Meridon (The Wideacre Trilogy)

I have always enjoyed Philippa Gregory's writing. After reading The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool, I wondered how I could go wrong with her other efforts. I went very wrong.
The premise of Wideacre is innocent enough. A young girl, Beatrice Lacey, is in love with her family land and wishes to inherit it. INstead, she is stuck in a time when men were the rulers and women barely got to go to the bathroom by themselves. Her brother, a whiny boy, isn't in love with the land and lacks the compassion and knowledge of it like Beatrice. Sounds simple enough. Here's where it goes haywire. Beatrice and her brother begin to lust after one another. Beatrice discovers that he has an odd penchant for violent behavior, especially if it is directed at him. She learns this and uses it to her advantage by seducing and beating him, all the while his idiot wife doesn't have a clue. But then Beatrice falls in love, but is afraid to relinquish control over her brother, lest he ship her off and try to run the land himself. That's just the tip of hte iceberg. What follows is lots of incest, illegitimate incest children, passing of pregnancies, committing a sane husband into an insane asylum after giving birth to yet another bastard child. It reads as a sad, cheap soap opera, such a disappointment from such a wonderful author. It is over the top, and not at all amusing.

The author's writing style is near flawless. With great imagery and poetic description, one feels drawn into the land. Unfortunately, the character of Beatrice leaves much to be desired. She's an anti-heroine through and through. She knows what she wants (Wideacre) and she'll resort to any means necessary to keep it. As a regular person, she's hard to related to and you find yourself so drawn into her lies and manipulative actions, that you become frustrated with the character and the situations.
Yes, there is incest in the book. It's pretty needless and this is one of the reasons why I will not read the other novels in this trilogy. Another reason is because of Beatrice's deeds, I lost a sense of connection with the Laceys. The only comfort found in this novel is from the secondary characters, who also become twisted by Beatrice. I found the conclusion of the story satisfying.

I have to admit that this was the only book I had with me when I was staying at a psychiatric hospital for Borderline Personality Disorder. It was the only thing I had to do to pass the time: that or talk to the much more unstable people "locked up" with me. People who cried all the time, muttered to themselves about symbols, and even banged their heads against the wall until a nurse led them away to be sedated. I shut myself away and buried my nose in this book, hoping it would comfort me in that strange and uncomfortable place. It did not.

This book is populated by people who could have very well been my fellow "inmates." The themes are so sick and disturbing, I imagine if the doctors took the time to examine what I was reading, I would have been put on stronger drugs and given further counseling.

I hated this book, partly by association of where I was as I read it, and partly because the heroine is so despicable. I longed for something beautiful and rich, like Karleen Koen's novels of the Restoration (Dark Angels: A Novel) and the beginning of the Hanoverian Dynasty, following a family through decades of drama and strife, but with loyalty, beauty, and love.

Strange, though, that Wideacre turned out to be my "ice breaker." One night, as we all lined up for medications, I clutching my only book and my only comfort, the woman in front of me turned and smiled and said "Oh, honey, I have read that book too. Isn't it awful?" And instantly I didn't feel lonely or scared of the other "inmates" anymore, and I made a new friend. In fact, I began to socialize, I began to smile, and soon the doctors decided I was fit to be discharged, so maybe that book freed me.

Still, I left it behind to donate to the ward "library."

I would recommend Karleen Koen and Jean Plaidy for intelligent, not seedy, historical fiction. For biographies of some of the historical figures featured in the fiction books, go for Lady Antonia Fraser.

Gregory's Wideacre might just pass as legtimate historical fiction rather than a smutty, decadent drama in period costume--but just barely.

Wideacre is the tale of Beatrice Lacey, daughter to the Squire of Wideacre, a Sussex estate that is described as a Georgian Garden of Eden. From childhood Beatrice has a mystical connection with the land and an all consuming love for it. The knowledge that she will eventually be married off and move away from Wideacre is unendurable for her. Beatrice schemes, plots and cheats to keep Wideacre for herself and proves herself to be a vicious adversary. She makes Scarlett O'Hara look like a saint.

Some of the guilty pleasure of this novel is seeing how low Beatrice can stoop to keep Wideacre hers Nothing is beyong her; she balances murder, adultery and an unending string of lies like an expert juggler. On the down side, Beatrice doesn't come across as a particularly sympathetic character. No matter how heavenly a portrait Gregory paints of Wideacre, it's hard for the reader to get past Beatrice's scheming.

This is a good vacation read or something to pass the time, but it certainly can't measure up to the some better, more legimate works of historical fiction.

Philippa Gregory weaves a passionate tale combining seduction, murder and obsession in yet another engaging novel spanning the early 19th century. Engrossing and intriguing, Wideacre is disarming with its intense thematic elements that can make for an uncomfortable but enraptured read. Beatrice Lacey is the anti-heroine of Gregory's novel, as a woman who will not let her gender, and her era's attitude towards people of it, foil her plans for the future.
Told from the perspective of Beatrice, Gregory uses her skills to develop a protagonist that is utterly unlikable. Beatrice, the "Lacey of Wideacre," decides from an early age that her only true love is her father's land, Wideacre. When she discovers that she is not the heir of the land, that it is instead going to her studious brother, Harry, she resolves to do anything in her power to take back what she deems is rightfully hers. Whether it is murder or incest, Beatrice does, with no second thought, whatever possible to make sure she is in control of the land she holds so revered.
At times an overwhelming read, Wideacre vicariously brings to life the wretched acts of Beatrice Lacey and the horror she inflicts upon the people she encounters. The only person Beatrice fears is Ralph, the one man who knows how far she is willing to take her greed and infatuation with the land. Her passion for Wideacre is one they both shared as childhood lovers, but with Ralph forcefully removed from Wideacre and Beatrice's life, Beatrice is left alone and able to wreck havoc on the lives of those effecting her position as Squire of Wideacre.
Everyone around her is soon weaved into Beatrice's tumultuous web of deceit, especially because they are all charmed by Beatrice's seemingly enchanting and personable mien. The townspeople of Wideacre, her family and especially her brother Harry are all cast under Beatrice's spell.
In an incestuous relationship with her brother, and the mother of two of his children, Beatrice guarantees she has Wideacre, and Harry, under her control. Yet everything around her slowly unravels as her intelligent, charming husband and sweet, timorous sister-in-law begin to realize the true evil behind Beatrice's innocent nature.
Gripping and forceful, Gregory doesn't leave room for pleasantries. Beatrice will do anything to hold control of her beloved Wideacre, and the novel becomes more disturbing as the lengths Beatrice will go to quench her desires are revealed. However, the novel's brilliance lies in Gregory's inability to apologize for her unsettling story in which the lead characters are so contemptible.
Gregory's writing, like always, is impeccable. The story is woven together beautifully and the writing both captivates and appalls. Gregory's novel shows how far a ruthless woman like Beatrice would go for her land, and the price she pays for it all.
The first book in the trilogy, Wideacre sets the pace for Gregory's brilliant penmanship.

I am an avid reader, of all genres, and this is seriously the best book I have read in a while. I did read the first 2 in the series, and while they were well-writen and enjoyable, this book easily surpassed them. I loved the character of Meridon: the way she spoke, her eloquence when explaining her emotions, her unabashed toughness. I was so happy that the book was written in first person from Meridon's perspective. I really related to her and her voice reminded me strongly of my own.

SPOILERS!!! However, I was disappointed that Meridon did not seek more justice for Dandy's murder. I knew that she would leave Gower's show, but once she discovered her heritage, I thought she should have hauled Jack to court. She knew that was an option, but she didn't do it.
And the editing...for such a well-writen book, the editing was awful. Bluebell was a female, then male, then female. Phrases were punctuated and passed as sentences. The book could have flowed flawlessly if it weren't for the editing.
But I thoroughly loved this book, and I hope those who didn't enjoy the first 2 will give this one a chance because it's different and rewarding.

I like bad girls.

I'm not talking about the whiny brats, the passive-aggressive victims, and the casually cruel. I'm talking about those women who don't conform to society's expectations and who use every resource they have to thrive. The sluts, the b*tches, the fighters and the survivors. Those are the bad girls I like.

You might like a few of them yourself. Historical figures like Elizabeth Tudor and Cleopatra the Great were both bad girls of that mold; if they hadn't been, they'd have been murdered young and we'd have never heard of either of them. Instead, they both schemed, manipulated and even killed to become great queens.

There are beloved fictional bad girls too. Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind is probably the most infamous. Scarlett is a heroine with insurmountable flaws, but her single minded determination and her raw courage have made her an enduring cultural icon. More recent literary history gives us the Dallanger Saga by V.C. Andrews, which captivated millions of readers with its vengeful heroine, Cathy Doll. But as dark and twisted as Cathy is, the reader understands exactly how she became so warped, and that there can be redemption for her.

Not so with the main character of Wideacre. This is not the kind of book that I would normally have picked up. Because I had no notion of where the story was going, the first chapter bored me. Worse, I could not find it within me to like the heroine. But soon, I realized that I did not just dislike Beatrice Lacey--I hated her. And then I could not put the book down.

The narrator of Wideacre is unlike any main character I have ever encountered before with the possible exception of The Marquise de Merteuil from Dangerous Liaisons. At first, I read Wideacre because I was shocked. Then I kept reading because I couldn't wait to find out what awful thing she'd do next. But eventually, I became so absorbed in the darkness of her heart and the desperation of her struggle that I was unaccountably moved to tears.

While I could see no road to redemption for Beatrice, and I did not come to love her, I took no joy in her failures. This book is a tragedy, and I think it'll resonate with every woman's inner villainess.

Beatrice is a product of the sexism of her times. Some of her vices, in a man, would be virtues. It's her absolute refusal to accept the role that society has set out for her that turns her into a monster. It's not that Beatrice can't love. It's that she doesn't love as a woman "ought" to and even when she does, it's to such excess that it destroys everything.

In less exaggerated ways, I suspect every woman has been there. Driven by passions that are unseemly, unacceptable, and difficult to control. Usually, this manifests itself in semi-innocent ways, like spying on a boyfriend's email or calling his cell phone 47 times.

But Wideacre must be understood as a woman's fable. A lesson in violent passions unrestrained by conscience. A myth of epic proportions. And though it purports to be historical fiction, there are some plausibly deniable fantasy elements that make it more speculative fiction than anything else.

Beatrice is a woman and a goddess, with all the potential for destruction that entails and this book will haunt me for a long time.

I had no idea what I was getting when I picked up this book after browsing at bookstore. i've seen the movie the other boleyn girl and thought it was alright; I enjoy historical fiction but didn't feel like reading a book about a "real" person. I've never read anything by Gregory before. That being said, Wideacre is both enthralling and a little repulsive. What makes it repulsive is the shock factor from all that incest and our main character was dark side. when i got to the s&m incest scene, I just skipped it. no idea there would be so much incest. had i known, I don't think I would have picked this book up. However, it is a fascinating read about a woman who denies conventional norms and fights for her estate. She is strong, beautiful, clever. The story shifts and turns nicely; it is not a boring read. I thought Dr MacAndrew was dreamy, Harry a dolt, Beatrice I liked and hated. even days later I'm still haunted by Beatrice's story, turning over different parts in my head and thinking 'well what if...' As captivating as I found Wideacre I don't think I'll read the sequels. I will probably read another of Gregory's novels though. she created a story about a villainous protagonist, and yet it was fascinating. i imagine I won't be disappointed by another of her novels.

Phillippa Gregory is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. Her characters are vivid and real - even though the heroine is not a traditional romance heroine, in fact she behaves very badly - you feel compelled to hope for Beatrice's ultimate success. All three novels in this series (Wideacre, Favored Child, Meridon) have different and interesting heroines and describe the social conditions of Georgian England from all aspects of society. The cruel aspects of enclosure are brought home better than any dry school class, yet the history never overshadows the story. A very entertaining and compelling read.

