Sunday, December 2, 2012

Ashton Park-Murray Pura

Ashton Park


Murray Pura

Harvest House, Jan 1 2013, $13.99

ISBN: 9780736952859



In 1916, like many Brits, Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth of Lancaster and their seven children are involved in supporting the war effort. The three sons serve in the military while the four daughters perform support functions at the home front.



Pious Sir William struggles between his belief in God’s love for all his creatures and a sense that civilization would collapse if class became extinct. Still when Sir William is away at Parliament, he demands his family and servants attend the formal rigid Church of England. However, Lady Elizabeth and her best friend, her head cook at her Ashton Park manor, Mrs. Longstaff prefer the informal equalitarian Baptist church in Liverpool.



The first Danforths of Lancashire WWI era historical is a superb period piece that provides readers with “Snapshots of History” at a critical point when skill begins to supersede social class distinctions as the top of the social pyramid. Character driven fans will enjoy this deep look at a changing Great Britain as a lasting byproduct of the war to end all wars is the international demands for equality.



Harriet Klausner



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