Overview

When Henry Ireland dies unexpectedly from what appears to be a riding accident in August 1863, the failed landowner leaves behind little save his high-strung young widow, Isabel--who somehow ends up in the home of Ireland's friend James Dixey. A celebrated naturalist, Dixey collects strange trophies in his secluded, decaying manse and has questionable associations with rather unsavory characters--including a pair of thuggish poachers named Dewar and Dunbar. Dixey's precocious, inquisitive young servant, Esther, cannot turn a blind eye to the suspicious activities surrounding her. While in the crime-ridden streets of London, a determined captain of Scotland Yard follows the threads that may well link a daring train robbery to the disappearance of a disturbed heiress as well as to the possible murder of Henry Ireland. D. J. Taylor's Kept is a gorgeously intricate, dazzling reinvention of Victorian life and passions that is also a riveting investigation into some of the darkest, most secret chambers of the human heart.

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9780061146091

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Reviews

...a genuinely fascinating reading experience...a powerful contribution to the changing practice of historical fiction. -- Philippa Gregory, Sunday Times (London) A tour-de-force in the style of Dickens. The eccentrics and Victoriana are...captivating. -- Kirkus Reviews Intriguing. -- Charlotte Observer Taylor has captured the essence of the Victorian novel and weaves it through his gripping narrative. -- Library Journal A gripping tale, crafted with passion and intelligence, and an honorable addendum to the golden age of the English novel. -- Simon Baker, New Statesman A smartly satisfying novel...Intricate and vividly realized...a pin-sharp recreation of 19th century life....a playful reimagining of history -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, Telegraph Kept is a great read. It intrigues, diverts and delights. It is clever and intricate and huge fun. -- Susan Hill, Guardian It is unlikely that many such offerings will equal, let alone surpass, D.J. Taylor's Kept -- Francis King, Literary Review A marvel of intricacy and ingenuity. Dickens and his peers would surely have approved. -- Washington Times

It is unlikely that many such offerings will equal, let alone surpass, D.J. Taylor's Kept -- Francis King, Literary Review

It is unlikely that many such offerings will equal, let alone surpass, D.J. Taylor's Kept --Francis King, Literary Review Kept is a great read. It intrigues, diverts and delights. It is clever and intricate and huge fun. --Susan Hill, Guardian A smartly satisfying novel...Intricate and vividly realized...a pin-sharp recreation of 19th century life....a playful reimagining of history --Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, Telegraph Taylor has captured the essence of the Victorian novel and weaves it through his gripping narrative. --Library Journal Intriguing. --Charlotte Observer A tour-de-force in the style of Dickens. The eccentrics and Victoriana are...captivating. --Kirkus Reviews A marvel of intricacy and ingenuity. Dickens and his peers would surely have approved. --Washington Times A gripping tale, crafted with passion and intelligence, and an honorable addendum to the golden age of the English novel. --Simon Baker, New Statesman ...a genuinely fascinating reading experience...a powerful contribution to the changing practice of historical fiction. --Philippa Gregory, Sunday Times (London)

Author Information

D. J. Taylor is a novelist, critic, and acclaimed biographer of William Thackeray and George Orwell. His Orwell: The Life won the Whitbread Award in 2003. Married with three children, he lives in Norwich, England.

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