Great Level

In 1649, Jan Brunt, a Dutchman, arrives in England to work on draining and developing the Great Level. He meets Eliza, whose love overturns his ordered vision and forces him to see the world differently. He flees to the New World, where the spirit of avarice is raging, and his skills as an engineer are prized. One spring morning, a boy delivers a note that prompts him to remember the fens and confront all that was lost there. "The Great Level" is a magical, haunting novel of a tragic love affair in a threatened world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2019
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

In the year 1649, a Dutchman named Jan Brunt arrives in England to embark on a challenging project: draining and developing the vast Great Level, a sprawling marshland situated in the heart of the fen country. It is during his time in this remote and picturesque landscape that he encounters a young woman named Eliza, whose presence and affection completely upends Jan's previously structured worldview.

Eliza's unwavering love and courageous defiance challenge Jan's preconceived notions of the world, prompting him to reevaluate his beliefs and priorities. Despite the oppressive societal norms and the dangers that lurk in the surrounding environment, Jan finds himself drawn to Eliza, and their relationship becomes a source of both joy and turmoil.

However, Jan's journey takes an unexpected turn when he decides to flee to the New World, seeking a fresh start and the opportunity to apply his engineering skills in a different context. He believes that he can escape the memories and consequences of his past in this new land.

Yet, as time passes, Jan's thoughts are constantly drawn back to the fens, and the memories of Eliza haunt him. One spring morning, a young boy delivers a note that serves as a stark reminder of the life he left behind. The note compels Jan to confront the painful reality of what he has lost and to reckon with the consequences of his choices.

"The Great Level" is a captivating historical novel that delves into the complexities of love, difference, and the human condition. Philippa Gregory's writing is rich and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era and immersing them in the lives of her characters. The novel offers a haunting depiction of love and its power to transform lives, as well as a poignant exploration of the struggles and sacrifices that people are willing to make in the name of love.

Through Jan's journey, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the choices that we make in the pursuit of happiness. The novel also sheds light on the historical context of the 17th century, providing a vivid portrayal of the social, political, and economic challenges that people faced during that time.

In conclusion, "The Great Level" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction, romance, and thought-provoking storytelling. Philippa Gregory's novel offers a captivating and unforgettable journey that will leave readers pondering the nature of love, the cost of sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780099526438