The Gentleman's Agreement

Gosh Regency Rival, your book is the one of the best starts to a book I've read on Authonomy so far. I've gobbled up the first three chapters, are you going to give us more? I'm curious to see how your plot develops. I love your short and long pitch. Richard's vulnerability in the moment of losing his pin is exquisitely drawn and sets the tone for the drama I already feel sure is about to unfold. You have very perceptively drawn the vain character of the Prince and Richard's confident reading of the theatre audience - both of which resonate with my experience of modern day equivalents. I like the tension between Richard and Eliza at "the only thing separating the tips of our forefingers was the inch-long journey from Calais to St. Quentin." Bravo, well starred and doing a spell on my bookshelf. Coloratura

This is extraordinarily good and I'm giving it 6 stars and will back at next shuffle around. Why? Because you have such a brilliant handle on your material and speak to us as if you know what it's like to be in that theatre, that ship - reminds me of John Fowles' writing in 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' - that almost telepathic insight you seem to have into the period. Other pluses - the economy of your writing; just enough dialogue, description and action to keep the story moving forward elegantly. Your mysterious pitch, about the pact, which we don't know about yet.
One of the comments below said 'flawless'. I say 'feel like you are a very experienced writer having a mystery holiday on here to make sure you haven't lost your touch'. Believe me, you have not! Frances.

Still waiting for the Chapter 4.....

This is strongly paced and well written. Sheridan's voice and world jump from the pages. The pitch was intriguing and drew me in but these few chapters were even better. Highly starred and I'll get it to my watchlist and shelf shortly.--JL "The Devil Of Black Bayou"

Gentleman's Agreement. A Hist. Fict. read. I see to my shame I havent read this yet. Dont know how I missed you... Your long pitch promises an exciting and thought-provoking story. And the short pitch captures the theme well.
I take notes as I read, but dont pretend to be an expert. I tend to notice nits - hope you dont mind.

Ch.1. Such a wonderfully natural and endearing opening.
Do you want nits?
The word 'just' is one of my pet hates (you dont have to agree with me), it is vague / unnecessary, and the flow of a story is stronger by its absence. Others which could be searched out include somehow, suddenly.
And dont you mean 'A strand falls loose as she produces a pearl-headed pin'?

What a warm accolade - and what a description of the King - whose tight coreseting has served to displace his excess flesh elsewhere.
There are rather a lot of 'he's and 'him's in the next paragraph, but this is really nit-picking. I am already enthralled by your story, and the King's character is very well portrayed through the narrator's thoughts.
Cant help myself - your writing is so good, I want it to be perfect: 'Inside the proscenium arch to our left, the rising green curtain has jerked to a halt...'
I'll stop noticing nits now, and savour your story.

Ch.2. An awkward journey, then Nathan is introduced and his back story revealed seamlessly as they cross London in a hansom cab.
(By the way, it might be a good idea to run a search on all the 'was's in your story. Repetitions are easily remedied.)
Found out in his lie almost immediately. You tell it so well, while revealing more of your characters. Masterful.

Ch.3. 'The only thing separating the tips of our forefingers was the inch-long journey from Calais to St. Quentin.' What wonderful evocative words.
A dramatic description of the storm, and then the narrator is thrown into another quandary.

This is an excellent story, beautifully written, and I want More!

Jane (Breath of Africa).

This is well written.
The story is one of the few of this time period on here. I like how this is different for this site.
The words flow well and easy.
Good work writing this.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds.

(Historical Fiction Readers Group)

Dear Carrie,

Two or three months ago, I wrote that I was reading "The Gentleman's Agreement," but I had to put it aside. Today I read your three posted chapters and am deeply impressed. Your way of setting the stage--Sheridan, the time, the place--was lucid and vivid; the character spring to life through action, description, and dialogue; and the back story is skillfully interjected, just as compelling as the current events. Sheridan becomes fully 3-D during the Channel crossing. And I've never seen a more skillful development of a relationship than you achieved as tension builds during the storm. Above all, you've left me with a thirst for more of this novel with its fine writing and style. It will soon be on my shelf--here, and later, I hope, in my living room.

Best wishes, Bill ("The Doctor of Summitville")

I loved this. The period and characters are expertly drawn and the story never lets you go. My only question, why isn't there more?

