by JuliaGregson (Author)
Catherine Carreg has grown up a tomboy, spending her days racing her ponies with Deio, the drover's son, in a small Welsh village. But Catherine is consumed by a longing to escape the monotony of village life and, with Deio's help, runs away to London. Alone in the unfamiliar bustle of the city, Catherine finds a position in a rest home for sick governesses in Harley Street, run by Miss Florence Nightingale. Then, as the nation is gripped by reports of the war in the Crimea, Catherine volunteers as a nurse - and her life changes beyond all recognition. Arriving in Scutari, she is pitched into a living nightmare and, against the passion and heroism of one of the most traumatic wars in history, she is forced to grow up quickly and painfully, and learn the hardest lessons of love and war.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 464
Publisher: Orion
Published: 03 Nov 2005
ISBN 10: 0752864971
ISBN 13: 9780752864976
Book Overview: THE WATER HORSE is a vivid and compelling historical saga, from the author of EAST OF THE SUN. An impeccably researched debut, it brings to life the true story of a young Welsh woman who ran away to nurse in the Crimea. Julia Gregson weaves fact and fiction together, combining passionate storytelling, vivid characterisation and gritty historical detail. She is a natural storyteller who writes with tremendous warmth, colour and insight. THE WATER HORSE brings to life many historical figures from the mid-nineteenth century, including politicians, surgeons and Florence Nightingale. 'Lively, atmospheric novel... the writing is skilful, vivid and explicit' Sunday Telegraph. 'A compelling story' Daily Post 'Recent biography has debunked the romance of Florence Nightingale as angelic Lady of the Lamp ? Julia Gregson breathes life into this new interpretation' Guardian.