A Catch of Consequence By Diana Norman

A CATCH OF CONSEQUENCE
By Diana Norman
Harper Collins - March 2002
ISBN: 0007105436 - HB
Historical Midlist
1765, Boston, London & Newcastle

Reviewed by: Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.Com
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There is something special about Diana Norman's books. They transcend being categorized into any sub-genres and mix drama, tragedy and humor together like ingredients in a rich stew. In this one, Makepeace Burke is the independent daughter of a wild Irishman and a prim Puritan woman, keeping her waterfront tavern in Boston and playing hostess to all the locals immersed in fighting for American independence. When she fishes a drowning English nobleman out of the harbour, she is seen as a traitor and has to flee to England. But Sir Philip Dapifer was in America getting a divorce from his termagant wife, who is still living in his London house and vows revenge on her husband and the usurper. How she gets it and how Makepeace gets hers would spoil a good story to reveal. You will just have to go read this book.

Norman's twin themes of female independence and high adventure fill this novel and there is something instantly likable - and believable - about this feisty tavern keeper and her entourage of actor brother, black cook Betty, and the brain-damaged Indian Tantaquidgeon as they march determinedly through the pages of this novel. Here is the 18th century in all its gaudy glory replete with snobbish nobility, hardworking Geordie miners, vituperative Grub Street hacks, and hot-eyed fighters for the American Way. There are many parallels with modern life, but this is not one of those costume dramas that have no sense of the past - quite the opposite. This is a remarkably well-rounded and satisfying read that ought to please even people who think that historical novels are too genre, although this robust tale has no pretensions towards the literary. One to be caught reading in public…