Helpful Score: 1
This book was recommended to me by a friend who knew I liked historical fiction and had read it about 30 years ago. While it was a good "beach read" I cannot recommend it as any kind of "real" historical fiction--it is on the cusp(well, maybe over the cusp) of being a bodice-ripper. The characters were pretty predictable (seeming bad guys were really good guys, ones that seemed good turned bad, etc.)and the plot was pretty thin, but it was a quick read and not totally unenjoyable. If you want something for a quick vacation/airplane and don't want anything heavy, this will probably suit your needs.
Basically, the heroine has flashbacks and had a prior life as a lady in the 13th century. Her life there has eerie similarities to her life in the present; many of the characters apparently followed her from that life to this for nefarious purposes. Everything ties up neatly at the end. I've never read any of Barbara Erskine's books before, but I suspect she is of the romance-novel genre.
Basically, the heroine has flashbacks and had a prior life as a lady in the 13th century. Her life there has eerie similarities to her life in the present; many of the characters apparently followed her from that life to this for nefarious purposes. Everything ties up neatly at the end. I've never read any of Barbara Erskine's books before, but I suspect she is of the romance-novel genre.
can hypnosis change your mind....
I like the way past and present were merged and overlapped.
This is a very long book, about 750 pages. It takes place in the UK and is a story about time travel and possible reincarnation. I thought the book was good but it did take me a long time to read the whole thing.
I love Time Travel Books this was a very good one.
Gripping story of journalist who goes back into the past
I read this a few times as a teenager and enjoyed it very much.
Truly one of the best and most spellbinding books about past life regression I have ever read. If you haven't read a Barbara Erskine book, don't miss this one!
Past-life regression, from modern day back to 1100's, King John, the Welsh, the English barons. Great story. Slow start, but couldn't put it down in the end.
Great storyline and a satisfying mystery!
From Library Journal
Matilda de Braose was an actual 12th-century Englishwoman who angered and was put to death by King John. Fictional journalist Jo Clifford undergoes hypnosis while researching the story of her previous life as Matilda. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with the story, her male friends assume the roles of Matilda's husband, lover, and the king, manipulated by "mad scientist" Dr. Sam Franklyn, who hypnotizes all of them. Jo's story is initially an annoying intrusion in a historical drama that could easily have stood on its own merits. The modern-day characters are all "types," none of them particularly likeable. However, as Matilda's death nears, this complex first novel turns in to an engrossing gothic that races to an exciting conclusion
Matilda de Braose was an actual 12th-century Englishwoman who angered and was put to death by King John. Fictional journalist Jo Clifford undergoes hypnosis while researching the story of her previous life as Matilda. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with the story, her male friends assume the roles of Matilda's husband, lover, and the king, manipulated by "mad scientist" Dr. Sam Franklyn, who hypnotizes all of them. Jo's story is initially an annoying intrusion in a historical drama that could easily have stood on its own merits. The modern-day characters are all "types," none of them particularly likeable. However, as Matilda's death nears, this complex first novel turns in to an engrossing gothic that races to an exciting conclusion
Book Description
Two Women, Eight Hundred Years, and the Destiny They Share
"Barbara Erskine can make us feel the cold, smell the filth, and experience some of the fear of the power of evil men...The author's storytelling talent is undeniable."
-Times of London
With a story as mesmerizing as it is chilling, Lady of Hay explores how Jo, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay-who lived eight hundred years earlier. As she learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her troubled love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she received from King John, it seems that Jo's past and present are hopelessly entwined. Centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again-and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history.
My Review
This was a fascinating story which switched from the present day to the 12th century. Barbara Erskine's writing is easy to read and brings history to life. The characters were very believable and their emotions were transferred to the reader. The plot was intriguing and allowed for a page-turner which was unputdownable until the last page. I look forward to reading another of Erskine's books and recommend this one to those who love historical fiction mixed with adventure and romance.
Two Women, Eight Hundred Years, and the Destiny They Share
"Barbara Erskine can make us feel the cold, smell the filth, and experience some of the fear of the power of evil men...The author's storytelling talent is undeniable."
-Times of London
With a story as mesmerizing as it is chilling, Lady of Hay explores how Jo, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay-who lived eight hundred years earlier. As she learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her troubled love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she received from King John, it seems that Jo's past and present are hopelessly entwined. Centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again-and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history.
My Review
This was a fascinating story which switched from the present day to the 12th century. Barbara Erskine's writing is easy to read and brings history to life. The characters were very believable and their emotions were transferred to the reader. The plot was intriguing and allowed for a page-turner which was unputdownable until the last page. I look forward to reading another of Erskine's books and recommend this one to those who love historical fiction mixed with adventure and romance.
