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In 1815, Godfrey Peter Carey inherited Upcott Manor, an estate encompassing five thousand acres. Initially, Godfrey was non-committal regarding whether he would retain or sell his inheritance. However, he visited the estate and, after conducting his due diligence, decided to assume responsibility for it. Fundamentally, Godfrey wanted something to call his own, and he was quick to take charge in September 1815. He informed one of his tenants of his intention to utilize the land for cattle farming, while delegating various tasks to those he trusted, including himself. While Lord Godfrey's ownership marked a turning point at Upcott Manor, the success of the manor would rely on succeeding generations (i.e., his son Peter and grandson Henry). The world was changing due to the innovations of the Industrial Revolution, and Upcott Manor would face challenges as a result of progress in machinery and transportation.
The story of Godfrey Carey and his progeny as they live and run the sprawling Upcott estate is an epic masterpiece, evoking comparisons to the literary sagas of Ken Follett (The Century Trilogy). Destiny emerges as a primary theme in this story as Godfrey, then son Peter, and later Henry, must decide where their future lies in whether to keep their legacy and how to keep the estate viable and profitable. While Godfrey is a self-assured and assertive character, he becomes complete only when he meets Georgina, who later becomes Lady Upcott. Georgina, Lady Sybil, and Catherine Harrington prove to be strong and redoubtable characters. The exhaustive narrative charts the progression of a family and its domain over a century, with both joyful and bittersweet moments. The result is a superb piece of literature.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review