Set in 1865, Islands of Mercy is a sweeping tale, with strong and inspiring female characters. Clorinda Morrissey leaves Dublin for Bath, and determined to fulfil her dream of living independently, she sells the only item of worth she owns - a ruby necklace - and starts her own successful business, a popular and cozy tea room. It is here that she first sees Jane, doctor's daughter and assistant, known as the Angel of the Baths. Jane's father's partner, Valentine Ross, is in love with Jane, and proposes marriage to her in the tea room. But Jane does not feel the same, and rejects his proposal. Needing time away, she goes to stay with her beloved Aunt Emmeline in London, and it is here that she meets Julietta. Julietta is married with a young son, but she has many female lovers, known as her 'beauties'. Jane is beguiled by Julietta and they embark on a passionate affair.

Meanwhile Valentine thinks of his brother Edmund, a naturalist who is in Borneo. He considers leaving England to be reunited with him. But unknown to him, Edmund has perished after becoming stranded during a storm.

Meanwhile, while Jane is away, her father William, without a cook, asks Clorinda if she would consider providing hot food for him and Valentine. His affection for Clorinda grows and their relationship blossoms in a beautifully understated way.

Knowing that Julietta can never be hers, Jane reconsiders her decision to reject Valentine, and she agrees to marry him. But he can never give her the satisfaction that Julietta does, and when her beloved Aunt dies, his callous reaction makes her certain that she can never find happiness with him, and she calls off the wedding. Incensed, and in a jealous rage, he commits an act of violence against Jane that leaves her hanging onto life by a thread. Knowing he can never return to Bath, he embarks for Borneo, filled with shame and self-loathing.

The threads of all these characters are weaved together seamlessly, and the writing is exquisite. The unapologetic and strong female characters are what drives the plot of this wonderful book. Exploring themes of sexuality, love, power, loyalty and family, it is a truly wonderful story, written beautifully.

A romp through London, Bath and Dublin in the Victorian era and a peep into eccentricities of Empire with some sections set in Borneo. I enjoyed the historical details in this book and the sense of place, also that there were some plot surprises along the way. Parts of it reminded me of Sarah Water's books, which is meant as a compliment, and the different sexual relationships which the book has at its core are well managed by the author.
Thank you to netgalley and Chatto and Windus for an advance copy of this book

I put this book down at 8% after reading the first four chapters. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the writing style. The author has attempted to emulate the typical writing and narrative styles of the 19th century, when the book is set, which has resulted in a rather dry and, to put it bluntly, boring book (as far as I read). Nothing about the first few chapters gripped me and the way certain themes were handled and discussed (such as miscarriages) made me uncomfortable. To be entirely honest, I have other books I would rather read and forcing myself to continue with a book I wasn't enjoying would be unproductive.

*eARC received in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley*

I thought that this story set mainly in Bath and Malaya, with side roads leading to Dublin and Paris, was a well told tale of opposites and challenges; morality versus desire, wealth versus poverty; male versus female. A true page turner with plenty to keep the reader entertained; four very well drawn main characters and some well set scenes with lovely scenery. The story played out well and the characters developed along with it. A thoroughly enjoyable read from an author that I haven't read enough of in the past. That will change after reading this.
With thanks to Netaglley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review an e-ARC of this novel.

*Many thanks to Rose Tremain, Random House UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Another grand offering by Ms Tremain!
A novel which has several protagonists, all so different and peculiar and interconnected, and who are special in their own ways, and who seek something or run away from something.
The year is 1865, and Clorinda Morrissey leaves Dublin to seek fortune in Bath. Jane Adearne, a nurse called the Angel of Bath, helps the infirm to regain their health. Valentine Ross, a surgeon working together with Sir William Adearne, Jane's father, decides to 'pop a question' to Jane. Valentine's brother, Edmund, travels to Borneo to expand his knowledge on botany. These are the moments when the real quest begins for the characters.
I found the descriptions of all paces vivid and, together with insight into social and moral aspects, Ms Tremain managed to provide an authentic feel of the places and times.
I suppose while reading, Clorinda Morressey won my heart. She is poor, yet she wants to be an independent woman, not willing to be a servant, and with money she receives from selling family heirloom, she establishes herself in the centre of Bath. The path she chooses is not the easiest for a woman in Victorian England, and yet she succeeds, not only in her business.
Beautiful narration and the need to find out how they will develop made this story unputdownable for me.

