Of High Descent By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)
Of High Descent by George Manville Fenn is an enthralling historical fiction novel that transports readers back to the 19th century. Set in England, the story revolves around the lives of two main characters, Bertha Dalyrmple and Roger Naldred. From the very beginning, the author skillfully establishes an intriguing atmosphere, immersing readers in the elite social circles of the time. The characters themselves are meticulously crafted, with Bertha and Roger standing out as complex individuals with their own dreams, desires, and struggles. Fenn's writing style is rich and vivid, painting picturesque scenes and capturing the essence of the era. His attention to detail is impressive, allowing readers to experience the opulence and grandeur of the elite parties and gatherings, as well as the contrasting poverty and harshness of the lower classes. The novel delves into various themes, including class distinction, love, betrayal, and the pursuit of one's identity. The stark differences between the upper and lower classes are firmly depicted, shedding light on the social inequalities of the time. The emotional rollercoaster that Bertha and Roger embark on keeps readers engaged and invested in their fates. One aspect that stands out in Of High Descent is the author's ability to create suspense and tension throughout the narrative. Fenn expertly weaves together multiple storylines, gradually revealing secrets and unveiling hidden motivations, ensuring that readers eagerly turn the pages to uncover the truth. While the pacing of the novel may seem slow at times, primarily due to the detailed descriptions and extensive character development, it ultimately adds depth to the overall reading experience. Fenn's meticulous approach allows readers to truly understand the thoughts and emotions of the characters, making their journey all the more compelling. Overall, Of High Descent is a captivating historical fiction novel that paints a vivid picture of 19th-century England. Fenn's masterful storytelling and attention to detail create a rich and immersive reading experience. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in the complexities of class dynamics, will find this book to be a satisfying and engrossing read. First Page: Volume 1, Chapter I. "IN THE WEST COUNTREE." "Take care, Mr Luke Vine, sir. There's a big one coming." The thin, little, sharp featured, grey haired man on a rock looked sharply round, saw the big one coming, stooped, picked up a large basket, and, fishing rod in hand, stepped back and climbed up a few feet, just as a heavy swell, which seemed to glide along rapidly over the otherwise calm sea, heaved, flooded the rock on which he had been standing, ran right up so high as to bathe his feet, then sank back in a series of glittering falls which sparkled in the glorious sunshine: there was a hissing and sighing and sucking noise among the rocks, and the wave passed on along the rugged coast, leaving the sea calm and bright once more. "Many a poor lad's been took like that, Mr Luke, sir," said the speaker, "and never heard of again. Why, if I hadn't called out, it would have took you off your legs, and the current's so strong here you'd have been swept away." "And there'd been an end of me, Polly, and nobody a bit the worse, eh?" The last speaker seemed to fill his sharp, pale face full of tiny wrinkles, and reduced his eyes to mere slits, as he looked keenly at the big robust woman at his side. She was about fifty, but with her black hair as free from grey as that of a girl, her dark eyes bright, and her sun tanned face ruddy with health, as she bent forward with a great fish basket supported on her back by means of a broad leather strap passed over her print sun bonnet and across her forehead... Continue reading book >>

Of High Descent By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)

Of High Descent by George Manville Fenn is an enthralling historical fiction novel that transports readers back to the 19th century. Set in England, the story revolves around the lives of two main characters, Bertha Dalyrmple and Roger Naldred.

From the very beginning, the author skillfully establishes an intriguing atmosphere, immersing readers in the elite social circles of the time. The characters themselves are meticulously crafted, with Bertha and Roger standing out as complex individuals with their own dreams, desires, and struggles.

Fenn's writing style is rich and vivid, painting picturesque scenes and capturing the essence of the era. His attention to detail is impressive, allowing readers to experience the opulence and grandeur of the elite parties and gatherings, as well as the contrasting poverty and harshness of the lower classes.

The novel delves into various themes, including class distinction, love, betrayal, and the pursuit of one's identity. The stark differences between the upper and lower classes are firmly depicted, shedding light on the social inequalities of the time. The emotional rollercoaster that Bertha and Roger embark on keeps readers engaged and invested in their fates.

One aspect that stands out in Of High Descent is the author's ability to create suspense and tension throughout the narrative. Fenn expertly weaves together multiple storylines, gradually revealing secrets and unveiling hidden motivations, ensuring that readers eagerly turn the pages to uncover the truth.

While the pacing of the novel may seem slow at times, primarily due to the detailed descriptions and extensive character development, it ultimately adds depth to the overall reading experience. Fenn's meticulous approach allows readers to truly understand the thoughts and emotions of the characters, making their journey all the more compelling.

Overall, Of High Descent is a captivating historical fiction novel that paints a vivid picture of 19th-century England. Fenn's masterful storytelling and attention to detail create a rich and immersive reading experience. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in the complexities of class dynamics, will find this book to be a satisfying and engrossing read.

First Page:

Volume 1, Chapter I.

"IN THE WEST COUNTREE."

"Take care, Mr Luke Vine, sir. There's a big one coming."

The thin, little, sharp featured, grey haired man on a rock looked sharply round, saw the big one coming, stooped, picked up a large basket, and, fishing rod in hand, stepped back and climbed up a few feet, just as a heavy swell, which seemed to glide along rapidly over the otherwise calm sea, heaved, flooded the rock on which he had been standing, ran right up so high as to bathe his feet, then sank back in a series of glittering falls which sparkled in the glorious sunshine: there was a hissing and sighing and sucking noise among the rocks, and the wave passed on along the rugged coast, leaving the sea calm and bright once more.

"Many a poor lad's been took like that, Mr Luke, sir," said the speaker, "and never heard of again. Why, if I hadn't called out, it would have took you off your legs, and the current's so strong here you'd have been swept away."

"And there'd been an end of me, Polly, and nobody a bit the worse, eh?"

The last speaker seemed to fill his sharp, pale face full of tiny wrinkles, and reduced his eyes to mere slits, as he looked keenly at the big robust woman at his side. She was about fifty, but with her black hair as free from grey as that of a girl, her dark eyes bright, and her sun tanned face ruddy with health, as she bent forward with a great fish basket supported on her back by means of a broad leather strap passed over her print sun bonnet and across her forehead... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – George Manville Fenn
Wikipedia – Of High Descent

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac