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The Guernsey Novels #7
The Inheritance
“A gorgeously intriguing story”
How close were Victor Hugo and his copyist?
1862 Young widow Eugénie is left bereft when her husband dies suddenly and faces an uncertain future in Guernsey. A further tragedy brings her to the attention of Monsieur Victor Hugo, living in exile on the island in his opulent house only yards away from Eugénie’s home. Their meeting changes her life and she becomes his copyist, forming a strong friendship with both Hugo and his mistress, Juliette Drouet.
2012 Doctor Tess Le Prevost, Guernsey born though now living in Exeter, is shocked to inherit her Great-Aunt’s house on the island. As a child she was entranced by Doris’s tales of their ancestor, Eugénie, whose house this once was, and who, according to family myth, was particularly close to Hugo. Was he the real father of her child? Tess is keen to find out and returning to the island presents her with the ideal opportunity.
Will she discover the truth about Eugénie and Hugo? A surprise find may hold the answer as Tess embraces new challenges which test her strength – and her heart.
Book Review
“A gorgeously intriguing story set in a beautiful location. I completely identified with contemporary heroine Tess and Victorian heroine Eugénie, who both became real for me. I was sorry to part company with them both”. Margaret James, Author of ‘The Final Reckoning’.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2019
25 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Anne Allen
12 books305 followersAnne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. She was born in Rugby, to an English mother and Welsh father. As a result she spent many summers with her Welsh grandparents in Anglesey and learnt to love the sea. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns.
By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.
By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 14, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
She didn’t like confrontations but her mother thrived on them and not for the first time, Tess questioned why she lived in the same city as her mother… Her father had disappeared to his study soon after she arrived. He referred to it as his ‘strategic withdrawal’.
I am not particularly religious and not in awe of a God who allows so much death and misery to be endured on this earth.
You may be a clever doctor, but I’m not sure how well you understand the workings of the heart.
My Review:
I know I’m more than fashionably late to the party as this was my introduction to The Guernsey Novels series at book seven. I was an instant convert to Anne Allen’s special talents. Her word voodoo is strong as her transportive writing provided effortless travel for me today, and not just in distance, but also in time. I slipped right into this divinely written and evocative tale that covered two active and eventful timelines one-hundred-fifty-years apart. Ms. Allen’s writing was fluid, well-paced, highly engaging, and so vividly detailed it was as if a movie reel was rolling through my cranium as I read. Her characters were worth knowing and held my interest and curiosity with their lives. I was so deeply enamored with the subjects and setting I was compelled to hit Mr. Google and Ms. YouTube for additional info. I despaired on reaching the end and felt rueful in having to leave them behind, but I’m always greedy when it comes to excellent literature. Anne Allen has mad skills and a rabid fangirl.
She didn’t like confrontations but her mother thrived on them and not for the first time, Tess questioned why she lived in the same city as her mother… Her father had disappeared to his study soon after she arrived. He referred to it as his ‘strategic withdrawal’.
I am not particularly religious and not in awe of a God who allows so much death and misery to be endured on this earth.
You may be a clever doctor, but I’m not sure how well you understand the workings of the heart.
My Review:
I know I’m more than fashionably late to the party as this was my introduction to The Guernsey Novels series at book seven. I was an instant convert to Anne Allen’s special talents. Her word voodoo is strong as her transportive writing provided effortless travel for me today, and not just in distance, but also in time. I slipped right into this divinely written and evocative tale that covered two active and eventful timelines one-hundred-fifty-years apart. Ms. Allen’s writing was fluid, well-paced, highly engaging, and so vividly detailed it was as if a movie reel was rolling through my cranium as I read. Her characters were worth knowing and held my interest and curiosity with their lives. I was so deeply enamored with the subjects and setting I was compelled to hit Mr. Google and Ms. YouTube for additional info. I despaired on reaching the end and felt rueful in having to leave them behind, but I’m always greedy when it comes to excellent literature. Anne Allen has mad skills and a rabid fangirl.
January 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Anne Allen, but I won't reveal any spoilers.
The Inheritance is book 7 in the series, but, like each of the books, is an independent stand-alone story and so you have nothing to lose if you have not read the entire series.
This is a dual timeline, with events taking place in the present day, and another storyline set in the 1800s, following the life and work of the renowned French writer & poet, Victor Hugo, the mastermind behind Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
In the present day, we meet Tess, a doctor who has inherited a house in Guernsey from her great aunt. While visiting, she decides to relocate there from her home in Devon, but the house requires total renovation. She then meets Jack, the man for the job! And there are sparks!
Back to the past, we are introduced to Eugenie, who has suffered a loss of her own and is graciously taken in by Madame Drouet, the mistress of Victor Hugo.
The portrayal of Hugo is exquisite, and the other characters and details of place and society are woven so seamlessly to portray a snapshot of life in another time.
The novel is beautifully written, with wonderful imagery to bring the characters and Guernsey to life both in the present and in the past.
This is a fascinating story, well-researched, and one that will appeal to a broad range of readers. Beautiful prose, romance, and a masterful plot. A definite page-turner.
The Inheritance is book 7 in the series, but, like each of the books, is an independent stand-alone story and so you have nothing to lose if you have not read the entire series.
This is a dual timeline, with events taking place in the present day, and another storyline set in the 1800s, following the life and work of the renowned French writer & poet, Victor Hugo, the mastermind behind Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
In the present day, we meet Tess, a doctor who has inherited a house in Guernsey from her great aunt. While visiting, she decides to relocate there from her home in Devon, but the house requires total renovation. She then meets Jack, the man for the job! And there are sparks!
Back to the past, we are introduced to Eugenie, who has suffered a loss of her own and is graciously taken in by Madame Drouet, the mistress of Victor Hugo.
The portrayal of Hugo is exquisite, and the other characters and details of place and society are woven so seamlessly to portray a snapshot of life in another time.
The novel is beautifully written, with wonderful imagery to bring the characters and Guernsey to life both in the present and in the past.
This is a fascinating story, well-researched, and one that will appeal to a broad range of readers. Beautiful prose, romance, and a masterful plot. A definite page-turner.
April 25, 2019
The Inheritance is a well written and intriguing story that includes accurate historical details as well as a dual timeline. The narrative moves seamlessly between the past and present. French-born Eugénie Sarchet moved to Guernsey with her husband during the 1860s only to find herself expecting a baby and widowed, her husband lost at sea.
In the present day, Guernsey born Doctor Tess Le Provost is living and working in Exeter. Tess’ family had left the island twenty years previously and moved to the mainland for her father’s job, but now Tess is back on the island to claim an unexpected inheritance. Her great aunt Doris had left Tess her house. As a child Tess had loved listening to her great aunt’s stories about their ancestor Eugénie, who was Tess’ great-great-great grandmother, and how she was connected to Victor Hugo.
Eugénie’s story is experienced through her journals—the grief for the loss of her husband and the fortuitous meeting with Victor Hugo and his mistress, M’dame Drouet, that probably saved her life. A strong friendship was born out of tragedy. M’dame Drouet becomes almost a mother figure to the young Eugénie and Victor Hugo nothing but kind and solicitous of her welfare. The offer of employment from M’sieur Hugo serving not only as a chance to work for the great man himself, but also rescuing her from an uncertain future.
The Inheritance is the stand out favourite of the Guernsey novels that I’ve read so far, taking over from Echoes of Time. Each book is a standalone and even though characters from previous stories make return appearances there’s no confusion or feelings of missing out. The setting is described evocatively, as always—the characters finely drawn, realistic and likeable from the start. It was a fascination and delight to read about Victor Hugo, who features prominently in Eugénie’s story. Anne Allen really brings him, and all the characters, to life.
Although Tess’ and Eugénie’s stories are separated by more than a century, there are parallels that tie the two together, not least the feeling of kinship as Tess discovers the highs and desperate lows of her ancestor’s life. I enjoyed The Inheritance very much, the historical thread particularly. Fiction and fact is combined so smoothly the story is completely believable. It’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
I chose to read and review The Inheritance based an a digital copy kindly supplied by the author.
In the present day, Guernsey born Doctor Tess Le Provost is living and working in Exeter. Tess’ family had left the island twenty years previously and moved to the mainland for her father’s job, but now Tess is back on the island to claim an unexpected inheritance. Her great aunt Doris had left Tess her house. As a child Tess had loved listening to her great aunt’s stories about their ancestor Eugénie, who was Tess’ great-great-great grandmother, and how she was connected to Victor Hugo.
Eugénie’s story is experienced through her journals—the grief for the loss of her husband and the fortuitous meeting with Victor Hugo and his mistress, M’dame Drouet, that probably saved her life. A strong friendship was born out of tragedy. M’dame Drouet becomes almost a mother figure to the young Eugénie and Victor Hugo nothing but kind and solicitous of her welfare. The offer of employment from M’sieur Hugo serving not only as a chance to work for the great man himself, but also rescuing her from an uncertain future.
The Inheritance is the stand out favourite of the Guernsey novels that I’ve read so far, taking over from Echoes of Time. Each book is a standalone and even though characters from previous stories make return appearances there’s no confusion or feelings of missing out. The setting is described evocatively, as always—the characters finely drawn, realistic and likeable from the start. It was a fascination and delight to read about Victor Hugo, who features prominently in Eugénie’s story. Anne Allen really brings him, and all the characters, to life.
Although Tess’ and Eugénie’s stories are separated by more than a century, there are parallels that tie the two together, not least the feeling of kinship as Tess discovers the highs and desperate lows of her ancestor’s life. I enjoyed The Inheritance very much, the historical thread particularly. Fiction and fact is combined so smoothly the story is completely believable. It’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
I chose to read and review The Inheritance based an a digital copy kindly supplied by the author.
May 28, 2019
Visit the locations in the novel
Anne Allen is the Queen of Guernsey! Well, Guernsey historical fiction!
She’s written seven in the series so far and I really hope there are more where these came from. I’ve followed the series from the start and keep enjoying them as they’re different yet recognisable. A rare treat indeed.
Two narrators and two timelines – a mix of historical magic in the form of Victor Hugo and his mistress and a great deal of atmospheric story and good writing. This is quite a treat!
1800s: Eugenie is French but lives in England and has lost her husband. She then meets a certain Victor Hugo, an event which changes her life for ever..
Present day: Tess lives in Exeter but is originally from the island. She finds out she’s inherited a house on the island and returns to find out more..
Both time lines and female leads were fascinating. There was some wonderful unravelling of threads and mysteries before the stories wove together and even more so when they did! Eugenie and Tess were strong and three dimensional so despite their different lives and viewpoints, I really felt as if I got to know them and was as equally as enthralled by both stories.
There’s a lot to love about this book but it reads clearly and smoothly. Timelines are easy to follow and the mystery builds with a steady and gripping pace. There’s something about stories across time coming together which really fascinates me and when you add an old house to the mix, I’m there!
As I said, this is book seven but you can read it as a standalone. It’s bound to make you want to read the others in the series so there’s six more literary holidays to Guernsey to enjoy when you’re done here!
April 9, 2019
This book very cleverly blends fact and fiction and weaves it into two memorable stories. Although much about Victor Hugo's stay is based on fact, Anne Allen has created a fictional character Eugenie as Hugo's copyist - although she too is based on a factual character - and we discover her story through the eyes of her descendant. I loved the fact that many of the characters we have seen in the previous books in the series are gradually introduced giving some continuity, although each book reads well as a standalone. Thoroughly researched, we have a glimpse into a Guernsey of the past, the mind of a great author as well as romance in the modern timeline. Whether you are fascinated by history or just love a good story, this book is a fascinating read.
July 15, 2019
Dual timeline novel set on GUERNSEY
The Inheritance is a dual timeline novel set in the second half of the 19th Century and 2012, and the links between the two stories are a house – the inheritance of the title – as well as Victor Hugo’s time on the island, when he was exiled and lived at Hauteville House.
2012 and Tess discovers that she has been left an old, decrepit house on Guernsey and determines to fly over and see the building that has been bequeathed to her by great aunt Doris. She is also keen to explore the rumour that her ancestor, Eugénie Sarchet – 5 generations ago – worked for Victor Hugo. Was their relationship anything more than copyist and writer?
She soon finds a builder Jack Renouf who will help her sympathetically restore the house in a tasteful and appropriate manner.
Back to 1860 and Eugénie’s story comes to life. She is a recently bereaved widow, has just miscarried her child and by good fortune she does indeed come to work as a copyist for Victor Hugo. He is in the middle of penning one of his great works, Les Misérables. Hugo is drawn to Eugénie because she bears a resemblance to Léopoldine, who passed away at a similar age to Eugénie and her presence seems to provide some comfort to him.
The author says she was inspired to evoke this period after a visit to Hugo’s home, and the detail of his life and family whilst residing on the island is indeed wonderfully captured in the novel. The island certainly comes to life in the capable hands of the author – touring past well known sights – and there is even a culinary visit to Fleur du Jardin which has good reviews on TripAdvisor! And yes, there is a little romance.
The two stories dovetail nicely, the switches are executed well. There is a link of domestic abuse in the both stories which tie them together further.
Anne Allen is an accomplished author and her love of Guernsey is evident. A wonderful example of literary wanderlust.
The Inheritance is a dual timeline novel set in the second half of the 19th Century and 2012, and the links between the two stories are a house – the inheritance of the title – as well as Victor Hugo’s time on the island, when he was exiled and lived at Hauteville House.
2012 and Tess discovers that she has been left an old, decrepit house on Guernsey and determines to fly over and see the building that has been bequeathed to her by great aunt Doris. She is also keen to explore the rumour that her ancestor, Eugénie Sarchet – 5 generations ago – worked for Victor Hugo. Was their relationship anything more than copyist and writer?
She soon finds a builder Jack Renouf who will help her sympathetically restore the house in a tasteful and appropriate manner.
Back to 1860 and Eugénie’s story comes to life. She is a recently bereaved widow, has just miscarried her child and by good fortune she does indeed come to work as a copyist for Victor Hugo. He is in the middle of penning one of his great works, Les Misérables. Hugo is drawn to Eugénie because she bears a resemblance to Léopoldine, who passed away at a similar age to Eugénie and her presence seems to provide some comfort to him.
The author says she was inspired to evoke this period after a visit to Hugo’s home, and the detail of his life and family whilst residing on the island is indeed wonderfully captured in the novel. The island certainly comes to life in the capable hands of the author – touring past well known sights – and there is even a culinary visit to Fleur du Jardin which has good reviews on TripAdvisor! And yes, there is a little romance.
The two stories dovetail nicely, the switches are executed well. There is a link of domestic abuse in the both stories which tie them together further.
Anne Allen is an accomplished author and her love of Guernsey is evident. A wonderful example of literary wanderlust.
April 8, 2019
I’ll admit I’m invariably drawn to a story with a dual timeline – but there is a real skill in making both stories equally engaging, and the shift from story to story relatively seamless. In this book, the author manages it with consummate ease. I also love a book that draws on real-life history, with a depth and breadth of research, but with characters who become as real as those in the contemporary story: should I ever visit Hauteville House (and this book made me yearn to do so) I’ll be looking for the small French writing desk and the letters between Victor Hugo and his copyist Eugénie, despite them being the product of the author’s imagination. Add in an immensely strong sense of place – oh my goodness, I still haven’t visited Guernsey other than through the author’s books and wonderful descriptions – and it’ll come as no surprise that I absolutely loved this book.
Just a brief mention of the stories? Eugénie’s is drawn from the pages of her journal: her early widowhood (such an excellent portrayal of sadness and loss), the dramatic chance meeting with Victor Hugo and his mistress Juliette Drouet, their developing strong friendship – with a frisson of infatuation and attraction when she becomes the writer’s copyist – and the choices that impact her life. Tess’s story is told in the third person – but has a first person feel – as we accompany her into her new life, moving to Guernsey into the house once owned by Eugénie, starting a new job, picking up former friendships and making new connections as she makes the house her future home. Both characters’ voices are strong and distinctive, and the stories are beautifully linked by a historical mystery, a chance discovery and a few minor touches of the paranormal.
I loved the characters in both threads, and not just Tess and Eugénie. Victor Hugo himself is wonderfully drawn – an immense presence, proud to be acknowledged as a great man with an edge of the bombastic, but a real warmth about him in the way he cares for both Juliette and Eugénie, his family relationships, and his generosity to the poor. In the modern thread I really enjoyed the friendships, and the developing romance, but also the inclusion of Tess’s parents and their relationship – an interesting counterpoint and addition to the main relationships of the stories.
I also really liked the way the themes carried across from story to story, helping to tie them together – as Tess explores Eugénie’s journals and discovers what happens in her life, it casts some shade over her present day relationship, and I thought that was particularly real and well-handled. And, as always, I very much liked the appearance of characters from the earlier books – although each Guernsey novel is entirely self-contained, I always rather look forward to meeting old friends in the course of each new story.
But enough of the analysis. This was a book I so thoroughly enjoyed – totally engrossed from beginning to end, living with its characters, hurting when they hurt (especially Eugénie), feeling their moments of joy and sadness. I’ve always enjoyed Anne Allen’s writing, but in this book I really thought it was stronger than ever – and the depth of her research into the historical story, enabling her to make it so totally real and believable, was particularly impressive and so perfectly used. This might well be one of my books of the year.
Just a brief mention of the stories? Eugénie’s is drawn from the pages of her journal: her early widowhood (such an excellent portrayal of sadness and loss), the dramatic chance meeting with Victor Hugo and his mistress Juliette Drouet, their developing strong friendship – with a frisson of infatuation and attraction when she becomes the writer’s copyist – and the choices that impact her life. Tess’s story is told in the third person – but has a first person feel – as we accompany her into her new life, moving to Guernsey into the house once owned by Eugénie, starting a new job, picking up former friendships and making new connections as she makes the house her future home. Both characters’ voices are strong and distinctive, and the stories are beautifully linked by a historical mystery, a chance discovery and a few minor touches of the paranormal.
I loved the characters in both threads, and not just Tess and Eugénie. Victor Hugo himself is wonderfully drawn – an immense presence, proud to be acknowledged as a great man with an edge of the bombastic, but a real warmth about him in the way he cares for both Juliette and Eugénie, his family relationships, and his generosity to the poor. In the modern thread I really enjoyed the friendships, and the developing romance, but also the inclusion of Tess’s parents and their relationship – an interesting counterpoint and addition to the main relationships of the stories.
I also really liked the way the themes carried across from story to story, helping to tie them together – as Tess explores Eugénie’s journals and discovers what happens in her life, it casts some shade over her present day relationship, and I thought that was particularly real and well-handled. And, as always, I very much liked the appearance of characters from the earlier books – although each Guernsey novel is entirely self-contained, I always rather look forward to meeting old friends in the course of each new story.
But enough of the analysis. This was a book I so thoroughly enjoyed – totally engrossed from beginning to end, living with its characters, hurting when they hurt (especially Eugénie), feeling their moments of joy and sadness. I’ve always enjoyed Anne Allen’s writing, but in this book I really thought it was stronger than ever – and the depth of her research into the historical story, enabling her to make it so totally real and believable, was particularly impressive and so perfectly used. This might well be one of my books of the year.
March 9, 2019
This is one amazing book. Living in Guernsey I’ve both heard of Victor Hugo and Anne Allen but, when Allen decided to delve into the history of the writer of Les Mis the result was mind-bending. I’ve been left with the book hangover from hell, and still not sure which parts are reality and which fiction. The plot is part romance, part intrigue and centre around Dr Tess Le Prevost, who’s surprised when she’s left her great aunt’s house in Guernsey - a house once owned, allegedly by Eugenie, former scribe of Victor Hugo. This book is well-written and researched to the nth degree and it’s left me with a thirst to find out more about the literacy history of the island I’ve chosen to make my home. I’d recommend it to anyone with a love of Guernsey and anyone who wants a well-rounded escapist read that’s so much more than a romance. And finally - if you like Kate Morton you’ll love this.
March 28, 2019
The Inheritance is Book 7 in Allen's Guernsey Novels Series, but it is completely self-contained, and can be read as a standalone. Like Echoes of Time, it is written with a duel time line. This time, we experience Victorian Guernsey through the eyes of Eugénie Sarchet, a young widow, who has recorded her life's story in a series of diaries.
In contrast, it is 2012. Eugénie's Great Great Great Granddaughter, Doctor Tess Le Prevost, has returned to Guernsey, having lived for many years in Exeter. She now intends to live in her deceased Great Aunt's house, which once belonged to Eugénie.
To add further interest, there is a family legend that the eminent French writer Victor Hugo may be the father of Eugénie's son, Victor. Eugénie's diaries reveal her connection with the author and his family, and direct the reader to a place where she has secreted her most treasured possessions.
In the present day, and until her death, Tess's Great Aunt had been conducting her own research, trying to resolve the matter of paternity one way or the other. How Tess discovers the hidden diaries to finally settle this matter, and finds love along the way, is beautifully told in this seventh book in the series.
I was gripped, almost from the outset, and found it difficult to put this book down. I love Allen's easy style of writing, and the way she has weaved fact with fiction. The real and fictional characters come alive in this story, and are all completely believable. She has obviously undertaken a great deal of research into the life and times of Victor Hugo, and his association with Guernsey.
Throughout the book, Eugénie and Tess's stories are told separately, in self-contained sections, which always left me with questions I desperately needed to have answered, and on several occasions, I was dearly tempted to read ahead to satisfy my need to know what happened next. However, I did manage to rein myself in, to avoid ruining a very finely crafted story.
Occasionally I come across a book which I think is exceptional, brilliant and compelling, and for me, this one is just that. Were it possible, I'd award it 6 stars!
In contrast, it is 2012. Eugénie's Great Great Great Granddaughter, Doctor Tess Le Prevost, has returned to Guernsey, having lived for many years in Exeter. She now intends to live in her deceased Great Aunt's house, which once belonged to Eugénie.
To add further interest, there is a family legend that the eminent French writer Victor Hugo may be the father of Eugénie's son, Victor. Eugénie's diaries reveal her connection with the author and his family, and direct the reader to a place where she has secreted her most treasured possessions.
In the present day, and until her death, Tess's Great Aunt had been conducting her own research, trying to resolve the matter of paternity one way or the other. How Tess discovers the hidden diaries to finally settle this matter, and finds love along the way, is beautifully told in this seventh book in the series.
