Paths Of Destiny: A Format

by E.V. Thompson

Cornwall, 1854 - Alice Rowe owes everything to Reverend Alfred Markham who rescued her from a workhouse, employing her in his parsonage as a housemaid. So when he dies suddenly of a heart attack, Alice faces a fearful and uncertain future. But as one chapter in Alice's life ends, another begins. For as she discovers the Reverend's body in the woods near their house, she meets Gideon Davey - a 'ganger' who is laying a nearby stretch of railway line. Not only does Gideon help recover the body, but he returns to Trelaggan for the funeral - and also to see Alice again.

Gideon's behaviour does not go unnoticed in Trelaggan - especially from those critical of Alice and her past. Though he is threatened, Gideon is man enough to stand up to the village bullies. Then, just as Alice and Gideon's friendship hints at something more serious, Gideon is given an offer he can't refuse: to travel to the Crimea and build a railway to help the British troops.

Gideon, however, is not the only person about to leave Cornwall. For the arrival of the new rector finds Alice moving on too - and starting a remarkable chain of events that follow Gideon's journey across the world . . .

Genres: Historical

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Ernest Victor Thompson was born in London and spent nine years in the Navy before joining Bristol police. He moved to Hong Kong, then Rhodesia and had over 200 stories published before returning to England in 1970 to become a full-time award-winning writer.

He settled in Cornwall, living at Idle Cottage in Sharptor.

He wrote 42 historical novels, mostly set in Cornwall, beginning with 'Chase the Wind' in 1977, a book that was voted the best historical novel of the year, with detectives Churchyard and Hawke two of his main characters.

He was awarded the MBE in the 2012 New Years' Honours list for services to literature and the community in Cornwall. He was also a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd (Gorsedh Kernow). This is an individual honoured for significant contributions to the Cornish language, culture, or heritage.

He also wrote the Scottish historical epic 'Homeland' in 1991 under the pseudonym James Munro.

He died peacefully, with his wife, Celia, and two sons, Nathan and Luke, by his side, at his home in Launceston, Cornwall, on 19 July 2021, shortly after his 81st birthday.

Reviews

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, my first to read by this author. I bought it from the local library, and am looking forward to reading more of his books. I liked the characters and the settings in Cornwall and the Crimean, which was interesting and not too detailed or boring about battles.

[Edward Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real emotional journey typically EVT, difficult to put down

A lovely but dramatic story starting and ending in Cornwall, with unparalleled Crimean war action of the 1812 period. Enjoy

[Geoff Woodland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but not as much as this author's other books. An easy read and a page turner, but for me a disappointment, compared to a number of his other books.

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part I enjoyed and the last part...in the middle, when Alice and Gideon are separated, that became a page flipper, moving right along, reading bits that might catch my interest. Just skimming to pick up anything needed to when they meet again..as that's what everyone waits for.

[Melanie Jolly (Wilkinson) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't actually finish this book. It was ok, interesting historically but it just didn't interest me enough to continue.