Nelson's Folly
Readers Reflections
"I'm emailing to say how much I enjoyed your book. I truly appreciated how much work and research went into it. So many historical novels are fluff books which belong in the Hallmark romance club. What a contrast with yours!" ~ Judith S, St Louis, Missouri
“What a great and interesting read. (I) couldn’t put it down. (There were) a lot of places I am very familiar with as I was born in Great Yarmouth.” ~Anthony
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“Fanny comes across as such a strong woman. Not easy at that time when women had so little rights. I was also every interested in your theory about Nelson’s judgement … very thought provoking.” ~ Susie
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“I marvel at your grasp and understanding of the times and events.” ~ David
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"very interesting ... Being a historian you know how to search for knowledge but I can see that you have undertaken lots of travel and research to see places, houses, harbours, waters and find all persons involved in the book.” ~ Gunnar from Sweden
“I found it a great balance between fact and fiction and it was compelling reading.” ~ Keryn
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"I really enjoyed your book and loved reading about Fanny and felt for her as she coped with such challenges. I hope she found peace and comfort in the end. I feel so thankful that women have more opportunities today and no longer have to rely on the whims of their husbands to make their way in the world. I don't recall ever studying about Horatio Nelson in school. Such a complicated war hero, unappreciated by many in his own country and led astray in his quest for acceptance and notoriety. You really brought the story alive for me. I can't wait to learn what happened to Josiah ... I am anxiously awaiting book 2!” ~Margaret Brigham, Hartford Ct
“To be honest I had not really paid any attention to Fanny until reading your book. What a strong woman. Your thoughts about the change in Horatio's character are food for thought.” ~ Ian P
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Speaking Engagement Reflections
Oliver treated our Rotary Club to a hugely engaging talk illuminating us on the lives of Horatio Nelson and his wife Fanny during the last decade of the 18th Century. Nelson's life was a mixture of extraordinary heroism and extraordinary folly. Oliver brings two new elements to the subject. Firstly he approaches it as a novel, which immerses the reader in 18th Century England with imaginative details of small Norfolk townships, naval dockyards, and life aboard a third rate ship of the line. Secondly he subtly shifts the focus. At the beginning of the book he depicts a dejected Nelson after 5 years of unemployment in England supported by a loving Fanny. Then as war breaks out and Nelson resumes his naval career, Fanny has much to endure. Despite her anguish and humiliation, Fanny retains her dignity. For Nelson enthusiasts this is a terrific story not to be missed.
~ Guy Glenny Past-President Rotary Club of Sydney Cove
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See more reviews at Amazon.com.au
5.0 out of 5 star samples:
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“An intriguing insight into the life of a great hero.” ~Bryan K
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“Behind every great man is a woman”, goes the old saying and, according to the Nelson mythology, that woman was Emma Hamilton. Behind her, Fanny (Frances), his wife of almost two decades, gets little credit … Fanny Nelson was a power behind the scenes.” ~ John
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“Everything from the battles to the setting and the food is skilfully integrated to make an educational as well as an enjoyable read.” ~ Nadja
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And at Amazon.com US
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“Riveting Read! One minute I felt like I was in a Jane Austen novel, complete with characters in the country and London society … the next minute, we're in a battle scene! The last few chapters are particularly riveting and I could not put the book down. Highly recommend!” ~ Elema M
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“I couldn’t put it down; a fascinating book and well written things I knew about Nelson. But this book goes deeper.” ~ Anthony R.
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“Fascinating study of a complicated man, neither a hagiography nor a smear but a strongly balanced perspective. Oliver Greeves may have ancestral reasons for bias but he also seems eager to be faithful to the truth, historically accurate and to well acquainted with the complexity of human nature.” ~ Margaret T
