An interesting historical fiction novel. It was a somewhat entertaining story plot wise.

3.5/5

I really liked this story, even though the latter parts could've been better. Ordinarily, historical fiction is a genre I try to keep at bay, so much for reading two historical fics in one week merely because history doesn't interest me as much. However, I found this one so much more than I'd anticipated. I'd dived into The Merest Loss thinking about a romance set in the times when political circumstances were taking over the world, but I was both pleasantly and not-so-pleasantly surprised to find the historical setting given as much so much more limelight.

The story starts off centered around Harriet and her life before she came in contact with Louis Napoleon. I loved that first part of the book! She is this defiant, uncontrollable and rebellious child who loves running away from the mainstream goals set for her as a woman n 1836. Her dialogues, tactics and uncaring attitude is perfectly drawn to give a gist of her personality. Not to mention the letters exchanged during that period, between her poor parents and school or between her and her parents. Since I'm already brushing through the pros of this story, let me appreciate the research that has gone into this work. Right from the words used to the mannerisms and reactions, given or received, give me the essence of the time it has all been set in. Furthermore, it isn't simply giving away facts, instead the romance and instances are beautifully woven within the historical backdrops.

Having said that, the latter parts of the story, when the spotlight shifts from Harriet to the more serious plot line about bigger names and bigger conflicts...I didn't prefer it over the character development that was kept at stake for this. Yes, it was intriguing but I'd mentioned when I picked up the book that I was more for a developed romance than the fictional historical recounts. Perhaps, this might be a it's-not-you-it's-me situation, and am pretty sure the book would be a 10 on 10 for for some readers out there.

All in all, this was definitely a good read and I would recommend it to all those who love a fictional story set in a factual historical setting and a character you would genuinely like, given the times.

Marshall has wanted to know who his father is from the time he was very young. His mother would not tell him. Eventually she gives him a list of men in her life and tells him to go out and find the facts for himself. Along the way he not only learns about the men on the list but becomes great friends with some of them. Harriet Howard became a great actress who the government takes her life away to get her to do what they want. They are wanting to have an alliance between Queen Victoria's England and Louis Bonaparte's France. She provides the finances to back Louis but this life is up and sown for her. Always her first responsibility is to her son and her parents. We follow the life of Harriet and those who come in and out of that life.

Historical fiction with a different twist to it. I enjoyed the book and found the characters well developed. I found the differences between the country live of horse racing and the intrigue of the city to be an enjoyable contrast. I would recommend this book to friends.