Larkswood - Hardcover

Mendes, Valerie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1409129322 ISBN 13: 9781409129325

Publisher: Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd ), 2014

Synopsis

In the tradition of THE FORSYTE SAGA, a sweeping historical novel that spans three generations, telling the dark secrets of a family torn apart. Larkswood House. The very name suggests birdsong, peace and elegance. It is home to the Hamilton children - Edward, Cynthia and Harriet - who enjoy the freedom and excitement of privilege. But in the glorious summer of 1896, with absent parents and a departed governess, disaster strikes the family, leaving it cruelly divided. More than forty years later, on the eve of the Second World War, Louisa Hamilton, newly presented at court but struck down with glandular fever, is sent to Larkswood to recuperate. There, for the first time, she meets her grandfather, Edward, home after decades in India. But as Louisa begins to fall under the spell of Larkswood, she realises it holds the key to the mystery that shattered her family two generations before. Will she find the courage to unravel the dark secrets of the past? And can Larkswood ever become home to happiness again?

About this title

About the Author

Valerie Mendes started her working life as a journalist, before moving into book publishing where she worked with Oxford University Press, Penguin Books and Elsevier among others. She lives in Oxfordshire. www.valeriemendes.com

Review

This impressive debut captures the period beautifully, but also delivers a gripping mystery that'll keep you hooked to the end. * CANDIS MAGAZINE * Her son, Sam Mendes, may be better known, but Valerie Mendes has written her first adult novel at the age of 74. Larkswood is a mystery stretching back over three generations. * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING * I have reread LARKSWOOD and wanted to say I enjoyed it even more the second time than the first. I was genuinely touched by it. By the end you really care about them all. The characters are terrifically well drawn, especially Edward, and it has a powerful atmosphere that lingers long after it ends. You should be tremendously proud of it. It's a really wonderful achievement. -- Sam Mendes, CBE Larkswood is a mystery stretching back over three generations * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING * A very readable family drama with enough mystery to keep you hooked -- Jaine Blackman * OXFORD TIMES * An enjoyable family saga with tones of a darker Downtown Abbey * WE LOVE THIS BOOK * If there's a beautiful old house on a book's cover, I want a family saga of richness and breadth, a mystery that runs through that family like a San Andreas fault, captivating characters and gorgeous atmosphere. And this has it all .... Scrumptious storytelling. -- Kate Saunders * SAGA MAGAZINE * This impressive debut captures the period beautifully, but also delivers a gripping mystery that'll keep you hooked until the end * CANDIS * 4 stars - When Louisa Hamilton is sent to Larkswood, her family home, to convalesce she meets her grandfather Edward, home from decades in India. She soon realises the house holds the key to the mystery that shattered her family. * DAILY EXPRESS *

About this edition

• Publisher: Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1409129322
• ISBN 13: 9781409129325
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 448