A compelling prelude to Great Expectations, imagining the story of Miss Havisham's early life, before heartbreak came to define her entirely. This imaginative and cleverly written novel, fleshing out one of the great characters in English literature and culminating in a definitive ending for Great Expectations is a must for Reading Groups.
There was a delicate tracery of gold foil on the back of the dress. How strange that such a consummately made garment should be worn for this one day only. But, as every girl growing up understood, her wedding day was the most significant she would know: a woman's crowning glory. Catherine Havisham was born into privilege. Handsome, imperious, she is the daughter of a wealthy brewer, and lives in luxury in Satis House. But she is never far from the smell of hops and the arresting letters on the brewhouse wall - Havisham. A reminder of all she owes to the family name and the family business. Sent by her father to stay with the Chadwycks, Catherine discovers literature, music and masquerades - elegant pastimes to remove the taint of new money. But for all her growing sophistication Catherine is anything but worldly, and when a charismatic stranger pays her attention, everything - her heart, her future, the very Havisham name - is vulnerable. It is a masterly tribute to one of Dickens' most celebrated and iconic characters.
‘Ronald Frame is one of Scotland's finest writers and this new book will confirm his reputation as a writer whom it is simply a delight to read.’ - Alexander MaCall Smith
‘Frame has written a novel full of drama and despair ... it reads like a modern thriller ... The scenes where she meets Charles Compeyson are masterpieces of modern heartbreak ... Havisham is delightful.’ - **** Daily Express
‘Both imaginative and moving.’ - Stylist
‘This re-imagining will delight readers ... Frame has a talent for thrilling Victorian melodrama, and he tackles the controversial ending with superb assurance.’ - The Times
‘To flesh out the back story of one of the great characters in the English novel is an achievement. ... Frame tears away the intriguing fairy-tale aspect of Dickens’s character.’ - Independent
‘Frame’s skilful interweaving of his story and Dickens’s, culminated in a definitive ending for Great Expectations.’ - The Lady
Author
About Ronald Frame
Ronald Frame was born in Glasgow in 1953. He is the author of thirteen internationally published works of fiction, and is an award-winning television and radio scriptwriter. His debut novel, Winter Journey, was the joint winner of the first Betty Trask Prize for fiction. The Lantern Bearers was longlisted for The Man Booker Prize and won the Saltire Award for Scottish Book of the Year.
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