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Having read Rosemary's first book, it was with eager anticipation that the second came about and with great luck, I met Rosemary as she gave a talk at a local festival dressed in her fabulous gown.
This book did not disappoint.
The tale of a young woman's turbulent childhood in war torn France, her close relationship with the family 'guardian' Alain but difficult relationship with a headstrong mother. The factual elements of this woman's life were interwoven with embellishment, all of which made perfect sense and was not overly sentimental nor did it deviate from the factual points so much that it became hard to believe.
The poor girl Roberda ended up being married off to Gawen, a sullen, ungrateful and unpleasant man who thought only of money, Roberta's dowry being the biggest cloud over their married lives.
The St Bartholomew Day Massacre featured in this tale, bringing the horrific events to England's attention and the subsequent lives of the French Calvinist supporters. Roberda's attempts to take in refugees thwarted by her difficult husband once he became head of the estate.
This young woman bore children who were unloved by her husband, she struggled to make a terrible match work, she battled with the household staff but she had the tenacity and strength to keep going and showing all that she was a tough nut to crack!
A brilliant book, full of facts, full of places dear to those of us from Devon and another way to learn about a well known location such is Dartington Hall.

Original review on GoodReads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6307220783?book_show_action=false

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