's at this point that the pages practically turned by themselves. Revelations come fast and furious; love and life are affirmed between father and son, friends, and lovers. I did not want it to end.
The Lost Duchess, by Jenny Barden is highly recommended, and one of the best books I've read this year.
This second effort by Ms. Barden begins with the story of Emme Fifield, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I, who yearns to throw off the mantle of Court and live a normal life; one where marriage and children are a possibility without the Queen's interference. When her trust and naivety is brutally savaged by the erstwhile heir to the Duke of Somerset, she sees her only opportunity to forge a new life lies in joining an expedition to the Chesapeake, in the New World. She convinces the Palace to allow her to go, with the understanding that she will return with a full report on the new Colony's progress.
Christopher Doonan is an experienced mariner with a colorful and painful past. Taken by the Spanish and held in Mexico as a young man, he is sold into slavery. Rescued by Cimaroons, he becomes the leader of a pack of outlaws in Panama. When word comes to him of an English ship, he is reunited with his brother, a member of the crew, and makes his way back to England, a changed man. Drawn to the sea, he returns to the New World with Sir Francis Drake, where he acquires a page named Rob, who becomes his constant companion. "Kit" is once again set to return to the New World, as boatswain on a ship scheduled to leave England, but this time he will choose to remain as a permanent settler, for reasons he cannot yet divulge.
Kit and Emme meet at one of the Queen's audiences to fete the accomplishments of Sir Francis, and to discuss the recent and future expedition. Kit is entranced by Emme, but while Emme certainly notices him, she is intent on the seed of the plan that has already taken root in her mind.
Those familiar with American history and the nascent English settlement of the Colonies in the late 1500's know the story of the Lost Colony at Roanoke, whose original destination was actually the Chesapeake Bay area. There is no record of what happened to the 116 men, women and children who established that colony in 1587. However, Ms. Barden has an incredible knack for weaving fiction with fact. The story of the settlement is told through her characters, and the ending is one plausible explanation for what happened. She's done her research and it most definitely shows.
Descriptive passages are everywhere. Ms. Barden makes it very easy to imagine Emme's life at Court, the ocean voyage, the sights and sounds of the New World and the settlement itself.
The love story between Kit and Emme serves a dual purpose. The connection between them is sweet and beautifully written, and serves as a way to possibly define this novel as a historical romance. However, most historical romances highlight the characters' relationship, with the setting and time period secondary and as a means to an end. In fact, the setting of these novels are virtually interchangeable as long as the protagonists are together on the last page. Ms. Barden, conversely, uses her characters to highlight the setting and makes that the focal point of the story. What happens to them and where it happens is as important as who they are to each other. This is what makes this novel so very good.
The last few chapters are suspenseful, dramatic, and satisfying in their resolution. It's at this point that the pages practically turned by themselves. Revelations come fast and furious; love and life are affirmed between father and son, friends, and lovers. I did not want it to end.
The Lost Duchess, by Jenny Barden is highly recommended, and one of the best books I've read this year.
abookishaffair's review
4.0
"The Lost Duchess" made me wonder why there is not more historical fiction set in the Americas. I wonder this every time I read a good book that is set in the Americas. "The Lost Duchess" is a story about Emme, a lady in waiting of sorts to Queen Elizabeth I, who goes to live in the New World. Emme isn't sure what to expect when she gets to Virginia but she's sure that it has to be better than the potential scandal threatening her back in England. This book tackles what may have happened to the mysterious Roanoke colony, one of history's great mysteries. This is a great historical fiction pick with a unique setting!
I really liked reading about Roanoke. We get to see this new place through Emme, who is just arriving, which I thought was a really good touch. We get to explore alongside with her. I liked how Barden was able to show what it would have been like for these first settlers to live in such a foreign place. I also really liked reading about how the settlers interacted with the Native Americans and each other. It was really cool to see how they came together.
I think that it can be a little bit sticky for an author to try to "solve" a true life mystery. You have to walk a fine line between what explains the mystery and what could have really happened. I was really impressed with how Barden was able to do that with Roanoke. She ties everything in such a satisfying way that what she says happens (and I don't want to give anything away) seems plausible and ties the story together very nicely!
I really liked reading about Roanoke. We get to see this new place through Emme, who is just arriving, which I thought was a really good touch. We get to explore alongside with her. I liked how Barden was able to show what it would have been like for these first settlers to live in such a foreign place. I also really liked reading about how the settlers interacted with the Native Americans and each other. It was really cool to see how they came together.
I think that it can be a little bit sticky for an author to try to "solve" a true life mystery. You have to walk a fine line between what explains the mystery and what could have really happened. I was really impressed with how Barden was able to do that with Roanoke. She ties everything in such a satisfying way that what she says happens (and I don't want to give anything away) seems plausible and ties the story together very nicely!
jennyanydots's review
4.0
Emme Fifield, lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, joins the band of settlers going to Roanoke to report back to the queen what life is like. Interesting imagining of what might have happened, and a lead character who seemed to have fairly modern attitudes. Really enjoyed this one - to the extent that I walked home from the station still reading it just so I could finish it off.
geoffreyg's review
5.0
I had previously read and enjoyed Jenny Barden’s ‘Mistress of the Sea’ so I opened ‘The Lost Duchess’ with keen anticipation, and was not disappointed. The themes are similar in having a young, single, Elizabethan woman set sail for the New World, and in being both an adventure and a love story. Some characters appear in both books, but they can be read as stand-alones.
Barden has researched her subject extremely well, and has the ability to bring both people and places to life. The characters and intrigue of the Elizabethan court are well drawn, and even the secondary characters such as the inept but artistic leader of the expedition are well rounded and credible. The heroine is intelligent, resourceful, and takes charge of her own destiny, managing to engage in the action to a degree that stretches credibility a little (she is, after all, an Elizabethan gentlewoman) but this makes for a rattling good yarn.
It’s a great read for lovers of period adventures with feisty heroines. Recommended.
Barden has researched her subject extremely well, and has the ability to bring both people and places to life. The characters and intrigue of the Elizabethan court are well drawn, and even the secondary characters such as the inept but artistic leader of the expedition are well rounded and credible. The heroine is intelligent, resourceful, and takes charge of her own destiny, managing to engage in the action to a degree that stretches credibility a little (she is, after all, an Elizabethan gentlewoman) but this makes for a rattling good yarn.
It’s a great read for lovers of period adventures with feisty heroines. Recommended.
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