Riduna
2nd Edition
Published on 7. July 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
325 pages
978-0-9572520-4-2 (ISBN)
Description
Harriet and Edward, both only children, are brought up together on the small, beautiful island of Riduna, the ancient name for Alderney. Their relationship changes as they grow into adulthood and not only do they have to face the problem of falling in love on an island governed by the strict moral rules of the late nineteenth century, but also a realisation that they have conflicting desires for the future. Edward's dream has always been to travel and he sets sail, joining a ship for faraway places and leaves her waiting for him at home. Moment by moment the peaceful, unchanging life on the island gives way to a wider world as tragedy, poor communications and changing life expectations all play a role in their destiny.
Harriet and Edward, both only children, are brought up together on the small, beautiful island of Riduna, the ancient name for Alderney. Their relationship changes as they grow into adulthood and not only do they have to face the problem of falling in love on an island governed by the strict moral rules of the late nineteenth century, but also a realisation that they have conflicting desires for the future. Edward's dream has always been to travel and he sets sail, joining a ship for faraway places and leaves her waiting for him at home. Moment by moment the peaceful, unchanging life on the island gives way to a wider world as tragedy, poor communications and changing life expectations all play a role in their destiny.
Harriet and Edward, both only children, are brought up together on the small, beautiful island of Riduna, the ancient name for Alderney. Their relationship changes as they grow into adulthood and not only do they have to face the problem of falling in love on an island governed by the strict moral rules of the late nineteenth century, but also a realisation that they have conflicting desires for the future. Edward's dream has always been to travel and he sets sail, joining a ship for faraway places and leaves her waiting for him at home. Moment by moment the peaceful, unchanging life on the island gives way to a wider world as tragedy, poor communications and changing life expectations all play a role in their destiny.
Reviews / Votes
Review by Angelo Simmons; Historical Novel Society: "Life was picturesque growing up on Riduna on the Channel island of Alderney, before the second World War. It was a place where the old ways remained steadfast even though "outsiders" were slowly creeping in. Lifelong friendships develop and, in the case of Harriet and Edward, these friendships blossom into love. As the two grow into adulthood, they find that their love will be tested, when each desires a different path for their futures. Edward's dream of becoming a sailor finally pays off, and he finds that life on board a ship is very different from the strict morals of Riduna. Harriet has decided to wait on the island for her sailor boy to return, and during his Christmas visit, their actions lead to a possible pregnancy. After discovering that it's a false alarm, both are relieved. After an unfortunate accident that shakes Harriet's world, Edward becomes more distant as his taste for the sea takes over his life. Throughout their journeys, both Harriet and Edward must make sacrifices and decisions that will forever change their lives. Riduna speaks volumes about the power of love and loss and is beautifully written with a fluidity that speaks to your soul. Author Diana Jackson's ability to portray the everyday ordinary yet life-changing events of those in a community is amazing; you get a true feel of what it must have been like living in Riduna during that era. Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will fall in love with Riduna" https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/riduna/. 2nd Review by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite: "Harriet always thought she had her simple life planned out. She would grow up on Riduna, marry and raise a family, never leaving her tiny island home. Sometimes dreams aren't enough to face the realities of life, and the harsh realities of life can change even the best of dreams. Edward grew up next door to Harriet and he had always dreamed of traveling, going to sea and adventuring, but he always thought he would come back to the safe port of home in Riduna, and Harriet. When tragedies occur and Edward is far at sea and nowhere to be the rock that Harriet needs, his cousin Joe becomes her rock and protector. Riduna follows these three people through life and the developments of the world and war, and all the events that occur to change all of their dreams. Diana Jackson does a wonderful job of giving readers a family saga that touches your heart with love and heartache. You become involved in the family and want to know more and want to see what occurs. Riduna is such a small island, but among the friends we met in the beginning, some can't wait to leave, some can never see themselves leaving, and some who never planned to leave find things that they have no control over can change even the best of plans. Diana Jackson is a great writer and develops a wonderful story that has you feeling part of the lives of these people. You can almost imagine yourself on the island of Riduna right in their lives. There are historical events that truly occurred mixed into the story that makes it feel even more real, and like this could really be someone's actual life. This is a great book, the first of two