In error, I read Favored Child first, the second in this series. I enjoyed it so much that i had to buy Wideacre and get the history on this story. I was drawn in by Beatrice's absolute passion to keep her land, whatever cost. Some reviews condemn the incestual tones but to Beatrice it was not insatiable lust,it was only a means to get what she wanted...Wideacre. She was incapable of loving anyone or anything except the land. Beatrice was bitter for the comforts that only male gentry were allowed, such as ownership and freedom of choice. Her obsession with the land drove her to do unspeakable acts and caused her to be hated by many and feared by everyone but one man. A man she could not control or love.
Once i had read Wideacre and Favored Child I couln't wait to read the final book in the series, Meridon. To consume the full scope of the three generations you must read all three.

I'm surprised to see so many negative reviews! This is a FANTASTIC read! If you want a warm and fuzzy story about the English countryside, move on to something else. The main character is a horrid person, and the plot includes lots of vial moments. There were times I wanted to throw the book across the room because of the tension, suspense and deception. I was glued to the story, so it's definitely a page-turner. I admire Gregory for having the talent to write a story (her first novel!) where you're wishing a violent death on the main character while hooking you into the plot at the same time. I'm looking forward to purchasing the second and third novels in the trilogy.

I love Philipps Gregory and I love books that follow a series- so I must admit I really enjoyed the Wideacre trilogy. Beatrice is a great character, even though she is evil and perverse, especially in the second half of the novel, you cannot help being attached to her. I loved the setting of the novel, and it is a page-turner. However the incest, murders, and shockingly evil behavior of Beatrice could turn many readers off. Through parts of the novel I was simultaneously repelled and enthralled. So be forewarned.

Because I enjoyed the Tudor series, I assumed this series would be equally entertaining. I found this book to be boring and somewhat reminiscent of a Harlequin novel - but without the happy ending. Of course, to be honest, I never got to the ending because I stopped reading half way through.

Having read and loved several other items by this author, I was delighted to find this book cheap at a garage sale. Knowing nothing about it, I dove right into it.

Voluntary incest!?!

The main character was repugnant and the plot ridiculous. The whole thing made my skin crawl. It is one of the few novels in my life I simply could not finish. I actually SHREDDED it! I laughed at myself afterwards but at the time I found it so disturbing I didn't want any responsibility for some other unsuspecting reader to pick up my copy of this book. (As I recall, I chose the shredder, which I ruined, because the whole book burning thing seemed so reactionary--as if shredding was normal!)

The world is filled with good books, challenging books, thoughtful books, happy books, sad books. This is not any of those. Don't waste your time.

"Meridon", the concluding book of the Wideacre series, is vastly different than "Wideacre" and "The Favored Child", and for me, vastly better. This is extremely high praise, considering that I very much enjoyed the first two books in the series. "Meridon" tells the story of Sarah Lacey, the lost Wideacre heir, who was given away to gypsies at birth as a safe-keeping against the evils of the Lacey legacy. A large portion of the story centers on Meridon (Sarah's gypsy name) as she is neglected by her gypsy family and longs for a home she doesn't know nor understand. Eventually, Meridon becomes an equestrian performer in a traveling circus. These deviations from tales of life on Wideacre are a welcome change from the two previous books, which focused almost solely on the day-to-day activites (albeit often depraved and VERY enthralling activities) of rich country land-owners. "Meridon" is rich with the imagery and restless spirit of gypsy life, which allows it to stand out as unique among the trilogy. When the story comes back to Wideacre, it's a completely different story from the two previous books. Meridon has obvious similarities to her mother and grandmother, and these similarities help tie their stories to one another. However, Meridon is a completely different character than Julia or Beatrice. Meridon was not raised on Wideacre in prosperity, surrounded by family and neighbors. She is cold and unloving. And she is selfish about her land, but for different reasons than the previous characters, which is a refreshing change of pace from the previous books. Meridon's desire to control the land is more complex than simply having an innate yearning or a special gift, and this complexity makes Meridon a deeper, and if one can imagine, a darker character than even Julia or Beatrice. In the end, Meridon's life experiences that make her so different from Julia and Beatirce are the very thing that makes her transformation so beautiful and believable. "Meridon" is the only book of the Widacre trilogy that had the power to make me laugh out loud, cry in sadness and frustration, and finally smile through my tears. From start to finish, I loved this book. Read it...you won't be disappointed.

Oh it is just so gruesome the various ways Beatrice betrays her charge to take care of Wideacre. Sometimes my stomach would turn from the horrible things she did. I thought I just couldn't read it anymore... she was unintentionally, but most certainly, destroying that which she loved so much: Wideacre. It just upset me too much.

Yet, before I knew it, I was back again, eagerly reading on and on. I had to know what happened next! It's terrible and wonderful at the same time. I liked it enough to read all three of the Wideacre series, even though I had to put up with the anxiety!

As with all Phillipa Gregory novels, Wideacre is beautifully written and rich with details of the period, especially about how estates really worked, and as such, I'd like to recommend it. But the trouble is that the central character, Beatrice, is so thoroughly unsympathetic and so many of the events of the book are so vile that it's hard to view the book with anything but distaste. On top of everything else, most of the characters are pretty sketchy... Beatrice has one motivation only, and nothing that much makes you care about her plight, and nearly everyone else is a stick figure for her to play with. There are many wonderful books by this author; this, unfortunately, isn't one of them.

I fell in love with this book and read the subsequent 2 others in the trilogy as soon as I could find them. I'm glad they are in print again as Ms Gregory's books are sometimes hard to come by. Wideacre is hauntingly beautiful and full of twists and turns. Her knowlege of the history in which she writes is amazing. If you don't care for the typical historical romance ie; bodice rippers, this won't disappoint. It goes to the heart of history and weaves it into an exciting, great tale.

Two-thirds of the way through this trashy novel, I logged on to see what others have been saying about it. Seems equally split between one and five stars. I'm giving it two simply because of the way it holds your interest, despite being totally unbelievable most of the time (what 14-year old can run an estate in the manner Beatrice does? Not to mention pull off all sorts of heinous murders and plots before the age of 18.) My initial reaction was that of others, that the incest and Beatrice's total lack of conscience or morals makes it too disgusting a read to be taken seriously. And I, like others, am actually going to trash this book after I'm done, something I have never done, rather than sell it or give it away, because it's just so sickening and revolting, I don't want to be guilty of perpetrating it into anyone else's consciousness, even a stranger.

However . . . I do think the point Gregory is trying to make here, which I haven't really seen discussed in these reviews, is about the unfairness of the inheritance laws. Everything Beatrice does is to keep her place on the land which should be hers by right. This is the sole reason for her psychotic and evil behaviour. She really bangs you over the head with the injustice of it, Harry being so nonchalant and depraved, yet no virtue or lack thereof can change the fact that the estate comes to him, and not ever to Beatrice, who obviously values and loves the land so much more, and is a skilled manager. This book is a feminist statement about power, inequality of the sexes, and the corruption and depravity of the aristocracy. But it's still going in the trash, and I certainly wouldn't bother with the other two in the trilogy, if it's just more of the same.

But I do highly recommend her other four novels around the Henry VIII period, my favorite being The Constant Princess. I would give them all five stars and then some. Gregory is a brilliant novelist, I think she just way overstepped the mark into taboo territory in trying to make her point in this one.

Beatrice Lacey was such a strong character and heroine that I felt guilty rooting for her as she got more and more insane. I never knew what Beatrice was going to pull next, or if she would get away with it. So many twists and turns among a rich history, I enjoyed learning more about the people who lived during this pivotal time. I am looking forward to reading the next Wideacre book to see how Beatrice's legacy unfolds.

This was one of my favorite books by Phillippa Gregory. It is definitely chocked full of scandal and surprise. One reviewer compared Beatrice to Scarlet O'Hara, and that is fairly accurate except that Beatrice really has no shame in what she will do or how far she will go to keep her land. This is not a romance novel, and unless you count Beatrice's love for her land as a romance-I don't think she ever really loves anyone. Great entertainment. Could not put it down.

I read a lot of books and I love Phillipa Gregory books. I love her historical books, but it was great to read books where her creative juices could flow and not be restricted by the facts.

I could not stop reading the Wideacre Trilogy. I read late into the night and when I finished one book, immediately started on the next. I had to make myself slow down to savor every word because I was in such a hurry to read what would happen next that I was reading too fast.

I just love how she has captured the faults and cruelty of humanity, and because of the way it was written, I couldn't help but sympathize and care for Beatrice in the first novel.

Best books she's written as far as I'm concerned.

Great reading!!!

I was looking at Ms. Gregory's backlis today to see which books I had overlooked. I personally loved the Wideacre trilogy. I just finished The Other Boleyn Girl and while it is good, it is a more commercial, fluffy book than some of her previous work.

It seems as though a lot of people latched on to The Other Boleyn Girl and expect her previous works to be exactly the same. Wideacre involves intrigue, incest, scandal and a lot of deception. If you like your stories light, this book is probably not for you.

Please don't blame Ms. Gregory for writing more in-depth books prior to the recent commercially successful books.

Anyhow, this trilogy is amazingly written. I won't bog you down with the synopsis but highly recommend it. Also the Wise Woman is another good read too. For fans of Elizabeth Chadwick, I think you will enjoy Ms. Gregory's earlier works.

I like the way Philippa Gregory writes and enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl, so much. This book I also liked, you just have to get past the whole incest thing, which I couldn't really get over but still read on anyway. I felt angry at the sister-in-law for never really nailing Beatrice. I felt that was lacking in the book. She did get her come uppance, but I would've like to see a little more, since she was so wicked the entire book. Definately worth reading though.

To be fair I only read half of the book. (Skimmed some of the rest.) I could not go on, it was a waste of my time. Why would you want to read about something where no major character is a good person? They are all depraved and sick. I am no prude, but I don't find it attractive to read about incest. That is not one desire of mine, might be the authors, but not mine. I can't really read a book when I don't at least like ONE character.

Someone should have just shot Beatrice and been done with it. She has no redeeming qualities. Unlike Scarlet from Gone With the Wind. (I don't see the comparisons. Scarlet is not depraved and a horrible person at heart.)

Also, I thought the author had a tendency to ramble on. What could have taken one paragraph took 2 pages. Maybe because she was trying to explain the workings of Beatrice's mind. It was a vain attempt. Beatrice is not believable, her actions are not believable. Her thought process is not believable.

It is a soap opera, not historical fiction.

Philippa Gregory is one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint me in this three book series. I bought this particular copy for my Mom, who had read the other two books but not this one. Mom read it in a few days and enjoyed it thoroughly. The characters are believeable and evoke a variety of emotions. There are unexpected twists and turns in the plot which makes it almost impossible at times to put the book down.

I read this trilogy a while back and based on the reviews, I felt compelled to write my own. I thought ( as creepy as it may be in parts) that this book, and Meridon may be the best of the three.
Without giving detail away, as strange as it may be, I find myself still thinking about these books. Wonderfully written. Philippa can capture anyone in her story telling. As much as you may find yourself hating a character in this book, you cannot put it down. It's exciting, and thrilling and that's what I look for in these kinds of books. I found myself a bit bored at times with The Favoured Child, but I enjoyed Meridon, which made up for the second.
If you like Philippa, you'll enjoy these, as a break from her usual. It's even better to read an author who can do more than just one type of novel.
She's a wonderful author and I am never disappointed. Enjoy!

Except for the first few chapters of description, I hated everything about this book. Ms. Gregory is such a really fine writer of word pictues and so her descriptions of Sussex and Wideacre were amazing. But after that the whole thing horrified me. I skipped over many pages and chapters just to get to the end which left me totally depressed. Why does such a fine writer write such drivel?