I was gripped, almost from the outset, and found it difficult to put this book down. I love Allen's easy style of writing, and the way she has weaved fact with fiction. The real and fictional characters come alive in this story, and are all completely believable. She has obviously undertaken a great deal of research into the life and times of Victor Hugo, and his association with Guernsey.
Throughout the book, Eugénie and Tess's stories are told separately, in self-contained sections, which always left me with questions I desperately needed to have answered, and on several occasions, I was dearly tempted to read ahead to satisfy my need to know what happened next. However, I did manage to rein myself in, to avoid ruining a very finely crafted story.
Occasionally I come across a book which I think is exceptional, brilliant and compelling, and for me, this one is just that. Were it possible, I'd award it 6 stars!
March 30, 2019
This is the seventh novel in the very readable and enjoyable Guernsey series. The Inheritance offers readers something a bit different this time because one of its central characters is the classic novelist and poet Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables, many other novels and lots of other kinds of writing.
When young widow Eugenie meets Hugo, he's looking for a copyist, and Eugenie fits the bill perfectly. A strong and rewarding friendship develops, but Eugenie doesn't exactly get her happy-ever-after in the way some readers might expect.
There's also a very engaging story set in the present day, in which Guernsey-loving doctor Tess returns to the island to see the house she has inherited, and who finds that once upon a time Eugenie lived there, too.
Tess's and Eugenie's stories are satisfyingly intertwined and I found this a compelling read.
When young widow Eugenie meets Hugo, he's looking for a copyist, and Eugenie fits the bill perfectly. A strong and rewarding friendship develops, but Eugenie doesn't exactly get her happy-ever-after in the way some readers might expect.
There's also a very engaging story set in the present day, in which Guernsey-loving doctor Tess returns to the island to see the house she has inherited, and who finds that once upon a time Eugenie lived there, too.
Tess's and Eugenie's stories are satisfyingly intertwined and I found this a compelling read.
May 6, 2019
This is an intriguing well-written story centered around the iconic 'Victor Hugo'. Written across two different time-lines the story of 'The Inheritance' unfolds.
The characters come alive allowing the reader to imagine their plight. I particularly enjoyed reading about Victor Hugo and his time in Guernsey. As always, Anne Allen describes Guernsey so well, making it an ideal backdrop to the story.
Although this is another stand-alone book in the series which is predominantly based in Guernsey, the author re-introduces characters from her previous books.
Historic events, social issues, and political unrest are highlighted during the time of Victor Hugo.
The subject of love and loss is covered across both timelines highlighting the contrast between the centuries.
The characters come alive allowing the reader to imagine their plight. I particularly enjoyed reading about Victor Hugo and his time in Guernsey. As always, Anne Allen describes Guernsey so well, making it an ideal backdrop to the story.
Although this is another stand-alone book in the series which is predominantly based in Guernsey, the author re-introduces characters from her previous books.
Historic events, social issues, and political unrest are highlighted during the time of Victor Hugo.
The subject of love and loss is covered across both timelines highlighting the contrast between the centuries.
September 8, 2019
Doctor Tess Le Prevost great aunt Doris dies and leaves her Hauteville house. She decides to keep the house and move from Exeter to Guernsey and get a position at St Sampson Medical Practice. This book takes us back to the eighteenth century to tell Eugenie Sarchet journal a widow who becomes a copyist at the house for Victor Hugo. This book is full of history of the house could it be curse like Tess mother says? This is such a fascinating read, I loved the journal's and Tess story. It hold secrets I loved reading all of it.
August 25, 2019
My Review of The Inheritance by Anne Allen
This is a very emotional book, filled with pain, loss, and abuse in some characters’ lives. I found that although, The inheritance is a heartbreaking read, in places it does have a few wonderful moments particularly when Tess discovers the past through Eugénie’s diary and letters written in the 1860s. This is where author Anne does a great job of portraying the past through Tess’s ancestors’ eyes. I also thought this book had a powerful message from Eugenie that if we leave a piece of what we learn in life then it might save someone from the heartbreak and sadness in the future. I also thought author Anne did a great job at blending the past letters with the modern-days of Tess without confusing the readers.
The book itself follows Tess as she is at the end of training to become a doctor. Tess then receives an inheritance from her great auntie Doris: a huge house in Guernsey. Tess returns to the house and while doing so finds her life at a crossroad. Does she stay and restore the house to its former glory? Move to Guernsey? These are the questions she must face as she discovers the old house has more to tell her than she ever thought. How does what she discovers affect her own life? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
I found Tess’s thoughts on Jack and her fears of becoming close to him related very much to the letters of the past. However, Tess has more freedom than those in the letters and therefore can choose to slow down and not live the painful life some of her ancestors did. I also thought that Sally’s story as she fought to get out of the abusive relationship was very moving and showed great strength.
I was rather captivated by Hugo in the sense he believed in spirits and that a woman looking like someone he had lost had come back to be with him. This sent chills down my arms and was a really great way to start this story because from the get-go it makes you want to learn more about him and the spirits he believes in.
This is a well-written novel with very interesting characters and a strong link with past to future events in life. I would recommend this book if you like character-driven historical stories with a modern twist and a hint of a long lost story waiting to be told.
This is a very emotional book, filled with pain, loss, and abuse in some characters’ lives. I found that although, The inheritance is a heartbreaking read, in places it does have a few wonderful moments particularly when Tess discovers the past through Eugénie’s diary and letters written in the 1860s. This is where author Anne does a great job of portraying the past through Tess’s ancestors’ eyes. I also thought this book had a powerful message from Eugenie that if we leave a piece of what we learn in life then it might save someone from the heartbreak and sadness in the future. I also thought author Anne did a great job at blending the past letters with the modern-days of Tess without confusing the readers.
The book itself follows Tess as she is at the end of training to become a doctor. Tess then receives an inheritance from her great auntie Doris: a huge house in Guernsey. Tess returns to the house and while doing so finds her life at a crossroad. Does she stay and restore the house to its former glory? Move to Guernsey? These are the questions she must face as she discovers the old house has more to tell her than she ever thought. How does what she discovers affect her own life? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
I found Tess’s thoughts on Jack and her fears of becoming close to him related very much to the letters of the past. However, Tess has more freedom than those in the letters and therefore can choose to slow down and not live the painful life some of her ancestors did. I also thought that Sally’s story as she fought to get out of the abusive relationship was very moving and showed great strength.
I was rather captivated by Hugo in the sense he believed in spirits and that a woman looking like someone he had lost had come back to be with him. This sent chills down my arms and was a really great way to start this story because from the get-go it makes you want to learn more about him and the spirits he believes in.
This is a well-written novel with very interesting characters and a strong link with past to future events in life. I would recommend this book if you like character-driven historical stories with a modern twist and a hint of a long lost story waiting to be told.
April 8, 2019
A delightful mix of contemporary and Victorian life on Guernsey, with colourfully described historical details, and an engaging contemporary story full of romance, friendship and family drama.
Tess unexpectedly inherits an old house on Guernsey where she spent her childhood, Visiting her inheritance, she is drawn to the rundown house, and being at a crossroads in her life decides to renovate, and make Guernsey her home again.
Characters from previous stories make cameo appearances, but the story is standalone. The story slips between 2012 and Victorian times, told from Tess and Eugenie’s points of view. Both stories are complex and interesting, and there is a historical mystery for Tess to solve.
The story features a real historical figure, although the story is fictional, his presence as a character adds authenticity and depth.
Domestic abuse is a primary theme in this book, and it serves to highlight, its prevalence, and the differences and similarities between contemporary and Victorian women, in abusive relationships.
