I fell in love with ‘Penmarric’ years ago, when I was still at school, from the very first sentences.

“I was ten years old when I first saw Penmarric and twenty years old when I first saw Janna Roslyn, but my reaction to both was identical.”

These words immediately hooked me, and I had to read on. I was completely gripped from start to finish. I devoured every other book by Susan Howatch that I could find. While I liked some more than others, all of them had something to recommend them. However, my absolute favourites were the three big books that reset stories from mediaeval history in the more recent past: ‘Penmarric,’ ‘Cashelmara,’ and’ The Wheel of Fortune.’

And above all, I adored ‘Penmarric.’

Mark Castellack’s mother, Maud, had a single-minded ambition, an all-consuming obsession that she fought for with every weapon at her disposal. Her goal was to regain Penmarric, the family estate that her father had left to a distant cousin instead of his only surviving child, simply because she was a girl. Maud eventually achieved her victory. Mark inherited Penmarric. But her triumph came at a great price.

The story is told in six volumes, by five different narrators: Mark Castellack, his wife, one of his illegitimate sons, and two of his legitimate sons who would, in their turn, be masters of Penmarric. Sixty years pass, from the later years of Queen Victoria’s reign to the end of World War II, filled with every conceivable kind of family drama.

In less capable hands, this could have been a chaotic mess, but Susan Howatch made it work brilliantly.

The foundations are solid: the story is based on that of Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their sons, including Richard the Lionheart and King John. History records that their relationships were tumultuous, with the king’s attempts to divide his kingdom met with opposition from his wife and sons, leading to her exile and their continued intrigues against each other and their father.

It’s a captivating plot, and the resetting is ingenious. Each chapter is headed with relevant quotations from serious historical works, and the story follows the outline and incorporates many details without ever feeling constrained or compromised. But it doesn’t matter if you don’t know the history, because ‘Penmarric’ stands on its own as a wonderful, dark, historical family saga.

The characters are truly remarkable; they are real, three-dimensional human beings. I understood their motivations, their ambitions, their hopes, their dreams, and their fears, and I appreciated how life and experience changed them over the years, not always for the better. They could be infuriating, and in many cases, they were not likeable, but they were undeniably fascinating.

I’m trying hard not to give away too many details and not to show favouritism, but I must mention that Janna’s journey from a farmer’s widow, through a troubled marriage, to a classic matriarch was truly wonderful. I really took a liking to Phillip, who was a difficult child but grew into a man of strong principles, determined to follow his own path. And I was charmed by Jan-Yves, who was a spoiled brat as a child but eventually sorted things out and grew up.

And then there’s the setting. Cornwall, and my particular part of Cornwall. I’m delighted to report that Susan Howatch gets it just right. She brought the world that I knew from the days of my grandparents and great-grandparents to life so vividly. The people, the places, the traditional Cornish industries, everything was captured perfectly and integrated into the heart of the story.

Everything came together beautifully: the story, the characters, and the setting. And the style was equally wonderful. Five voices told the story simply and directly, each voice distinct and ringing true.

‘Penmarric’ is a substantial book, with more than 700 pages, but I read it quickly because I was completely engrossed from start to finish. I always wanted to know what would happen next and how events would unfold. And I would have been quite content for it to continue for much longer, as the ending did seem a little abrupt. At least I could check what should have happened next against real history…

It’s not perfect; there are some dips in the story, the tone is often quite heavy, and important lessons are never learned. But I love it nonetheless.

**"3.5 Stars: A Balanced Assessment"**

In the world of reviews and ratings, a 3.5-star rating holds a unique position. It is not a perfect score, but it also doesn't signify complete disappointment.

A 3.5-star rating indicates that a product, service, or experience has its strengths and weaknesses. It may have some features or qualities that are highly impressive, while others may fall slightly short of expectations.

For example, a restaurant with a 3.5-star rating might offer delicious food but have slow service or an average ambiance. Similarly, a movie with this rating could have a captivating storyline but lack in some technical aspects.

Overall, a 3.5-star rating serves as a reminder that nothing is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. It encourages both consumers and providers to strive for better and to find a balance between the good and the not-so-good.

Whether you are reading a review or receiving a rating, a 3.5-star should be seen as a fair and honest assessment that provides valuable insights.

I was truly hoping to have a great liking for this book.

Initially, I was on the verge of giving it a two-star rating or perhaps even quitting around page 400.

However, to my pleasant surprise, it finally began to get really good.

The story revolves around an arrogant young man named Mark.

He inherits an old house called Penmarric, which is located on the Tin coast of Cornwall.

Mark seduces a young girl named Rose and later marries a woman who is ten years older than him, named Janna.

He has two children with Rose and seven living children with Janna.

Tragedy seems to follow these children as they grow up.

The complex web of relationships and the unfolding of events make this story a captivating one.

