REVIEWS

Jenni Balow

This latest novel is the perfect choice for Viking travel aficionados - it spans a good part of the world in the 19th century in the questing company of Cashel Greville Ross, an opportunist and charmer, whose curiosity takes him on both remarkable and risky missions. Top-selling author William Boyd, who was born in 1952, and is possibly best-known for his novel, Any Human Heart, is always entertaining. He's an intelligent, both sensitive and earthy observer of human nature, and this story of a man who becomes a hero at the Battle of Waterloo, meets poets Byron and Shelley in Italy, and spends a couple of years of his long life trying to find the source of the Nile, is a stimulating read. He indicates at the beginning that this is a fiction based on an intriguing collection of letters, documents, sketches, maps, small illustrations, notebooks and keepsakes left by Cashel at the end of his lifetime of adventures, loves and losses. Perhaps the only criticism I have, is the title of the book - The Romantic. It seems too bland for what is truly a rich treasure trove of experiences gained from his travels.

Lynne Morris

The Romantic by William Boyd is not my usual genre but I was happy to give it a go. I found it a bit slow and hard to get into but probably because it was different from what I usually read. It's well written and the further I got into the book i started to enjoy it and the twists and turns it brought with it. Although I am enjoying it, it's not gripping me enough to want to pick it up and not put it down! For me it's a slow plod but the more I get into the book the more I think it would make a great film.

Steve Pennykid

Although I was aware of the author, I had never previously read any of his works. The Romantic is the story of the life and adventures of Cashel Greville Ross and reads like an autobiography. I was unsure whether he had actually existed or was a product of the author's imagination. It would not be right for me to reveal the answer, but I am sure that once you have read the book, you will be as intrigued as I was. Nevertheless, this is a highly entertaining tale which takes you across several continents, relating his travels, escapades and romantic entanglements. Not exactly a stunning page turner, but a book that is easy to recommend to fellow readers. I will certainly seek out his back catalogue.

Paul Mastaglio

What a riveting read this book was! Superbly written by William Boyd, he expertly took us through the fascinating life of one Cashel Greville Ross. Vivid descriptions of the Battle of Waterloo, romantic liaisons in Italy and an adventure to discover the source of the Nile were just some of the escapades our intrepid protagonist got up to. You will often wonder how he survived some of the scrapes he got himself involved in. His story was beautifully told by the author and I would heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.

Mike Livesey

A fascinating and intelligent interweaving of fact and fiction, making for an entertaining read with sufficient tantalising "what nexts?" to keep the reader thoroughly engaged and wanting to turn the next page. Boyd draws his main characters in enough detail to allow the reader's involvement without overegging. A very satisfying read with more than enough historical references to give it authenticity.

Graham Wallis

I took one look at the title and my heart sank. I look forward to new books but I am not one for Romances. If you are of the same mind, don’t worry and don’t let it put you off. This is more of a travelogue and historical journal with a bit of romance thrown in. The book gives a good insight into early 19th century life and is written in an ‘easy to read’ style. The main character is likeable with an intriguing life in a wide variety of occupations and environments. My only negative comments are that I felt that some descriptions could have been more graphic and the very crude maps did nothing to improve the narrative.