The storytelling is enthralling, the setting vividly described, and the connections between the past and present meaningful. A lovely mix of believable characters and a realistic, but hopeful ending make reading ‘The Inheritance’, a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
May 5, 2019
This is the second Guernsey novel I have read so I was pleased to recognise some familiar places and people, but previous knowledge is not needed to read this stand-alone story. Heroine, Tessa is completing her training as a doctor in Exeter and hopes to move into general practice when she is surprised to hear that she has inherited a large house in Guernsey from her Great-Aunt Doris. Returning to the place where she grew up, fills Tess with pleasure but what she should she do with this crumbling old house? Looking up an old friend gives her a contact which could lead to a new job, so Tess considers returning to Guernsey.
In parallel to the contemporary story, we read the diary of Eugénie written in the 1860s. A recently widowed French woman, she is Tess’s ancestor. More tragedy follows when she loses her baby, but she is taken care of by Madame Drouet who is the long-term mistress of Victor Hugo and her life becomes closely linked to the famous couple.
As Tess works out what she wants from life, she meets Jack who supervises the restoration of the house where Eugénie once lived. Both women have to make decisions about their futures, but Tess has more freedom than her ancestor had in Victorian times. It is fascinating to read of Victor Hugo’s long sojourn in Guernsey and his magnetic personality. In contrast, the modern problems encountered by Tess, as a doctor and her growing awareness of her genealogy add great depth to this unusual novel.
In parallel to the contemporary story, we read the diary of Eugénie written in the 1860s. A recently widowed French woman, she is Tess’s ancestor. More tragedy follows when she loses her baby, but she is taken care of by Madame Drouet who is the long-term mistress of Victor Hugo and her life becomes closely linked to the famous couple.
As Tess works out what she wants from life, she meets Jack who supervises the restoration of the house where Eugénie once lived. Both women have to make decisions about their futures, but Tess has more freedom than her ancestor had in Victorian times. It is fascinating to read of Victor Hugo’s long sojourn in Guernsey and his magnetic personality. In contrast, the modern problems encountered by Tess, as a doctor and her growing awareness of her genealogy add great depth to this unusual novel.
April 6, 2019
A fascinating story!
Tess inherits a house on the island of Guernsey from her Aunt Doris at a turning point in her life. She loves her career as a GP, but recent events have caused her to rethink her future and yearn for the island where she spent much of her childhood. The house is in terrible shape but friends on the island refer her to Jack, a building contractor. Tess soon discovers that there is more to like about Jack than just his remodeling skills. While Tess is getting used to her new job on the island and waiting for her home to be livable she pursues her late aunt’s lifelong research into her family’s connection to Victor Hugo with Eugenie, one of her ancestors from the 1800’s, who owned the house Tess inherited.
I really enjoyed the way the author intertwined Eugenie’s history with Tess’s present. The story has romance, good historical reference and characters, and an interesting plot. It was a tale of love and friendship and gave a realistic portrayal of life for women in the 1800’s as well as similarities to their lives today.
Tess inherits a house on the island of Guernsey from her Aunt Doris at a turning point in her life. She loves her career as a GP, but recent events have caused her to rethink her future and yearn for the island where she spent much of her childhood. The house is in terrible shape but friends on the island refer her to Jack, a building contractor. Tess soon discovers that there is more to like about Jack than just his remodeling skills. While Tess is getting used to her new job on the island and waiting for her home to be livable she pursues her late aunt’s lifelong research into her family’s connection to Victor Hugo with Eugenie, one of her ancestors from the 1800’s, who owned the house Tess inherited.
I really enjoyed the way the author intertwined Eugenie’s history with Tess’s present. The story has romance, good historical reference and characters, and an interesting plot. It was a tale of love and friendship and gave a realistic portrayal of life for women in the 1800’s as well as similarities to their lives today.
April 5, 2019
When Anne emailed and asked if I would like to review her new book as I have done a few others for her, it was an immediate yes. I had just finished a book so I got stuck into it because publishing day was less than a week away. Well I have read it with days to spare, does that give you a hint as to how good it was? As it was excellent , I love these books, with their little bit of history and it always sounds like real people you are reading about. That is a sign of a very talented author. One day I will go to Guernsey and see all the places that are mentioned in these books as they sound lovely. I am looking forward to the next one already.
May 9, 2020
I've been meaning to read an Anne Allen Guernsey book for so long! I've finally made it but I have a lot of catching up to do as this is book 7. The book is completely standalone, so if like me you have arrived a little late to these books you can begin with this one.
The book is a dual time line between 1862 and 2012. Dr Tess inherits a house in Guernsey and it appears it is linked to one of her ancestors and an association with Victor Hugo. Her ancestor had documented it all in diaries from 1862 onwards which we get to read. When the book begins for Tess she is working in a busy A&E yet to discover the diaries, along with a whole host of other things, some rather delicious in more ways than one. But it's not all about the trail of Victor Hugo, Tess faces some challenges in her own life and that of her family.
I really loved Tess's journey through her ancestors past and her own journey in 2012. I have to say she has some friends who are very good cooks and the book had me reaching for my own homemade cake and rustling up some food that I craved after reading. It's not all sunshine and flowers though - there are some real life situations that occur in both timelines but are written and dealt with in a sensitive and understanding way.
The whole book was a lovely escapism not only to 2012 but to 1862 and I really felt that both timelines were written in appropriate language for the times they were set in. I do love it when a book transports you to another place that actually exists. I have always been intrigued by Guernsey and now having read the beautiful descriptions of the island in the book I want to go even more. I wasn't interested in Victor Hugo either, but the descriptions of his house had me look online, and it was just as Anne had described, and I would love to see it in real life.
The book is a dual time line between 1862 and 2012. Dr Tess inherits a house in Guernsey and it appears it is linked to one of her ancestors and an association with Victor Hugo. Her ancestor had documented it all in diaries from 1862 onwards which we get to read. When the book begins for Tess she is working in a busy A&E yet to discover the diaries, along with a whole host of other things, some rather delicious in more ways than one. But it's not all about the trail of Victor Hugo, Tess faces some challenges in her own life and that of her family.
I really loved Tess's journey through her ancestors past and her own journey in 2012. I have to say she has some friends who are very good cooks and the book had me reaching for my own homemade cake and rustling up some food that I craved after reading. It's not all sunshine and flowers though - there are some real life situations that occur in both timelines but are written and dealt with in a sensitive and understanding way.
The whole book was a lovely escapism not only to 2012 but to 1862 and I really felt that both timelines were written in appropriate language for the times they were set in. I do love it when a book transports you to another place that actually exists. I have always been intrigued by Guernsey and now having read the beautiful descriptions of the island in the book I want to go even more. I wasn't interested in Victor Hugo either, but the descriptions of his house had me look online, and it was just as Anne had described, and I would love to see it in real life.
April 6, 2023
In the 1800s, Victor Hugo was famous for his literature and his poetry, and he spent many years in Guernsey while writing Les Miserables. When Tess inherits her great aunt's house just a few doors down from Hugo's famous home, she discovers evidence that might prove that she is related to the famous author.
Populated with several characters from Allen's previous books, this is an intriguing story that will tug at your heartstrings. Tess discovers the diaries of her ancestor who worked as a "copiest" for Hugo -- transcribing his writings into legible format for publication -- and we become totally absorbed in Eugenie's life in the mid 1800s. This is a great read for fans of historical fiction, literature, and romance. There are plenty of moments that will make you sigh and cry and laugh. Tess is a great addition to the population of Guernsey, and I really enjoyed the relationship banter between Tess and Jack. This is not a book filled with action, but it is a great story.
