Martha Peake

A Novel of the Revolution

When Ambrose Tree is summoned by his ancient uncle to the brooding mansion Drogo Hall, he suspects it's to hear the old man's dying words and then collect a sizable inheritance. He has no idea he is about to learn the bizarre story of Harry Peake, Cornish smuggler turned poet who became a monster capable of the most horrifying acts. Or that he's about to become psychologically enmeshed in the riveting life of Harry's daughter, Martha, who flees her father for colonial America where she becomes a heroic figure in the revolution against England. Or that he himself has a crucial role to play in this mesmerizing tale as it rushes headlong and hauntingly toward its powerful climax. Martha Peake is a spellbinding alloy of Gothic mystery and historical romance.©2000 Patrick McGrath (P)2009 BBC Audio

A disappointing book

I was very disappointed in this book. The story was very boring the narrator was very boring. Maybe he didn't have a chance with the writing to make it seem more exciting than it was. However it was a waste of time.

Save your credits! It's a Trainwreck

This was a twisted, unresolved, tedious, limp imitation of Jane Eyre. Calling it a 'novel of the Revolution' was both a stretch, and hugely disrespectful. The picture on the front cover is the best part of the story. I wish there had been a way to split the star or make it a 'minus star'.