Call number
FIC HOR
Collection
Genres
Publication
Ballantine Books (2014), Edition: First Edition, 496 pages
Description
"In her new novel, Nancy Horan has recreated a love story that is as unique, passionate, and overwhelmingly powerful as the one between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney depicted so memorably in Loving Frank. Under the Wide and Starry Sky chronicles the unconventional love affair of Scottish literary giant Robert Louis Stevenson, author of classics including Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and American divorcee Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. They meet in rural France in 1875, when Fanny, having run away from her philandering husband back in California, takes refuge there with her children. Stevenson too is escaping from his life, running from family pressure to become a lawyer. And so begins a turbulent love affair that will last two decades and span the world.In her masterful new novel, Nancy Horan has recreated a love story that is as unique, passionate, and overwhelmingly powerful as the one between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney depicted so memorably in Loving Frank. Under the Wide and Starry Sky chronicles the unconventional love affair of Scottish literary giant Robert Louis Stevenson, author of classics including Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and American divorcee Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. They meet in rural France in 1875, when Fanny, having run away from her philandering husband back in California, takes refuge there with her children. Stevenson too is escaping from his life, running from family pressure to become a lawyer. And so begins a turbulent love affair that will last two decades and span the world"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member BLBera
Just as she did in [Loving Frank], in [Under the Wide and Starry Sky], Nancy Horan brings to life the wife of a famous man. This time, her subject is Fanny Stevenson, the wife of Robert Louis Stevenson, or Louis, as he was known to his family and friends. Fanny also had ambitious to write, and she
Fanny van de Grift Osbourne Stevenson was a remarkable woman. In 1875, she left her cheating husband Sam Osbourne and took her three children with her to Antwerp to study art. It was during this stay that she met Stevenson. After they married, they traveled all over the world, looking for places in which Louis was healthy. Eventually they settled in Samoa.
Horan brings Fanny to life, revealing both the joys and frustrations of her marriage to Stevenson, who never supported her ambition to write: "How could Louis not know that creative energy so possessed her mind and body some days she thought she might go mad from it. That sometimes it took fourteen hours of grinding work before the forces inside her had been sated and she could lay herself down to rest." Still, she persisted and lived an extraordinary life -- for any time. Horan's novel does justice to a fascinating woman.
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kept diaries and wrote many letters, all of which Horan draws on.Fanny van de Grift Osbourne Stevenson was a remarkable woman. In 1875, she left her cheating husband Sam Osbourne and took her three children with her to Antwerp to study art. It was during this stay that she met Stevenson. After they married, they traveled all over the world, looking for places in which Louis was healthy. Eventually they settled in Samoa.
Horan brings Fanny to life, revealing both the joys and frustrations of her marriage to Stevenson, who never supported her ambition to write: "How could Louis not know that creative energy so possessed her mind and body some days she thought she might go mad from it. That sometimes it took fourteen hours of grinding work before the forces inside her had been sated and she could lay herself down to rest." Still, she persisted and lived an extraordinary life -- for any time. Horan's novel does justice to a fascinating woman.
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
Author Robert Louis Stevenson was famous for his novels, but little is generally know about the woman he loved. Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne was an Indiana girl that Stevenson met in Europe. The two had an incredible life together and this fictionalized version of it gives readers a glimpse into
After reading Horan’s “Loving Frank” I wasn’t surprised to find this book was a full portrayal of a fascinating woman that was well researched. It’s truly Fanny’s story, in the same way “Loving Frank” was about the woman behind Frank Lloyd Wright. Fanny was a writer and artist before she ever met Stevenson.
Yet with all that being said, the book also offers a look into the author’s life. A few years ago I visited the Robert Louis Stevenson museum in California because I wanted to learn more about the man behind classics like “Treasure Island,” “Kidnapped,” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” I knew he struggled with a debilitating illness his entire life, but I never knew about his romance or the rich adventures he had despite his ailments. I was amazed by how easily they moved from one side of the world to another, Europe to California to Samoa, especially during a time when communication was so difficult. Each time the moved they embraced a completely new culture.
*SLIGHT SPOILER*
The mental illness at the end of the book felt like it came out of nowhere. All books like this are somewhat hemmed in by the facts and real timelines. Plotting is more difficult because real life doesn’t follow a story arch
*SPOILER OVER*
BOTTOM LINE: An interesting book that provides insight into an incredibly talented writer. It’s not a perfect, but Horan has a skill for capturing the spirits of the strong women that are often trapped in their more famous partners’ shadows.
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their world. After reading Horan’s “Loving Frank” I wasn’t surprised to find this book was a full portrayal of a fascinating woman that was well researched. It’s truly Fanny’s story, in the same way “Loving Frank” was about the woman behind Frank Lloyd Wright. Fanny was a writer and artist before she ever met Stevenson.
Yet with all that being said, the book also offers a look into the author’s life. A few years ago I visited the Robert Louis Stevenson museum in California because I wanted to learn more about the man behind classics like “Treasure Island,” “Kidnapped,” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” I knew he struggled with a debilitating illness his entire life, but I never knew about his romance or the rich adventures he had despite his ailments. I was amazed by how easily they moved from one side of the world to another, Europe to California to Samoa, especially during a time when communication was so difficult. Each time the moved they embraced a completely new culture.
*SLIGHT SPOILER*
The mental illness at the end of the book felt like it came out of nowhere. All books like this are somewhat hemmed in by the facts and real timelines. Plotting is more difficult because real life doesn’t follow a story arch
*SPOILER OVER*
BOTTOM LINE: An interesting book that provides insight into an incredibly talented writer. It’s not a perfect, but Horan has a skill for capturing the spirits of the strong women that are often trapped in their more famous partners’ shadows.
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LibraryThing member StaffReads
Horan, the author of Loving Frank takes on the passionate and tumultuous relationship between
Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and his Indiana-born wife, Fanny Osbourne. Extreme passion, sickness, and creativity abound. Well done on all fronts.
SRH
Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and his Indiana-born wife, Fanny Osbourne. Extreme passion, sickness, and creativity abound. Well done on all fronts.
SRH
LibraryThing member schoolnurse
Great book and a very enjoyable audio version. Loved listening to every minute of it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction. Great for book clubs too since there is a lot to talk about. Stevenson had a very interesting life to say the least.
LibraryThing member melaniehope
This fictionalized book tells the love affair between Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson and his partner, Fanny van de Grift Osbourne, an American ten years his junior.
Stevenson is most known for his books, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Other than that, I
Fanny meets Louis (as he was often referred as) just as she is in Europe trying to recover after a tragic loss. Although she is still married, but estranged from her husband, her and Louis develop a love affair.
The book is a long one, and at times plods along a bit slowly, but I never wanted to not read it. The life of these two characters was quite amazing. They both traveled to far flung areas of the world at a time when traveling was treacherous and dangerous, especially on the open seas. I was impressed with the details of the story. I really got to know this famous author's life and how he lived it.
I received a copy for review as part of the Librarything Early Reviewers.
Stevenson is most known for his books, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Other than that, I
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knew nothing about the author's life. This was a wonderful book to read and really understand the complex relationship between the two. Also, they led a life of adventure and travels all the while dominated by Stevenson's incurable disease that debilitates him for most of his life.Fanny meets Louis (as he was often referred as) just as she is in Europe trying to recover after a tragic loss. Although she is still married, but estranged from her husband, her and Louis develop a love affair.
The book is a long one, and at times plods along a bit slowly, but I never wanted to not read it. The life of these two characters was quite amazing. They both traveled to far flung areas of the world at a time when traveling was treacherous and dangerous, especially on the open seas. I was impressed with the details of the story. I really got to know this famous author's life and how he lived it.
I received a copy for review as part of the Librarything Early Reviewers.
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LibraryThing member CeeAnne
I very recently read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and so I was extra excited to receive this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. I will say upfront that the portion of the book that explained how he came up with that story, as well as how Fanny influenced the
Although this is a long book, it never dragged or felt too long. The point of view went between Fanny and Louis, and the balance was just right to make the reader understand their difficult relationship. So much of his personal character went into his writing, and Nancy Horan really connects that for the reader.
I started this book hoping that it wouldn't be a let down since I enjoyed Loving Frank so much, but I was impressed again with this author. I highly recommended this one to lovers of historical fiction.
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development of it, was one of my favorite parts. Although this is a long book, it never dragged or felt too long. The point of view went between Fanny and Louis, and the balance was just right to make the reader understand their difficult relationship. So much of his personal character went into his writing, and Nancy Horan really connects that for the reader.