Populated with several characters from Allen's previous books, this is an intriguing story that will tug at your heartstrings. Tess discovers the diaries of her ancestor who worked as a "copiest" for Hugo -- transcribing his writings into legible format for publication -- and we become totally absorbed in Eugenie's life in the mid 1800s. This is a great read for fans of historical fiction, literature, and romance. There are plenty of moments that will make you sigh and cry and laugh. Tess is a great addition to the population of Guernsey, and I really enjoyed the relationship banter between Tess and Jack. This is not a book filled with action, but it is a great story.
April 22, 2019
What an amazing first novel from this spectacular writer for me. I was so deeply engrossed in the story that I never noticed the time. Don’t miss out.
July 4, 2019
I read this because it takes place on Guernsey. Also the main character has a family tradition that says she is the illegitimate heir of Victor Hugo. The book goes back and forth from contemporary times to the diary of the woman who may have had an affair with Victor Hugo. It is well written and sweet.
July 22, 2019
Best of them all
I've read all of Anne Allen's Guernsey novels and The Inheritance was probably the best as it was so fulfilling. I've always been fascinated by the islands and the way in which all of these novels blend s characters old and new makes me feel like I belong to their community, like I am going home!
Learning about Victor Hugo was an added bonus!
I've read all of Anne Allen's Guernsey novels and The Inheritance was probably the best as it was so fulfilling. I've always been fascinated by the islands and the way in which all of these novels blend s characters old and new makes me feel like I belong to their community, like I am going home!
Learning about Victor Hugo was an added bonus!
April 13, 2020
Brilliant
Thoroughly enjoyed this last edition of the series. Made me cry towards the end.
What I enjoyed most is I recognise a lot of the places mentioned in the books.
Thoroughly enjoyed this last edition of the series. Made me cry towards the end.
What I enjoyed most is I recognise a lot of the places mentioned in the books.
July 31, 2025
Following two story lines, this book was full of surprises and affection on both sides. There were parts in the book that might have just made your heart ache.
Losing family, going through heart ache but staying strong women, Eugénie and Tess are fighters of their own battles in different eras.
Was it fate that brought Tess to Guernsey? I think so!
A beautifully written book that has you captivated into the two stories it tells🥰
I highly recommend reading this book. 🥰
.
.
**TRIGGER WARNING**
This book contains details of death, miscarriages, violent behaviour and abuse. This book also contains few details of war. Please be aware of this before reading/purchasing.
Losing family, going through heart ache but staying strong women, Eugénie and Tess are fighters of their own battles in different eras.
Was it fate that brought Tess to Guernsey? I think so!
A beautifully written book that has you captivated into the two stories it tells🥰
I highly recommend reading this book. 🥰
.
.
**TRIGGER WARNING**
This book contains details of death, miscarriages, violent behaviour and abuse. This book also contains few details of war. Please be aware of this before reading/purchasing.
June 7, 2019
I read this for Independent Book Fairies Day and it's the second Guernsey novel I've read. As before, I enjoyed this book, they are easy reads without being sugary sweet. In particular I enjoyed the history, I had no prior knowledge of Victor Hugo except the very basics and learnt lots, the book has been well researched. Can recommend it.
September 4, 2020
Reading this book felt like being swaddled in a blanket. Yes, it’s the blanket that you use to wipe away those weepy tears when the emotional moments hit a little too close, but a warm blanket, nonetheless. As much as I love reading dark, high tension and emotion narratives I also thoroughly enjoy slice of life contemporaries, as long as my expectations are set early on, and Tess’s perspective in 2012 offers so much realism in a simple but enjoyable narrative. It’s a very refreshing read as you experience both the motions of her day to day life and the extremities of changing job, house renovations and changes to a parent/child relationship. Tess’s friendships and romance, despite how immediate the switch from initial impressions appears, are all genuinely lovely and a pleasure to read. Whereas I typically read dark narratives, it was interesting to see the darker and more emotional aspects of more, unfortunately, everyday lives portrayed especially through the eyes of a practising doctor. However, that’s not to say that this book doesn’t pack in enough emotion to make you weep. It only took a few lines from Tess’s dad Ted for me and I highly commend Allen for channelling this into just a few lines.
On the other hand, if you know that you are not a fan of contemporaries where everyone gets along swimmingly then this may not be the book for you. There are serious conflicts between very particular characters and these are given the narrative space the seriousness of the issue deserves, however, they quickly become distanced from either the primary character, Tess in this case, or from the writing style as in the diary entries. However, I did get the impression whilst reading that if any characters, across both timelines, were going to create conflict then they were quickly moved to another off-page location, and communication happens via another character at one remove, or they became quickly more palatable and even lovable as soon as the next chapter. The reader’s reaction to this is going to be solely personal preference, but when I had noticed it became slightly jarring.
The dramatic events of 2012 were also written so that you expect them to be more impactful throughout the narrative, but whereas the event itself is high in impact they were often either quickly revealed to be minor or solved meaning that if you read quickly it can feel that you’re tearing through the book and these events do not land with as much emotional impact as initially expected. Reading through The Inheritance I would have preferred to have been given a further insight into Tess’s thoughts using the first-person perspective. I believe this would have invited further consideration of each diary’s content, rather than repeating key episodes, and given an insight into those more dramatic moments.
Eugénie’s narrative, shown through her diaries, is far rawer due to the sheer amount of trauma she experiences both at such a young age and later in life. Luckily, her tale is also one of positivity despite adversity thanks to the friendships she forms with those around her, including the eminent Victor Hugo. A testament to Allen’s imaginative skill, it was fascinating to see an ultimately fictional character, based on Hugo’s historical enigmatic French copyist, blend in so easily with the historical figures. In Allen’s depictions of Hugo and Juliette Drouet, it is easy to see why they became such fast and firm friends of Eugénie and they brought the warmth of classic period pieces which contributed to the comfort of this narrative despite the historical and current hardships. It was also fascinating to see the relatively small episodes of history, namely the release dates of Hugo’s novels, happen simultaneously with large historic episodes and Hugo’s key reactions. By capturing so much history in one novel you’ll find yourself considering a trip to Guernsey to soak even more in.
Unfortunately, whilst reading I did feel as if there were episodes almost missing from Eugénie’s diary, such as those periods of Hugo’s absence, which would have enhanced her character development. Due to this, especially in the later years, causes her diaries to appear as a slightly impersonal list of events rather than deeper reflections. While this may be more realistic in fiction it can quickly become a stranger reading experience than anticipated. I simply wanted to see more of her reactions and reflections on the dramatics of her later life. Similarly, the mysterious elements, at the point at which they’re addressed in the narrative, are handled very quickly and frankly.
Overall, while both narratives had their positives and detractors, I found this novel to be the perfectly enjoyable pallet cleanser from a typically darker reading taste. If you enjoy historical diary fiction and slice of life contemporaries, you are certain to find something enjoyable in Allen’s latest novel. I would also highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys travel fiction as I found my mind wandering to the possibility when travel calms and COVID-19 has become relatively more controlled, of travelling to Guernsey to soak in the promised views and history as outlined throughout this novel.
On the other hand, if you know that you are not a fan of contemporaries where everyone gets along swimmingly then this may not be the book for you. There are serious conflicts between very particular characters and these are given the narrative space the seriousness of the issue deserves, however, they quickly become distanced from either the primary character, Tess in this case, or from the writing style as in the diary entries. However, I did get the impression whilst reading that if any characters, across both timelines, were going to create conflict then they were quickly moved to another off-page location, and communication happens via another character at one remove, or they became quickly more palatable and even lovable as soon as the next chapter. The reader’s reaction to this is going to be solely personal preference, but when I had noticed it became slightly jarring.