I should add that I realize she has to be an extremely talented writer to make us hate the main character so much. But I read to be uplifted and enlightened. And I want to care for the main character even if they are not perfect. I couldn't feel any of that at the end of this book

On the other hand, when Gregory writes good stuff, there's none better.

If you liked "The Other Boleyn Girl" you'll hate this novel. This is a classic case of an author who stumbles upon a best seller, and the publishers quickly trot out all the writer's earlier bombs. This is a silly story of a sex crazed teenage girl who commits just about every crime in the book to hold onto the estate she loves but cannot inherit. This is the first of a trilogy, and reviews suggest books 2 and 3 are rewinds of the same basic idea. Ridiculous!--never would have read it except I had the flu.

I'd like to start saying how much i love Phillipa Gregory's work. And Wideacre proved to be even more amazing and i fell even more in love with it then, The Constant Princess, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queens Fool, and many others. It is twisted i have to admit, however, that is what makes it impossible to put down..... Beatrice Lacey is young, beautiful, and alluring. She is driven by her love of the land, and her lust. While reading this book i felt as if i was HER. I cried my heart out at times, and felt depressed while reading parts, but as i said previously it is amazing and impossible to put down. As sad as it may seem, the week it took me to read the book, my life revolved around it. I found myself dreaming of it, constantly thinking about it, and even wishing i could have in a way lived it as long as the tradgedies of it did not effect me. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I can't even describe its emotional attachment and how well it is written. I also read the Favored Child and recommend continuing the trilogy, although i was not quite as attached to it. I'm currently waiting for the last book, Meridon, to come in. I hope im not disappointed.

I should have read the reviews on this book before reading it. I managed to finish it only because I kept hoping for Beatrice Lacey to come to her senses. The incest plotline, which captivated me in V.C. Andrews' works as a teenager, now repulses me and made me want to throw this book into a raging fire. I can only recommend this book to people who thrive on watching people self-destruct. I think the author was shooting for something similar to The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde), and grossly missed the mark.

I've read The Other Boleyn Girl and a great deal of Philippa Gregory's other works and found them to be thoroughly enjoyable and hard to put down. It is therefore unfathomable to me that she could have written such a disgusting, morally-repulsive "novel" (and I use the term loosely)such as this.

This book is about a woman's desperate need to retain control of the land she grew up on. Land which, by legal rights, passed to her dimwitted, sexually depraved, mouse of a brother. The incest scenes are rife and horrifyingly detailed.

I could not bring myself to even finish this book, and I certainly was not about to read the final two in the trilogy. If you have even the smallest thread of moral fiber...run the other way. This book will make you ill.

I am a true Phillippa Gregory fan and have loved all of her books, aside from this Wideacre Series. Unfortunately, it's truly a waste of your book-reading time.

It would be too obvious to dislike the book because of the incest theme that runs rampant throughout this book, and the entire series. Like many other readers, I'm not prudish in any sense of the word.

The problem is that in addition to some truly stomach-churning, salaciously described incestuous sex, each and every major character throughout this book is heinous. You can't relate to the passions or pursuits of any of these characters, which ultimately makes for a dismal, disconnected read.

The inability to like or care about the development of any of the major characters is a true barrier to having any sort of enjoyment as you plod through this sad, sick tale.

Get a true sense of Gregory's brilliance by reading The Other Bolyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, and anything other than Wideacre and others in this series.

Philippa Gregory takes the concept of the antiheroine and runs with it. The main character, Beatrice Lacey, is one of the most wicked, psychopathic, fascinating characters I've had the chance to "meet" - and her story is set in a very interesting milleu - 18th century English gentry. One of those novels when you alternatively find yourself sympathizing with the main character and then reminding yourself that she is really horrible and that you should despise her.
The other players aren't cardboard either - watch, in particular, the evolution of Celia, who could easily have been written as a simpering nobody. ......

Perhaps Im prejudiced because I have read her most recent work first.(which I adore) My distaste of the book isnt rooted in my dislike for the protagonist(for there are many novels inwhich the main character is distasteful and the novel is brilliant- i.e. A Clockwork Orange, Lolitia etc).My distaste for the novel is rooted in the fact that I did not understand Beatrice's motivation in the slightest, and I was turned off by the gratiouitus use of incest. If Gregory wishes to use incest in future novels, she should take few notes from "Flowers in the Attic" and construct the storyline in such a way to invoke sympathy for the characters, or at least provide adequate motivation beyond the protagonists(I dont consider a almost psychotic obsession with a piece of property adequate motivation)- which must be done with dealing with such a taboo subject. Beatrice is often compared to Scarlett O'Hara, I feel that a comparsion such as that is an insult to Scarlett. Where as Scarlett was often selfish and self serving, she had a reason, motivated by fears of hunger and poverty brought on by the war. Beatrice's motivation was simply her own self indulgence.
I have no desire to read the sequels for by the end of the first novel I had no love in my heart for Wildacre, only sympathy for John MacAndrews and poor Celia. I will not spoil the ending- but I was not saddened by it in the slightest.

This is the best historical triology I have ever read! It is so entertaining to have an heroine you can't decide if you love or hate her! Phillipa Gregory has written this story so beautifully! The workings of Beatrice's mind is so perplexing for the reader, because you can understand her logic , but it is so sick and twisted. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience a charachter with depth and a dark side!

If you thought Scarlett O'Hara was an immoral, nasty woman who would do anything to hold on to her family's land, you ain't seen nothing yet. Beatrice Lacey, the (anti)heroine of "Wideacre," is a thousand times worse...but she makes delightful reading.
It's a shame the editorial review spoiled the important plot points, because I think they're even more deliciously awful when you come upon them by surprise. Every time you think you've finally got a handle on just how low Beatrice will stoop, she turns around and does something else even worse, brimming over with schemes that wouldn't ever occur to "normal" people.
I had trouble putting the book down, and raced through the last few chapters, completely captivated and dying to find out what would happen next. A truly satisfying read.
On a final note, I agree with previous reviewers who stated that this book shouldn't be filed in the romance category. While it does occasionally stray slightly into "bodice ripper" territory, you're not going to find hearts and flowers in this book.

This is the first period novel I've ever read. I bought Wideacre, The Favored Child and Meridon in a set at Border's Books & Music because they were on sale and I wanted something different from the usual Nora Roberts or Mary Higgins Clark that I always read.
Boy was this different! Halfway through the book, I had a strange foreboding feeling of what was to come. But I couldn't put it down! Everytime I was doing something else, my thoughts always jumped back to the book and not long after, I'd be reading it once more.
I would suggest this book to anyone who is looking to explore new genres. But reader beware. You won't be able to put it down until you've read the entire thing.

This is the first book I have read in a while that I just didn't like and really didn't want to finish AND would never recommend. I can't say I hated it because it did make me hope for the redemption of the main character and I could understand her love of the land. However, the main character is everything you wouldn't want to be and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I just couldn't stomach a lot of what happened; it was too much. She commits about every sin you can think of (and beyond). It was like reading into every dirty, twisted thought in the authors imagination that no one else would dare put on paper. So if you are interested in that kind of reading you'll probably love it---but not me!

Although I liked the other two novels in this trilogy (especially the last one), I found this one disappointing. Perhaps it merely suffers from being the middle part of a trilogy. In particular, I found the ending unsatisfactory and never took to the heroine.

I just have to say first that this book is always put into the romance section in book stores - and I feel that is very wrong. This novel is erotic - but it is by no means a romance. Anyone looking for a happy book with a tidy conclusion had better look elsewhere! This novel tells the story of Beatrice Lacey, a young lady of the 18th century who realizes at a young age that the only things she wants out of life are "land and loving." Yet as she is a girl, Beatrice is destined to be denied owning the land she loves - the Wideacre estate of the title. Beatrice's struggle to possess Wideacre - which often leads her into dark and evil things - is the main subject of this book. Yet it also packs a few feminist punches, gives the reader grand descriptions of life in England during the 18th century, and introduces one of the most appealing heroes in all historical fiction. Those who read the book without falling in love with Ralph have problems! The two next books in the series are a delight as well! Read it now!

I, like many other fans of Phillipa Gregory, chose to read this book after a very enjoyable experience with "The Other Boleyn Girl." The book starts out strong, but lags and slows in the middle, delaying the inevitable, predictable ending for about 200 pages or so. The main characters are hardly likeable, and the characters that are likeable aren't main characters. Some folks have compared Beatrice to Scarlett of "Gone With the Wind," but even Scarlett had a line she wouldn't cross. Beatrice stops at absolutely nothing to gain control of what she wants, and honestly, it isn't very realistic at all. It wasn't the worst, but I wouldn't urge others to waste their time on it.

If incest and murder of innocents equals a good read to you, you will love this one. I have read lots of books in my time, some with less taste than others but this has got to be one of the worst books I have ever read. Gregory is a good novelist and I loved some of her other works but this book was so disturbing that I will not be picking up the sequel and I would recommend that anyone who wants to read it to buy it used just in case you feel like I did. I have read Gone with the Wind and those people who compare Scarlett to Beatrice, should really go back and visit Gone with the Wind again. I am sorry but I really do not see any connection between the two. There is a difference between being intellegent, strong-willed, and resourceful (as Scarlett is) AND being a husk of a human with no normal feelings or desires and having absolutely no conscience at all (like Beatrice is). I only finished it because I kept hoping that some way or another it would turn out that she was not sleeping with her brother but rather he or she was adopted or something. Naive I know!

I kept wondering for a while where this story was gonna go.
It had the makings of greatness. But I guess the author wanted to keep predictability to a minimum---I assumed it would be something of a ROMANCE! Hello!? I read ahead when I got tired of messing around with the stable boy or whatever----I am sorry, but I am not interested in a book on INCEST. That is disgusting.
I just don't want to do that. Especially as engrossing an aspect as sleeping with your brother for 600 pages. Yuck.
The beginning bones of the story were good. The rest of the tragedy was great. But incest I just can't take. Another person, have at it. For the most part, it was well written in a Scarlett-O'Hara-ish way. That part was good. Can't tell ya anything else.
Oh, and if you're interests incline towards Historical British families and incest, read "Angels and Insects." Just as yucky.

I quite enjoyed this book. I'm not saying that the issues in the book were desireable, but it seemed to me to be very true to life. People in Industrial Europe were power hungry, and Beatrice, who has stooped so low to gain it, is the perfect example.

To me, Beatrice represented the lust for power, and the ultimate madness that went with it. She seemed to be a symbol of the time period, and I enjoyed every minute of this book.

When comparing my thoughts to the ones of my friend, whom I had lent to book to, she agreed with me. All the issues in this book are quite real, even if we choose to ignore them.

I think that Phillipa Gregory has outdone herself with this one, she has done something that she hasn't done before. And even if it's just me, I respect what she has written, and will most definetly re-read it.

And, if you haven't read the whole book, at least know that Beatrice gets her full dose of misfortune in the end.

I must begin by saying I am a fan of Gregory's and love 'The Other Boleyn Girl', 'Virgin's Lover' etc - could not put them down.

However, I did not like this book at all - and I tried very hard. I see that I am not alone here as other people have loved her other work and disliked this one. There was too much focus on the incest and sex - and while I completely understand that Beatrice is just a fictional character, the detail in the way she treated her brother sexually, etc was a bit much at times. I actually preferred reading about the beautiful land she lived on.

One positive thing I will say is that Gregory really has driven her point home well on the fact that the women of Beatrice's era were very much powerless - they had no money of their own, could not inherit land even if they loved it - in fact lived and breathed it - more than their (to quote another reader) 'dimwitted brother'. They were really quite forgotten and I have always found that truly sad - so well done to Ms Gregory for making that very important point. She brings women to life on the pages of her books moreso than anything and you really feel for them - as much as I loathed Beatrice I felt sorry for her at the same time - she was in many ways a product of society and the way she and all women were treated. She went mad in her desire to possess the land she so loved - but if she had the freedom that women today are lucky enough to have, she would probably have been a relatively normal woman. A sad tale indeed.