Despite the slow start, it manages to draw the reader in and keep them engaged till the end.

It makes one wonder about the consequences of Mark's actions and how they impact the lives of those around him.

Overall, it's a story that has its share of drama, romance, and tragedy.

PENMARRIC by Susan Howatch is an absolute masterpiece of a novel!

Set in 19th and 20th Century England, it delves into the lives of two families. We witness their intense passions, the arduous struggles they face, their glorious successes, the complex issues of class and privilege, the hardships that test them, and the betrayals that shatter their relationships. The family land, estate, magnificent home, and fortune become the central elements around which the story weaves, passing from one generation to another in a captivating manner.

Howatch's talent in developing characters and personalities is truly remarkable. She details their interactions with such precision and describes their motivations so vividly that it all contributes to the wonderful and dramatic furtherance of the plot. Every word in this 700+ page novel is carefully chosen and serves a purpose. There is no wasted space or unnecessary fluff. It is all good, all engaging, and all deserving of a five-star rating. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Wow. Once again, Susan Howatch has crafted a remarkable work. She has taken an ordinary family and intertwined its story with that of an important family in British history - in this case, Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their sons, especially Richard the Lionheart and King John II.

The novel "Penmarric" spans from the late 1800s through World War II. It shares similarities with the original true story, yet it has its own unique twists. Since I have always been fascinated by the Plantagenet era, these books hold a special appeal for me. However, even those without a deep knowledge of the historical parallel can appreciate Howatch's masterful storytelling.

To fully enjoy this book, you need to invest some time as it is quite substantial. But it is truly well worth it. Some comments on the Goodreads board have piqued my interest in her Starbridge series, where her writing is said to be even better than in "Penmarric" and "Wheel of Fortune". It's exciting to discover a "new" author and explore her works.

I can't wait to delve into the Starbridge series and see if it lives up to the hype. Howatch's ability to create engaging and complex stories is truly remarkable, and I'm looking forward to experiencing more of her writing.

Good old 1970s cover!

I'm a die-hard fan of Poldark. I've not only made my way through the captivating BBC series but also devoured the entire 12-book series.

Somewhere on the vast expanse of the internet, I chanced upon a list titled “what to read if you like Poldark”, and Penmarric赫然 appeared on that list. I must say, it was a brilliant recommendation.

Penmarric is a solid family drama/epic that is set in the beautiful Cornwall from 1890 to 1945. It follows the lives of five family members through significant chapters of their existence.

What I didn't realize until about 200 pages into the book is that it's also a loose retelling of the lives of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionhearted, and King John (of Robin Hood fame). At that moment, I became even more engrossed because I find Eleanor of Aquitaine to be an incredibly interesting historical figure.

Surprisingly, no one in this story is likeable. In fact, they're all rather horrible. But that didn't deter me from being completely invested in the characters for the entire 700 pages. The complex web of relationships and the tumultuous events kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next.

It's a testament to the author's skill that even with unlikable characters, the story managed to hold my attention and draw me in completely. I'm so glad I found this hidden gem and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical family drama.

Another back story review:

Susan Howatch tells the story of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and 'The Devil's Brood' through a 20th century family saga.

Most of the time, one can identify the historical character within the fictional one she creates. However, I must admit that I can't see Geoffrey le Bel (also known as Plantagenet) in Lawrence Castallack at all!

In this novel, I believe SH relied too much on gossip and insinuation, writing it as if it were fact. The gossip about Alys of France and Henry II is relevant as it had a significant impact at the time and led to real events. But the rumor that she had a prior affair with Henry's father was not. The way she handled Jonas' (Arthur's) disappearance was excellent, and she also gave very fair treatment to Jan-Yves (John), more than he usually gets from historians. I'm not entirely sure why Eleanor of Aquitaine (Janna) was written down a class or two either. Rosamund Clifford (Rose) died at age 25, so her 'part' is rather off-kilter.

Despite all of the above, it's captivating stuff, with or without the historical gossip! England is represented by a dilapidated Cornish mansion - Penmarric - and the various characters are determined to get their hands on it! Aside from the above caveats, I could clearly see the historical characters in those populating the novel. Marcus (Young Henry) was pre-revisionist but accurate to his typical portrayal, as was Hugh (Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany). Giving Philip (Richard I) the mine as a symbol of the Crusades was very clever. (I was disappointed to see she followed the gossip again and had him as a homosexual, something that is far from being an established fact and is rather irritating.) The portraits of Richard/Philip and John/Jan-Yves were excellent as neither became a mere caricature, as they often are in history. Mark (Henry II) was also well drawn. Eleanor sort of comes across, but she is almost more of a mythic figure than a real historical one, so I suspect it's nearly impossible to 'translate' her accurately.

This was SH's first book of this type and it is less polished than the others. But I loved it back then, and I find that I'm just as captivated now as I was initially.

