The King's General

De: Daphne du Maurier

Narrado por: Juliet Stevenson

A classic work of historical fiction from the author of Rebecca and The Birds.

Honor Harris is only eighteen when she first meets Richard Grenvile, proud, reckless — and utterly captivating. But following a riding accident, Honor must reconcile herself to a life alone. As the English Civil war is waged across the country, Richard rises through the ranks of the army, marries and makes enemies, and Honor remains true to him.

Decades later, an undaunted Sir Richard, now a general serving King Charles I, finds her. Finally they can share their passion in the ruins of her family's great estate on the storm-tossed Cornish coast — one last time before being torn apart, never to embrace again.

"Daphne du Maurier is a magician, a virtuoso. She can conjure up tragedy, tension, suspense, the ridiculous, the vain, the romantic." —Good Housekeeping

History yes, narrative interest no

We are told that the research was meticulous, and I believe it. The narrator is nevertheless absolutely tiresome and poor company after a chapter or two. She ticks reliably between sententious proclamations and an implausible devotion to the relentlessly malignant Grenville.

Fascinating

First, Juliet Stevenson is an amazing performer that would elevate any book. But in this case, the book itself was fascinating. It covers a historical time frame — the British Civil Wars — that I, as an American, was not overly familiar with. The protagonist is a strong, principals woman. Some notions date and casual sexism and antisemitism do rub. But being both a product of the early 1960s and a historical novel they can be managed and not deter too much from enjoying the story. Mostly DuMaurier has created an engaging couple. A true love for the ages. And a perspective of warfare from the civilian perspective, which felt fresh. Highly recommended.

Magnificent

An enthralling and gripping book masterfully read by a very talented narrator. highly recommended book

brilliant

Juliet Stevenson does Daphne du Maurier justice and more. a gripping story, brought to life in vivid colour

History and mystery

Excellent book. I really enjoyed it. I am becoming a Daphne du Maurier fan. I have enjoyed Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Frenchman’s Creek and this.