Description: The Brideship Wife by Leslie Howard Inspired by the history of the British "brideships," this captivating historical debut tells the story of one womans coming of age and search for independence--for readers of Pam Jenoffs The Orphans Tale and Armando Lucas Correas The German Girl. Tomorrow we would dock in Victoria on the northwest coast of North America, about as far away from my home as I could imagine. Like pebbles tossed upon the beach, we would scatter, trying to make our way as best as we could. Most of us would marry; some would not. England, 1862. Charlotte is somewhat of a wallflower. Shy and bookish, she knows her duty is to marry, but with no dowry, she has little choice in the matter. She cant continue to live off the generosity of her sister Harriet and her wealthy brother-in-law, Charles, whose political aspirations dictate that she make an advantageous match. When Harriet hosts a grand party, Charlotte is charged with winning the affections of one of Charless colleagues, but before the night is over, her reputation--her one thing of value--is at risk. In the days that follow, rumours begin to swirl. Soon Charless standing in society is threatened and all that Charlotte has held dear is jeopardized, even Harriet, and Charlotte is forced to leave everything she has ever known in England and embark on a treacherous voyage to the New World. From the rigid social circles of Victorian England to the lawless lands bursting with gold in British Columbias Cariboo, The Brideship Wife takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through a time of great change. Based on a forgotten chapter in history, this is a sparkling debut about the pricelessness of freedom and the courage it takes to follow your heart. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Author Biography Leslie Howard is the instant bestselling author of The Brideship Wife. She grew up in British Columbia and developed a passion for the provinces history. She divides her time between Vancouver and Penticton, where she and her husband grow cider apples. Connect with her on Twitter @AuthorLeslieH or on her website LeslieHoward.ca. Review Praise for The Brideship Wife"A wonderful debut. . . . This well-researched read marks the arrival of a new talent on the Canadian historical fiction scene." -- Toronto Star"A beautifully told, meticulously researched story of the little-known bride ships and the courageous women on board who risked everything for freedom, then fought to get what they deserved. Debut author Leslie Howard brings history to life by masterfully weaving together the social demands of the time, the perilous journey into the unknown, the too often tragic results of colonization, and the hearts and minds of those navigating these troubled waters." -- GENEVIEVE GRAHAM, #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child"Howards passion for her provinces history dances through her story, as she lights on the gold rush, treatment of Indigenous Peoples, local politics, and medical developments against a vividly described background. She takes on heavy themes of sex, class, racial discrimination, and womens rights and freedoms. Yet her novel remains easily readable, entertaining and informative." -- Winnipeg Free Press"Engrossing." -- The Globe and Mail"Leslie Howard is a welcome new voice with a confident sense of story, place, and destiny in this engaging coming-of-age novel." -- ANNE GIARDINI, author of The Sad Truth About Happiness and Advice for Italian Boys"An enthralling story of a woman who leaves class-stratified, nineteenth century London society for the distant west coast of Canada, where our protagonist, Charlotte, hopes to find a husband, but through Howards incredible research, we experience numerous aspects of the new world. Charlottes concern for justice gives the story a refreshing, revisionist feel. A thoroughly enjoyable read." -- SUZANNE DESROCHERS, bestselling author of Bride of New France"A welcome insight into the neglected history of the marriageable women sent from England to the colonies. The protagonist, Charlotte, is a true heroine. A spellbinding read. Wonderfully suspenseful, right to the satisfying ending." -- ROBERTA RICH, bestselling author of The Midwife of Venice Review Quote Praise for THE BRIDESHIP WIFE Excerpt from Book Prologue Prologue September 16, 1862 The solitude of the upper deck was perfect for me. I suspected that many people on board the ship were having trouble sleeping this night, but unlike me, they sought comfort from their fellow travellers. I didnt want to trouble the others with my fears; they had their own to come to terms with. From the time the captain had sounded the horn to signal our entry into British-held territory, excitement and anxiety had run high. Some chose to toast the news with glasses of champagne, while others huddled in small groups, their heads bent close together in murmured conversation. Tomorrow we would dock in Victoria on the northwest coast of North America, about as far away from my home as I could imagine. Like pebbles tossed upon the beach, we would scatter, trying to make our way as best we could. Most of us would marry; some would not. All of us hoped for a better life than we could ever have found in England. As Charles Dickens once described us, we were the deserving unmarried--unemployed factory workers, Lancashire cotton mill labourers, orphans, the destitute. And a few, like me, were impoverished gentlewomen, unable to prevail upon our male relatives to support us for the rest of our days. To the best of my knowledge though, I was the only one who had been forced to flee England as a social outcast. At the age of twenty-one I was about to start my life over. It is said that we are born alone and we die alone. And that certainly described me now. When I set foot on the foreign shore, I would have no loved ones to support me and no money to help me find my way. But I also would not have the same strict rules dictated by Victorian society, the rules that had been my downfall. I had been told that the colonies offer women more opportunity. Despite the staggering uncertainty now before me, I couldnt wait to taste freedom. Details ISBN1508259356 Author Leslie Howard Pages 400 Publisher Simon & Schuster Language English Year 2020 ISBN-10 1508259356 ISBN-13 9781508259350 Format Paperback Imprint Simon & Schuster DEWEY 813.6 Audience General UK Release Date 2020-05-05 Publication Date 2020-11-15 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:137589473;
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Format: Paperback
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Book Title: The Brideship Wife
ISBN: 9781508259350