The dramatic events of 2012 were also written so that you expect them to be more impactful throughout the narrative, but whereas the event itself is high in impact they were often either quickly revealed to be minor or solved meaning that if you read quickly it can feel that you’re tearing through the book and these events do not land with as much emotional impact as initially expected. Reading through The Inheritance I would have preferred to have been given a further insight into Tess’s thoughts using the first-person perspective. I believe this would have invited further consideration of each diary’s content, rather than repeating key episodes, and given an insight into those more dramatic moments.
Eugénie’s narrative, shown through her diaries, is far rawer due to the sheer amount of trauma she experiences both at such a young age and later in life. Luckily, her tale is also one of positivity despite adversity thanks to the friendships she forms with those around her, including the eminent Victor Hugo. A testament to Allen’s imaginative skill, it was fascinating to see an ultimately fictional character, based on Hugo’s historical enigmatic French copyist, blend in so easily with the historical figures. In Allen’s depictions of Hugo and Juliette Drouet, it is easy to see why they became such fast and firm friends of Eugénie and they brought the warmth of classic period pieces which contributed to the comfort of this narrative despite the historical and current hardships. It was also fascinating to see the relatively small episodes of history, namely the release dates of Hugo’s novels, happen simultaneously with large historic episodes and Hugo’s key reactions. By capturing so much history in one novel you’ll find yourself considering a trip to Guernsey to soak even more in.
Unfortunately, whilst reading I did feel as if there were episodes almost missing from Eugénie’s diary, such as those periods of Hugo’s absence, which would have enhanced her character development. Due to this, especially in the later years, causes her diaries to appear as a slightly impersonal list of events rather than deeper reflections. While this may be more realistic in fiction it can quickly become a stranger reading experience than anticipated. I simply wanted to see more of her reactions and reflections on the dramatics of her later life. Similarly, the mysterious elements, at the point at which they’re addressed in the narrative, are handled very quickly and frankly.
Overall, while both narratives had their positives and detractors, I found this novel to be the perfectly enjoyable pallet cleanser from a typically darker reading taste. If you enjoy historical diary fiction and slice of life contemporaries, you are certain to find something enjoyable in Allen’s latest novel. I would also highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys travel fiction as I found my mind wandering to the possibility when travel calms and COVID-19 has become relatively more controlled, of travelling to Guernsey to soak in the promised views and history as outlined throughout this novel.
June 18, 2020
*Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of Anne Allen's book 'The Inheritance' in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Isabelle at Fly On The Wall Press, and to the author Anne for this opportunity.
I really enjoyed this book!
When Isabelle contacted me to review Anne Allen's book, I was ecstatic. After recently finishing another Guernsey-themed book, I immediately fell in love with the place and couldn't wait to read another - so it was perfect timing when this opportunity arrived! Although 'The Inheritance' is the seventh book in The Guernsey Novels series, each book is a standalone story and therefore they can be read in any order.
The book is split into a dual timeline between the end of the 19th Century and 2012. In modern day (well, 2012), Doctor Tess Le Prevost inherits her Great-Aunt Doris's house (once Eugénie's) in Guernsey and finds it comes with a piece of history. Back in 1862, Eugénie is in mourning for her husband when Victor Hugo and his mistress Juliette Drouet come across her while on their travels. Impressed by Eugénie's writing, Victor Hugo employs her as his copyist, providing her with both an income and the beginning of a friendship. Rumour has it that Tess is a descendent of Victor Hugo, but could the rumour be true?
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, and this one was written wonderfully. The dual timeline weaves the past and the present together seamlessly. Typically for this type of book, I tend to favour one timeline over another, yet in 'The Inheritance' I love both of Allen's timelines as they're equally as engaging and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the structure, as the reader could explore Eugénie's diary along with Tess. There's plenty of cliff-hangers and surprises so it becomes impossible to put the book down. The writing was incredible, it felt very believable and clearly well-researched.
The characterisation also felt realistic, I immediately connected with both of the main characters (Eugénie and Tess), as both are well-developed and engaging. The backdrop of Guernsey was perfect too, and I could picture the characters there with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and loved the way it creatively linked past to present - including how some events echoed one another through time. One of my favourite historical fiction reads this year, full of secrets, mystery and love - a perfect read!
Overall, I give this book a rating of four out of five stars, only because some of it felt a little slow-paced, but I'm sure many of you will love it! As a trigger warning, this book does include a miscarriage and domestic violence/abuse yet nothing too severe (you're welcome to message me for details).
Thank you again to the author Anne Allen, and Isabelle at Fly On The Wall Press for this opportunity.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, you can find them on my blog here: Love and Literature
I really enjoyed this book!
When Isabelle contacted me to review Anne Allen's book, I was ecstatic. After recently finishing another Guernsey-themed book, I immediately fell in love with the place and couldn't wait to read another - so it was perfect timing when this opportunity arrived! Although 'The Inheritance' is the seventh book in The Guernsey Novels series, each book is a standalone story and therefore they can be read in any order.
The book is split into a dual timeline between the end of the 19th Century and 2012. In modern day (well, 2012), Doctor Tess Le Prevost inherits her Great-Aunt Doris's house (once Eugénie's) in Guernsey and finds it comes with a piece of history. Back in 1862, Eugénie is in mourning for her husband when Victor Hugo and his mistress Juliette Drouet come across her while on their travels. Impressed by Eugénie's writing, Victor Hugo employs her as his copyist, providing her with both an income and the beginning of a friendship. Rumour has it that Tess is a descendent of Victor Hugo, but could the rumour be true?
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, and this one was written wonderfully. The dual timeline weaves the past and the present together seamlessly. Typically for this type of book, I tend to favour one timeline over another, yet in 'The Inheritance' I love both of Allen's timelines as they're equally as engaging and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the structure, as the reader could explore Eugénie's diary along with Tess. There's plenty of cliff-hangers and surprises so it becomes impossible to put the book down. The writing was incredible, it felt very believable and clearly well-researched.
The characterisation also felt realistic, I immediately connected with both of the main characters (Eugénie and Tess), as both are well-developed and engaging. The backdrop of Guernsey was perfect too, and I could picture the characters there with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and loved the way it creatively linked past to present - including how some events echoed one another through time. One of my favourite historical fiction reads this year, full of secrets, mystery and love - a perfect read!
Overall, I give this book a rating of four out of five stars, only because some of it felt a little slow-paced, but I'm sure many of you will love it! As a trigger warning, this book does include a miscarriage and domestic violence/abuse yet nothing too severe (you're welcome to message me for details).
Thank you again to the author Anne Allen, and Isabelle at Fly On The Wall Press for this opportunity.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, you can find them on my blog here: Love and Literature
April 11, 2019
This is the sort of book I often go for. I like books where there's a real life element to it, either based around a place or person that really existed. I also like dual timeline stories. The Inheritance has both of these elements so I was....well...in my element!
The real life person is Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and he features very strongly in the 1862 story. It's really Eugénie's story though, a young woman who has been widowed and who ends up, after a chance encounter, becoming Hugo's copyist: the person who deciphers his handwriting and crossings out and writes them up in a much neater way ready for sending to his publisher.
The story takes place in Guernsey, somewhere I have never been but would like to visit one day. I can imagine that a visit might just take in the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo who did spend a number of years on the island. The modern day strand of the story is all about Dr Tess Le Provost. After inheriting her great-aunt's house on the island, she is desperate to return there after leaving when she was a child. So she takes on the massive project of getting the house ready for her to move into - no mean feat, although she does happen to have a rather handsome builder at her disposal.
