Wideacre by Philippa Gregory

Wideacre by Philippa Gregory

At first glance, Wideacre seems to be just another romance novel set in 17th century England. However, once one opens it, (s)he gets immediately wrapped up in the life of the main character, Beatrice Lacey.

Beatrice is what every woman wants to be, and what every man would want in a mate. She is stunningly beautiful, and she knows it. The confidence is catching, and one begins to feel it as though she were Beatrice herself. In addition, Beatrice has a cool detachment that many would long for; her only passion is her land. The modern reader can relate her drive for land to his own drive for the best career and home.

She cares very little for love, and promises her childhood confidante to live only for "the land and the pleasure". She freely takes what she wants, and what she needs, with little concern as to how it may effect those around her. As the reader watches her ruthlessly destroy her father, her lover, and her husband in turn, (s)he will not only cringe, but also be torn.

It is hard not to empathize with Beatrice, and although one would want the end of the novel to have a "happy ending", it does not. I constantly put on my reading glasses and revel in the over 400 books I own of different categories, ranging from non-fiction to the frilliest, most feminine books imaginable, and yet Wideacre stands out as a lasting favorite. I find that it appeals to numerous types of individuals, no matter his intellect or station in life.