I started this book hoping that it wouldn't be a let down since I enjoyed Loving Frank so much, but I was impressed again with this author. I highly recommended this one to lovers of historical fiction.
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LibraryThing member sebago
I received an advanced copy of Under the Wide and Starry Sky. This is a novel of the romance between Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny van de Grift Osbourne, it spans several continents from Europe to Scotland ending in America. After discovering that her husband is once again involved with another
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woman Fanny leaves her husband and travels via ship to Europe with her children to study art. After the death of one of her sons she meets RLS and although she does not think much of this gentle man at first they eventually begin a romance that leads to marriage. The story takes us through their fight with RLS's health issues and Fanny during her struggle with mental illness. Louis died in the South Pacific and Fanny at age returns to America where she at the age of 73 spends the remainder of her life promoting the writings and life of Rober Louis Sevenson. I have to say that though I love this genre I struggle with this book. At times it was slow and I found myself putting it down to pick up a faster moving book. But that said I am glad that I read it and would rec ommend it to others. Show Less
LibraryThing member Teritree001971
UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY is a historical fiction novel telling a new generation the story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny van de Grift Osbourne. From beginning to end, the story removes the reader to another time and place allowing him to see how things could have been in a time
The story begins with its' focus on Fanny van de Grift and her early life. It tells of her life as a child, then her marriage and her eventual move to Paris, where she finally meets Robert Louis Stevenson. Then, she returns to the USA and the story begins to introduce the famous author, his friends, attitudes and travels. Eventually, Robert Louis Stevenson arrives in the states, where he manages to find Fanny once more. Along the way, the reader gets to see places and lifestyles hard to imagine in today’s world of computers, televisions, automobiles and instant gratification.
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when divorce is a sin, while rank and privilege has both advantages and disadvantages. If you enjoy the works of Sharon Kay Penman or Wilbur Smith, you won't be disappointed with this story. Much like these authors, Nancy Horan has the ability to place the reader within the pages as Robert and Fanny live their lives day to day. They are not only historical people, but people the reader comes to care for. The story begins with its' focus on Fanny van de Grift and her early life. It tells of her life as a child, then her marriage and her eventual move to Paris, where she finally meets Robert Louis Stevenson. Then, she returns to the USA and the story begins to introduce the famous author, his friends, attitudes and travels. Eventually, Robert Louis Stevenson arrives in the states, where he manages to find Fanny once more. Along the way, the reader gets to see places and lifestyles hard to imagine in today’s world of computers, televisions, automobiles and instant gratification.
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LibraryThing member mel927
I received this book as an Advanced Reading Copy from LibraryThing.com (it doesn't come out until 1/7/14). It is about Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny who was an American divorcee. I found it fascinating. They were very colorful people with large personalities. Nancy Horan does a great
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job of pulling the reader into thier lives and making us care about what happens to them. Show Less
LibraryThing member Loried
I received an advance copy of Under the Wide and Starry Sky through the Early Reviewers Program. I found it a welcome addition to the other recent historical novels about the wives of famous people, the women behind the men. Since I didn’t know anything about the life of Robert Louis Stevenson, I
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found it particularly interesting to learn about him, and his wife led a fascinating life as well. I also enjoyed reading about the time period and the places they traveled. One would never have expected someone in poor health to have managed to travel to the most far-flung places in a time when travel was so difficult. The author brought to life the challenges of Stevenson’s health, finances and relationships. Although the book was a little longer than I would have liked, it was a unique story. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, and I think it would make a good choice for book discussion groups. Show Less
LibraryThing member 3bythesea
I really enjoyed Horan's book Loving Frank and was eagerly anticipating Under.The Wide and Starry Sky. The book was a nice mix of entertaining and informative, however at times it felt a bit bogged down in details which did not add to the story.
LibraryThing member amandacb
Be warned: this book is a commitment. It is long and thorough, although much of it leans more on the "fiction" than the "historical" tag. However, it is fascinating to delve into the supposed inner workings of Stevenson's personal life; I learned many new things about him. His adventures are not
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boring whatsoever and this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed. The narrative did not flag throughout the lengthy tome. *Received as an ARC from NetGalley* Show Less
LibraryThing member dallenbaugh
This novel tells the story of the life of Robert Louis Stevenson and of his tempestuous marriage to the American woman Fanny Osbourne. Robert (Louis) first meets Fanny in Grez in France and falls immediately for the petite woman who has recently lost her beloved son Hervey. Fanny takes longer to
The marriage has many ups and downs as Louis continually battles poor health and Fanny spends much of her time as Louis' nurse keeping him alive while encouraging him to write even when he must spend long months in bed. The Stevensons move to many places trying to find the perfect environment for Louis and his damaged lungs. They finally end up in Samoa buying 300 acres of land they call Vailima where Louis begins to regain his health, and interestingly where Fanny begins to lose her own. She sinks into depression and madness and it is Louis turn to nurse her back to sanity.