So how do these two strands come together? Sometimes when I review a dual timeline novel I say that I would have liked the two strands to intermingle a bit earlier or to have more of a connection. No such problem here as there's a very clear connection. Tess is a distant ancestor of Eugénie and she finds a number of interesting items that lead her to investigate the past. Taking it a bit further still, I thought there were some clever parallels by the author between the two storylines.
I did think that Tess's integration into Guernsey life was a bit too smooth and perhaps not wholly true to life, but I didn't begrudge her that and I think the author was keen to make the Eugénie/Hugo link more important than Tess's new life. Anne Allen has obviously done quite a lot of research into Victor Hugo and his time on Guernsey and it showed.
All in all, an enjoyable read, with quite a lot of sadness in the story in the past and a really intriguing premise.
The real life person is Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and he features very strongly in the 1862 story. It's really Eugénie's story though, a young woman who has been widowed and who ends up, after a chance encounter, becoming Hugo's copyist: the person who deciphers his handwriting and crossings out and writes them up in a much neater way ready for sending to his publisher.
The story takes place in Guernsey, somewhere I have never been but would like to visit one day. I can imagine that a visit might just take in the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo who did spend a number of years on the island. The modern day strand of the story is all about Dr Tess Le Provost. After inheriting her great-aunt's house on the island, she is desperate to return there after leaving when she was a child. So she takes on the massive project of getting the house ready for her to move into - no mean feat, although she does happen to have a rather handsome builder at her disposal.
So how do these two strands come together? Sometimes when I review a dual timeline novel I say that I would have liked the two strands to intermingle a bit earlier or to have more of a connection. No such problem here as there's a very clear connection. Tess is a distant ancestor of Eugénie and she finds a number of interesting items that lead her to investigate the past. Taking it a bit further still, I thought there were some clever parallels by the author between the two storylines.
I did think that Tess's integration into Guernsey life was a bit too smooth and perhaps not wholly true to life, but I didn't begrudge her that and I think the author was keen to make the Eugénie/Hugo link more important than Tess's new life. Anne Allen has obviously done quite a lot of research into Victor Hugo and his time on Guernsey and it showed.
All in all, an enjoyable read, with quite a lot of sadness in the story in the past and a really intriguing premise.
April 8, 2019
This is the seventh novel in Anne Allen’s Guernsey Novels series and the the second I have read. Last year I enjoyed The Betrayal, but I thought The Inheritance was even better and spent a wonderful cosy afternoon absorbed in it.
The Inheritance is another dual narrative book, this time telling the story of Tess, a busy doctor who inherits a gorgeous house from her great aunt on Guernsey and decides to upsticks and move back to her place of birth. She knew there was an old family connection to the renowned author, Victor Hugo, but when she discovers a hidden cupboard filled with letters and journals, she’s about to find out just how close that connection is. In alternating chapters we, along with Tess, hear the story of Eugenie, rescued from tragedy by Hugo and his kindhearted mistress and her tale of grief, loss, unrequited love and inner strength.
Anne Allen has a beautifully comforting and evocative writing style, meaning that time spent reading her books feel liked being wrapped in a blanket and transported from life for a few hours. I found reading this book so relaxing. I can’t claim to know anything about Victor Hugo, so can’t comment on the authenticity of the author’s depiction of him, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Eugenie’s life as a copywriter, transcribing the famous Les Miserables as he wrote it. I could feel her awe and admiration, and the era was brought vividly to life.
I also enjoyed Tess’s modern day story, which ran some parallels to Eugenie at times. The descriptions of the dilapidated house she inherits and its stunning transformation had me yearning to see it myself.
I really, really enjoyed this book – even more so than the previous. The Guernsey Novels are perfect, relaxing reading, with an effortless writing style and vivid imagery. Pure, enjoyable escapism, which left me content and looking forward to more from this author.
The Inheritance is another dual narrative book, this time telling the story of Tess, a busy doctor who inherits a gorgeous house from her great aunt on Guernsey and decides to upsticks and move back to her place of birth. She knew there was an old family connection to the renowned author, Victor Hugo, but when she discovers a hidden cupboard filled with letters and journals, she’s about to find out just how close that connection is. In alternating chapters we, along with Tess, hear the story of Eugenie, rescued from tragedy by Hugo and his kindhearted mistress and her tale of grief, loss, unrequited love and inner strength.
Anne Allen has a beautifully comforting and evocative writing style, meaning that time spent reading her books feel liked being wrapped in a blanket and transported from life for a few hours. I found reading this book so relaxing. I can’t claim to know anything about Victor Hugo, so can’t comment on the authenticity of the author’s depiction of him, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Eugenie’s life as a copywriter, transcribing the famous Les Miserables as he wrote it. I could feel her awe and admiration, and the era was brought vividly to life.
I also enjoyed Tess’s modern day story, which ran some parallels to Eugenie at times. The descriptions of the dilapidated house she inherits and its stunning transformation had me yearning to see it myself.
I really, really enjoyed this book – even more so than the previous. The Guernsey Novels are perfect, relaxing reading, with an effortless writing style and vivid imagery. Pure, enjoyable escapism, which left me content and looking forward to more from this author.
April 11, 2019
I have become a huge fan of Anne Allen from reading other novels in this Guernsey Novel Series. The Inheritance is book 7 in the series but the books work well individually, the theme being the amazing location of Guernsey which I have come to love, just from reading these novels.
I do enjoy a dual timeline and this was one of the best I’ve come across. My heart broke for the young Eugénie, as we meet her for the first time in 1862. Widowed and alone in the world, she has little to look forward to, until a chance meeting between herself, a famous writer and his mistress, changes everything.
The other timeline, well over a century later, revolves around a harassed Accident and Emergency doctor, Tess Le Prevost, set in 2012. At just the right time Tess is given the news that she has been left a property in Guernsey by a distant relative. She arrives on the island with high hopes for a completely fresh start. Sadly, Great Aunt Doris was a hoarder and recluse so Tess finds a mountain of work to do. However, with help from her neighbours and friends, she sees the potential for the property and her future starts to look brighter.
Great Aunt Doris had shared stories that her inheritance could be linked to the great writer Monsieur Victor Hugo who lived just a few doors away. Tess sets out to reveal the truth, but what secrets will she uncover?
I’ve said before that I believe Anne Allen to be a born storyteller and The Inheritance emphasises the fact even more. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries set in a location which is overflowing with mystery, myths, and magic. The story is atmospheric and the characters voices instantly jump to life. Both main protagonists are equally charismatic and the book switches between the centuries seamlessly.
I do enjoy a dual timeline and this was one of the best I’ve come across. My heart broke for the young Eugénie, as we meet her for the first time in 1862. Widowed and alone in the world, she has little to look forward to, until a chance meeting between herself, a famous writer and his mistress, changes everything.
The other timeline, well over a century later, revolves around a harassed Accident and Emergency doctor, Tess Le Prevost, set in 2012. At just the right time Tess is given the news that she has been left a property in Guernsey by a distant relative. She arrives on the island with high hopes for a completely fresh start. Sadly, Great Aunt Doris was a hoarder and recluse so Tess finds a mountain of work to do. However, with help from her neighbours and friends, she sees the potential for the property and her future starts to look brighter.
Great Aunt Doris had shared stories that her inheritance could be linked to the great writer Monsieur Victor Hugo who lived just a few doors away. Tess sets out to reveal the truth, but what secrets will she uncover?
I’ve said before that I believe Anne Allen to be a born storyteller and The Inheritance emphasises the fact even more. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries set in a location which is overflowing with mystery, myths, and magic. The story is atmospheric and the characters voices instantly jump to life. Both main protagonists are equally charismatic and the book switches between the centuries seamlessly.
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