Customer Reviews

Watch the Wall, My Darling

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The title refers to a poem by Rudyard Kipling:
"Five and Twenty ponies,
Trotting through the dark-
Brandy for the Parson,
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady; letters for a spy,
And watch the wall, my darling, while the gentlemen go by!"

This weekend, thirty-six years since the very first time that I read this novel, I reread this romance novel. I read more slowly than I usually read my romance novels in order to savor the superior writing style of Ms. Hodges. This is romance writing at its pinnacle. This story has everything, smugglers, spies, adventure, and intrigue. The intrepid American heroine has come to stay with her long estranged family in the marshes of Sussex. While travelling to her grandfather's home, she is accosted by smugglers. While so many romance novels barely have the vestiges of a plot, this story has a well contrived plot with twist and turns to keep the reader enthralled. All romance readers, including the fans of Jane Austen, should take the time to find a copy of this 1966 novel.

If you have ever heard Loreena McKennitt's song "The Highwayman" it will take you instantly to where "Watch the Wall, My Darling" takes place. I've always been fascinated by the smuggling times of Britain in the late 19th century. This story takes place during the time of Napoleon, when he was imminently expected to land on Britain's coast. Protagonist Christina has just arrived at her coastal ancestral home, Tretteign Grange, also known as the Dark House--a former abbey that is quite possibly haunted. There she meets Ross, who may or may not be involved in something scandalous, and finds herself in all sorts of trouble with both the locals and the unwelcoming residents of the Dark House.

"Five and twenty ponies,
Trotting through the dark--
Brandy for the Parson,
'Baccy for the Clerk;
Laces for a lady, letters for a spy,
And watch the wall my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!"
From: A Smuggler's Song by Rudyard Kipling.

I have had this book so long I don't even remember where I came across it, but it is so well-loved that it is literally falling apart. I have read it many, many times and it is by far my most cherished romantic story, ever. I absolutely adore the character of Christina, and I found myself ridiculously attracted to Ross. There is something unique about the way Ms. Hodge has written the dialogue of this book that I find especially appealing. The way Chris and Ross banter back and forth, and say much without saying anything at all, is part of what makes this book so enchanting to me.

Several years ago I wrote the author a letter singing this book's praises, which I mailed to her publishing company, which was the only information I could find about her online. I wasn't even sure if she was still alive or not, and I did not expect a response. A few weeks later I was *thrilled* to receive a handwritten letter from Ms. Hodge, and it remains one of my most treasured possessions. That exchange certainly sealed the fate of this book becoming one of my all-time favorites out of the thousands I have read! I highly recommend this book for all lovers of historical fiction and Gothic romance.

I got this book just yesterday from my english teacher. i started it and finished it today because it was purely enticing. the story of a girl who arrives in her grandfather's home after meeting some thieves to whom she has given her word to not speak of and then finding that one of the thieves might be the man in the household that she is falling in love w/ and will have to marry...well, it gets you into it! of course, it's truly more than a romance; in truth, there really was not much romance, and more suspence, mystery, and danger. you'd wonder, should chris (christina) trust ross, a dangerous man who can get hanged for the crimes he commits? (not anything macabre, the crimes...but they are, still, breaking the laws). read the book to find out...me myself, i am going to read it again to understand it better.

I was in need of an author, and I asked my mom who I should read. The second book I ever saw that she had reccommended to me, was Watch the Wall My Darling. I ADORE the ending, and I have read the book only once, but the ending so many times, its enough to make one laugh histerically. You would think that since I am under the age of thirteen, I would not find interest in a book of this age group, but since it is clean, I read it. I was sucked in ruthlessly by the thick plot, and although the first part of the book makes you think that it will be a boring book, you feel compelled to read it. My favorite character was Ross, mostly because of the menacing creature that you think he is. But as it turns out...

I will not tell you more, but you must read this book, no matter if you think you will not like it.

Jane Aiken Hodge is the 'dark' Georgette Heyer. Her heroines meet with more serious difficulties, the historical settings are more troubled, and as a result, the conclusions are all the more satisfying. This story of a young American woman's struggle for acceptance in her new country (England) and new family during the time of Napoleon is a great read!

This was a totally predictable but fun plot. Shades of Daphne du Maurier but in a light hearted way.

I loved this book, It was amazing! I have read it atleast 5 times and every time I'm equally amazed, I truely enjoy this book.