Genny S. reviewed on + 141 more book reviews
I couldn't put this book down. Philippa Gregory has created the creepiest, most paranoid, cruel, and probably insane main male character named Stephen Winters. Raised in an upper class family by a mother with absolutely no redeeming human graces and who only cares about "what is the correct thing to do" and what others will think of her and her family. Stephen is shamed into joining the British army by his family and community and he is a devout coward even before joining. He degenerates rapidly in the trenches in Belgium in World War I and creates unspeakable acts of cruelty for which he receives medals. When he marries he becomes a selfish abusive spouse who knows nothing about women or love. Lily, his wife is merely a side light in this book. His is the story and it is truly frightening and disgusting as he forces his wife to have a child he does not want or love. His relationship with his "man" Coventry is strange in the extreme. Good book. Gregory is a talented author. I hated this guy....but I liked the book and I liked the ending. Genny
