The House of Lanyon

I have read both books by this author in the Exmoor series, enjoyed both, good description of the time in which story takes place, look forward to more books like this from the author.

This book took place in the fifteenth-century, The War of The Roses; arranged marriages; class systems; I thought the author did a great job telling of the lives of these people trying to make the best of what was expected of them. It was not how they wanted to love or live, but how they were expected to comply with the customs of that time in history. Four people in love, but none were allowed to marry who they wanted. It was not heavy with battle scenes, just enough to let you know how and why the wars were fought. Mostly about the people in three family's and the interaction between them, all starting because of a man's resentment to the class he was born into. I thought this was a very good book.

I really enjoyed this historical saga of love, greed, ambition and lust in 1400 England. There was enough historical references to the wars to give it an historical flavor in my opinion. As well as the references to apprenticeships and guilds that also lent historical references. However, the story really grabbed me from the beginning with the family feuds and the story of the overbearing male Lanyons. However, I could not reconcile myself to Peter Lanyon never really continuing to claim Nicky as his son. I would have liked to see Peter claim Nicky as his son since he did raise him even if Nicky was not his "blood". I gave this a 5 star rating because I could not put it down until I saw everything come together at the conclusion.

As a long time, avid reader of historical fiction, I have to disagree with the reviewer who said that this novel doesn't provide a good "sense of time or place". Very clearly set during the Wars of the Roses and the aftermath of same, it's primary focus is on the everyday lives and tribulations of the common folk during those turbulent times. Although my favorites by this author continue to be her "Gildenford" triloy, I thoroughly enjoyed "The House of Lanyon". Unlike Follett, whose historical research in "Pillars of the Earth" leaves something to be desired, Anand's research is always impeccible.

In Exmoor, England Richard Lanyon always resented the fact that his father was a tenant farmer working for aristocratic affluent Sweetwater clan. Richard wants to be free by owning his land not slaving for someone else to gain the profits of his toil; as the case with his recently deceased dad. Ambitious, he will shape the future through his son. His goal seems achieved when he arranges for his offspring Peter to marry wealthy Liza Weaver. However, Peter loves Marion Locke and his fiancée loves someone else. Neither are pleased with the arrangement, but both accept the inevitably of their marriage as they understand their duty to family. Meanwhile the widow Richard is attracted to Marion. While his brokenhearted son and equally despondent daughter-in-law struggle together, Richard has a dark secret that fosters a deep guilt that haunts his gut and a fear that if revealed THE HOUSE OF LANYON will topple like a deck of cards. This is an interesting family drama that sprawls across the late fifteenth century. The story line provides a fascinating look at the dysfunctional relationship between social classes especially outside of London. However, the historical tale targets those readers who enjoy a Barbara Taylor Bradford like saga occurring prior to and during the War of the Roses era. Harriet Klausner