Fair Helen by Andrew Greig – a Review

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Description:
Elderly narrator Harry Langton looks back on the adventures and friends of his youth, transporting the reader to the Scottish Borderlands at the end of the 16th century…

In a land where minor lairds vie for power and blood feuds are settled by the sword, Fleming faces a battle to win Helen’s hand. By virtue of being the lovers’ confidant, Langton is thrust into the middle of this dangerous triangle, and discovers Helen is not so chaste as she is fair. But Langton has his own secrets to keep–and other powers to serve. Someone has noticed Langton’s connections to the major players in the Border disputes, and has recruited him in their bid to control the hierarchy of the Border families–someone who would use the lovers as pawns in a game of war.

Review:

Fair Helen  by Andrew Greig is a fictional and historical romance or perhaps best labeled fable. Written as a first-hand account of Harry Langston, friend of Adam Fleming, this wonderful story gives the “true” story of the old Scottish song or legend of Fair Helen of Kirkconnel Lea.

This is the story of star-crossed lovers, of political intrigue, the plight of women who had to marry for family and wealth versus love. Told in the lilting tongue of an old Scottish scriber, I found it easy to understand the gist of the telling without the glossary (included for convenience in the back of the book). It takes you to another place and another time with its telling. Descriptions of the place, the people and the times are full and sometimes even enchanting.

Following Harry’s account of people and their part in this story is detailed and you can’t help hoping for an outcome brighter than the old song. His version of how and why all this came about, and especially the political motives behind it are brilliantly devised.

If you love historical accounts and romance, this is a wonderful story. I loved reading it and although I love a HEA, it’s so worth reading this remarkable tale of love, trysting, and heart wrenching betrayal. I highly recommend it for a cold evening or evenings…with a good glass of wine and a warm fire or blanket. Enjoy, I truly found it a good read.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher