Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2166 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 640 pages

Synopsis
This is the reissue of the second novel in the "Wideacre Trilogy"; a compulsive drama set in the eighteenth century. The Wideacre estate is bankrupt, the villagers are living in poverty and Wideacre Hall is a smoke-blackened ruin. But, in the Dower House, two children are being raised in protected innocence. Equal claimants to the inheritance of Wideacre, rivals for the love of the village, they are tied by a secret childhood betrothal but forbidden to marry. Only one can be the favoured child. Only one can inherit the magical understanding between the land and the Lacey family that can make the Sussex village grow green again. Only one can be Beatrice Lacey's true heir. Sweeping, passionate, unique "The Favoured Child" is the second novel in Philippa Gregory's bestselling trilogy which began with "Wideacre" and concluded with "Meridon".

Customer Reviews

Not quite so good as Wideacre
The second in the series after Wideacre which tells the story of Julia Lacey, the daughter of Beatrice and Harry Lacey. She does not know her true mother until the very end of the novel and her incestous birth.

This female character is much more likeable than her mother Beatrice, however she lacks a lot of her strength. She wants the poor to have a share of the Wideacre profits or to give them Wideacre. She is raped and pursued by her brother (they belive they are cousins) Richard to marry him. This means he will get Wideacre and she will be left with nothing also being denied her true love James Forteuss. Richard has the Lacey madness and is a killer, cheat and bully like their mother sadly.

Plain suffering - read if you like to see people suffer
I really like PG's books, but unfortunately this one was a big disappointment. If you like to read about people suffering through hundreds of pages, without deserving it, you will enjoy. If not, read her other books.

Brilliant!
I have just finished this book and must say it is great! I loved it from the moment I picked it up. As a sequel to 'Wideacre' I think this is the stronger of the two books (and less sorid to tell the truth!). After reading these two books I am definitely a Philippa Gregory fan. The plot is attention grabbing and although you may work out some of the twists it is not until you have finished the book and realise that 'that part' was a clue and 'that event' was aswell. Gergory's characters are so well crafted and every aspect of their personality has obviously been thought out carefully. I found myself urging Julia, the main character, to do the right thing when i saw her going the wrong way and actually began to care for her welfare! I was greatly surprised by how good this book is and, as I said on a review of 'Wideacre' this is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. A few events even got a physical reaction out of me, after a couple of shocked 'What?!' and some gasps I was asked to explain what was going on to my flatmate. This book is brilliant and i cannot recommend it enough!