The Romantic: William Boyd

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Cashel’s relationships with women tend to be interrupted by either his roving nature or his impetuosity. It's not overlong as some fictional autobiographies can be and you get some very famous names thrown in for good measure as Cashel Greville Ross continues his adventures from Waterloo to the discovery of the source of the Nile. Our hero manages to, amongst other things, get involved in the Battle of Waterloo, mix with Byron and Shelley in Italy, help find the source of the River Nile, become the author of best selling books and have an 60 year love affair. It also has to be said that he leaves a trail of discarded relationships in his wake, there always seeming to be one more obstacle for him to overcome.

When he was offered a college lecturership, which would mean spending more time teaching, he was forced to choose between teaching and writing. Set in the 19th century, the novel follows the roller-coaster fortunes of a man as he tries to negotiate the random stages, adventures and vicissitudes of his life.But the first modern example I read was Boyd's Any Human Heart, a book which must be in my lifetime top ten. Boyd’s effortless storytelling and sympathy for the ups and downs of a single life make these books his greatest achievement.

Any changes made can be done at any time and will become effective at the end of the trial period, allowing you to retain full access for 4 weeks, even if you downgrade or cancel. Every life is both ordinary and extraordinary, and Logan Mountstuart’s — lived from the beginning to the end of the twentieth century — is a rich tapestry of both. Cashel Greville Ross was born somewhere in Scotland on 14th December 1799, the same day George Washington died. When Cashel farms in Massachusetts, you will even learn about brewing and the introduction of German beer in America. The writing is a joy and Boyd has that skill of conjuring the sights and sounds of place and time that effortlessly transports the reader.Born in 1799, Cashel Greville Ross spent his early childhood in County Cork, apparently cared for by an aunt who was employed as a Governess for the daughters of the local landowner.