The book was well balanced between telling the story of RLS and of Fanny's story as she struggles to keep Louis alive while trying to find her own worth in the world, separately from being the wife of a famous man. She battles with their early poverty, the loss of a son, and the estrangement of her daughter, Belle as she unerringly follows Louis to wherever he must go to keep his health and write even though she suffers in many of these places. My main criticism of the book is its laboring over the story of Louis' ill health and how it feels the author could have shortened the story considerably without losing anything essential. At times it was a struggle to finish the book.
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develop a love for the cheerful and forthright and poor Scotsman. She leaves for America to make one last try at holding together her marriage to her unfaithful husband and finally gets a divorce and marries Louis who has followed her to America.The marriage has many ups and downs as Louis continually battles poor health and Fanny spends much of her time as Louis' nurse keeping him alive while encouraging him to write even when he must spend long months in bed. The Stevensons move to many places trying to find the perfect environment for Louis and his damaged lungs. They finally end up in Samoa buying 300 acres of land they call Vailima where Louis begins to regain his health, and interestingly where Fanny begins to lose her own. She sinks into depression and madness and it is Louis turn to nurse her back to sanity.
The book was well balanced between telling the story of RLS and of Fanny's story as she struggles to keep Louis alive while trying to find her own worth in the world, separately from being the wife of a famous man. She battles with their early poverty, the loss of a son, and the estrangement of her daughter, Belle as she unerringly follows Louis to wherever he must go to keep his health and write even though she suffers in many of these places. My main criticism of the book is its laboring over the story of Louis' ill health and how it feels the author could have shortened the story considerably without losing anything essential. At times it was a struggle to finish the book.
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LibraryThing member techeditor
Because Nancy Horan got such great reviews for her LOVING FRANK, this book, UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY, seemed promising. So what a disappointment! Granted, the trouble may be more with my dislike of this TYPE of book than of the book. It is not what I expected when I requested and won it from
I did, though. Maybe other readers will enjoy what I did not because this IS their type. But I didn't care for it. When I find myself preferring TV, even when "Dancing With the Stars" is on, I know my book isn't a winner.
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librarything.com. It is what I think of as "women's fiction," which usually bores me. But this is also historical fiction, and it's about an author of classics. How could I dislike it?I did, though. Maybe other readers will enjoy what I did not because this IS their type. But I didn't care for it. When I find myself preferring TV, even when "Dancing With the Stars" is on, I know my book isn't a winner.
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LibraryThing member LoisB
I received this ARC from Random House.
Under The Wide And Starry Skies is a historical novel about the life and love story of Fanny and Robert Louis Stevenson. It was intriguing and informative, as I was unfamiliar with Stevenson's life. Nancy Horan does a wonderful job bringing humanity to this
Under The Wide And Starry Skies is a historical novel about the life and love story of Fanny and Robert Louis Stevenson. It was intriguing and informative, as I was unfamiliar with Stevenson's life. Nancy Horan does a wonderful job bringing humanity to this
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famous author as we learn about his health issues, his wife and their travels around the world in search of a life-saving climate. Watch for this book when it is published in January 2014! Show Less
LibraryThing member Hccpsk
I received a copy of Under the Wide and Starry Sky from Librarything's early reviewer program. This book tells a fictionalized account of the lives of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny. At times the story-telling is tight and interesting, but other parts became wandering and muddled. I
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wish that Horan had spent more time trying to flesh out Fanny and less on some of the drawn out historical details that became a bit tedious for me. Certainly the book is too long as some of these parts really drag, but the incredibly fascinating lives these two characters lived save it and make it worthwhile. Whenever I thought that I couldn't read another page something would happen that made me want to continue. All in all an OK book about intriguing historical figures. Show Less
LibraryThing member mossagate
This was a LibraryThing Early Reviewers book and an absolutely wonderful read! I thoroughly enjoyed the portrait the author paints of R.L.S. and Fanny and everything encompassing their extraordinary journey together, while also showing the very human side of things. It's one of those rare finds I
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notice myself nodding along to as if to say "yes, this is how people are" or "yes, this is what that feels like". Nancy Horan definitely catches those nuances of truth, and I look forward to reading her other work. Show Less
LibraryThing member porch_reader
I received this book as an Early Reviewer selection. I read, and liked, Horan's earlier book, Loving Frank, a fictionalized account of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney. Like that one, [Under the Wide and Starry Sky] fictionalizes another historical romance, that of Robert Louis Stevenson and
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Fanny van de Grift Osbourne. Horan had much to work with. Robert and Fanny travel the world, deal with serious health and family crises, and maintain a vibrant social life. Stevenson, of course, becomes a revered literary figure, while pushes against criticisms of her own work. While I am glad to know more about these two historical figures, the book felt excessive at times, providing more detail than might have been necessary to capture a sense of these lives. However, despite that, I enjoyed this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member FishHeaven
I found this book to be well written but I had higher hopes for it to read more similarly to that of Erik Larson. It was interesting to read how Stevenson and his lady love lived and connected as well as the toll that her mental illness took on their relationship.
