Wideacre | Paperback

i bought this book after reading 'the other boleyn girl'.
Set in the 1800's when no girl could inherit any property after her parents death.
She loves wideacre so much she would do anything and i mean anything to make sure it is hers.
Including an incestuous relationship with her brother which results in 2 children. The early demise of her father at the hands of her childhood sweetheart. The death of her mother who dies of shock after seeing her daughter and son together. All leave a mark on her and leave her a cold calculating woman which in the end lead to the demise of both her and her beloved Wideacre.

This is the first book that I have read by this author Not usually my 'type' of book but as it came highly recommended I 'gave it a try'.
Wow! I was not disappointed. This book is set in the 19th century and centres around the aspirations of Beatrice the elder of two children who, because of her gender, is not entitled to inherit her family estate. 'Wideacre' is 'everything' to Beatrice and there is nothing she will not do or consider to secure her place and ownership of her wonderful house and grounds. This book is a page turner. It is rare to become so engrossed in a book of fiction.

I first came across Philippa Gregory when I read The Other Boleyn Girl & have found all her books compelling reading ever since & this book is no exception! At first you feel sorry for Beatrice in a world where only men are important and she has to do some dispicable things to try & get her hearts desire! But as the story unfolds you empathise with the other characters who are paying the price for her desire! You start to hate her as well, but never quite fully as you constantly hope she will change! You also feel sorry for her to some extent that she has become so blinded by her desire. To say more could spoil the story for you but I'm now onto The Favoured Child which I am sure will be equally as good!