I wouldn't recommend this one though - I'd point people towards Gregory's other work.

Beatrice is the most immoral, sinful, condemning character I have ever read, the blurb does not do it justice. Because of this is, it was hard for me to read just how corrupt she was. This was the same reason I could not put it down. This is not a happy story so prepare yourself. But Beatrice had left me mind blown, this shows that Gregory had captured a true villain and so this was well written.

This brilliantly written book about Beatrice Lacey's obsession for her family's land (Widacre) roped me in from the very start, and at the end left me begging for more. It's a good thing there's two books to follow this unique tale.

Beatrice was truly desperate to keep her family's name and heritage, but being a woman, that is nearly impossible. She does everything possible (murder, incest,deception)to succeed in her mission, only to find herself backed into a corner.

This is a unique story, and one must read this series with an open mind (especially where the incest is concerned), but it is well worth it.

"Wideacre"'s theme of incest and sexual perversion totally repulsed and sickened me. It's just too sordid and disgusting for words, and I found reading it, disturbing and unsettling. Not to mention, an unrealistic plot. Too sick and grotesque for words.

Don't waste your money.

I had high expectations for this book because I had so thoroughly enjoyed Philippa Gregory's other books. However, I will think twice before buying anything else by this author.

Well, I, like many others who have reviewed this book read Gregory's newer novels first (like The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool and The Virgin's Lover) and enjoyed them so much I decided to delve deeped into Gregory's past works to see if I might get the same reading enjoyment out of them. Needless to say, I did not.

Gregory's novels are long and they are normally worth is but I would definitely categorize Wideacre as mainly a waste of my time. The storyline is at times unbelievable as the main character (the despicable Beatrice Lacey) is absolutely immoral and self-obsessed. I get that she's is 'in love with the land' or whatever but her lack of any human compassion, courtesy, sense of moral responsibility is at times way overdone. I guess she is an anti-heroine in that sense. The other characters rarely deserve acclaim in their actions and integrity either.

I love historical fiction and learning about enclosure and tenant farming in England during the time period was interesting but I think Gregory's story could have been much better without all the scandal. Personally, if I wanted steamy sex scenes and conniving evil characters, I might have read a romance novel or an FBI thriller.

Please don't let this stop you from reading Gregory's other books as I feel they are worth the time. However, I won't be finishing this series (Wideacre is followed by The Favored Child and Meridion) and I don't suggest you even start it. There are other books out there you will find more fulfilling. Trust me. =)

What a curious and, ultimately, brilliant book. If you're looking for a traditional historical romance, you won't enjoy this. If you're looking for a richly imagined novel that draws on a deep knowledge of rural traditions and of the dark powers behind the pastoral ideal, then you will find this book utterly involving. Beatrice, the heroine, is maddeningly self-absorbed, but she is absolutely real in the way that pagan goddesses are real -- seductive, enchanting, terrifying, destructive. Her actions have consequences that are completely believable, unlike those of Scarlett O'Hara (to whom she's been compared). Her name in Latin means "she who blesses," and Gregory invests that fact with all possible irony. Gregory knows her stuff, both mythically and politically, and she offers a sharp, edgy portrait of just what the infant years of the Industrial Age meant to the English countryside. And, oh yes, there's plenty of sex (though not overly explicit) for those who like that sort of thing.

I actually read this entire book just to see if/how Beatrice would get what was coming to her. Yes, the book is about incest. The ads and cover I've seen for this book state something like "Murder, Incest, Betrayal" or something like that so it should come as no shock that it is about incest. The thing I didn't like was that about 2/3 of the book seemed to be about nothing but sex. Sex scene after sex scene. I frankly belive it's better to leave it to the imagination. We all know what happens when you have sex. But really it seemed more wrong that Beatrice and her brother acted like a couple in love. It wasn't just the incest that was gross. Gregory's descriptions of other physical things left me queasy at times. After everything, I think what Beatrice did to her husband had to be one of the vilest acts I've ever read. This book was at the most okay and I do not recommend it.

Incest, murder, greed, deceit: this book has it in abundance. The "heroine" of the novel is one sick, twisted woman. I read the entire book, hoping she would redeem herself, but it was terrible to the very last. I kept hoping the incestuous relationship with her brother would end, but even after she married she kept it up to control him. This book is a waste of paper.

I love Gregory's books, however the "Wideacre" series is slightly odd. I might be biased in my opinion because I adore Gregory's other books "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The Queen's Fool" and had I read "Wideacre" before falling in love with those other novels, I think my opinion would be quite different. "Wideacre" is wonderfully written with an easy reading flow and an addictive story, yet some aspects might be rather condradictive to most morals and values. I find the idea of a character that seduces her brother into having 2 children with her (which strangely enough seem to surpass all rules of incest and are born without birth defects) quite disturbing. I think it is a wonderful story about a woman's struggle in 18th century England to claim land and titles through her own cunning. It is pleasantly wicked yet disturbing. Beatrice is truley unlike any character you will ever run across.

Horror is defined as "the feeling of dread and anticipation that occurs before something frightening is seen or otherwise experienced." This book is a true horror story. It is about a woman who loves her childhood home so much she ends up destroying it. She becomes the boogey-man. My mouth was agape with horror as I read this book. I gave it to my Mother & she had the same reaction.

I am disappointed in this book. Phillippa Gregory is one of my favorite authors and this is below her usual standard. The incest is distracting and unbelievable. I find no sympathy for this hateful manipulative main character.

I recommend Gregory's Tudor novels, virtually without reservation, but I thought this was dreadful. As with all Gregory's books, WIDEACRE is well written, though it desperately cries out for editing. Perhaps the author was trying to write an updated version of Scarlett O'Hara, but I found Beatrice completely unsympathetic. The book should carry at least an "R" rating, if not an "NC-17" -- parricide, murder, cruelty, consensual incest, sado-masochism -- ugh. Maybe she was just trying to get this first book published, and that's the reason for much the lead character's revolting behavior. Whatever. Don't bother with this. Go to the Boleyn books which I very much enjoyed.

You have heard of "Buyer Beware"? Well this would be "Book Beware" I picked this up as a beach read,it was so bad I felt I had to see it to the end if it could possibly redeem itsself...nope THANK GOD it fell in the ocean to spare me from finishing it! This book was horrible, it may have been made worse for me because I was expecting the normal Historical Romance story. This couldn't be farther from it. I don't want to give much away but definalty expect the unexpected.

I recommend Gregory's Tudor novels, virtually without reservation, but I thought this was dreadful. As with all Gregory's books, WIDEACRE is well written, though it desperately cries out for editing. Perhaps the author was trying to write an updated version of Scarlett O'Hara, but I found Beatrice completely unsympathetic. The book should carry at least an "R" rating, if not an "NC-17" -- parricide, murder, cruelty, consensual incest, sado-masochism -- ugh. Maybe she was just trying to get this first book published, and that's the reason for much the lead character's revolting behavior. Whatever. Don't bother with this. Go to the Boleyn books which I very much enjoyed.

You have heard of "Buyer Beware"? Well this would be "Book Beware" I picked this up as a beach read,it was so bad I felt I had to see it to the end if it could possibly redeem itsself...nope THANK GOD it fell in the ocean to spare me from finishing it! This book was horrible, it may have been made worse for me because I was expecting the normal Historical Romance story. This couldn't be farther from it. I don't want to give much away but definalty expect the unexpected.

I have been thoroughly engrossed in this series since I got it at Christmas. I love it, it's dark, it's twisted and it's gorgeously written. I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory and have read everything she's turned out. I'm thrilled this wasn't another boring heroic heroine who can do no wrong, Beatrice Lacey is the epitome of wrong and it makes for a strong read. Don't buy this if you're a pearl-clutcher, buy it if you want to see where an unconventional story can take you.

This was my least favorite of the trilogy, but an important peice to end it nonetheless. Very well written (as always), and very interesting. I guess I just didnt like Dandy that much and thought Meridon should do what she needed to do without her, but its very realistic to have this barier to your dreams being someone you love and you cant escape it.

A courageous first novel, Gregory clearly put some of her own soul and passion into crafting this narrative of a young woman driven by the sexism of her era, and the passion of her blood, into a radical and twisting life story. I loved the first half of the book, equal parts rich description of landscape and uncensored acts of earthy desire. While unconventional, I would rate it as romantic.
The second half of the book changed tone - more political, more dark. Some reviewers have commented about needing to see Beatrice get her comeuppance, but that was not rewarding for me. I would have been happier to have seen her fashion some solution out of her life, rather than become the whipping post for cultural sensibility.
Definitely a worthy read, beautifully written, and with thought provoking and stirring emotions.

I absolutely fell in love with Gregory's writing style in "The Other Boleyn Girl." I picked up this book next thinking that a trilogy would keep me occupied for a while. Unfortunately this was not to happen because I could not make it past page 160 in this first installment. I gritted my teeth through the trahsy romance novel-like sex scences, Beatrice's whining about not inheiriting the land, her plotting of one murder and her twisted attempt at another, but around the time Beatrice seduced her masochistic brother I had had ENOUGH! Never had I wished that books came with ratings, but after not even one third of this one I did. Perhaps some warnings of what was to come would have been enough to keep me from wasting almost $20 on it! I only wish I had read all of these reviews before I bought it!!

THis is a good novel...if you like loads of detail and an over dramatic heroine. As soon as Ralph left the story really lost a lot of it's center and things definitely spin out of control. Beatrice is an unbelievable waste, and it's hard to belive that anyone can catch that much detail in first person point of view. But For some reason I continued to read and finished some what satisfied because towards the end Beatrice was right Her Ralph Belong together and if anything they made the story worth reading.

I can only say after reading these books that I am glad that I read "The Queen's Fool" and "The Other Bolyn Girl" first. If I hadn't, nothing could have inspired me to pick up another of this author's books.
Although they are beautifully written, the characters are thoroughly unlikable and unbelievable. The story lines are trite and predictable. In this trilogy, the author has seemed to forget the tales' integrity and instead gone for shock value. Most of the characters in these books just need to be slapped or put out of their misery.
If you like drama-queen stories intended to shock, I would suggest reading any book by V.C. Andrews rather than this trilogy. At least most of the characters in the V.C. Andrews books cannot do anything to improve their situations merely by standing up and being human.
I have always said that no book read is a waste of time. I am sad to say I was wrong. These books have wasted valuable time that I could have spent on something more worthwhile.
I would recommend to ANY reader 2 Other books by this author, and those would be the aforementioned "The Queen's Fool" and "The Other Boleyn Girl." Both are great reads and worth 5 stars--more if it were possible to rate them that highly.

Wow. I loved this book (and the other 2 in the trilogy), and it is this book that introduced me to Philippa Gregory's writing. I fell in love with the style, the characters (why can't you love a character who loves something and is willing to do anything to get it?), and the settings. I've read each book twice now, having picked them up around 2003, and each time I am transported to Wideacre, or other spots in the Georgian countryside.

And to people who picked this up because they loved "The Other Boleyn Girl", then I say you need to stop following the pack. Find authors on your own, and don't listen to who everybody else is reading. That's how I discovered Ms. Gregory before TOBG. Do I enjoy her writing since? Yes. Am I looking to read her other works? Possibly, if they interest me. Read the back of the book before you buy it. And to those who judge it based on the fact that it is not TOBG, I say that you are absolutely correct! This book (and series) is a league all it's own. While it is historical fiction, it is NOT Tudor fiction. Two very different things!

And to those who feel that Beatrice Lacey is the devil incarnate, I am very sorry that you never held that sort of passion for anything, place, or one. Perhaps you should put the book down and live a little.

This book was fantastic! This was the second of Philippa Gregory's books I have read, and I have read many more since then. After finishing Wideacre, I went on to read the rest of the trilogy.