LibraryThing member kbuchanan
Horan's expansive novel offers a worthy addition to the ever-expanding genre of literary historical fiction. I will confess that this is very much my cup of tea, realizing that it is not always everyone's. That said, I think Horan's book appeals on a number of levels that do not bind it to this
Apart from all this, Fanny and Louis Stevenson's lives simply make for a great story. They lived for years in a part of the world that most Europeans never saw, and they took the time to try and understand a culture that was different from their own in a way that often puzzled their own European and American friends. This book puts forth the story of a family living life on its own terms, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I have not yet read "Loving Frank," but after this read, it's high on my list. "Under the Wide and Starry Sky" is a perfect choice for lovers of historical fiction, British literature, or anyone looking for a well-written, engaging story with strong characters.
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audience alone. Firstly, the work reads well. Despite its length, the characters shine through and make the time move quickly. Fanny is a fascination of a woman, one who fits oddly into her particular time and place, but Horan makes her one with whom we can passionately identify, despite her difficult nature. Robert Louis Stevenson also comes through in this book as an individual, not simply as the author of famous works. Having read Stevenson's more famous works, I thought Horan did a great job working with some of the themes put forward in these works in a way that was unobtrusive and yet effective. Apart from all this, Fanny and Louis Stevenson's lives simply make for a great story. They lived for years in a part of the world that most Europeans never saw, and they took the time to try and understand a culture that was different from their own in a way that often puzzled their own European and American friends. This book puts forth the story of a family living life on its own terms, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I have not yet read "Loving Frank," but after this read, it's high on my list. "Under the Wide and Starry Sky" is a perfect choice for lovers of historical fiction, British literature, or anyone looking for a well-written, engaging story with strong characters.
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LibraryThing member ddelmoni
I requested this ARC as I read Horan's first book, Loving Frank, a few years ago for my book club.
First let me say that Horan is a very good writer far better than most bestseller novelists. I'm grateful for that as, after reading her second novel, I can say the mood/atmosphere of her stories is
Unfortunately I'm not sure any novelist can do much about that.
Though I liked her first novel, I've come to realize that I was propelled through the story by my hatred of Frank Lloyd Wright and what the SOB would do next, so my interest was held to the very end. Not so with Starry Sky.
I gave up a little more than half way through. Robert Louis Stephenson medical problems were just too bleek and his wife and travels too uninteresting in Horan's hands to continue. Maybe I'll pick Starry Sky up again in the future, but for now I've had enough.
First let me say that Horan is a very good writer far better than most bestseller novelists. I'm grateful for that as, after reading her second novel, I can say the mood/atmosphere of her stories is
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really depressing.Unfortunately I'm not sure any novelist can do much about that.
Though I liked her first novel, I've come to realize that I was propelled through the story by my hatred of Frank Lloyd Wright and what the SOB would do next, so my interest was held to the very end. Not so with Starry Sky.
I gave up a little more than half way through. Robert Louis Stephenson medical problems were just too bleek and his wife and travels too uninteresting in Horan's hands to continue. Maybe I'll pick Starry Sky up again in the future, but for now I've had enough.
