Clouds among the Stars by Victoria Clayton
A witty, perceptive social comedy, perfect for lovers of Anita Shreve and Elizabeth Buchan. The Byng family, theatrical down to the youngest, 12 year-old Cordelia, are stunned out of even their normal self-involvement by the news that their father, the celebrated Shakespearean actor, has apparently killed his rival on stage during the last rehearsals for the new production of King Lear. Waldo Byng is arrested for murder and held in police custody : the press camp outside the house, detectives attempt to interview the family and friends, and Clarissa Byng abandons the entire scene by fleeing with her longtime companion. It is left to the rest of the family to try to find a way through this disaster and above all to earn some money as the play is naturally cancelled. The nine months from arrest to the final trial are a wonderful learning curve about the real world for all of them, in particular for Harriet, considered the most 'sensible' of the remarkable family. Clouds among the Stars is a true pleasure to read: witty, perceptive about some of our social habits, with an outstanding cast of characters, wonderful scenes including some of the best parties and theatrical behaviour; and above all written with a style, charm and verve that makes one want to start to read it again as soon as one has finished. Review Praise for Victoria Clayton and her novels: 'A sharp-eyed social comedy to curl up with.' Woman and Home 'A high-class romantic production.' Marie Claire 'Victoria Clayton is unafraid to take a story by the scruff of the neck.' Independent 'Victoria Clayton has a glinting wit and intelligence.' Mail on Sunday 'Delightful humour which overlays a beady observation and perception.' Mail on Sunday 'The charm and vivacity with which the author presents her scenario and the precision with which she describes character and setting make this a very enjoyable read. Social comedy is a difficult thing to do, but Clayton shows herself an adept practitioner.' Times From the Back Cover Harriet is the middle child of a celebrated theatrical company, all of whom continue to live a comfortable if eccentric existence in the patriarchal home. When her father is accused of murder - fracturing his rival's skull on stage - and kept in jail, the family are forced to find other means for supporting their way of life. Harriet, struggling with a new job, her father's mistresses and an unlikely fairy godfather, begins a journey of personal education during which she learns that villains may smile and heroes be cunningly disguised. 'Social comedy is a difficult thing to do, but Clayton shows herself an adept practitioner.' The Times Witty and perceptive, with an outstanding cast of characters, wonderful scenes and outrageous theatrical behaviour, Clouds Among the Stars is a book to relish and re-read. About the Author Victoria Clayton is married and lives in Northamptonshire. She is the author of many previous novels.
Publication Details
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Binding: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins: , 2004
Edition:
ISBN: 9780007142552 | 0007142552
720 pages.
Book Condition: Good
Cover worn
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