Taking Liberties

Rating:
Summary: Rewards and responsibilities of freedom
Review: This wonderful novel deals with the issue of freedom in three fronts: the American war of independence from Britain (which is constantly discussed, and which creates the conflict that sparks the plot); the total loss of freedom and rights -and appalling conditions- that prisoners of war suffer (which further complicates the plot); and most especially, the personal independence of the main character, Lady Diana Stacpole, who finds herself free of her abusive and very "noble" husband after 20 years of nighmarish marriage.

In the end, it is made clear that freedom, even when imperfect (e.g. at some point it becomes apparent to the characters that the American declaration of rights is not going to respect those of women, black people or other minorities'), is better than the lack of it.

You may think the theme sounds very solemn and, certainly, the ethical aspects of freedom, as well as the problems of the British class system and the responsibilities towards our fellow human beings (even war enemies), are unblinkingly discussed. However, the result is not sermonizing thanks to Diana Norman's wonderful sense of humour and her ability to create the most eccentric, yet believable and endearing characters. And there are plenty of those! To be frank, you won't be able to stop chuckling even in the middle of the most heart-wrenching moments.

Did I mention that this novel is also a wonderful adventure complete with a escape from prison, a daring rescue, an outragious kidnapping, a whole lot of smugglers, a dangerous chase....? Also, bear in mind that, although this novel can be perfectly read on its own, it can be read as a sequel of "A Perfect Catch", too. Here we meet again the tempestuous Makepeace Burke and other characters from the previous novel.

Diana Norman is such a good historian (her main occupation. She has more history essays published than novels), but also such a good novelist that she manages to give us the atmosphere of the times, and describe the subject of American independence as seen from the metropolis side of the conflict -although, granted, from the point of view of characters who don't fit all that well in conventional British society. In spite of a light touch of the "poiltically correct" in the subject of the abused aristocratic wife (and the politically correct always spoils good literature, in my opinion, turning it into good pamphlets), the author manages to capture the exciting atmosphere of a time when, it seemed, everything was about to change for ever (and so it does for most characters) and anything was possible.

I confess I am currently trying to buy ANY other novel by this same author, but can't find any still in print. So, don't miss this!