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LibraryThing member TheJeanette
I'm not a fan of romances in general, which means I also don't read many historical romances. I was more interested in this one for the history than for the romance, and I was not disappointed. "Louis" was very good to Fanny compared to her first husband, Sam Osbourne. But it must have been a real
Be warned that this is not a fast, gripping read. That was okay with me. I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy Horan's careful attention to historical details, because she happened to choose the details that were most interesting to me. That doesn't always happen for me with historical fiction. So -- a mite slow moving, but very well written and often fascinating.
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hardship for Fanny to be married to such a sickly man as Robert Louis Stevenson. Lucky for them his parents had a lot of money and gave him generous allowances to keep the couple from living in extreme poverty. Be warned that this is not a fast, gripping read. That was okay with me. I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy Horan's careful attention to historical details, because she happened to choose the details that were most interesting to me. That doesn't always happen for me with historical fiction. So -- a mite slow moving, but very well written and often fascinating.
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LibraryThing member Kimaoverstreet
The historical fiction sub-genre featuring characters who actually lived has become a favorite of mine (e.g. The Paris Wife, The Aviator's Wife, Loving Frank, Z, etc...) This fictionalized account of the relationship of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his spunky, older American wife
1) Atmospheric - Time, place, and emotion are wonderfully recreated. As the Stevensons journey to Paris, Scotland, the American West, Hawaii, and Samoa, readers are offered a glimpse of everyday life in each locale in the late 1800's.
2)The Wikipedia Test - I feel that good historic fiction should leave a reader wanting to know more about the people, places, and events they read about. I looked up a good deal as I read, and I found a factual basis for events and facts I thought were too spectacular to be believed! RLS and Fanny were both prolific writers, so Horan had a wealth of information on which to draw for her research.
3)Believable characters - Likable, but not perfect, characters are neither too good or too bad to be believable. Horan has captured the complexity of this fascinating family and its strengths and weaknesses.
I highly recommend Under the Wide and Starry Sky for fans of historical fiction and English literature.
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Franny is my favorite so far. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, this novel met all of my criteria for good historical fiction:1) Atmospheric - Time, place, and emotion are wonderfully recreated. As the Stevensons journey to Paris, Scotland, the American West, Hawaii, and Samoa, readers are offered a glimpse of everyday life in each locale in the late 1800's.
2)The Wikipedia Test - I feel that good historic fiction should leave a reader wanting to know more about the people, places, and events they read about. I looked up a good deal as I read, and I found a factual basis for events and facts I thought were too spectacular to be believed! RLS and Fanny were both prolific writers, so Horan had a wealth of information on which to draw for her research.
3)Believable characters - Likable, but not perfect, characters are neither too good or too bad to be believable. Horan has captured the complexity of this fascinating family and its strengths and weaknesses.
I highly recommend Under the Wide and Starry Sky for fans of historical fiction and English literature.
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LibraryThing member sringle1202
Although this book began a little slowly for my liking, it ultimately did not fail to thrill me in every way. What a love story! For someone who does not know the story of Fanny VanDeGrift and Robert Louis Stevenson, this book will bring a great understanding for his writing, as well as his
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persona. For someone who already knows their story, it will bring more understanding of why they loved each other so much, and also is like a sneak peek through their window. I don't think two people ever loved each other more. Although they both had very serious health issues to deal with, they took care of each other whole-heartedly. Their respective illnesses brought them closer, in a sense, and they both stood by each other's sides steadfastly through each illness. I think Nancy Horan did a fantastic job capturing both personalities, but combining them into one of the best love stories of the period. I recommend this to anyone who likes history, and the fiction novels that are based on history. This one follows the story so closely, it is questionable to call it fiction. Show Less
LibraryThing member reb922
Aside from Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde I new little to nothing about Robert Louis Stevenson. This was the story of Stevenson and his wife Fanny. Told over a couple of decades it follows their relationship and their travels. For health reasons their story takes them to different
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countries, continents and climates. This was long and interesting novel. I enjoyed Horan's writing in her previous novel but found myself annoyed with the characters in Loving Frank which seems to be trend for me with novels in this genre. Thankfully in Under the Wide and Starry Sky I enjoyed reading about Louis and Fanny which made me more able to appreciate the writing. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction following real life people. Show Less
Pages
496
ISBN
0345516532 / 9780345516534
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