The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)   By: Charles James Lever (1806-1872)

"The Martins of Cro' Martin, Vol. II" is a captivating and engaging novel that delves into the lives of the Martin family and their various trials and tribulations. Set in rural Ireland, the author, Charles James Lever, paints a vivid picture of the landscape and characters, bringing them to life with his descriptive prose.

The book follows the Martin family as they navigate through love, loss, and betrayal, all while trying to maintain their ancestral home of Cro' Martin. The characters are well-developed and complex, each facing their own struggles and dilemmas. The patriarch of the family, Sir Arthur, must grapple with financial difficulties and family discord, while his daughter Mary fights to find her own happiness amidst societal pressures and obligations.

Lever's writing is rich and evocative, transporting the reader to the lush countryside of Ireland and immersing them in the Martin family's world. The dialogue is witty and sharp, adding depth and authenticity to the characters and their interactions. The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader hooked until the very end.

Overall, "The Martins of Cro' Martin, Vol. II" is a compelling read that blends romance, drama, and intrigue seamlessly. Lever's storytelling is masterful, drawing the reader in and holding their attention from start to finish. Fans of historical fiction and family sagas will surely enjoy this novel.

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This much abused world of ours, railed at by divines, sneered down by cynics, slighted by philosophers, has still some marvellously pleasant things about it, amongst which, first and foremost, facile princeps , is Paris! In every other city of Europe there is a life to be learned and acquired just like a new language. You have to gain the acquaintance of certain people, obtain admission to certain houses, submit yourself to ways, habits, hours, all peculiar to the locality, and conform to usages in which at first, at least you rarely find anything beyond penalties on your time and your patience. But Paris demands no such sacrifices. To enjoy it, no apprenticeship is required. You become free of the guild at the Porte St. Denis. By the time you reach the Boulevards you have ceased to be a stranger. You enter the "Frères" at dinner hour like an old habitué. The atmosphere of light, elastic gayety around you, the tone of charming politeness that meets your commonest inquiry, the courtesy bestowed upon your character as a foreigner, are all as exhilarating in their own way... Continue reading book >>