My last review of a Tremain novel (The Gustav Sonata) said
"This was like falling into a comfortable bed in terms of the quality of the writing, all organic 500 thread count cotton with a top quality duvet. So luxurious without shouting out its credentials that you feel instantly held and set up for anything."
Once again with Tremain you are in skilled hands wherever she may take you and is this story takes you from Dublin to Bath to Borneo.
There are three/four intertwined plot lines.
Clorinda, from a poor Dublin background has set up a popular teashop in Bath. This attracts a wealthy clientele including Dr Valentine Ross who works at the Baths and very tall Jane, who is renowned as the Angel of Bath, whose touch is said to be healing when she leads you into the famous healing waters.
Dr Ross' brother is on a trip to Borneo to find insects and is taken in by Sir Ralph Savage who fancies himself as a Rajah with a palace to match.

It's a book about identity, making choices and forging you own destiny. Sometimes this destiny takes unexpected paths (in terms of sexual identity, thwarted passion, misaligned philanthropism etc )

The changes that happen to Dr Valentine bring out new aspects to his personality which are not sympathetic, but this makes his reaction to change all the more interesting.

Tremain puts in a few brush strokes that vividly depict the settings from Borneo to the West Coast of Ireland.

In less skilled hands this could have been a fragmentary book with no depth, but we are led by the steady hands of "The Angel of Tremain "

"People need places of sanctuary, islands of warmth and calm" Tremain brings us through the storms that beset her characters to these islands.

this book is like a four course meal - tea in the town of bath, then the main meal from Borneo, followed by a taster in Dublin and then to cleanse the palette what about some cakes from Paris? The flavours and textures of this story are just wonderful and the characters are dressed and described in their finest. This is a theatre production of a show - costume changes and scene setting is wonderful. there's the theme of love and control throughout holding it all together in one theatrical bow.

Wonderful

I had been eagerly anticipating this novel since I'd learned of it and was delighted to be one of the winners of an advance copy in a competition run by the publishers, Vintage.

The novel delivered for me in a number of ways. As someone who loves historical fiction, the 19th century setting was perfect as were the locations of Bath and London. I also rooted for a number of the female characters and felt invested in their story throughout, which kept the pages turning swiftly. The descriptions of Borneo gave me a good sense of the landscape it was set in but I was really hoping for something more of the storyline set there, which is where this review loses one star.

I found that practically everyone in this novel is searching for something. Love, companionship, support, acceptance, recognition, a new start... and, for most I think, they do find what's important to them, though often through difficult circumstances.

I'd not read anything by Rose Tremain before this novel, but on the basis of my enjoyment of 'Islands of Mercy', I will certainly look out for her other books.

A brilliant book, very emotional and full of wisdom, at times, affording insights into human nature that are rarely seen in a novel. Once begun, I had to finish it as quickly as possible, it was so absorbing. I would recommend it for the fine writing as well.

I love Rose Tremain and was delighted to be given the chance to read this novel by NetGalley. It is beautifully written and the female characters are well developed and interesting. However, the male characters are not likeable at all!

I found the multiple narratives a little strange at times, and hard to follow, particularly the Sir Ralph/Borneo story line. However, I was blown away by Jane's experiences as she tries to negotiate her own path and shape an existence that offers her some satisfaction in a thoroughly patriarchal world. Her father, Sir William, is an insipid character who cannot retain his own staff when his daughter leaves to live in London for a while; his attitude that she must come back to run his household infuriated me, though I realise it was a totally appropriate expectation for the period in which it is set. Jane explores her own desires and pushes at many social boundaries in this novel and I was glad to see her taking some control in her own destiny. Clorida, is an appropriate replacement for Jane in Sir William's life to enable Jane to move on and live with some autonomy.

Initially, I felt some sympathy for Valentine Ross, but as the novel develops he is revealed to be a thoroughly despicable, self-indulged character and I was glad that Jane discovered alternative ways to live rather than accept his offer of marriage.

Tremain's writing is masterful, but I did find this a difficult read and had to force myself to get to the end which left me a little deflated.