While the main character is a dislikeable person, it was very suspenseful and interesting to see what her next step would be and what would happen next in the book. The story starts off rather slow, but soon enough, the plot thickens and more action takes place.

However, it seems that this book only appeals to certain types of people. I know a lot of people who strongly disliked this book, but I believe that it is a great literary work.

I read the whole trilogy, it took me forever because of the size of them but after I was done, I missed the character Beatrice. So I read it all over again. The other books characters weren't as captivating as the first one. But all in all at the end of Meridon, I was happy how the story came to a conclusion. Great trilogy, great auther but Wideacre is hands down the best. The only down side is all the discription of the land and the trees etc, I found myself getting impatient and saying enough already back to the characters. I am not a big reader but this one book makes me want to read the whole thing over and over again, I only put it down because the length and width are kind of intimidating. Best book ever.

I started this book awhile ago, but stopped because i was revolted by the incest. Recently i decided to give the book another try, and this time finished it! Although the book is very disturbing, it is one of the most riveting and haunting books i've ever read. I am literally still thinking about it weeks later, its that powerful. I think the thing that sets this book apart from others the way you get inside Beatrice's head. Its amazing how she makes her despicable actions seem resonable, so although you want to hate her, somehow you just cant! This is a very worthwhile read, but not for the faint of heart...

I was caught up in this story from the very first page.Every chapter I was like now she will be caught,nope got away with it again.Beatrice has no conscience,no sense of right or wrong as long as she gets what she wants by any means.You hate her but you find your self wishing she would change and find peace.This was a real page turner.

Having just finished the fabulously written "I, Elizabeth" by Rosalind Miles (highly recommended!) I was in the mood for some more historical fiction. I didn't get through a quarter of Wideacre before dropping it like an infected sore - it certainly was not what I had in mind. The central charcter would be psychiatrically diagnosed and locked away for life in this day and age (hopefully some readers will actually figure that out!) and is not someone I want to get to know better (and I work with people with major psychiatric illnesses!). I actually feel nauseated by her! What really upsets me though is that the author appears to equate her acts with developing feminine power. If you can call one person killing another because they had no other recourse for legal ownership of property, or for acting in a sexually depraved manner (incest) as a recourse for same, then go ahead and enjoy the story. To me, if I am going to spend my precious time on reading a 600 + page novel (first in a trilogy, no less) then I had better get something out of it that improves my understanding of life and others - or at least makes me feel somewhat proud to be a human. This just makes me sick!

I was sorely disappointed in this book and threatened to put it down several times. In fact at the time I am writing this I still have not even finished the book, but by now am more than halfway through it so it should all be over soon. The main character is so despicable one just hopes she dies a painful death without ever achieving her goal of changing the entail of the estate she was born into. She is selfish, self-centered, obsessed and I find it extremely difficult to find any redeeming qualities in her at all. The other characters that allow her to get away with murder (literally) her entire life are so weak and flacid they are pathetic. I wonder how and why no one ever catches on how truly evil and manipulative this Beatrice really is! The one character that shows any spark of intelligence is neatly taken care of and put out the way much too soon. And then there is the steamy, hot sex scenes that are too disturbing to realistically dwell upon. In other words this book is really just a trashy novel masquerading as historical fiction/literature. Obviously Gregory has major issues with incest, and evil women (Wildacre and The Other Boleyn Girl). I have already told my sisters who I usually share all my books with that I will not pass this one to them. I have wasted my time reading it and I wouldn't want them to repeat my mistake!

She makes Scarlett (Gone with the Wind), Amber (Forever Amber) and Diana (Through a Glass Darkly) look like docile wallflowers! I was thrilled to find out when I finished the book (which didn't take long, as I could not put it down) that it was part of a trilogy .... here it is one day later and I am halfway through "Favored Child"

I couldn't put this book down.

The characters (esp. Beatrice, though Harry is a very close 2nd) are horribe, amoral, disgusting people and yet I just could not stop reading it. Just when you think it can't get any worse it does!

It's quite possibly one of the most shocking books I;ve ever read.

To be honest, this did not seem like any of the typical genres I enjoy. In fact, I bought this book at a flea market on a whim & delayed starting it because I doubted I would like it. I was wrong, within a few (very LONG) chapters I was hooked. This book is so morally wrong but I couldn't put it down. Definitely not for the feint of heart but it was riveting and I'm excited to start the second one. I can only imagine how disturbing the next one will be.

This is an extremely well-written, gripping story centered around a complex and, yes, disturbed character. Beatrice is an essentially sociopathic personality, but like many such she is captivating and draws in the innocent and unwary. The brilliance of this novel is that it is told in the first-person from a point of view that is necessarily unreliable. That means the author is leaving it up to the reader, trusting the reader in fact, to figure out when we should believe Beatrice's interpretation of events and when we should trust our own judgement. Yes, the subject matter is disturbing and in some ways it is a very punishing novel to read, but certainly rewarding to those who like fiction with a little more depth than the average bestseller and frankly entertaining to those prepared for a wild ride. Just for kicks, if you want to appreciate the brilliance of the character Gregory has drawn, read The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout first(a non-fiction book explaining the psychology of sociopaths). But whatever you do, for goodness sake, use your head. Just because Beatrice says she has to do this or that because women have no rights, it doesn't mean the author is saying that's the way to go. It means she has drawn a complex, realistic character, who justifies her actions and doesn't always clearly understand her own motivations. This is not a book for people who prefer to be spoon-fed what they should think about everything and certainly not for the prudish or faint of heart.

To begin with, Phillapa Gregory is one of the most inspiring authors I have ever come across. She writes with such detail its like the words create a perfect video for you. While this book is different from her others because this is based on a fiction character (unlike her Tudor novels) it is just as good and as well written. Many of the reviews talk poorly about the main character, Beatrice, because of all of her selfish and somewhat sick motives, what they may not understand is this is what she had to do as a woman in that time period. Back then women were given no respect and men were given everything automatically (even though most of them were selfish pigs). So to get even an ounce of respect she had to be just like the men. I feel like back in those days women had to go even farther than men in terms of backstabbing to get what they wanted in life. So I would most definitely recommend reading this book and the two after in the series.

The Other Boleyn Girl was my first read by Philippa Gregory. I absolutely loved it and quickly picked up The Queens Fool, which I enjoyed even more. Wideacre started well, but Beatrice developed into such an unlikeable character that my enjoyment waned. I did soldier on, reading the rest of the trilogy, but thought The Favoured Child was the same story, retold with different characters. And I just grew frustrated with Julia and her wimpiness. Meridon was definately better- at least it was somewhat different- but by then the amount of incest (and I am by no stretch a prude) started to get to me. I know it's all fiction, but the fact that Meridon was so healthy considering her geneology was just ridiculous. As much as I enjoy Gregory's writing, the selfishness of some of her characters is just amazing- and creates some very unlikable characters.

I actually liked this book. Yes, I agree with a lot of people out there that it was not as good as The Queen's Fool and other great Philippa Gregory novels, but I enjoyed it. I felt the characters were well developed and whoever said you have to like the characters to like the book? It's how much I DIDN'T like them made this book was so intriguing! I was disgusted at the ways Beatrice Lacey thought of only the land above everything but I was sympathetic to 'poor' Celia when she tried to go up against Beatrice. And it is interesting how Celia took a very political stance at the end of the book...I felt like I was watching CNN almost ;o) Anyways, it's no Jane Austen or anything but it's not bad, really!

This is a 600+ page book - in paperback! It's worth it though, the main character is so evil and diabolically determined to get what she thinks she wants, she will stop at nothing. It's interesting to read about such an evil woman and you will be shocked at what she will do to accomplish her goals. I loved this, I have also read The Other Bolynn Girl by this author and liked it, as well.

I've read the other reviews for this book, and couldn't believe that anyone found this book worth reading. Unless you enjoy reading about a person who fits the clinical definition of a sociopath ruining everything and everyone in her path in order to satisfy her own desire for her family's estate, SAVE YOUR MONEY.

She helps plot her father's death (her favorite person in the world, until she takes on a lover at age 14, who helps her plot daddy's death), tries to kill her lover for doing what she agreed to (killing dad), and then moves on romantically to her masochistic brother, bearing 2 children by him. Instead of being genetically damaged, they are beautiful, and of course, she has no use for either of them except what they might do to help her win her estate. UGH.

She marries a man who actually loves her (at this point I was suspending disbelief in the hopes that the plot would take a less repugnant turn), and she proceeds to lie to him, ruin his reputation and career, and steal his fortune by committing him to an asylum. Oh yes, and dear mum was spared the first time she tried to off her, but got her with the laudanum on the second go. Can you even believe all this? I can't either.

I have never read a book where the protagonist has absolutely no redeeming feature, so this is a first. I also do not ever throw a book away (I trade or keep them), but this one is going into the dustbin.

I was amused to see that this disgusting story was a trilogy. As if I would waste my time!

I couldn't get past the first quarter of this book, which never happens. I did like the Other Bolyn Girl (although some of the scenes were totally gratuitous) but I couldn't stand this one. I suffered through the whole "Ralph" serial (which seemed like it walked right out of the Saturday Night Live skit "Tales of Ribaldry"), then was absolutely disgusted when the author decided to have the siblings hop in the sack together. This book reminded me of the VC Andrews "Flowers in the Attic" books I remember when I was a kid - trying to sensationalize and romanticize incest. Gross. Ick. Run Away. Don't read this junk.

My fun summer read. It's Gone with the Wind on steroids. The first part of a trilogy - and I cannot wait to dive into the next 2. A story about how one strong woman loses her way - I shook my head ruefully so many times in the book. It is a bit of a bodice ripper - but so incredibly well done. My 2nd book by this author, and I have loved both. Gulped the 600+ pages in a couple of days - so very satisfying.

Wideacre truly is one of the best books i've ever in my life read. It tells the story of Beatrice Lacey, a girl born in the latter part of the eighteenth century to landed gentry. From the moment she is born she is comepletely in tune with the land her family owns and is able to make the day to day decisions that someone of her finatial status would have to make, were that person male. But Beatrice is not male and there in lies her downfall, because her foolish brother, who does not understand the land as she does, will inherit, simply because he is male. Wideacre tells the story of Beatrice's many struggels to secure the land for herself and later for her children. Beatrice is not a noble character, but even through all of her evil deeds the reader still retains empathy for her character. Truly a great read.

Exciting read, indeed! Beatrice Lacey will stoop to any level for control over wideacre! In that quest however, what Philippa Gregory left to concentrate on was to create wideacre more appealing and worthy of Beatrice Lacey's evil actions. Instead, from time to time we are reminded that wideacre hall is just one of those ordinary estate of land in the village. Having said that, the author reminds us from time to time Beatrice's obsession with her birthplace and rights denied to women at that time justifying the heroine's conspiracy to murder, incest and all the sin of that time.

I have to admit that I couldnt put the book down until I finished the last page.

Meridon is the third and last book in a 3-book series about the Lacey women who struggle to own/manage their family estate, called Wideacre, in a time when female children did not inherit any ownership rights of their family property. All three books in this series are enjoyable, and Phillippa Gregory adds period details that give you insight into life in England at that time. This book was my least favorite out of the three, partly because some of the language and settings were repeated from the first two books, and also because Meridon's life as a gypsy didn't seem quite as believable as the stories in the first two novels. Meridon was still an interesting conclusion to the series as I was interested to see if the women in the Lacey family ever gained control of their estate.

Well I thought this might have been a better novel.. I really enjoyed reading "The Queen's Fool" and "The other Bolyen Sister" by this author. This story to me seemed like a "trashy"spun yarn about a witchy girl/woman. I ended up skimming thru some of it cause the description in places seemed not nessecary to the plot. I bought the other 2 that go to the trilogy, I hope they are a better read.

