Two short reviews

These are going to be my last of the Morland series for a month as the rest will have to wait for my return. Both reviews are short ones since I am still trying to pack stuff to take. Just by the way, no Sri Lankan can ever travel without masses of luggage, always overweight and taking everything under the sun! I am no different. Despite stringent laws in Australia over import of so many items, we still manage to pack a good deal of things. As a result till I clear Customs I am always uneasy regarding the extra baggage! Apart from cashewnuts devilled at home (fried cashews with salt and chilli powder) there are heaps of curry powders to be taken all sealed, labelled and hopefully passing muster at Customs!

The Flood Tide - the time is 1772 and a period of peace in England under George III. However it also marks the beginning of the American War of Independence and the American cousins of the Morland clan are upto their necks in it. We also have an offshoot of the family in Paris having a gala time irrespective of troubles elsewhere. The Morland family under the strong guidance of Jemima and her husband Allen are on a very good path.

It is 1501 - the beginning of Henry VIII and the turbulence he will bring to the entire country. Needless to say the amorous nature of Henry VIII and his permanent look out for a wife who will produce the elusive son and heir is very much part of this story. How Nannette part of the Morland clan starts life at Court with Anne Boleyn and then eventually moves on to the court of Katharine and the tumultuous times they lived in are very much part of this book.

I never get tired of reading about the Tudors - and this book details the very beginning of the Princesses Mary and Elizabeth before rivalry for the crown sours the relationship. It also shows the manner in which Elizabeth was brought up which is a period I was not very familiar with. Both Princesses did not have much to be happy about - at times both declared illegitimate, unrecognized and without even royal patronage to provide a decent education and even clothes. A facet of their lives which was very sad.

On another note, I am so glad that my meme which disappeared into thin air reappeared. It was a lovely meme sponsored by Thomas from Stuck in a Book which I followed.