4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
My Favorite In This Trilogy, October 10, 2008
I've read all three of the books in Diana Norman's historical trilogy. I did like the first two but I thought this was a much more satisfying read.
While this book focuses on the same themes as the other two; freedom, abolition and suffrage, the depiction of these issues was much more dramatic in this story.
We return to find Makepeace Burke and her always eventful life in England welcoming home her brother, the famous actor Aaron Burke and his theatre troupe, including Sir Michael Murrough, an Irishman.
Makepeace's eldest daughter Philippa Dapifer has just announced her betrothal to Stephan Heilbron, a man she's sure she doesn't love. The man she does love is married to someone else.
In France the Reign of Terror is beheading thousands, among those in hiding is an old friend of Philippa's, the Marquis de Condorcet. Philippa impetuously decides to save him from a certain death herself and travels to France directly into the chaos, betrayal and fear of the Reign of Terror.
There are a lot of historical reference that I didn't grasp that someone who is familiar with this period in time would better understand. But Norman vividly conveys the incredible fear and uncertainty that people endured during this period regardless of the specific names of the perpetrators and their politics.
I really enjoyed the two stories that simultaneously unfold in England and France and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending.
I think that this book would be satisfying as a stand alone book though it's certainly much richer when you understand the history of the characters. And if Diana Norman writes another, which I hope she does, I will certainly read it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Continuing Good Yarn..., January 10, 2007
Diana Norman spins a great novel around historical events. The perspectives on time/place/events are appreciated as they enhance intriguing stories of life. I hope she keeps up the series!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Sparks Fly Upward, September 28, 2009
This review is from: The Sparks Fly Upward (Makepeace Hedley) (Paperback)
Diana Norman is such a good writer. The Sparks Fly Upward is the third in a trilogy of interesting characters, set in historical periods of interest to many. Ms Norman actually uses the English language in her writing, I keep my dictionary at hand. Her characters develop, evolve. I plan to read any of her writings I can get my hands on!
So if you enjoy historical novels, Diana Norman's books will entertain you in style.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