Where to begin. This is a horrid book - it's the sort that takes several doses of Austen to get over the nightmarish awfulness of it. Incest. Patricide. Matricide too, of course. Adultery - lots of it. S&M - pages of stomach turning episodes. Children born of incest - twice. Every moral character suffers and is tormented by the 'heroine' and her lovers. Really, not what I expected. For those who don't want to delve into the darker side of Philippa Gregory, be advised that this is a really rough read, with no redeeming qualities at all. I couldn't finish it.

After reading and loving the Other Boleyn Girl I went straight away to the book store to buy another of Philippa Gregory books and didn't quiet get what I was expecting. I was surprised at the lengths that Beatrice Lacey went to get what she felt what was rightly hers and spent most of the book hating the main charter but still couldn't find fault in this book. I admit that I had a hard time reading some of the parts of this book but feel if the author wrote it any other way it would have taken away from the story. I am glad that I didn't read any of the reviews before reading it myself because I think it would have taken away from the shock and horror of Beatrice's actions but feel reading it unknowingly that it truly showed what lengths she would go to get what she wanted. I am anxious to read the other two books and advised if it isn't too late to not read the reviews and leave the shock and suspense of this book as you read.

I read this trilogy from beginning to end. I found that with each book there was a point in the story which made me so frustrated and angry that I had to rush through and get to the end.

Meridon is a decent ending to the trilogy, but I didn't find myself having strong feelings of hate, love, or disgust towards these characters the way I did with Wideacre and The Favored Child. I also tired of reading about acrobatics and horses and would have liked more talk about James, Will and Meridon, and Wideacre itself. This book seems more centered on class struggle and economics than the other two books.

After reading Wideacre and The Favored Child, I think one must read Meridon. It still is a good read.

I can't remember the last time I was so absolutely riveted by a novel - and I read a lot. Wideacre is impossible to describe. It's like a combination of "Gone With The Wind" and "King Lear" with a bit of the Bible thrown in for good measure. It was fascinating to see how Beatrice's love for the land eventually twisted her into a truly evil woman. The writing was exquisite and the decriptions of Wideacre so beautiful that I could see every detail in my mind. The historical detail was fascinating, too. Although I was horrified by the depths of Beatrice's depravity, I could not put this book down. It will stay with me for a long time.

This is absolutely my favorite book ever and I love this author! Even though the main character Beatrice is evil and manipulative I just love the fact that she's so believable as a character and that you can sympathize with her as a strong female trying to control her destiny. I really liked all of the characters in the story and the slow build up of events that you could see happening. I really recommend this to people that liked any of the authors other books or to people wanting to read something different.

I wish I had read the reviews before I read this book. I loved Gregory's later books about the Boleyns, but this one was depressing, depraved, and very disappointing. Beatrice, the main character, is beyond evil and twisted. As I read, I kept expecting (hoping) she would have a revelation and redeem herself. I'm not one to put down a book once I've started, so I continued reading, but in hindsight I wish I had not wasted my time.

This was a very weird book. I had read Gregory's Tudor-themed books and enjoyed them very much, so I looked forward to starting the Wideacre trilogy. There is a lot of twisted sex in this book; it's hard to like ANY of the characters. I've started "The Favored Child" and it promises to be just as odd--but I've come too far not to find out what happens to the Lacey clan!

I too am contemplating what to do this book when I am done. Usually, when I finish a book I tell everyone about it and lend it out. This book is another case altogether. The immorality in the book offends me but also makes it hard to put down. I keep ploughing through thinking that Beatrice can't possibly do anything worse than she's already done...but she does. I especially feel awful for the John McAndrew character. She does make me think of Scarlett O'Hara but Scarlett was a much nicer personality than Beatrice. Gregory seems to be writing about a sociopath rather than a normal human being. I would not recommend this book or this author again. I am very disappointed.

This book is disturbing. The main character isn't just evil she is disgusting. I almost stopped reading this book a few times because it is hard to even stomache some of the things that happen. I only keep reading it because I can't wait for her to get what's coming to her. It gets 3 stars because it is very well written and because a couple of the other characters make you want to know what happens next. I don't recomend this book to the queasy as the majority of the book describes incest in graphic and disgusting details.

OK, I couldnt give this 0 stars...but it is a big fat 0. I LOVE this author, but totally hated this book. It breaks from her norm. The story is slow. The character development is shallow. And the whole thing is just evil. I always finish books that Ive read past the middle of the book. I threw this one out. It was awful. Dont waste your money.

This book is definetly twisted.

But it flows well, it sets up the scenes beautifully, and swiftly at that. I thought the pace drug a bit 3/4 of the way through, but was true to the time period, the genuity of the characters and closed justly and properly, not only in keeping open a door to the following books, but paybacks were a long time coming.

Id definetly recommend it. It is by no means bad work, or worthless in picking up. I dont want to enclose any spoilers, so Ill leave it at that :)

First off, I am a huge fan of Gregory and adore many of her other works. This one, not so much.

I don't regret reading it, and I admit I am curious enough to want to read the next two just to complete the trilogy, but I will likely never read this book again, or it's successors after I've read them once.

I say this is a book to read once for two reasons:

1. It's not the most thrilling plot and is not very believable

2. I doubt I could stomach reading some of the scenes a second time, and I'm far from prudish.

Ok, first of all, the inability to believe to the story line.

Some of Beatrice's sexual behaviours with Harry are highly implausiable for the era. I know that 'the good ol' days' were not the precious moral times some like to portray them as, but still we (moderenized society) are in a different place than in the past. Some of the sexual episodes seemed far too modern and un-likely for the time period. For example, Beatrice just 'happens' to have a saddle rest which she conviently is able to expertly alter into a device for S&M purposes with Harry. It's instances like this, and many other of the same nature, that pull the reader out of the Beatrice's world and make them thnk perhaps some one has left a wishfull thinking letters page from some dirty men's magazine in the book. Like I said, I'm not a prude. And though I don't seek out books that have sexual content, when it effectivly advances the storyline, it flows seamlessly into the plot. This is not one of those seamless instances.

Also, Beatrice's abilty to change her emotions in a split second makes her unbelievable as a character, for example when she instantly stops loving her husband and starts to hate him.

Secondly, As I said above, the sexual content does not advance the storyline in this book. At first it does, when we see Beatrice taken away into her first love, but as the book goes on it grows from interesting to the plot, onto tedious, and then just plain vulgar. Perhaps if it had been crafted to be more hidden, a little less explicit, and the author had saved more revealign, explicit scens for when they were needed, such as what Beatrice's mother sees, it would have worked better throughout the story. I'm sure the author wanted to show the horrific nature of Harry and Beatrice's relationship, but she could have conveyed the disturbing relationship without the explict details running on in chapter after chapter.

Overall, the plot concept makes it an interesting read, but I say to pick up a copy at the library rather than spend money on it.

Like many other reviewers I came upon the wonderful novels of Philippa Gregory in The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool. I LOVED these two books and was looking forward to buying Wideacre, which must undoubtedly be just as good, right? Absolutely wrong! This is one of those books that you wonder how it became a bestseller in the first place, and all those great editorial reviews are totally bogus! Unlike in the books I noted above, you don't find yourself drawn to Wideacre's main character...AT ALL! In fact, most of the time you're disgusted with her and all her plots and cruelties. Going along with the killing of her father and sexually seducing her own brother just to keep some land definitely does not make for a character that readers grow to love and hope the best for. I found that the story had very little plot. The main charracter would do something terrible and then go into how it's so unfair that women can't inherit land as if to try to convince us that if her father had just given her the land she loved she wouldn't have had to do all the bad things. All in all you don't find yourself drawn to any of the characters and even find yourself disgusted with a few.

Potential reader: here's some advice; you'd be better off taking Wideacre out of your cart and buying/reading the two I listed above instead.

This was a terrible disappointment.

Unfortunately I bought the trilogy after reading The Other Boleyn Girl thinking that all of this authors works would be good. I was wrong. I read this book and the start of the next, The Favored Child, and it is all disgusting. Honestly, I don't know who would enjoy this kind of rag.

Having enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl, I picked up this book; I was looking forward to starting the series. What a disappointment. This is a horrible book - the plot line is absurd - I wish I could give it zero stars. Basically, this girl, Beatrice (from age 15 to 20) is smarter than everyone else in the WHOLE world. She outsmarts family members, lawyers, doctors, bankers, everyone. No matter what she does no one picks up on her plans until it is too late. Even then, they only give her knowing looks and never do anything about it. Please. Why does no one catch on to her? Because she's soooooo beautiful. That's a story line?????

This is a story about a selfish, spoiled brat; I, Me, My, Mine are the most used words in the whole book. It got SOOOOO tiring. The adjectives about her beauty were also nauseating and repetitive. How many times do we need to hear about her green, cat-like eyes? I actually noticed when when her "chestnut hair" (appearing probably 100+ times) suddenly became "copper hair"; it was never just hair. Was the author paid by the word?

Most of the plot doesn't make sense. Many, many times we are told that the brother has TOTAL control over his wife BECAUSE he's the husband. He can send her away ANY time he wants. However, Beatrice's husband has no control over her at all. Zip. How does that make sense? And we are to believe that bankers and lawyers from London make loans with this teenage girl who has no legal claim to the estate? Really? The whole premise of the book is that she can't have a claim to the estate because she's a woman. Not one of them was smart enough to ask to see the brother who was the only one who could possibly own the estate? How could she sign the contracts? And what was the story with Ralph? Did he have legs or not? Was he paralyzed? How did he spend so much time on a horse? Plus the two black dogs were such a cliche.

I hated the book from early on but continued to read/skim hoping that someone was going to pick up a fork and stab the girl in the eye. (Sorry, I've never thought that way before but it crossed my mind every time they sat for a meal.) After a loooooonnnnnnngggggg drawn out story the book is wrapped up in a few pages. Her brother is found dead in the fire? Are we to believe he was he not smart enough to get out of a burning building? We don't get to find out what he thinks when he discovers he fathered 2 kids with his sister. They find her body somewhere else? Disappointing. I was so looking forward to reading about how she died.

Nothing about this book made me want to read the next one. What is the author thinking? If everyone who survives is so stupid, why would I want to find out more about them? I'm glad I got the book from the library and didn't spend money on it. I do feel bad for the trees that died so this book could be printed. Don't waste your time.

This was the first in the series that I read by Philippa Gregory. I have been hooked every since and have read all of her books; especially enjoy the historical novels she writes. You won't be disappointed.

This book made me sick! I wish I would have ready the commentary about the incest before I bought the book. I thought the incest portion would just be a small part and then move on. When it kept going I couldn't handle it a moment longer. I peaked into the back of the book and saw that there was no end to it. I threw the book into the recycling bin because I did not want to pass this trash on!

I enjoyed "The Other Boleyn Girl " and "The Queens Fool" tremendously. Foool that I am myself, I enthusiastically ordered all three Wideacre novels. What a disappointment. If you are looking for the same delightful period historic drama you will not find them in the "Wideacre" trilogy. Here is the romantic drama at it's lowest - incest, spicy sex and Fate without the merit of the honest, interesting characters Gregory learned to build later. The writing is unripe and the story sour. I AM looking forward to reading "The Virgin's Lover", hoping, with some trepidation, to discover again the mature Gregory I enjoyed.

I read this book several years ago and I was flabbergasted. I don't have a problem with sexuality in literature, but incest is another story especially when it is used in this way. To me it did not seem to be painted in a negative manner. It was like you should feel proud of Beatrice for using any means necessary to keep her land. I literally felt ill after reading this. It's disgusting and I agree with some of the other reviews that you just can't feel empathy for the main character. She's a sociopath and there is not one part in this book that makes you care about her.

