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The extraordinary story of Frieda von Richthofen, wife of D. H. Lawrence and the inspiration for Lady Chatterley's Lover. 'Effervescent . . . a wonderful portrait of an extraordinary woman' The Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2018 pick 'Annabel Abbs has done a superb job of chronicling Frieda's early life ... brilliant ... wonderfully drawn' The Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month 'A convincing evocation of a remarkable woman' The Sunday Times 'Lushly written . . . exuberant . . . compelling' Observer ' A lush and absorbing portrait of a fascinating woman who refused to compromise on what really matters: to be known, to love, to be beloved,' Polly Clark, author of Larchfield 'Hard to put down thanks to its heroine's audacity and strength' Stylist 'Another absolutely superb novel from Annabel Abbs' Historical Novel Society 'An incredible piece of storytelling' The Lady ' A compassionately imagined tale' Daily Mail ' Fascinating' Red 'Enticing . . . utterly compelling . . . glorious!' The Reading Agency Books of the Year 2018 Germany 1907. Aristocrat Frieda von Richthofen has rashly married English professor Ernest Weekley. Visiting her sisters in Munich, she is captivated by a city alive with ideas of revolution and free love, and, goaded by sibling rivalry with her sisters and the need to be more than mother and wife, Frieda embarks on a passionate affair that is her sensual and intellectual awakening. England, 1912 Trapped in her marriage to Ernest, Frieda meets the penniless but ambitious younger writer D. H. Lawrence. Their scandalous affair and tempestuous relationship unleashes a creative outpouring that changes the course of literature forever. But for Frieda, this fulfilment comes at the terrible personal cost of home and family. PRAISE FOR THE JOYCE GIRL 'A hugely impressive debut' Observer 'A powerful portrait of a young woman yearning to be an artist' Guardian 'The best 20th-century fiction of the year' Historical Novel Society ...
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Abbs has a healthy disregard for the "great man" theory of literary history, and this clever and deeply humane book enables Frieda to emerge from her husband's shadow as she becomes fascinated by ideas of self-fulfilment and empowerment. With a fine eye for period detail, Abbs confirms her standing as one of the best historical novelists today. Observer 20190519
