"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Foden visits the pitfalls of historical fiction. Like Annie Proulx's Accordion Crimes, there are moments in Ladysmith when research overpowers narrative. Like Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong, Foden's love story convinces far less than his war story. In its attempted range--Churchill and Ghandi's encounter prefiguring events of the 1940s, Bella's personal rebellion standing in for the advance of women, the place of Ireland in Britain's colonial plans, Wellington's experiences informing his work with the ANC-- Ladysmith sometimes falls short. But in his evocation of the town's drawn-out suffering, Foden is very good, producing some startling images such as the mockingbirds who "take to imitating the whine and buzz of shells". This is never anything less than a fascinating, ambitious novel, and to see a young author taking on the huge question of how to write history is inspiring indeed. --Alan Stewart
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
£ 2.09
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 467249-n
Book Description Paperback or Softback. Condition: New. Ladysmith 0.77. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9780375708374
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 9780375708374
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2215580169312
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9780375708374
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. From the author of the Whitbread Awardwinning The Last King of Scotland, comes a spellbinding tale of a town under siege in colonial Africa and a young woman who finds love and freedom in the midst of a devastating war.The year is 1899, and the South African town of Ladysmith is surrounded by Boer forces. For four long months bread is thickened with laundry starch and soldiers horses are killed for meat; daily bombings destroy homes and businesses, forcing the towns inhabitants into tunnels and makeshift shelters; and soldiers and townspeople alike are hideously wounded by flying shrapnel. As the world she knows collapses around her, Bella Kiernan finds the courage to escape from convention, to rebel against the political forces that threaten her homeland and to pursue her lifes greatest romance. Ladysmith is a magnificent love story, a vivid portrait of war, and clear confirmation of Giles Fodens standing as a formidably talented novelist. From the author of the Whitbread Award—winning The Last King of Scotland, comes a spellbinding tale of a town under siege in colonial Africa and a young woman who finds love and freedom in the midst of a devastating war. The year is 1899, and the South African town of Ladysmith is surrounded by Boer forces. For four long months bread is thickened with laundry starch and soldier's horses are killed for meat; daily bombings destroy homes and businesses, forcing the town's inhabitants into tunnels and makeshift shelters; and soldiers and townspeople alike are hideously wounded by flying shrapnel. As the world she knows collapses around her, Bella Kiernan finds the courage to escape from convention, to rebel against the political forces that threaten her homeland and to pursue her life's greatest romance." Ladysmith is a magnificent love story, a vivid portrait of war, and clear confirmation of Giles Foden's standing as a formidably talented novelist. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780375708374
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0375708375
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # IQ-9780375708374
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon0375708375
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0375708375