This book kept my interest from first page to last page. The
research and detail that went into it is amazing. I immediately
began the second, The Favored Child, and I will definitely read
the third book in the trilogy, Meridon.

I was extremely disappointed in this book. I love historical novels, especially those that take place in England and Scotland. This novel has characters with no redeeming qualities and after an interesting beginning, goes steadily downhill from there. I doubt I will ever read another book by this author.

I've read many of Philippa Gregory's books and loved them. But this book was so rife with unsavory characters that I had to stop reading after 200 pages. Murder, incest, greed, and that's just the beginning! There's not a single character with any redeeming qualities whatsoever. For those considering reading this book: if you like wild and outrageous soap opera type stories, then this might be for you. I just couldn't get past the incestual storyline written as though it's a romance novel. That is neither erotic, nor fun to read.

I rated this book four stars only because the writing is so excellent. I could not finsh this book however, merely because I was so sick of how vain this Beatrice was. You can only stand to read "I was so lovely" or "I was as lovely as a sleek pampered cat" so many times before I wanted to throw the book down in disgust.

Also, if there would have been any way of sympathizing with the character, I would have finished, but I read about 300 pages and couldn't take it anymore. Not only endlessly vain but totally psycotic! Read The Queens Fool instead.

This woman needs prozac!!Not only is she obsessive she is a pscyopath (that is nuts to those of you who can spell).To be this obsessed with a particular peice of land is entirely unnatural and I find it impossible to relate to her poor, pitiful problems. But the object lesson the author is trying to teach is the unpleasant truth of 18th century English inheritance laws. There are many repetitive passages about her full lips and swirling,falling,curling, auburn, tresses and rustling of her silk riding skirts, and much admiring her self in the mirror; all observed from Beatrice's point of view. Makes for very flat secondary characters. I agree with another reader that VC Andrews is better at this sort of thing.I would not read another book in this series, but her book about Anne Boelyn was very good.

The negative reviews are misleading. These readers can't tolerate the nature of the relationship between the two characters - brother and sister. That does not make the book bad, it's just not their cup of tea. This is rural England, let's not be naïve and pretend that incest in rural areas in the 1800's didn't happen. This book is remarkable, and a good lesson to all ambitious women. The author has a phenomenal ability to get the reader to identify with, and understand, a fundamentally evil heroine. I could not put it down. The second book of the trilogy is also good. The third is not.

SPOILER ALERT!! I knew that this book featured incest before I picked it up and that didn't bother me. After reading it though, I'm sorry I bought the book. Not because it features incest, but because it seemed like it was thought up by a 5 year old. It was incredibly unbelievable, the story lines were simplistic and at times absolutely ridiculous. The story line goes something like this: "I think I'll kill my dad now...ok, I think I'll kill my lover now...ok, I'll sleep with my overly simple brother who happens to have an idiot of a wife who simply doesn't understand anything...now I'll have kids from my brother and successfully hide the fact that they're from my brother or the fact that I was even pregnant and miraculously no one catches on...now, I'll ruin my very intelligent husband and take all his money (and he happens not to catch on until the deed is done), now I'll cheat all my tenants out of moneys due to them and everybody will just sit back and watch me, a twenty year old woman 400 years ago, do all these things and simply smile and go along with it." It's insulting to your intelligence and it's an absolute and utter waste of time. I've read many of Ms. Gregory's historical fictions and enjoyed them thoroughly. I'm sorry I ever read this book because it's now completely ruined the author for me.

I have read all three books of the Wideacre and trilogy and just absolutly loved each one! In the first book , Wideacre, I was completely fascinated with the evil mind of Beatrice Lacey , in the Favored Child I felt pity for Julia Lacey and in Meridon I found a character to relate to , who is facing real struggles and is someone you want to suceed! This trilogy takes the reader from the intrigueing and intense mind of Beatrice to fulfilling ending. If you are thinking of reading this book you must read Wideacre and The Favored Child first!

This is possibly the worst book I have ever attempted to read. I say 'attempted' because I couldn't bring myself to finish it. Instead I skipped to the last page, just to confirm that the end was exactly as I expected it to be, and saved myself reading the rest of this drivel.
I picked up Wideacre because I had read some later stuff of Gregory's and really enjoyed it. She has certainly come a long way as a writer, because this is woeful. Wideacre is bizzarely implausable and yet completely predictable. It's hard to fathom how Gregory expects us to swallow so many improbabilities in 600-odd pages and not place the book in the fantasy category. Apparently it all happens again with a sequel, but I won't be reading it.
If you enjoy historical fiction read The Other Boleyn Girl. Read The Wise Woman. Read Earthly Joys. They are all great. Do not read Wideacre - it will only make you laugh (and it's not a comedy).

Wideacre is the first book in a 3-book series by Phillippa Gregory, and it is an awesome read! This book begins the struggle of 3 generations of Lacey women who fight to own, manage, and inherit their family estate called Wideacre, in a time in English history when women had no property rights. This novel is an excellent example of historical fiction, and Phillippa Gregory does a fabulous job weaving in period details and langauge that bring English history to life! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was my favorite out of all three books. I couldn't resist reading all three books, so I could find out if the Lacey women ever gained ownership of Wideacre!

I've always been a fan of historical fiction and in my search for interesting reading, I happened upon Wideacre. It didn't take long for this book to captivate me. The characters are so vivid, so alive, that when I wasn't reading, I'd find myself trying to figure out were Philippa Gregory was taking me next. Needless to say, her imagination swept me away with such intensity that I felt I was actually one of the characters looking in helplessly. Wow! If it wasn't for the fact that this book is part of a trilogy, I think I would have reread it. On to #2.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll absolutely love Wideacre.

Having read all the books in the trilogy, I think Wideacre is the best although the sexual descriptions in wideacre was too narrative for that time. Of all the charecters Beatrice Lacey was outstandingly evil but made a compulsive reading.

Philippa gregory hasnt hasnt imparted any new historical information this time. And I have to say, I dint like the way meridon tranformed herself into sarah overnight and then back again to meridon....dint enjoy the finish much!!!

It's like reading a better written "Flowers in the Attic" but with a historical backdrop that makes you feel less dirty. Same scandalous and incestuous themes, but with a slightly more intellectual veneer. Still, reading it was like passing a horrible car crash on the highway and not wanting to rubberneck like the rest of the fools, but not being able to tear your eyes away from the carnage. Exactly like that.
Couldn't put it down. Sabotaged my plans to complete my Advanced Physiology reading for two straight days.

this was the most thrilling book i have ever read!!but this novel is not for readers who like romances that end happilly...this book is about beatrice lacey, all for "loving and the land".beatrice will stop at nothing to own her beloved wideacre*(name of estate).this leads her into doing evil and as most people would say "not right" things.

but as far i as characters go i will mention only one other...Ralph Megson...anyone who can't love him by the end of this book has issues!!!.....

I enjoyed this book, but it took such a different turn from the first two in the trilogy. I did appreciate the way the book ended though, I wasn't expecting it to turn out that way!

All of Philippa Gregory's books are winners, this one as well.

This third book of the triology was even better than the first
two, if possible. I have already purchased my next Philippa
Gregory book and am looking forward to reading it. She is a
complete author. Her books have history, suspense, romance,
and adventure.

I had a hard time finishing this book! The beginning is extremely Borring.... The middle is Outrageous full of secrets, incest, violence, & unbeliable! The end is Predictable & again borring! the author could have spiced up the end, I knew what was going to happen, it was a waist to read it! I have read many of Philippa Gregory's books and have loved them, but this one I just did not grasp! It was twisted, reminds me of VC Andrews' Stories!

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK....
Usually I fly through books... but this one took me a long time to read , it dragged on with meaningless details!

Ill tell ya, Beatrice Lacey is the most EVIL,coniving woman I've read about. I did not mind her in the beginning of the book, but as the story transversed, MY LORD! She stooped to below low.

Its that utter evilness that kind of put me off on the story, she was just to much for me.

I had read the whole series of books written by Gregory on the court of Henry the VIII and I loved them. I felt like I was really learning about history at the same time that I was reading an interesting story with a bit of romance/intrigue, etc. I thought that the Wideacre series might be more of the same. Instead, this book simply reads more like a torrid romance novel set in the past.

This was not my favorite book by this author, I liked her other books ("The Other Boleyn Girl") much better. The plot was not as intriguing to me and I got annoyed with Beatrice, the main character, which is never good. However, if you are looking for a summer read, this will do.

I must first say I should have bought it on the store because I payed $16 for it in the bookstore. However I would not have bought it if I had first read the reviews. This is not the sort of book I would want. The other reviewer are correct saying it is sickening with the incest but I have to admit I could not put it down. If it were not for the incest I would have given it a 5 star but I just could not get past it. One reviewer said it was necessary for the plot and if that is the case it did not have to be that graphic in details. I did not read those parts, I just moved on untill I saw " so I new someone was talking again. :-)

I very much enjoyed some of the author's other books. Even keeping in mind that this was her first novel, it is thoroughly sub-par. The character are unbelievable, the situations are unlikey and the justifications for the actions of the characters are badly conceived.

Skip this and go straight to the author's books on the Tudor women, don't waste your time with this mess.

I bought the whole trilogy that included Meridon and all it did was depress me. Just when you think someone couldn't be more evil or the book couldn't be more depressing, it would get you again. I was very disappointed with this trilogy because I very much enjoy Gregory's work with the Tudor era.

This was the first book I've read by Philippa Gregory and was hugely disappointed. I was hoping for some real history. Other than it was set in an England before women had any inheritance rights, it could almost have been set anywhere, anytime. Too much obsession, sex, lust, incest (between brother & sister), murder, hatred, greed, revenge, deceit, envy.... for my taste. All rolled up into one person! I couldn't finish the book.

This was the first book I've read by Philippa Gregory and was hugely disappointed. I was hoping for some real history. Other than it was set in an England before women had any inheritance rights, it could almost have been set anywhere, anytime. Too much obsession, sex, lust, incest (between brother & sister), murder, hatred, greed, revenge, deceit, envy.... for my taste. All rolled up into one person! I couldn't finish the book.

There have been many both positive and negative reviews for this book. I frankly, loved it. Beatrice is a compelling character. She is in love with her home, but through her desire for it ruins everything. However, she never loses sight that it can be restored. Everything she does is for the land...and she does have a conscience, but it falls to the wayside. If you don't like strong women characters who are cunning, ruthless and a tad amoral, don't read it, but if you do, it's an enjoyable read.

I read the other two books in the trilogy and loved them! This was really boring. I enjoyed the last 200 pages of the book but the first 300 pages were tedious at best. The story was dull and boring and no connections with the characters. The first two books far outshine this book, but I like the ending and I'm happy with it as the ending of the trilogy.

I am a huge Philippa Gregory fan and it all started with this book and the rest of the Wideacre series. It's by far my favorite book, with twists and plots you could never expect. The writing is beautiful and detailed as are all her books and stories. I truly recommend any Gregory book to all readers. She has a style fit for anyone who loves the written word.

If incest is your thing, then this book is for you. After reading the other reviews, I decided to find this book and see what it was about. I only read about 100 pages and decided this was probably the worst read ever. I am disgusted by the time spent in forcing myself to read this garbage. I fail to see where incest plays a role in romance. I will admit that I can't write a review on the entire book because I couldn't past the incest. Maybe the book had more redeeming qualities towards the end, but I doubt it.

I was eager to read this series becuase I had run out of Phillipa Gregory books to read. I loved The "Other Boylen Girl" and " The Virgin's Lover." I was really suprized at how "disturbed" this book was and could not wait to finish it and get on with my life. I am also not a prude but I found the sexual aspects of this story depressing, depraved and unrelenting. I spent the better part of the book hoping that someone would pull out a gun and blow Beatrice's brains out - - I hated this book - - and now having read some similar reviews on-line, I see now that it wasn't just me!