I found this immediately delightful and immediately gripping. I confess I am usually uncomfortable with anything - especially a first chapter - written in the present tense. Not sure why - but it throws me - as if having to decide why and how the narrator is talking to me instead of getting on with her life.
But now I take all this back. I have been carried along with the easy, engaging flow of the expert writing style and the spring of pace. I especially enjoyed the vivid characterisation. Having read two chapters, I am ready for more. Must make room on my bookshelf ----------

This is really good. I'm looking forward to read the rest. Are you going to post another chapter?

From the pitch I could tell this was exactly the kind of book I like to read and the chapters didn't disappoint! Engrossed me straight away, loved the walking through the theatre at the beginning. Good luck, gets my backing!

Only three chapters...and I wanted more. I played that manservant in the Rivals and you recreate the atmosphere of the performance brilliantly. Beautifully graceful writing and excellent dialogue. Loved the taunts from the gallery and the slurping of Prinny. But where is the rest of it? We are captivated then fall into darkness...
(multi starred and on WL)
Paul
Dead Moon Rising

Beautifully written, a very sure voice, perfect for the times (or at least, this reader is convinced). A great setting, characters, lots of tension. I am thoroughly enjoying this! High stars, will shelve.

Main gripe - not enough uploaded. Otherwise, competent, well conceived and plotted and an enjoyable read.
Backed
Lara
A RELATIVE LOSS

Review for Historical Fiction Readers Group.

To take on the mantle of a first person narrative is never easy. To do so through the eyes of an actual historical character only complicates this task. Then to take as the object of this task a writer? I'd say that the author has taken on a potentially impossible and thankless task.

Added to this are the complications and problems faced by every writer of historical fiction. How to convey the detail and feel of an era without doing so in terms that would alienate a modern audience. How to keep the interest of that modern audience without denegrating the said era.

In The Gentleman's Agreement Mr/Ms Madden take as the central character Richard Sheridan, playwright, poet, and politician. In Sheridan Madden has found a near perfect vehicle for the age. In 1776 Sheridan was an advocate of Colonial rights in the Americas, a defender of revolutionaries. An attitude he carried forward into the French Revolution but with the rise of Bonaparte, Sheridan like the rest of popular British opinion moved away from the revolutionary and toward the more conservative acceptance of evolutionary change through time. Thus the novel is book-ended quite nicely between 1776 and the rise of hope for a new world, and the final year of Sheridan's life; 1816 after the defeat of Napoleon and the bitterness of a lifetime's regret. Against this backdrop the reader is cast into a story that would on the surface appear not out of place in romance of the time. The heroine of the piece, young Eliza Linley, Sheridan's tragic first wife.

I have said that the writer faced many challenges in creating this work. Well Ms/Mr Madden has pulled each one off with applomb. The feel of the period is established very nicely in the opening prologue like scene, the characters introduced and the narrator finds his voice. All of which seamlessly meet the requirement for authenticity and compatibilty with a modern audience. My only complaint is that I'd like a little more on my sample plate. I wasn't quite sure which way the story would jump stylistically. The pitch suggests a Wuthering Heights plot of regret but the true period would be more Tom Jones and the Rake's Progress. Perhaps the author proposes a blending of the two. This reader looks forward to finding out more.

The language used in this story helps to create a beautiful picture and gives a sense of time and place. There is an ongoing tension between Eliza and Richard which is very subtly written. This is a wonderful example of historical fiction. I wonder if Mr Field is related to me.
Backed with High stars.
Best wishes,
Olive.

Dear C Madden, I have read chapter one and I like it. I am immediately drawn to Sheridan, the way he values a worthless pewter pin. I am on his side as you wish me to be. I like the way we are dropped 'in media res' and that although you clearly know all about this time and place your research is not offensively on display. I also like the fact that within the course of a short chapter we see both the beginning and end of his romantic career - the best and the worst of him - his rise and his fall - his writer's tendency to treachery.

Only one criticism: in a few places your dialogue sounds a little too modern to me; I think you should replace 'in no time' , 'we can't hang about all night' and 'true to life'. These are all expressions I am heartily sick of hearing. I am sure you can replace them easily if you want to.

PS I like the cover.

Good luck. I'll try to read more.

Gosh Regency Rival, your book is the one of the best starts to a book I've read on Authonomy so far. I've gobbled up the first three chapters, are you going to give us more? I'm curious to see how your plot develops. I love your short and long pitch. Richard's vulnerability in the moment of losing his pin is exquisitely drawn and sets the tone for the drama I already feel sure is about to unfold. You have very perceptively drawn the vain character of the Prince and Richard's confident reading of the theatre audience - both of which resonate with my experience of modern day equivalents. I like the tension between Richard and Eliza at "the only thing separating the tips of our forefingers was the inch-long journey from Calais to St. Quentin." Bravo, well starred and doing a spell on my bookshelf. Coloratura

This is really well done. You almost feel as though you are looking over Richard's shoulder as the action takes place. The period detail is rich without being intrusive while the plot unfolds at a pace that is just right for an historical novel. The first chapter makes an effective prologue, hinting at what is to come, and the segue into the main plot flows effortlessly. Mr. Field, Captain Cooley and the crew are very realistic and you convey the conditions on the ship extremely well. A very interesting story.

