Book Blurb:
Laced with historical figures and the cultural tensions of beautiful Blue Ridge piedmont region of colonial Virginia, The Audacity of Hubris reveals dark secrets of the land-grabbing ways of British aristocrats and colonial planters, including Lord Fairfax and George Washington.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/ygt6wNU
Editorial Review:
“The Audacity of Hubris” by Scott Keller is a complex but gripping novel set in Virginia, then known as a place in the “United Colonies” and now of course the United States of America. The story follows Volume One and commences in 1772, featuring the relationships between the Spotswood, Burwell and Carter Families, together with English aristocrats. The narrative evokes the times; the burgeoning tension between the different sets in society is obvious, and the wider tensions of the United Colonies possibly do not need detailed explanation to the historically-minded reader. Parts of the novel are also set in England, and the characters and settings in each country are authentic. Keller obviously has an comprehensive grasp of English history and society as well, with concepts such as morganatic marriage also being referenced, together with realistic interactions between nobility and servants.
“Please sit.” John held the chair for Judith, then his sister. “Mother won’t be long.” He took his seat to the left of the head of the table, which Lady Seymour now claimed the seat as her own. She entered the room moments later. Blessed with a rare beauty that time seemed to spare, Lady Seymour commanded her surroundings, which became immediately apparent to Judith. John stood behind his chair, waited. Lady Seymour allowed two servants to move her seat. She gathered her gown, sat.”
The narrative is rich with detail, and readers may benefit from commencing with Volume One, although this reviewer was quite rapidly immersed in Volume Two, even as a standalone story. This novel is first and foremost about people. That may seem self-evident, but it is wonderful to read in well-written detail of people, and their relationships and concerns, with history woven in as a backdrop. “The Audacity of Hubris” is a saga, or part of one. Whether in the United Colonies or in England, the characters live in perilous times, facing death, catastrophic storms at sea, financial concerns, and social uncertainty. All who read novels set in this era will be secretly waiting for a credible storm scene, with masts creaking and ships rolling in the wash, and crew running on the deck. Keller’s approach will not disappoint anyone playing marine storm bingo (this reviewer included!) and these paragraphs are superbly descriptive.
The novel does not shy away from the appalling reality of slavery, and the reader will need to be prepared for confronting scenes and references to unimaginable cruelty. As with other such books that are accurately researched and do not gloss over the truth, these references are difficult to read but their omission would be far more troubling as it would minimise the suffering of enslaved people.
Keller gives each of the main characters a plausible backstory and motivation that fits with the overall plot. Judith Carter, one of the central characters, is particularly memorable, and her interactions with other characters show her as determined and a woman who knows her own mind, despite the social strictures of the time.
“Landon embodied the decadence of a dying era. He saw the world in decline, its aristocratic rules near obsolete. Holding firm to his belief that the way he lived was deserved simply by his birth, Landon spent sleepless nights worrying about losing the legacy his father had worked so tirelessly to build.”
The dialogue between the characters is expertly crafted. There are many examples, but what stands out is the exchange between Charles and Judith, who are – flirting, shall we say. The perfectly judged repartee takes place over little more than two pages, yet instantly illustrates the dynamic between these two characters, a pattern that is repeated in different contexts and between different characters throughout the book. Judith embarks on a sea passage, an event that reveals yet more about her personality as she interacts with the captain and crew. Her relationships with her family are also an important part of the book, and are responsible for some plot twists.
“Carter had treated Judith, his youngest, as a puppeteer treats a marionette. Her attempts to sever the strings had met with increasingly harsh treatment from him. Swaddling Judith away to an abbey in England had been her father’s way of ridding himself of her troubles.”
The ending of the book is – authentic for the times. Readers who enjoy the story and appreciate the genuine historical detail of the narrative will also appreciate the ending, but it is to be hoped that a Volume Three will eventuate.
“The Audacity of Hubris” is a book with an intricate plot and a wide cast of compelling characters. The detailed storyline reflects the turbulence of the times in the United Colonies (and in England) but the standout for the reader will be the inter-relationships between the characters, and their hopes and dreams. Because the book is set around the connection between a group of families within a social set, there are several alliances, feuds and backstories for the author to communicate to the reader. This is expertly done. The dialogue for each character leaps from the page, and immerses the reader in the scene. Keller has the gift of creating authentic conversations, which give the characters distinct personalities and communication styles. This reviewer is off to stroll barefoot in the creek. Like Judith. If only life was that simple for all within this incredible, gritty but ultimately captivating book.
*****
"The Audacity of Hubris" (Volume Two) by Scott Keller receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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