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Valentine Grey
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Check link for latest rating. ( 621 ratings, 69 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
From one of the nation's best-loved writers and performers comes a wonderful novel about a spirited young girl who goes to war as a young man
From one of the nation's best-loved writers and performers comes a wonderful novel about a spirited young girl who goes to war as a young man
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
London, 1897, and a young girl, Valentine Grey, arrives in England. She's been brought up in the remote and sunny climes of India and finds being forced into corsets and skirts in damp and cold country insufferable. The only bright spot: her exciting cousin, Reggie.
Reggie, and his lover Frank, seek out the adventure the clandestine bars and streets of London offer and are happy to include Valentine in their secret, showing her theatre, gardensβeven teaching her how to ride a bicycle.
Then comes the Boer War and Reggie's father volunteers him; the empire must be defended. But it won't be Reggie who dons the Volunteer Regiment's garb. Valentine takes her chance, puts on her cousin's uniform, leaving Reggie behind and heads off to war.
For a long while, it's glorious and liberating for both of the cousins, but war is not glorious and in Victorian London, homosexuality is not liberating...
Valentine Grey offers a captivating exploration of identity, freedom, and the challenges posed by societal norms at the turn of the century.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Valentine Grey by Sandi Toksvig is praised for its warm characterisation and richly detailed depiction of a challenging historical period. The novel is highlighted for its courageous and captivating protagonist, Valentine Grey, who leaves readers wanting more. The book seamlessly entwines untold stories of the battlefield and gay history, offering entertainment and intrigue akin to the works of Sarah Waters and Pat Barker.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781844088331
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 04 July 2013
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Virago Press Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 198.0mm
Height: 124.0mm
Weight: 245g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Following a first-class degree from Cambridge, Sandi Toksvig went into the theatre as a writer and performer and was a founder member of the Comedy Store Players. Well known for her television and radio work as a presenter, writer and actor, she has written six books for children. Her first adult novel, WHISTLING FOR THE ELEPHANTS, was published in 1999.
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