Cordelia

Readers of the Poldark series of novels will know that Winston Graham was a really talented author, and this book, Cordelia, is another delight. Set in Victorian Manchester, it is the story of a young woman, Cordelia, who marries into a slightly dysfunctional, faintly claustrophobic, eccentric family whose patriarch, Frederick, is at once a freethinking liberal businessman and an oppressive control freak. Cordelia soon discovers that his son's first wife, Margaret, died in mysterious circumstances, and fears that she may go the same way. But the beauty of the novel is the way all of the characters - Cordelia herself, her weak husband, her oppressive father-in-law, his eccentric and weirdly talented brother, and Cordelia's lover, are all described and developed, none being simply evil or good, all having legitimate desires and difficulties, none fully understanding the others, all making difficult choices and mistakes. The historical background, as one would expect from Winston Graham, is intimately evoked, and the tale has many satisfying twists and turns. It's a joy - a subtle, delightful page-turner, which makes you think, as well. What more could you ask from a novel?

I loved this book, Winston Graham writes so well. I bought it on kindle and read well into the night to finish it. I did not guess the end u til the very last chapter.

good

As with all Winston Graham's books - a jolly good read.

He weaves his characters beautifully.

I really enjoy reading Winston Graham.

Loved it. Am reading anything that Winston Graham wrote. I think this is one of his best!

excellent, a really good read. Enjoyed every minute.