In the Eye of the Beholder by Maggie Mooha ★★★★★
Eleanor Sherbrook is intelligent, outspoken and brave. The presence of a birthmark on her face, is enough to leave her pitied and side-lined by Victorian Society. Her sister Julia is shallow, venal and beautiful, which of course means she is the delight of Society.
Julia is away when Eleanor meets the gallant and handsome Lieutenant Joshua Griffiths Wentworth. His ability to see more than skin deep, leads to a close friendship and the hope of requited love for Eleanor.
However, when Julia returns, she dazzles Joshua. Through a series of misunderstandings and Julia’s machinations, Eleanor flees, heartbroken at the thought of seeing Joshua and Julia together.
The Crimean war intervenes. Joshua, a member of the ill-fated Light Brigade, travels to join his regiment.
Eleanor becomes a nurse and joins Florence Nightingale in her efforts to improve the terrible conditions at the British Military Hospital in Scutari.
Joshua and Eleanor meet several times and forge a close bond.
A bond they rely on as they both struggle to recover from the damage done to both body and spirit by their awful shared experiences.
The story contains a gritty description of both the reality of the Crimean war and the conditions faced by both fighting men and the nurses trying to aid them.
There are some interesting interactions with historical characters, my favourite being with Mary Seacole, who is a wonderful and kind soul.
This is a truly wonderful, compelling story. I couldn’t put it down!
I heartily recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
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