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The Broad Highway   By: (1878-1952)

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The Broad Highway by Jeffery Farnol is a captivating historical romance novel set in England during the early 20th century. Farnol skillfully crafts a tale filled with intrigue, adventure, and tender love that takes readers on a thrilling journey through both the English countryside and the human heart.

The story primarily revolves around the charming protagonist, Peter Ferne, a young man who has experienced the harrowing effects of poverty his entire life. As fate would have it, Peter stumbles upon a deceased local squire with a striking resemblance to himself. Seizing an opportunity to escape his dire circumstances, Peter assumes the identity of the deceased, embarking on a new life filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Throughout the book, Farnol seamlessly weaves together a multitude of distinct characters, each with their own secret motivations and hidden depths. From the enigmatic and mysterious Mark Gilian to the courageous and feisty Kate, the supporting characters breathe life into the story, adding layers of complexity and intrigue that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

The author's attention to detail is one of the book's greatest strengths, particularly when describing the English countryside. Farnol paints vivid and picturesque landscapes, capturing the beauty and tranquility of the countryside with his rich and evocative descriptions. Readers will find themselves transported to a bygone era, able to visualize every stone, tree, and rolling hill as if they were there themselves.

Furthermore, the romance in The Broad Highway unfolds in a tender and realistic manner. Farnol deftly explores the complexities of human emotions, highlighting the nuances of love, trust, and forgiveness. The budding relationship between Peter and Kate is both heartwarming and bittersweet, as they navigate obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. This delicate balance of passion and conflict adds depth to their connection, making their journey all the more captivating.

However, there are moments in the plot where certain events feel slightly predictable, detracting from the overall suspense. Some readers may find themselves anticipating certain twists and turns, which diminishes the element of surprise. Nevertheless, Farnol's engaging storytelling and charming characters compensate for these minor shortcomings, ensuring an enjoyable reading experience.

In summary, The Broad Highway is an enthralling historical romance filled with adventure, mystery, and revelations. Farnol's descriptive prose brings the English countryside to life, while his well-crafted characters captivate readers' hearts. Despite a few predictable moments in the plot, the novel remains a satisfying and compelling read that will leave fans of romance and historical fiction yearning for more.

First Page:

Etext prepared by Polly Stratton and Andrew Sly

The Broad Highway

by Jeffery Farnol

To Shirley Byron Jevons The friend of my boyish ambitions This book is dedicated As a mark of my gratitude, affection and esteem

J. F.

ANTE SCRIPTUM

As I sat of an early summer morning in the shade of a tree, eating fried bacon with a tinker, the thought came to me that I might some day write a book of my own: a book that should treat of the roads and by roads, of trees, and wind in lonely places, of rapid brooks and lazy streams, of the glory of dawn, the glow of evening, and the purple solitude of night; a book of wayside inns and sequestered taverns; a book of country things and ways and people. And the thought pleased me much.

"But," objected the Tinker, for I had spoken my thought aloud, "trees and suchlike don't sound very interestin' leastways not in a book, for after all a tree's only a tree and an inn, an inn; no, you must tell of other things as well."

"Yes," said I, a little damped, "to be sure there is a highwayman "

"Come, that's better!" said the Tinker encouragingly.

"Then," I went on, ticking off each item on my fingers, "come Tom Cragg, the pugilist "

"Better and better!" nodded the Tinker.

" a one legged soldier of the Peninsula, an adventure at a lonely tavern, a flight through woods at midnight pursued by desperate villains, and a most extraordinary tinker... Continue reading book >>




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