Friday 16 January 2015

The House at Zaronza by Vanessa Couchman


Reviewer: Liza Perrat, author of Spirit of Lost Angels and Wolfsangel

What we thought: The House at Zaronza, a story of love, loss and conciliation, set on the island of Corsica in the early 20th century, immediately drew me in, and hooked me right to the end.

The story begins in the present, as Rachel Swift arrives at a guesthouse in Corsica in the hope of uncovering her past. But when she discovers a series of love letters between a schoolmaster and his secret lover, another story surfaces, and we walk straight into the life of a brave and remarkable woman of her times.

The author vividly brings to life the wild and rugged landscape of Corsica, and its people of that particular era, as well as deftly exploring WWI and its consequences. The characters are well-drawn and believable, the storyline intriguing and fascinating, and the descriptions beautiful. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction looking for a gripping, well-written read.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: family dramas set against stunning scenery and a WWI backdrop. 

Avoid if you don’t like: emotionally-charged stories with feisty heroines.

Ideal accompaniments: roasted wild boar seasoned with maquis’ herbs, accompanied by a glass of robust red wine.

Genre: Historical Fiction

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