I am always excited to see a new Rose Tremain book coming out, and 'Islands of Mercy' did not disappoint. The writing was beautiful, the character development engaging and plausible, the dialogue spot on, the prose gorgeous. I was instantly and easily transported to the world of the book. The only reason I have not given it five stars is because for me the subject matter and the plot did not interest me as much as they should have, and I felt the story slowed to a plod in a couple of places. That said, it was a good read, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of gorgeous writing, historical fiction and unusual yet believable characters.

This is potentially a great story, ambitious in its reach, encompassing as it does, Bath, London, Dublin and Borneo. For this reader (am I alone in this?) Tremain's writing is often patchy. Her characterisation of women tends to be stronger than that of male figures. Islands of Mercy is no exception.

Tremain attempts to emulate a Victorian writing style, particularly in the early part of the novel, but it is inconsistent, as if she is unable to make up her mind whether to continue in this way or write in a more contemporary vein. Her shifts of POV, sometimes in the middle of a single scene, are irritating and surprisingly amateur for such an established and highly regarded author. Why didn't her editors advise some amendments?

I liked Clorinda’s work ethic and her determination to overcome the poverty and famine of her native Ireland as well as her difficult family background, still lived out by her brother and his wife. Jane’s independence and unconventionality, inherited from her Aunt Emmeline, an artist living a bohemian lifestyle in London are way ahead of her time and a joy to read. With the exception of Jane’s father Sir William Adearne, an eminent Bath surgeon, the Male characters are less likeable Valentine Ross, a fellow doctor, in love with Jane becomes increasingly vile as the book progresses. Tremain's depiction of this insecure individual who believes his ability to control Jane will be his making, both as a person and a husband, and his decent into an abominable human being is perhaps her best yet. The ending, however, was very poorly executed, as if Tremain had absolutely no idea how to tie up all the loose ends of the story's various strands.

A sadly inconsistent novel which did not meet my expectations of the author's work. My thanks to Netgalley and Vintage Books for the ARC.

I normally really like Rose Tremain’s books. I found this one hard to get into and I did not feel connected with any of the characters. I did read to the end but struggled with the writing style the whole way through.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Dark Hearts

It is the Nineteenth Century in Bath, in Burma, in London, in Dublin, in Paris; two same sex relationships, one exploitative and manipulative, two heterosexual relationships, one violent and abusive. This is Jane Austin meets Joseph Conrad, with a seasoning of J M Synge, James Joyce and Emile Zola. Ranging from a tea shop in Bath to the west coast of Ireland, from a mortuary in Paris to an artist’s studio in London, from the trade ships of Plymouth to the White Rajah of Sarawak, the author draws her characters, humane and flawed, idealistic and misguided, struggling both against and for conformity, where villainy is often tempered by flawed humanity and the desire for progress results in paternalistic failure, where tragedy and loss proliferate, but are occasionally leavened by islands of mercy.

This is certainly an ambitious novel that attempts to telescope important strands of Victorian experience and history into one story: the Irish Famine and emigration; exploration and colonialism; medical and scientific advances. It also foregrounds modern concerns with the role of women and inclusive sexualities and 'backdates' them to this Victorian setting. It then ties all this together via the interlocking relationships between four principal characters.

I could have bought into this slightly artificial and patterned shape if the writing had been more involving but I'm afraid that Tremain's style of 'telling' rather than dramatising, and her indirect speech rather than dialogue always leaves me feeling detached and unmoved: I'm always left watching from the sidelines rather than being swept up into the heart of the story. This is the second book of hers I've tried and it seems her style just isn't for me. She writes some lovely prose on the sentence level, and her descriptions are lush and detailed - it's just that her characters are left wooden: I want to hear them talk and argue and laugh and contradict themselves but instead the narrator reports what they've said and I can't hear them for myself. Because of that, I found it hard to become involved in the various stories being unravelled. If you like Tremain's mode of writing, this might well be a more rewarding experience.

Wow, what a page turner this book turned out to be, I really enjoyed it. Jane "Angel of the Baths" is a very tall, handsome 25 year woman, nurse to her doctor fathers patients. Clorinda Morrisey is opening a tea shop in Bath with the proceeds of her only family heirloom, a string of rubies. Valentine Ross is preparing to propse to Jane whilst his naturalist brother is roaming the jungles in Borneo in search of butterflies and insects. The narrative follows their stories as their lives intersect and drama unfolds. Tremain is a master storyteller, I loved Retsoration and Merival so knew I'd be in good hands. I'm moving house and so packing a lot of boxes boxes but spent the day on the sofa enjoying and transported by this instead. The best book I've read in a while. The narrative flows and sings. I came to really care about some of the protagonists and even shed a tear in the closing chapters. Great stuff.

So many characters in so many locations each with their own story to tell and all, in one way or another connected to Jane the 6’2” “Angel of the Baths”, who assists her doctor father with the patients who’ve flocked to his practice when they are trying the healing waters of Bath. Only her healing hands can save them. Set in the 1860s Jane tries to live a conventional Victorian life but when Dr Valentine Ross, her father’s junior assistant suddenly proposes to her in Mrs Morrisey’s tea rooms she escapes this unwanted situation by visiting her artist aunt in London. Hear she meets the devastatingly beautiful Julietta, outwardly living a conventional life with her husband and son but also bedding any pretty young women who take her fancy. It’s only a matter of time before Jane is drawn into her web. Meanwhile Valentine’s brother Edmund, has got lost in Borneo following his passion for nature and ended up living with Savage, the self-styled local English Rajah and his native lover in his palace. The story switches between these characters plus that of Mrs Morrisey who sold a family heirloom to escape her Irish poverty and I really wanted to spend a bit more time with some of them to follow their stories as I found I really disliked some of the central characters. Luckily Rose Tremain is a skilled writer and was able to draw me in to each of the well researched, beautifully drawn locations and keep on reading. The Road Home is still my favourite but this was a very enjoyable novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Thanks to the publisher Chatto & Windus and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Rose Tremain, you have stolen my heart! Writing in such detail about beautiful Bath and the west country (I had to try and find The Plough and Stars pub in Watchet and imagined Valentine Ross making his way over the hills to Kilve...I don’t live too far away!).

Set in 1800s, Jane Adeane, aka The Angel of the Baths, is a nurse working alongside her surgeon father and above-mentioned Mr Ross. Whilst taking tea at Clorinda Morrissey’s infamous tea rooms, he proposes to Jane, but is dismayed at her response.

Jane sets off for London to stay with her Aunt Emmeline where she meets Ashton Simms and his beautiful wife Juliette at one of her aunt’s soirées. Jane is utterly bowled over by Juliette and they begin a relationship.

In the meantime, Edmund, Valentine’s botanist brother is searching for insects and butterflies in Borneo, but there has been no news from him. Valentine has to decide whether to travel to Borneo or to continue to pursue Jane’s affections.

I enjoyed this gentle, passionate and excellently written book and didn’t want it to finish. I would recommend it and rate it 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to the author and publishers Random House UK for an ARC in exchange for an independent review.

Once again Rose Tremain has created a complete, immersive World that entirely holds us. Her bold, unusual, character of Jane is a delight, a unique entity in 19th century Bath, full of passion and adventure and generous of nature. Jane's story is interwoven with that of Valentine Ross, a doctor in her father's practice who decides he wants to marry her. She is shocked and insulted and rejects him, then falls passionately in love with a beautiful woman. Meanwhile Valentine finds the rejection very hard and contemplates travelling to Borneo to seek out his brother who is exploring there. Via Dublin, London, Bath and the jungles of Borneo, a remarkable tale is told of self-preservation, passion, and self-destruction.

Rose Tremain Islands of Mercy
A convoluted tale of love and loss spanning from Ireland and England across the seas to the Malay Archipelago. Clorinda travels to Bath frim Dublin in search of her fortune and through skill and hard graft founds a popular tea room frequented by many. Doctor Valentine Ross is one of these and he chooses the tea rooms to propose to the love of his life Miss Jane Adeane, the daughter of his mentor and a nurse in their medical practice. She refuses him and sets out to find her own fulfilment elsewhere, leaving Valentine in despair. His brother Edward, a naturalist, has gone missing while on his travels round the islands of the Malay Archipelago and the story jumps there to tell of adventures and misadventures that befall him on his travels. Valentine is tempted to travel there to search for him in a rash attempt to put oceans between himself and Jane. Clorinda herself finds love unexpectedly with Jane's father when she is persuaded to provide meals for the Doctor in Jane's absence.
A disjointed story but passionately told with exquisite prose and great insight into the lives of such diverse characters concentrating on their search for love and passion.