You have an amazing story here. Personally, I love all historical romance novels. But this one was so original and gave the reader a lot to think about!!! Backed!!!

As a history enthusiast I loved the period detail in this. The book is well-researched but the details don't get in the way of the storyline. Backed.

This is well written with a nice authentic period ring to it. I am very happy to back it.

David

I read all chapters uploaded and thoroughly enjoyed this. There is great attention to detail and the historical accuracy seems so right. I don't think too much detail was inserted intrusively to give period detail. The narrative voice seemed just right for the era. I liked the change from present to past tense (I much prefer the latter). I really felt I was getting insight into life with the rich and famous of the times, and the less well off. First class characterisation I thought. A very polished read that I'll keep on my shelf for some time, I know. Wish more was uploaded.

A great opening chapter. I liked the transition from the intimate (I felt as if I should be grubbing about on that grimy floor in search of Sheridan's elusive pin!) to the very public - the boisterous Georgian audience, complete with catcalls, preening beauties and hot and cold running refreshments.
I gravitate toward those historical novels that plunge the reader straight into the action so we feel as if we're hovering at the shoulder of the characters, eavesdropping on their conversation. I'm an admirer of both Hilary Mantel and Dorothy Dunnet for this reason. If I'd been reading The Gentleman's Agreement in a bookshop, I'd have been carrying it off to the cash desk before you could say "Chapter Two"

Hello , the time and the milieu is very well caught and the relationships are interesting , I shall certainly be reading on. Watchlisted and starred. Would you be able to look at the first chapter of my novel a Buccaneer , which is set amongst Pirates in the 17th century, regards Strachan Gordon

I enjoyed the 3 chapters I read of this, though I found chapter one the most captivating, whereas 2 and 3 were a little more self conscious. I was rather disorientated at the start of chapter 2 and I wonder if you need to introduce (through letters) Sheridan's relationship with Eliza as I couldn't work out what was happening and how well they knew each other. I would certainly read on because of the promise of that first chapter. Juliet

I love history, particularly this era and you evoke the period so well. Flawless narrative and sensitive characterisation. Starred and backed.

Very nice! I have to say that I love the gradual introduction of who these people are and what they are doing. I also very much appreciate when a writer manages to hook people with the story of people, rather than instant action which so many on authonomy think is absolutely necessary. You have obviously proven all of them wrong, and this is really excellent. Historical fiction is my favorite, and this reminds me of Kenneth Roberts, or some of the other authors from long ago that managed to weave these tales around people and events in a way that gets you completely wrapped up in their lives.

One of the best on here for sure - so I think I'm forced to put you on my shelf!

I'd love a read if you have time -
Vieve
(Republic)

Amazing detail! I read the first three chapters and feel as if I were there myself. Thank you for the chance to read your work. I hope to see more of it here soon.

Want to read more! Love the attention to detail.

Oh my Goodness, oh my. This is a beautifully written step back into the wonderful world of the Georgian era. The sights, the sounds, the very air is brought to life with admirable skill. The description is sublime, the characters real and my writer's soul aches with envy. It is magnificent.
I am only sad that there is not more of it. You have a serious talent here. Guard it and, if it is finished, approach publishers now.
I cannot stress to you how much I adored this writing. It will go on my shelf, small accolade I know, and the moment it is published, and it will be, I will buy it.

Truly magnificent, dear lady.

Emily Cameron
Crown of Thorns

Dear Carrie

The first three chapters of your book, "The Gentleman's Agreement" are flawless. I have read them in one sitting, admiring your elegant use of language, entirely apt for the period. You conjure scenes excellently, with period detail that feels entirely genuine. Your situations and characterisations fit exactly. This is a truly rewarding, exciting read. A brilliant six.Thank you.

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped" :-))

This is an intriguing story set in the late 18th and early 19th century. The time-period seems really well researched; even the use of wigs among men, for example, is interesting. The sense of unease which surrounds Sheridan, the main character, helps build up the tension and conflicts for the chapters ahead. And I like the pace and the shifting scenes. So yes, I'll be reading the full novel.

