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Arlene I. Shapiro
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Bess: A Novel Paperback – July 22, 2016

by Arlene I. Shapiro (Author)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 2 ratings
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England (1588-1639) Strong-willed, precocious Bess Tanfield of Burford masters several languages and, encouraged by her governess, Emma, writes original dramas and poetry at a very young age. Despite her extraordinary talents, Bess follows tradition and enters into an arranged marriage at seventeen. While her husband, Sir Henry Cary, is abroad on a diplomatic mission, Bess is sent to live with her malicious, controlling mother-in-law who holds her prisoner, depriving the young bride of her treasured books and writing materials. With the help of her faithful servants, Bess secretly contacts Henry who returns to England and rescues her. As mistress of her own manor, Bess continues to pursue her cultural interests while leading an otherwise conventional life as a devoted wife and loving mother of nine children—until she makes a controversial, life-changing decision, shocking her family and infuriating her husband. As a result, he files for separation, leaving her impoverished. Eventually a bitter custody battle forces Bess to devise an ingenious plan to kidnap her own children. Can her strong will and determination prevail? Does she have the courage to follow through with her plan? Or will she give in and reverse her decision?
Previous page
  1. Print length
    436 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    July 22, 2016
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1534713514
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1534713512
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Arlene I. Shapiro, a Ph.D. in English, taught writing and literature on the college level for more than twenty years. After retiring she was a freelance writer, researcher and editor in a variety of fields, including medicine, education and fiction. Although she still does some professional editing, she now focuses on writing fiction, and in addition to Bess, she has published a novel, "Moving On: A Novel" (2012), and a collection of short stories, "The Shiva Dance and Other Stories"(2013). A member of the International Women's Writing Guild and the Historical Novel Society, Arlene also participated in several fiction writing workshops at the Hudson Valley Writers' Center in Sleepy Hollow, New York. In addition she is a member of a local writing group. Arlene, who lives in Westchester, New York with her husband, enjoys theater, music, technology, yoga, traveling with her husband and spending time with her family.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 22, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 436 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1534713514
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1534713512
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 2 ratings

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Arlene I. Shapiro

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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
2 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jill D.
5.0 out of 5 stars This rich and multi layered tale truly comes alive
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
After finishing BESS, I am tempted to create a leather bound hard copy with its title, Bess, engraved in gold letters- that's how special this book is: the heroine, along with the many other characters in this rich and multi layered tale truly come alive, the dialogue is beautifully drawn, and from beginning to end I could imagine the surroundings, the time period, and this amazing woman, Bess- whose passion for literature and the unusual camaraderie she shares with her servants, is the only thing that allows her to survive a loveless childhood and abusive marriage. It's a terrific read and I plan to gift it to as many friends as I can- it should be produced as a mini series.
One person found this helpful
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Barney
5.0 out of 5 stars History and Reality
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading the book and was very impressed with the background of how the book actually became a publication. The author began her research of "Bess" as her dissertation for her Masters Degree. She traveled to Europe and was well received and aided by European authorities in government and literature.
More than 3 decades later, in retirement, she turned her research into a well received novel. Fascinating book, accomplished author.
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