Norah Lofts était une auteure britannique prolifique, célébrée pour sa fiction historique captivante. Ses œuvres explorent souvent la vie de ceux qui ont habité des maisons spécifiques au fil des siècles, insufflant la vie au passé avec un souci méticuleux du détail. Lofts excellait à saisir l'esprit des différentes époques et conditions sociales, montrant une préoccupation particulière pour le sort des plus démunis et leurs luttes pour améliorer leurs conditions. Sa création de la ville fictive de Baildon dans l'East Anglia sert de paysage littéraire propre, à l'instar du Wessex de Thomas Hardy, et sa maîtrise stylistique en fait une figure importante de la fiction historique.
The narrative combines suspense and humor, creating a unique atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the very end. This darker thriller not only captivates with its mystery but also enriches the British Library Women Writers series, showcasing the depth of female authorship. First published in 1945, it highlights Loft's skillful storytelling, making it a noteworthy read for fans of the genre.
Kevin Furmage was a visionary... a man whose burning obsession was to make a mark upon the world. When he heard the rumour of a new mountain route, and acquired a hand-drawn map, to the fertile land of California, he became determined to be the first man to lead a group of pioneers along the trail. In the wagon train was a strange and ill-assorted group of people. Madame Jurer with her painted wagon full of girls; Dave Glenny, self-willed, brutal and terrorising his wife and child; Ben and Mahitabel Smith, honest and God-fearing, with a pretty eighteen-year-old daughter who was expected to behave like a woman and think like a child. These were the people faced not only with appalling hardship but also with the problem of living with one another on an untried route with the ferocious cold of a Rocky Mountain winter to endure.
Norah Lofts' classic take on the story of Sir Walter Raleigh.
The narrative follows the Tresize family as they confront a devastating curse that plagues their lineage across three generations. Each family member faces unique challenges and tragedies, highlighting their resilience and the impact of inherited misfortune. The story delves into themes of fate, family bonds, and the struggle to break free from a dark legacy.
Set in the early 20th century, the story unfolds in a mysterious country house with a rich history. The protagonist, drawn to the enigmatic Gad's Hall, uncovers secrets that intertwine the past with the present. As they explore the house's dark corners, themes of family legacy, hidden truths, and the supernatural emerge. The narrative combines elements of suspense and intrigue, inviting readers to ponder the impact of history on personal identity and relationships.
A knight-errant focused solely on his next tournament, Sir Godfrey Tallboys navigates the challenges of chivalry and competition. As he strives for glory, his journey reveals deeper themes of honor, duty, and the complexities of knighthood. Set against a backdrop of medieval tournaments, the story explores not only the excitement of battle but also the personal growth and moral dilemmas that come with a life dedicated to the ideals of knighthood.
The story follows Henry Tallboys, the eldest son of Sir Godfrey and Lady Sybilla, who struggles to make a living on Knight's Acre. His unwavering stubbornness and deep sense of honesty compel him to sacrifice his own financial needs to save money for a brother he believes is missing and presumed dead. This poignant tale explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of family ties against the backdrop of rural life.
Set against a backdrop of adventure and intrigue, the story follows Sir Godfrey Tallboys, a man of noble birth who embarks on a journey that tests his courage and integrity. As he navigates the complexities of love, betrayal, and ambition, Tallboys encounters a cast of vivid characters that challenge his ideals and shape his destiny. Themes of honor, loyalty, and the pursuit of true purpose are woven throughout, making for a compelling narrative that explores the essence of manhood in a tumultuous world.
Traces the lives of the inhabitants of the Old Vine townhouse during its descent into a rural tenement house.
Exploring themes of resilience and the intertwining of heritage and identity, this narrative delves into a family's journey as they transform a house born from tragedy into a home filled with joy. The story weaves together elements of gypsy lore, independence, and the struggle to find belonging, questioning whether a past steeped in magic and mystery can coexist with a desire for stability and respectability.