books in the series, and would be a wonderful read for anyone" https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/ridunaReview by Angelo Simmons; Historical Novel Society: "Life was picturesque growing up on Riduna on the Channel island of Alderney, before the second World War. It was a place where the old ways remained steadfast even though "outsiders" were slowly creeping in. Lifelong friendships develop and, in the case of Harriet and Edward, these friendships blossom into love. As the two grow into adulthood, they find that their love will be tested, when each desires a different path for their futures. Edward's dream of becoming a sailor finally pays off, and he finds that life on board a ship is very different from the strict morals of Riduna. Harriet has decided to wait on the island for her sailor boy to return, and during his Christmas visit, their actions lead to a possible pregnancy. After discovering that it's a false alarm, both are relieved. After an unfortunate accident that shakes Harriet's world, Edward becomes more distant as his taste for the sea takes over his life. Throughout their journeys, both Harriet and Edward must make sacrifices and decisions that will forever change their lives. Riduna speaks volumes about the power of love and loss and is beautifully written with a fluidity that speaks to your soul. Author Diana Jackson's ability to portray the everyday ordinary yet life-changing events of those in a community is amazing; you get a true feel of what it must have been like living in Riduna during that era. Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will fall in love with Riduna" https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/riduna/. 2nd Review by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite: "Harriet always thought she had her simple life planned out. She would grow up on Riduna, marry and raise a family, never leaving her tiny island home. Sometimes dreams aren't enough to face the realities of life, and the harsh realities of life can change even the best of dreams. Edward grew up next door to Harriet and he had always dreamed of traveling, going to sea and adventuring, but he always thought he would come back to the safe port of home in Riduna, and Harriet. When tragedies occur and Edward is far at sea and nowhere to be the rock that Harriet needs, his cousin Joe becomes her rock and protector. Riduna follows these three people through life and the developments of the world and war, and all the events that occur to change all of their dreams. Diana Jackson does a wonderful job of giving readers a family saga that touches your heart with love and heartache. You become involved in the family and want to know more and want to see what occurs. Riduna is such a small island, but among the friends we met in the beginning, some can't wait to leave, some can never see themselves leaving, and some who never planned to leave find things that they have no control over can change even the best of plans. Diana Jackson is a great writer and develops a wonderful story that has you feeling part of the lives of these people. You can almost imagine yourself on the island of Riduna right in their lives. There are historical events that truly occurred mixed into the story that makes it feel even more real, and like this could really be someone's actual life. This is a great book, the first of two books in the series, and would be a wonderful read for anyone" https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/riduna
More details
Series
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bedford
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
400 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-9572520-4-2 (9780957252042)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Person
Diana Jackson's passion for social history is the bed-rock to all of her writing; historical fiction, mystery and memoir. It was delving into her family history which inspired Diana's first novel 'Riduna', set on the island of Alderney, and there is an element of realism in all of her work. She was influenced by the classics from Bronte to Thomas Hardy, and as an avid reader too, she has always felt compelled to write. A retired teacher from Bedfordshire, now living in Fife with her retired husband, Diana enjoys the life of an author, but she is also fully involved in community life in Kinghorn.
Diana Jackson's passion for social history is the bed-rock to all of her writing; historical fiction, mystery and memoir. It was delving into her family history which inspired Diana's first novel 'Riduna', set on the island of Alderney, and there is an element of realism in all of her work. She was influenced by the classics from Bronte to Thomas Hardy, and as an avid reader too, she has always felt compelled to write. A retired teacher from Bedfordshire, now living in Fife with her retired husband, Diana enjoys the life of an author, but she is also fully involved in community life in Kinghorn.
Diana Jackson's passion for social history is the bed-rock to all of her writing; historical fiction, mystery and memoir. It was delving into her family history which inspired Diana's first novel 'Riduna', set on the island of Alderney, and there is an element of realism in all of her work. She was influenced by the classics from Bronte to Thomas Hardy, and as an avid reader too, she has always felt compelled to write. A retired teacher from Bedfordshire, now living in Fife with her retired husband, Diana enjoys the life of an author, but she is also fully involved in community life in Kinghorn.