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Review: The Chevalier, by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles


#7: 1689-1718: Covers the Glorious Revolution; the Act of Union; the 1715 Rebellion

In 1689, Annunciata Morland goes into exile with James II. Her sons Karellie and Maurice go to Italy, while back at home at Morland Place, her grandson, Matt, is the family patriarch, marrying the cruel and heartless India Neville. It’s a marriage from which nothing good can come. The story covers nearly 30 years, up through the Scottish rebellion in 1715, with James Stuart the “Pretender,” or “Chevalier”—depending on which side you’re on.

Finally, the Morland Dynasty series makes it through the 17th century and into the 18th. The 17th century isn’t a particular favorite, and the character of Annunciata Morland isn’t a particularly appealing one, so I’m sort of glad that her story is mostly over. And even when she was in her fifties and sixties, she was still running around like a much younger woman. Matt’s also not really a favorite character, since he allows India to push him around most of the time and displays none of the strength that previous Morlands have. So this, the seventh book in the series, isn’t a particular favorite, but I still like how Cynthia Harrod-Eagles brings historical events to life. I’m interested to move on to The Maiden, book 8, which opens on the eve of the South Sea Bubble.
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Comments

Teresa said…
I thought this one was pretty good, but not terrific. However, The Maiden is my favorite in the series so far (followed by the Oak Apple).
June 6, 2009 at 7:34 AM
The Tome Traveller said…
They get continually better as you go! I've read them all and am grateful that her current characters take up so many books because they are wonderful. The author obviously loves the later characters, too, the last book takes place over a single year.

Carey
June 6, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Suko said…
Well-written post. Your blog is quite interesting and I'd like to add you to my blogroll.
June 6, 2009 at 3:19 PM
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