Description
Book SynopsisThe critically acclaimed debut novel The Fever Tree, by Jennifer McVeigh, a Richard and Judy bookclub pick.
1880, South Africa - a land torn apart by greed...
Frances Irvine, left penniless after her father''s sudden death, is forced to emigrate to the Cape. In this barren country, she meets two very different men - one driven by ambition, the other by ideals. When a smallpox outbreak sends her to the diamond mines, she is drawn into a ruthless world of greed and exploitation, of human lives crushed in the scramble for power. But here - at last - she sees her path to happiness. Torn between passion and integrity, she makes a choice that has devastating consequences...
''Place and people come alive in this book... a gripping story'' Kim Edwards, author of The Memory Keeper''s Daughter
''I loved it. It''s a beautifully written novel of great feeling'' Rachel Hore, best-selling author of The Place of Secrets
''Engrossing, e
Trade Review
A beautifully written novel of great feeling * Rachel Hore, author of A Place of Secrets *
Vividly written, and moves so fluidly from Victorian drawing rooms to the wild, spare plains and brutal diamond mines of South Africa - a gripping story * Kim Edwards, author of The Memory Keeper's Daughter *
There is nothing more exciting than a new writer with a genuine voice. I loved it * Julian Fellowes creator of Downton Abbey *
A compelling read with a Gone with the Wind feel to it - I was hooked * Katharine McMahon, author of The Alchemist's Daughter *
Engrossing, emotionally poised and elegantly written - I absolutely loved it * Vanora Bennett author of The People's Queen *
I admired The Fever Tree a lot. She weaves her knowledge skilfully into the fabric of the story and she is very good indeed both at creating atmosphere and a sense of place. It isn't just entertainment but instead both informative, historically accurate and deeply felt. It is the sort of satisfying read so many people are looking for -- Margaret Forster
A bewitching tale of loss, betrayal and love * Vogue *
An epic story of love, deception and courage * Patricia Wastvedt, author of The German Boy *
Epic, enchanting, emotional and engrossing * Easy Living 'Must-read of the Month' *
An unforgettable journey into a heart of darkness: romantic and tragic, a tale of honour and redemption, it leaves wide vistas of a harsh yet beguiling landscape shimmering in the imagination long after the last page is turned * Deborah Lawrenson, author of The Lantern *
Serves up all the delicious elements of a romantic classic, seasoned by evocative prose and keen moral commentary. Gobble it up and then shelve it next to the Brontë sisters * Hillary Jordan, bestselling author of Mudbound *
The Fever Tree is a skilled unfolding of a woman's struggle with desire, class divide and disease in 19th Century South Africa... the journey, like the landscape, is thrillingly huge: one of love, self-knowledge, human and political self-respect. Frances treads out every step - a naive and intriguing character who brings alive a momentous - and appalling - part of history * Financial Times *
McVeigh's attention to the material culture of South Africa really fascinates: no object is too small to attract her notice, and through accumulation such objects become evocative and strangely moving... The Fever Tree is well worth reading * TLS *
