Set In Stone

Samuel Godwin, a young art tutor, accepts a job with the Farrow family and uncovers a web of secrets and lies. He discovers why Marianne is emotionally fragile, leading to revenge and betrayal. Linda Newbery's novel combines different voices and a different century with her usual brilliance.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 26 April 2018
\n Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
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When Samuel Godwin, a young and naive art tutor, accepts a job with the Farrow family at their majestic home, little does he expect to come across such a web of secrets and lies. His two tutees are as different as chalk and cheese – the beautiful younger sister Marianne, full of flightiness and nervous imagination, and Juliana, oddly sensible and controlled. Assisted by their elusive governess, Charlotte Agnew, Samuel begins to uncover slowly why Marianne is so emotionally fragile. But his discoveries lead to revenge and betrayal – and lives all around are turned upside down as life and death combat each other for supremacy.

Linda Newbery has written a novel in diary style, combining different voices and a different century with her usual brilliance and ease. These are characters full of the same passions as our own today, while living in a less familiar and fascinating time.

Marianne, the younger sister, is portrayed as a beautiful and flighty individual with a vivid imagination and a nervous disposition. She is often caught up in her own thoughts and struggles to connect with others on an emotional level. On the other hand, Juliana is portrayed as the opposite of her sister. She is sensible, controlled, and practical, often exhibiting a calm and collected demeanor.

Charlotte Agnew, the governess, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of the story. She is enigmatic and elusive, always keeping her true intentions and motivations hidden from the characters. As Samuel begins to delve deeper into Marianne's emotional fragility, he becomes increasingly reliant on Charlotte for information and guidance. However, his trust in her is tested when he discovers that she has her own secrets and agendas.

The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. It sheds light on the social and cultural norms of the 18th century, particularly the role of women and the expectations placed upon them. Through the characters' experiences, the novel raises questions about the nature of truth, justice, and the consequences of one's actions.

One of the notable aspects of the novel is its diary style, which allows the reader to experience the story through the eyes of different characters. This technique adds depth and complexity to the narrative, as the reader can gain a broader understanding of the characters and their motivations. The different voices and perspectives also contribute to the rich and immersive experience of the novel.

Overall, "The Diary of a Young Girl" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the 18th century. Linda Newbery's writing is masterful, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The novel's themes and messages continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless classic.

\n Weight: 256g\n
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781784163778\n \n