Oliver Greeves
Historical Author & Speaker
Discover the Nelson and his Son series
Nelson's Lost Son
- now available - sequel to
Nelson's Folly
Oliver attacks the myth-making behind one of history's greatest legends, offering a fresh insight into the era and the lives of British naval hero Horatio Nelson,
his devoted wife Fanny and her son Josiah.
It is a thrilling series of sacrifice, betrayal, battles and survival.
A new era is dawning ... but first we must defeat the French.
Latest Novel - Nelson's Lost Son - Now Available
Nelson’s Lost Son follows the adventures of Fanny’s son Josiah – estranged from his famous step-father Horatio and eager to establish a new identify in a changing world. As Josiah finds himself caught between the political tensions of 18th century pre-Trafalgar UK to the challenges of building a new life and identity in the Caribbean, he faces choices that could have changed history.
Josiah’s earlier career in the Royal Navy, described in Nelson’s Folly is developed and expanded in Nelson’s Lost Son. It delivers an exciting tale of the struggle between the British and French for the West Indies. It also explores the story of the 'Great Chase' – Nelson’s pursuit of the French Fleet leading up to the battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s Lost Son asks how does a young man come to grips with failure, with his sense of identity and with his family?
" 'Nelson’s Lost Son' is a fast-paced gripping adventure. Its depiction of naval life feels very authentic and it vividly brings to life this complex father-son relationship. Josiah faces warfare on the high seas as well as moral issues regarding the keeping of slaves, family honour and the legacy of colonialism.
I highly recommend this book to those with a desire to learn about a fascinating period of naval history as well as those simply looking to be entertained by a lively adventure tale.”
– Walter McIntosh (Film & Television Editor)
The novel stands alone or can be read as the sequel to Nelson’s Folly. Complete the stay in touch form at the end of this page for invitations to events and insights on activities.
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“Dr Greeves places Captain Josiah Nisbet into various real-life contemporary dramas – such as Earl St Vincent’s enquiry into dockyard corruption, the African slave trade, naval and land battles in the West Indies, and the Battle of Trafalgar…A minor historical figure, cast into the darkness by a brilliant, heroic but sometimes cruel stepfather, is brought into the light, and Greeves turns him this way and that to examine his very human weaknesses and motivations,… He becomes a more sophisticated man with an awareness of others, and a talent for subterfuge.
This is a rollicking and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.”
- John Gilbert (Former Naval Officer and Reviewer for the Naval Review)
“An absorbing story, part real life and part fiction. The Nelson story still intrigues us.”
– Reviewed by Arcturus; Naval Historical Review Magazine
Nelson's Folly - AudioBook
Now Available
Read by Ian Palmer, former Bishop of Bathurst, and Oliver Greeves - Nelson's Folly for those who enjoy being read to or following a story as they multi-task.
"I'm thrilled at how well Ian has captured the essence of all the characters and the rhythm of the story. He is a skillful presenter with an excellent interpretation of the text - I am extremely thankful to him for bringing my novel alive in a whole new way."
- Oliver
Download it now from your favorite Audio Book site.
Hear an Audio Sample
BIO
A direct descendant of Frances (Fanny), Viscountess Nelson and her son, Josiah Nisbet, Oliver Greeves spent many years working on Wall Street and now lives near his beloved Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia. When not writing, he spends his time sailing and advising executive business leaders and the next generation.
Long fascinated by Fanny’s life and times, he has travelled extensively researching her story and the turbulent times of the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic War. He has now embarked on recreating stories of the era based on historical fact, while using fiction to explore the psyche and characters behind the myths.
A keen historian, Oliver believes in the importance of truth-telling in historical fiction. He has a PhD in history from Bristol University in the United Kingdom and studied creative writing at the New School in Greenwich Village New York.
He lived in New York for many years, working for Wall Street financial institutions at senior levels and was a founding partner of Pharos Institute, a leadership and executive coaching company. His understanding of institutions and the psychological perspective of those leading them infuses his novels with an added layer of realistic insights.
Debut Novel
It's 1792 and a young widow and her son build a happy life in Norfolk with her Naval officer husband, sidelined by rivals. As the Revolutionary War begins, opportunities at sea re-open for Horatio while Fanny learns the twists of Georgian society.
From France to Egypt then into the intrigues of the Court of Naples, Lord Nelson and Fanny's son Josiah see beauty and cruelty as lives intertwine. Years pass and Horatio returns a hero, but he has changed. How is a self-reliant woman going to face down the Navy’s superstar?
A compelling exploration of duty in all its forms, Nelson’s Folly is a sweeping, historically rich novel based on the true story of Horatio and Fanny Nelson and their lives together – and apart.
“Nelson’s Folly is an entertaining story about a good sea captain who became a vain and sometimes cruel admiral. It examines who Fanny really was and recognises her contribution to her husband’s success. Fascinated by Fanny's story, I decided to use a fictionalised approach to tease out the truth. I discovered both her unrecognised contribution to her husband's success and psychological insights into how a heroic tactical sailor could be so changed by fame and frustration." ~ Oliver
Independent Reviews for Nelson's Folly
"A character-driven period drama that shines with eloquent prose, historical detail, and gripping suspense, Nelson's Folly is nothing short of masterful. The prose and its colorful characters are immersive and enthralling, and the line between fiction and historical fact is rarely seen, resulting in an unforgettable story. A fascinating and historically rich novel, Nelson's Folly is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, or anyone who enjoys high-stakes, character-driven drama."
- Self-Publishing Review USA ★★★★★
"Nelson's Folly is a compelling, vividly portrayed tale that is well grounded in a sense of the changing times...Both Fanny and Horatio are memorable, likeable characters. Their dilemmas are well presented, both individually and as a couple, making Nelson's Folly an astute consideration of duty, commitment, love, family, and social aspirations alike.
Historical novel and political history readers, as well as general-interest readers who enjoy stories of British society in 18th century England, will find it an accessible, thoroughly involving saga rich in psychological, political, and social inspection."
- Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review USA.
Nelson’s Folly i..[Fanny] did not deserve Nelson’s coldness and contempt towards her; she does not deserve history’s (or his story’s) neglect of her story. In a time of MeToo, this novel helps set the story aright…Oliver unsurprisingly and unashamedly takes Fanny’s side yet remains sympathetic to Nelson’s humanity and brilliance … it is a compelling account of people and relationships, of individuals whose names we may know, but whose lives have, until now, been largely two-dimensional. Greeves brings them brilliantly to life.
- The Naval Review, Aust.
Nelson’s Folly is a well-balanced account of the incredible life of a man with a fire to succeed but who needs reassurance and love. Within this heady mix is a background of great unrest with threats of invasion and revolution. The book is eminently well researched and will be appreciated by both those with limited knowledge and others with a long-standing interest in the great man.
- Walter Burroughs, Editor, Naval Historical Review Aust.
Oliver's Insights
For more of Oliver's thoughts on Fanny's life and times, on writing historical fiction, memorabilia or travel related to his writing, see his blog. If you have any questions or ideas for blog topics, contact Oliver at ogreeves@gmail.com.
Coming Next
“My Nelson and Son series novels, which can be read individually or in order, are inspired by the Napoleonic war and the people interwoven with the life of Lord Horatio Nelson.
I aim to entertain, solve mysteries and immerse the reader in the beauty, the cruelty, the music and the battles of men and women living in a time so different from today."
~ Oliver
Oliver is now working on the third novel in the series.
CONTACT
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