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It Began in Vauxhall Gardens Jean Plaidy 9780399136009 Books

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It Began in Vauxhall Gardens Jean Plaidy 9780399136009 Books

Jean Plaidy was one of my favorite authors when I was in my 20s -- I read most of her books on the Norman and Plantaganet dynasties of England. This book I found on a library shelf about 10 years ago and it made a strong impact on me. I remember insisting that a friend read it (which is something I almost never do with books), and I have never forgotten it.

So when I recently re-discovered this book I was eager to purchase a copy that I could re-read and keep on my bookshelf. The book is a departure from what the author normally wrote under her Jean Plaidy pseudonym. Rather than part of a series on English royalty, it is a stand-alone book based -- according to a very brief note on the copyright page -- on an actual event. The way the note is worded indicates that the author's story is an imagined version of what might have happened.

The book traces the life of Melisande, a beautiful girl born from the illicit affair between a wealthy Cornish gentleman and a poor but beautiful commoner. It is a somewhat sad story, as Melisande's life has been dictated -- though she does not realize it until near the end of the story -- by her father's desire to keep their relationship secret so as not to ruin his impeccable reputation. In spite of her sad beginning and somewhat dreary childhood in a French convent, Melisande is a spirited, hopeful girl who desires nothing more than to make her own choices and have some control over her own fate.

When at age 16 her father finally takes her from the convent and brings her to England, it appears that she may finally get her chance to do just that. Melisande's beauty and charm, as well as her naive and generous nature, captivate everyone (almost) she meets. Nevertheless, it is her very qualities of charm, naivete and loyalty that result in the ultimate tragedy of her life.

Although the course of Melisande's life is more tragic than happy, and though the story has a sad conclusion, it ends on a hopeful note. Melisande has three courses open to her, and the author ends the book without telling the reader which one Melisande will choose. I like that she ends it that way -- inconclusive endings where the reader is left to speculate make for more satisfying and stronger books.

Although I did enjoy this book, I have to say the second time around it seemed far less remarkable to me. I don't believe this is due to any flaw in the book, but just that I have outgrown Jean Plaidy's style. Her writing style -- both in her books written as Jean Plaidy and those written as Victoria Holt -- is simple and, especially in the dialogue between characters, often repetitive and stilted. It is well-suited, I suppose, to the Victorian settings that she most often chose for her stories. As a teenager Victoria Holt books were among my favorites. However, I read one a few years ago and found that it just didn't do anything for me; I had outgrown her style. I think the same is true of this book. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable read that I would recommend.


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It Began in Vauxhall Gardens Jean Plaidy 9780399136009 Books Reviews

This book, also released under the title "Melisande", is based upon a true story that occurred in nineteenth century England that went on to become one of its most notorious scandals. It is a gripping account of the events that impacted upon a young woman's life and her resolution of the seemingly insoluble.

This engrossing, historical fiction details the life of an exquisitely beautiful, young girl, Melisande St. Martin, who is brought up in a French convent, not knowing who her parents are. One day, when she is a young teenager, an Englishman whom she has seen in town from time to time, Sir Charles Trevenning, goes to the convent. Claiming to be her guardian, though he is, in fact, her father, he takes Melisande to England with him, his wife having died, so that she can be a companion to his legitimate daughter, Caroline.

So begins Melisande's bizarre odyssey in life. After the grimness of life in the French convent, Melisande is thrilled by the promise of a new, more secular, life in a grand manor house in Cornwall. All, however, is not what it seems. As soon as Melisande arrives, she captures the unwanted attentions of Fermor, Caroline's devastatingly handsome fiance, incurring Caroline's bitter jealousy. Melisande tries to escape his attentions by developing a relationship with a French expatriate, Leon de la Roche, only to find that he, too, has issues.

Ultimately, through the gossip of the servants, Melisande discovers that the kindly gentleman, whom she thought was her guardian, is, in fact, her father. He, wishing to preserve his reputation and avoid scandal, sends the still innocent Melisande to London, placing her in the care of Fennella, a wealthy and kindly woman of dubious reputation. There, things do not go according to plan, and Melisande leaves Fennella's home, finding a position as lady's maid to a Mrs. Lavender. It is in the Lavender's home that she makes the acquaintance of a yet another man who is to disappoint her. Their relationship would culminate in an event that would find eighteen year old Melisande standing trial for murder.
I rarely write book reviews, even though I read so many books. I loved this one so much that here I am writing a review. If anyone loves Victoria Holt, here's a great one for you. (Jean Plaidy and Victoria Holt are pseudonyms of the same author, Elinor Hibbert.)

If you're looking for a book to snug right into the Victoria Holt vibe, you will love this. It's a bit different (she's not a governess!), but the great writing and emotional attachment is there -- in spades. Read it!
Jean Plaidy was one of my favorite authors when I was in my 20s -- I read most of her books on the Norman and Plantaganet dynasties of England. This book I found on a library shelf about 10 years ago and it made a strong impact on me. I remember insisting that a friend read it (which is something I almost never do with books), and I have never forgotten it.

So when I recently re-discovered this book I was eager to purchase a copy that I could re-read and keep on my bookshelf. The book is a departure from what the author normally wrote under her Jean Plaidy pseudonym. Rather than part of a series on English royalty, it is a stand-alone book based -- according to a very brief note on the copyright page -- on an actual event. The way the note is worded indicates that the author's story is an imagined version of what might have happened.

The book traces the life of Melisande, a beautiful girl born from the illicit affair between a wealthy Cornish gentleman and a poor but beautiful commoner. It is a somewhat sad story, as Melisande's life has been dictated -- though she does not realize it until near the end of the story -- by her father's desire to keep their relationship secret so as not to ruin his impeccable reputation. In spite of her sad beginning and somewhat dreary childhood in a French convent, Melisande is a spirited, hopeful girl who desires nothing more than to make her own choices and have some control over her own fate.

When at age 16 her father finally takes her from the convent and brings her to England, it appears that she may finally get her chance to do just that. Melisande's beauty and charm, as well as her naive and generous nature, captivate everyone (almost) she meets. Nevertheless, it is her very qualities of charm, naivete and loyalty that result in the ultimate tragedy of her life.

Although the course of Melisande's life is more tragic than happy, and though the story has a sad conclusion, it ends on a hopeful note. Melisande has three courses open to her, and the author ends the book without telling the reader which one Melisande will choose. I like that she ends it that way -- inconclusive endings where the reader is left to speculate make for more satisfying and stronger books.

Although I did enjoy this book, I have to say the second time around it seemed far less remarkable to me. I don't believe this is due to any flaw in the book, but just that I have outgrown Jean Plaidy's style. Her writing style -- both in her books written as Jean Plaidy and those written as Victoria Holt -- is simple and, especially in the dialogue between characters, often repetitive and stilted. It is well-suited, I suppose, to the Victorian settings that she most often chose for her stories. As a teenager Victoria Holt books were among my favorites. However, I read one a few years ago and found that it just didn't do anything for me; I had outgrown her style. I think the same is true of this book. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable read that I would recommend.