Leona Francombe

This book is a little outside my preferred fiction genre but I had received this as part of Early Reviewers. However, within a few pages, I was hooked. Although it is a linear narrative from the perspective of the main character Charles Fontaine it weaves three stories his origins in the Ardennes, Belgium his second choice world and career in America but his quest into the family's 12th-century legacy.

The writing is engaging, very descriptive, and even musical at times. No wishing to be a spoiler this was I book I could not put down, although it was easy to read because of its generally concise well-contained chapters.

There is no doubt, at least for me, that this book had the ability to transport the reader in time and place.

It's a masterpiece, thank you.… (altro)

A bit of a slow start but once I was in, I was hooked. The novel follows Charles Fontaine, the heir to a 12th-century estate in Belgium. As a teenager he is enthralled by his eccentric uncle’s challenge to unearth and understand history of his family. Like his mentor, he wants to be a historian, but his strict father has other plans. His life takes a different turn as his father moves them to Connecticut where Charles is introduced to the soulless world of law and finance. In his thirties, Charles’s father wants him to go back to Belgium to sell the family pile. This puts in place a journey of discovery, regarding the true history of the origins of his family and his learning more about himself and where his heart truly lies. The novel is skilfully put together – echoes of the past are inserted into the present in the roles and essence of the characters. The clues draw the reader along as the puzzle is pieced together. The ending is satisfying and not predictable. There is plenty of descriptive writing, especially for sounds, as music is threaded throughout the story. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.… (altro)

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

At first, Charles' story was not compelling. My own biases from reading books about kids moving to America and learning about their history influenced me. Within 30 pages; however, I couldn't release the book. I'm on vacation and any moment of inactivity meant I was reading this novel.

The author creates a fanatical narrative between present and historical day through the eyes of Charles. His wins, losses, loves, and heartbreaks are intimately felt as are those of his ancestors through which he is a sort of medium. I felt feelings stir inside myself as I questioned what pulls me in life, what are my threads, and how do I put that back in the world.

A wonderfully written historical fiction with plenty of introspection to force a pause. I highly recommend this novel.… (altro)