The aspects of this book that bothered other people so much weren't the reason I disliked it. Incest? Have at it, kids. Evil, unsympathetic heroine? Well, at least I liked the ending more for it. No, the thing that bothered me was the fact the author does not shut up about how wonderful and beautiful and mind-blowingly intelligent Beatrice is. This is more obnoxious considering the story is in first person and often we will get page long descriptions of Beatrice talking about how beautiful she, how she looks like a goddess, etc etc etc. Or how no man she meets can resist hopping into bed with her. Or how she's such a genius and she's just that great. In first person.

It gets boring.

I absolutely hate this book! The incest is so disgusting - and the auther tries to make is appear normal and sexy - I got the stomach flu after starting this book - it was probably the book that caused it! I threw it away and did not finish it! Very dissappointing!!!

This is the first Gregory book I've attempted (a regift from my sister who has read all the Gregory books and suggested I start with Wideacre). Boy, was I disgusted by the main character. Yes, I know good writing creates a response from the reader, but this was just bad. I quit about a third of the way through. Life is too short, and I want those hours back. DO NOT BUY OR READ!!

The beginning of the novel is absolutely amazing, with an intense and intricate plot. However, towards the end of the novel the story becomes monotonous. For some reason or another, however, you feel you must continue reading, possibly in hopes of maybe another plot twist or turn. I was glad when i finally read the last page. I must give Gregory props, however, for she certainly knows how to develop chararcters and use fascinating imagery.

I read the Wildacre trilogy and was very disturbed by the sexual content and discriptions. You NEVER see this in other books depicting this era - except in trashy romance novels. If you want to read classy historical novels try Taylor Caldwell.

I enjoyed this novel very much. As if incest isn't fun to read about? Come on people. I don't think I'd much like to be in a war, but that's why we read. To learn about something new. Seriously though, it was dark. Sure. It was depraved. Yeah. I just thought it was a unique take on that period and I think we've all read enough Jane Austen to know how the other half lives. Phillipa Gregory, regardless of the plot, is an amazing writer. She describes the characters and the land with unbelievable reality and depth. Definitely a page turner. Definitely worth reading.

I am a high school English teacher, and about as open-minded about literature as they come. That said, I absolutely was repulsed by this book and actually threw it away. I certainly would never recommend it to anyone, and it's not anything I would read again. Some may argue that the author's goal was to make you dislike Beatrice, therefore the book is a success, blah blah blah...but there is really nothing redeeming about her, no lesson to be learned here, and I found the incest in it to be stomach-turning.

I loved THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL and was excited to start this one. Disappointment is an understatement. I find it difficult to enjoy a book in which I have no sympathy for the heroine. I'm turning the pages only because I can't wait for her to get what's coming to her, only it can't come soon enough. Beatrice's lies, incest and selfishness drag on for pages and pages and pages. Needless to say, I will not be reading the next books in this series since I'm struggling to finish this one.

I could not even finish the book because of how disturbing, as well as unrealistic, the plot was. It was a complete waste of money. This was my first time reading Philippa Gregory and though I still think I am going to give her other works a chance, do not waste your money on this one. If you do feel compelled to read it, check the book out from your library; at least this way it won't cost you anything when you are disappointed.

I have never sent in a review, but this novel is so disappointing I felt I owed it to your readers to say: "Don't bother"! I thoroughly enjoyed "The Other Boleyn Girl"..it is intelligently written and a fun ride! I was eager to read another by Ms. Gregory - "Wideacre" is tedious and uninteresting and dull and long and....etc etc. Don't waste your time!

I read Philipa Gregory's "Virgin Lover" and enjoyed the pseudo-historical writing so purchased the Wideacre trilogy. I was extremely disappointed by the mentally disturbed heroine who whips her brother, fobs off their offspring into other members of the family and proceeds to single-handedly bankrupt the whole estate in a time when women were delegated to housekeeping roles. A little reality, please!!! I finished the book by reading only one or two sentences per superfluously verbose page, since unfortunately I was on vacation with little access to other reading material. I promptly bought the other trilogy books to the used book store without even opening.

This is my absolute favorite Philippa Gregory book. I first read it probably 8 years ago, and I read the trilogy again every couple of years. It's clever and gripping. Even remembering the general plot, I still am transfixed by Beatrice Lacey and her wicked ways.

This piece is not for the novice reader, but if you yearn for literary analysis on innumerable levels from Feminist to Freudian, you have found it here. However, if you want only a pleasant, obvious historical romance, keep on looking. There are themes here that are congruent from Medea to Weathuring Heights. It embraces literary themes from Greek tragedies to Shakespeare. The levels of analysis here are endless. One could read it hundreds of times, and close the book with different impressions each time.

I read all the Philippa Gregory novels about the English royalty and loved them. Wideacre is a depressing, preposterous, terrible book. I can't finish it. Two hundred pages to go, and the heroine has already killed her parents, attempted to murder her lover, and made a lover (and two children) from her brother. Yuck! There is nothing that redeems this piece of crap.

What a disappointment this book was! I too read "The Other Boleyn Girl" and picked this one to read next. Bad move. Why is this author so fixed on incest in BOTH these books? This one in graphic detail! Ugh! You have been warned.

Alright first consider the fact that I was in Florida on the beach, hot surfer guys milling about in front of my eyes and yet I could not tear myself away from this book! Beatrice Lacey is the most fasinating character I have ever read. You will become enthralled by her passion that even as she falls further and further from grace, you still cheer her on. Philippa Gregory is a absulutely wonderful writer, giving life to this passionate woman. Basically though, it is a story of dark love and a lust for power. It is fantastic, from begining to end.

I picked up this book because I had adored The Queens Fool by Gregory. The Queen's Fool is fantastic. On the other hand, I couldn't finish Wideacre. I was too disturbed by Wideacre's irritating main characters. The deviance, murder, obesession, and incest is upsetting and unneccesary. It is not presented in a manner that makes it interesting, only disturbing. If I had not read the other book first, I would have thought her a smut novelist.

I don't know which is more ludicrous: the main character maiming her lover in a man-trap, the main character's incestuous sado-masochistic relationship with her brother, her legless lover returning to do her in at the end, or the fact that I read this book all the way through. This was an airport buy, and I've never made a more sorry reading choice in my life; I spent ten hours on a flight from the U.S. to the U.K. wincing as I turned every punishing page. I've enjoyed other books by Ms. Gregory, but I certainly won't be finishing this trilogy.

After reading the reviews - both pro and con - and being a huge Philippa Gregory fan, I decided to try this book. Although horrified by the sexual storyline, the underlying story of Beatrice's love of the land and Ms. Gregory's wonderful character development is well worth the effort. I not only read this book, but couldn't wait to read the next two books in this trilogy. The Favored Child and Meridon are wonderful reads, it would be a shame to miss them so don't give up on Wideacre!

I enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's other novels. So, I was quite disappointed with this one. The main character is simply detestable, but not in a way that kept me reading further than the incestuous lust. Yuck, no thanks.

This book is a vial portrail of incest and complete depression mixed together to create a vile oder of stench. I can't even look at the cover of the book without cringing. Which is depressing for me because I adore this author and recommend all of her other books. (To tell the truth she is my favorite author, just stay away from this one.) I highly recommend The other Bolyen Girl or The Queen's Fool instead. You wouldn't regret it. Thank You!

This book is about a woman, no, not a woman; a Vixen who was ruthless and passionate. Meeting Ms. Beatrice Lacey will either make you cringe or adore her. I certainly do not agree with the things she did, but as she quoted "I know no half-measures", She was truly magnificent, even on her way to hell.

This may be classified as historical fiction, but it's simply a verbose and vapid soap opera set somewhere in colonial times (I'm guessing at that one too, since the time it is set seems unclear). There are no outward events mentioned to give any bearing on actual time, and the entire plot takes place on one estate.

Irritatingly repetitive, unlikely plots, and rather disgusting intrigues led me to simply want to finish the book to finish it, not to see what happens. Unless you enjoy daytime soaps, this book probably isn't for you.

I read The Other Boleyn Girl, and although I found some elements of the story distasteful (i.e., incest) I enjoyed the book overall, so I thought I'd give Wideacre a try. It was awful. I try very hard not to give up on a story too soon, so I kept putting it down and picking it up again to see if it would improve, but no such luck. It was so bad that I actually had to throw the book out (I NEVER throw out books - I usually hand them off to friends, but in all good conscience, I couldn't with this one)! What a waste of time and money.

I would like to add my comment to the many reviews already here. I was very disappointed in this book. It was totally different from her Elizabethen stories. It wandered into territory I was not ready to encounter in a Gregory novel, Anne Rice maybe...but not Phillippa Gregory, his book belongs more to the erotic novel genre than to the historical fiction one. Reader beware.

At fist I was so excited to read another of Philippa's books after finishing the SO GREAT book THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL, and for the first 10 chapters I was hangging on just because I knew how good Ms. Gregory could write. But I could not read past chapter 13. Its horrid. So much incest, so many lies. I first wanted to see Beatrice, the main character, threw them but it was no use my mind could not handle it any longer. Anyone reading this do not buy this book, Read the OTHER BOLEYN GIRL instead its wonderfull.

I am almost embarrassed to say that I actually read this book, cover to cover. The "heroine" of this particular novel (isn't heroine meant to be someone you admire??) is a complete and utter trollope whose delights range from incest to matricide to blackmail and beyond. The sheer implausability of the plot, let alone the fact that it is set in Edwardian England, and the notion that a woman whose desecration of the property that she allegedly holds so dear, is so farcical as to be beyond belief.

Stay away!! You have been warned!

I loved this book! Wonderful storyline, keeps you interested until the very end. I found myself thinking about this book all the time. I had to finish it to find out what happened at the end.

You'll love it!

At first I was entertained at how absolutely out of control this book was. Then it started giving me anxiety attacks.

I didn't finish it.

But, I'll give credit where credit is due. To elicit such a strong emotional response...even a negative one, takes good writing.

I just couldn't handle the stress anymore.

you don't want to watch, but you can't help yourself.

A few times I was tempted to put the book down, as it was quite disturbing. In the end, I stuck with it. I did have the urge to find out what happened to Beatrice in the end, but I found myself rooting against her with a vengeance.

Like many others, I agree that "The Queen's Fool" & "The Other Bolyen Girl" were better.

This is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read and I have done a tremendous amount of reading in my life! I have only one more book to read that this author has written! This trilogy was fantastic! I loved every page! I hope she will write more soon!

I have enjoyed two of this author's books, and thought this would be of similar quality. It drags on and on; the story is almost laughable in its ridiculous sordidness. I almost always finish a book once I pick it up -- the only book I have stopped reading because it was so bad was 'The Last Confederate's Widow'. This truly awful book was the second.

All three books in the series were great but I felt the charecters in this one were incredible. It was like I felt what she felt, It really inspired me. The girl Meridon was ws just trying to find who she was, like so many of us are. It was fantastic.

If you loved Philippa Gregory's other books, as I have, steer clear of this one. It's trash. It's poorly written, sophomoric, overly dramatic and a tad depraved. I kept reading because I thought the main character would reveal a shard of redemption or character, but it never happens. Again, skip this one but don't miss "The Other Boleyn Girl" and the others.

I enjoyed the first act of this book, but just couldn't believe, and then couldn't continue with one of the main plot lines of this novel which involved the continual discussion of overpowering lust between brother & sister. Call me old fashioned....

I picked up this book expecting a nice, enjoyable historical fiction- what a dissapointment! If I had such a depraved mind I would certainly not advertise it. This book is certainly not one to keep around if you have young children who are readers.

I have read other books by Phillipa Gregory, which I loved. This book however, I couldn't finish. I found it terribly disturbing and even depressing. There was never any attachment to the characters and with every turn it seemed to get more and more ridiculous. I am glad to see that the author has greatly improved with her more recent books.