SOLVED. Novel about life story of man and his army best friend, hunting together, fall out over woman [s]

[Stephanie]

Hi

I'm trying to remember the name of a book I read a few years ago, but likely to have been published many years before.

The book is set in Germany / Austria (I think) and features a rich man's son, possibly a baron / count / diplomat of some sort. My memory is somewhat lacking, so I've tried to put down what I can remember here.

The book tell the story of the rich man's son and his childhood / war time best friend. They are close in their youth, despite having different backgrounds. I have memories of the rich family having the friend stay with them through the summer holidays or possibly during leave from the army.

The book spans many years and tells the story of their time in the war and after the war. The rich son later marries a woman I think and the book eludes to a sort of love triangle between the three of them.

The book comes to an end in the baron's house, when his old friend comes to visit him as an old man many years later and they meet for dinner. I have memories of the rich man having a candlelit dinner with the old friend, and having waited many years for this meeting to take place. He is very bitter. Possibly the reason they have finally met is that the woman has now died after many years. The dinner is prepared by the staff of the house, and the men drink wine and finally discuss what happened over the woman.

There is one key scene when the two friends, and possibly the woman are hunting at the rich man's estate and the woman and friend have made some sort of plot to kill the rich man in a hunting accident, but don't do it. There is a scene where the man turns around to find his friend's hunting rifle aiming for him, but all pass the incident off without discussing it further.

I also remember vivid scenes describing a train journey through forests (perhaps to and from the Baron / rich friend's house).

Any help or further info would be much appreciated! I can't remember much more and am dying to know the name of the book!

Thanks!

[Tab]

The Winter of the World ?

If not, how long ago did you read this book?

[Stephanie]

That does sound very similar but unfortunately it's not the one.

I read it a few years ago, 2 / 3 I would say.

Thanks for your help!

[Kris]

The Sands Of Sakkara by Glenn Meade?

[Laina]

Hi Stephanie! I think you are looking for Embers. It's been awhile since I read this one myself, but from what I remember, the major plot points you mention are all there. Take a look!

[Stephanie]

Yes!! That's it- thankyou so much Laina!

So excited to read it again now!

[Laina]

Hi Stephanie! I'm glad you found it! Happy reading, :)