R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1452 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I read the background about the heroine prior to beginning the novel. What an amazing woman! The story begins with Eleanor outdoors where she longs to be. She loves studying the insects, the animals and birds but most especially she loves butterflies. Her mother and sister have died and she has only her father who cultivates and encourages her love of the outdoors and studying all things scientifically. When he becomes ill with ague (malaria), she is devastated. He dies and she grows up studying always as he would wish her to do.
Growing up on the moor, she collects insects, plants and whatever she wants to investigate. Her guardian is the man from whom her father borrowed money. He wants her to marry someone who will drain the marsh to make the land more valuable. She falls in love with Edmund Ashfield, a handsome calm individual who is intrigued by her interests. Eventually they marry. When Edmund dies of ague, too, Eleanor is heart broken. Even though she is strongly attracted to his best friend, Richard Glanville, who loves her she avoids him for five years.
Because her interests are so different from other women of her class, Eleanor is viewed as being strange. Rumors begin circulate about her being a witch and/or mad but she ignores them. She continues her study of butterflies and cultivates a friendship with James Petiver who shares her fascination of these lovely creatures.
The life of this unusual woman is fraught with sadness and conflict. She finds happiness with her children and butterflies. I loved the story - perhaps because Eleanor had the courage to follow her interests in spite of those around her. She is brought to trial and declared insane. Fine, fine read.
Growing up on the moor, she collects insects, plants and whatever she wants to investigate. Her guardian is the man from whom her father borrowed money. He wants her to marry someone who will drain the marsh to make the land more valuable. She falls in love with Edmund Ashfield, a handsome calm individual who is intrigued by her interests. Eventually they marry. When Edmund dies of ague, too, Eleanor is heart broken. Even though she is strongly attracted to his best friend, Richard Glanville, who loves her she avoids him for five years.
Because her interests are so different from other women of her class, Eleanor is viewed as being strange. Rumors begin circulate about her being a witch and/or mad but she ignores them. She continues her study of butterflies and cultivates a friendship with James Petiver who shares her fascination of these lovely creatures.
The life of this unusual woman is fraught with sadness and conflict. She finds happiness with her children and butterflies. I loved the story - perhaps because Eleanor had the courage to follow her interests in spite of those around her. She is brought to trial and declared insane. Fine, fine read.