Penmarric held a notable place in my early life.

My mother and sister were both passionate fans, although they were disappointed with the TV series. However, I had never actually read the entire book. As a teenager starting to question my sexuality, I focused on the chapters related to Philip, the repressed would-be miner trapped in a sexless marriage, but left the rest of the book untouched. Some sixteen years later, I decided to take the risk.

To say the least, my views are mixed. The earliest parts of the book are the best, with the various love triangles involving Mark and Janna. Once Mark dies, the story loses its spark and becomes unrelentingly gloomy, filled with as many far-fetched deaths and affairs as Howatch could squeeze in. I was also bothered by her attitude towards Philip. Does she share the characters' blatant homophobia? A scene where someone assumes that because he's gay he must be a paedophile leaves a bad taste in the mouth, as does his mother's reaction of wanting to faint, vomit, or both when she discovers he's in love with another man (and a working-class South African-accented man at that! The horror!). The book may have been written in a less sensitive era,描绘 an even less progressive age, but you did get the impression that she condemned him. Perhaps we should be grateful that she made him handsome, intelligent, and a model of manliness rather than conforming to the prevailing gay stereotypes of the time, but he's also an unapologetic mummy's boy, so who knows what she was trying to achieve!

The book's flaws lie not so much in the time it was written - and indeed she's eager to expose such hypocrisies as promiscuous men "sowing their wild oats" while similarly inclined women are shunned as tarts, or the unfair treatment of illegitimate children - as the fact that I'm not its intended audience. If I had read this as a teenager, before realizing I was gay, I would have been impressed. But having lived in the world and read better books since, it can at best manage a shaky three stars. It doesn't help that the author herself seems to have become bored with it, with the remaining characters all writing absurdly long letters to each other!

I read this many years ago, but still remember the rich portrayal of the characters and how their lives all intertwined.

It was truly a captivating story that left a lasting impression on me. The author's ability to bring the characters to life was remarkable. Each one had their own unique personality, dreams, and flaws.

As I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself completely immersed in their world. The way their lives intertwined added an extra layer of complexity and interest to the story.

There were moments of joy, sadness, and everything in between. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Even after all these years, I still think about this story from time to time. It serves as a reminder of the power of good literature to touch our hearts and minds.

I vividly remember the first time I laid my hands on this book many years ago. I was completely enamored by it. Just the other day, as I was strolling through the library, my eyes landed on this familiar title. A sense of curiosity filled me as I wondered if it would still have the same charm and allure after all these years. So, I picked it up and started reading. Now, I'm at about page 80, and I have to say that I'm truly enjoying every moment of it.

Fast forward to 10/10/10, and I have just completed this wonderful literary piece. To my great delight, it is still as engaging and captivating as it was when it first hit the shelves. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for stories that span different generations. The setting of this book is truly remarkable. It is set at the end of the 19th century in Britain, mainly along the picturesque coast of Cornwall. The story then unfolds and extends all the way to about 1945, taking the readers on a fascinating journey through time and history.

This book is extremely long, consisting of a hefty 735 pages.

I have to admit that I didn't have a great liking for this book. The main reason is that most of the characters in it were not very appealing.

The story revolves around a highly dysfunctional family with equally dysfunctional relationships. Only a few of the characters truly understood the concept of love.

However, it is interesting to note that some of them did seem to evolve into better individuals as they grew up.

Despite my reservations about the characters, I have to give credit to the author for the excellent writing.

The way the story is told from the perspectives of 5 different narrators, each picking up the story and advancing it to the next time frame, is quite clever.

Moreover, the quotes at the beginning of each chapter give the impression that the author is creating a parallel story to the real history of the kings of England.

This adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the narrative.

Overall, while the book has its drawbacks, it also has several notable strengths that make it worth considering.

I am awarding this a 4-star rating. The reason being that it is extremely clever and required an extensive amount of research to pen. However, I must admit that I did not have an enjoyable reading experience.

The story is set between the mid-1800s and 1940. It is based on the real-life couple of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, who lived from the mid-1100s to around 1300. Their children are referred to as the Devil's Brood, which perhaps gives an indication of my issue with the book.

In this novel, every single character is either sad or horrible. They all despise one another, making it the ultimate dysfunctional family. Everyone who gets married eventually comes to hate their spouse, mistress, children, or parents. It seems that everyone is trying to cheat the others out of an inheritance or is angry because they are not receiving one.

I desperately wanted at least one person to be kind and happy, but what a chaotic family this is. Then I realized that the characters are based on Henry, Eleanor, and their dear children, spouses, and it contains numerous quotes from actual biographies that are incorporated into the actions of the novel.

I recall reading Susan Howatch in the 70s, but perhaps it was "Cashelmara" that I adored. Oh well, as they say, truth is stranger than fiction.