Penelope Brandling A Tale of the Welsh coast in the Eighteenth Century By: Vernon Lee (1856-1935)
Penelope Brandling: A Tale of the Welsh Coast in the Eighteenth Century by Vernon Lee is a wonderfully atmospheric novel set against the backdrop of the Welsh coast in the 1700s. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I found this book to be a captivating and immersive experience. The story revolves around the eponymous Penelope Brandling, a young and headstrong woman who, after the sudden death of her parents, is sent to live with her cold and indifferent uncle in the rural landscape of Wales. From the very beginning, Lee skillfully paints a vivid picture of the Welsh countryside, highlighting its wild beauty and imposing cliffs that serve as constant reminders of the challenging and untamed nature of Penelope's new home. What sets this novel apart is its evocative prose, which beautifully captures the essence of the time period. Lee's descriptive language breathes life into every scene, making the landscape a character in its own right. The author's meticulous attention to detail ensures that readers can vividly imagine the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Welsh coast, transporting us to a bygone era. The character development in Penelope Brandling is superb. Penelope herself is an engaging and multi-layered protagonist, defying the societal expectations placed upon her. She possesses a strong will, intelligence, and an unwavering desire for independence, making her a protagonist that readers can root for. Surrounding Penelope are a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinctive personalities and motivations, contributing to the richness of the narrative. Vernon Lee's storytelling is not only emotionally compelling but also meticulously research-driven. The author delves deep into the history and customs of the era, seamlessly incorporating them into the plot without overwhelming the reader. The historical accuracy adds a layer of authenticity and enriches the reading experience, allowing the story to come alive in a way that feels genuine and captivating. However, one minor criticism I had was the pacing of the novel. At times, the narrative seemed to lag, with slower moments that detracted from the overall momentum of the story. That being said, it did not significantly hinder my enjoyment of the book, as the lush descriptions and engaging characters kept me invested throughout. In conclusion, Penelope Brandling: A Tale of the Welsh Coast in the Eighteenth Century is a beautifully written historical novel that expertly blends captivating storytelling, rich descriptions, and well-developed characters. Vernon Lee's mastery of setting and delightful prose will transport readers to the rugged and enchanting landscapes of Wales as they follow Penelope's journey of self-discovery. First Page: PENELOPE BRANDLING By VERNON LEE A TALE OF THE WELSH COAST IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY LONDON T. FISHER UNWIN PATERNOSTER SQUARE M CM III TO AUGUSTINE BULTEAU THIS STORY OF NORTHERN WRECKERS, IN RETURN FOR A PIECE OF PARIAN MARBLE PICKED UP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SURF AT PALO GRANDFEY, NEAR F., IN SWITZERLAND. May 15, 1822. Having reached an age when the morrow is more than uncertain, and knowing how soon all verbal tradition becomes blurred and distorted, I, Sophia Penelope, daughter of Jacques de Morat, a cadet of the Counts of that name, sometime a captain in the service of King Louis XV., and of Sophia Hamilton, his wife; and furthermore, widow of the late Sir Eustace Brandling, ninth baronet, of St. Salvat's Castle, in the county of Glamorgan, have yielded to the wishes of my dear surviving sons, and am preparing to consign to paper, for the benefit of their children and grandchildren, some account of those circumstances in my life which decided that the lot of this family should so long have been cast in foreign parts and remote colonies, instead of in its ancestral and legitimate home. I can the better fulfil this last duty to my dear ones, living and dead, that I have by me a journal which, as it chanced, I was in the habit of keeping at that period; and require to draw upon my memory only for such details as happen to be missing in that casual record of my daily life some fifty years ago... Continue reading book >>

Penelope Brandling A Tale of the Welsh coast in the Eighteenth Century By: Vernon Lee (1856-1935)

Penelope Brandling: A Tale of the Welsh Coast in the Eighteenth Century by Vernon Lee is a wonderfully atmospheric novel set against the backdrop of the Welsh coast in the 1700s. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I found this book to be a captivating and immersive experience.

The story revolves around the eponymous Penelope Brandling, a young and headstrong woman who, after the sudden death of her parents, is sent to live with her cold and indifferent uncle in the rural landscape of Wales. From the very beginning, Lee skillfully paints a vivid picture of the Welsh countryside, highlighting its wild beauty and imposing cliffs that serve as constant reminders of the challenging and untamed nature of Penelope's new home.

What sets this novel apart is its evocative prose, which beautifully captures the essence of the time period. Lee's descriptive language breathes life into every scene, making the landscape a character in its own right. The author's meticulous attention to detail ensures that readers can vividly imagine the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Welsh coast, transporting us to a bygone era.

The character development in Penelope Brandling is superb. Penelope herself is an engaging and multi-layered protagonist, defying the societal expectations placed upon her. She possesses a strong will, intelligence, and an unwavering desire for independence, making her a protagonist that readers can root for. Surrounding Penelope are a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinctive personalities and motivations, contributing to the richness of the narrative.

Vernon Lee's storytelling is not only emotionally compelling but also meticulously research-driven. The author delves deep into the history and customs of the era, seamlessly incorporating them into the plot without overwhelming the reader. The historical accuracy adds a layer of authenticity and enriches the reading experience, allowing the story to come alive in a way that feels genuine and captivating.

However, one minor criticism I had was the pacing of the novel. At times, the narrative seemed to lag, with slower moments that detracted from the overall momentum of the story. That being said, it did not significantly hinder my enjoyment of the book, as the lush descriptions and engaging characters kept me invested throughout.

In conclusion, Penelope Brandling: A Tale of the Welsh Coast in the Eighteenth Century is a beautifully written historical novel that expertly blends captivating storytelling, rich descriptions, and well-developed characters. Vernon Lee's mastery of setting and delightful prose will transport readers to the rugged and enchanting landscapes of Wales as they follow Penelope's journey of self-discovery.

First Page:

PENELOPE BRANDLING

VERNON LEE

A TALE OF THE WELSH COAST IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

LONDON

T. FISHER UNWIN

PATERNOSTER SQUARE

M CM III

AUGUSTINE BULTEAU

THIS STORY

OF NORTHERN WRECKERS,

IN RETURN FOR A PIECE OF PARIAN

MARBLE PICKED UP IN THE

MEDITERRANEAN SURF

AT PALO

GRANDFEY, NEAR F., IN SWITZERLAND.

May 15, 1822.

Having reached an age when the morrow is more than uncertain, and knowing how soon all verbal tradition becomes blurred and distorted, I, Sophia Penelope, daughter of Jacques de Morat, a cadet of the Counts of that name, sometime a captain in the service of King Louis XV., and of Sophia Hamilton, his wife; and furthermore, widow of the late Sir Eustace Brandling, ninth baronet, of St. Salvat's Castle, in the county of Glamorgan, have yielded to the wishes of my dear surviving sons, and am preparing to consign to paper, for the benefit of their children and grandchildren, some account of those circumstances in my life which decided that the lot of this family should so long have been cast in foreign parts and remote colonies, instead of in its ancestral and legitimate home.

I can the better fulfil this last duty to my dear ones, living and dead, that I have by me a journal which, as it chanced, I was in the habit of keeping at that period; and require to draw upon my memory only for such details as happen to be missing in that casual record of my daily life some fifty years ago... Continue reading book >>

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