This novel looks like being a really good read and already from these first few pages has appeared to capture the era very well.
Just from these pages I already have a vivid picture of the characters and and have become submerged in that time. Looking forward having the book in my hand!!!

I enjoyed the text so far, very much. Want to read more!

The Gentleman's Agreement is a delight in every aspect. It starts with complete submersion into the period - I can imagine the heap of research necessary to paint it with such ease - and the story gently grabs the reader. Too early, it comes to an abrupt end. I can't wait to read on when the book is published. It will be, I'm sure. Six stars, well deserved.

This is extraordinarily good and I'm giving it 6 stars and will back at next shuffle around. Why? Because you have such a brilliant handle on your material and speak to us as if you know what it's like to be in that theatre, that ship - reminds me of John Fowles' writing in 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' - that almost telepathic insight you seem to have into the period. Other pluses - the economy of your writing; just enough dialogue, description and action to keep the story moving forward elegantly. Your mysterious pitch, about the pact, which we don't know about yet.
One of the comments below said 'flawless'. I say 'feel like you are a very experienced writer having a mystery holiday on here to make sure you haven't lost your touch'. Believe me, you have not! Frances.

I loved what I have read so far. This is a very good novel and I can't wait to read more

This is lovely. Really looking forward to seeing more chapters uploaded. The museum shop I used to work in stocked postcard images of both Sheridan and Elizabeth Linley and it was such a nice surprsie to find them being brought to life here.

Really interesting, looking forward to seeing where it goes!

Too soon, far too soon, it ends. I fervently hope you will soon be adding to the chapters here. Richard and Eliza's story has barely begun. I am under your spell entirely. Your knowledge of theatre impressed me immediately - do we, in real life, have a shared history of those nerve-wracking first nights,as actor, playwright or director? You have either been there in person, or made extensive study of your subject, even down to the duck oil to grease the curtain pulleys - I never knew this, though I remember the wheel turning by hand as the curtain rose. And each little detail, the 'glym-jack' and the netting of the cargo on board ship, gives this the stamp of authenticity. And what joy to discover this is about the playwright Sheridan - of course, I know his plays. I have read for Lydia, though was never lucky enough to be cast for her. And I had no idea the character was based on his own wife! Your style is easy and so engaging. This must, must, soon find a publisher. I will buy it. Please give us more! Yours, Pan.

'The Gentleman's Agreement'
Classic historical fiction without pomposity. Great characterisation and smooth flowing narrative. I love the attention to historical detail - just enough, without being intrusive. A very good read.
Nick
'Where She Lies'

I very much enjoyed these chapters, Please please upload more. You have an exciting way of writing. It just flows off the page and flickers into my imagination. Wonderfully visual stuff that immediately takes me to the period and keeps me there. A joy for the senses. One second I'm relishing the period and all its visual splendour and the next I'm captivated by the characters and what's happening to them and between them. I love the tension these historical period provides with all its careful propreity and long journeys and characters knees only inches away from each other... Delicious! Gimme more! ;-)

I love classical fiction. This is proving to be an absorbing read as I love music and the opera of the 1800's. You have researched so well.

It is haunting, intriguing and one I wanted to read more.

The prose flows and the pace is fast. Your characters are strong and visual. This is one I shall return to read more of when you put some more chapters on.

Best wishes, backed and starred

OK, so I'm supposed to be editing but I read your LP and really liked the sound of it, so I read the book. Why only 3 chs? I'd have read more, so I'm glad you only posted three.

Historical fiction isn't my thing, but I quite liked this. I'd have read more if it'd been here, so I must have. :)

I'm dying to know what's wrong with Eliza, I'm dying to know what bargain he made with the PR, esp since they're now in France...

Carrie, this really isn't my thing but you have me. I really would've read more.

Cx

Hi Ingrid,

Lovely to find someone else who's so interested in that period of history. As it turns out Sheridan had a 'dalliance' with Harriet, so I've introduced her in a later section - so that could work.

Thanks for your lovely comments!
Carrie

Hi Carrie,
I'm just a bit of a history nut... My interest actually lies more with the Ponsonby family, so Georgiana's sister Harriet, Countess of Bessborough and her family. They were quite interesting (and scandalous) by themselves, so that might work. Or perhaps one of Georgiana's daughters (Little G and Harry-O, who married her aunt's former lover) or the young Duke of Devonshire (Georgiana's husband dies in 1811), who was partially deaf, if you want to include facts like that.

I hope you upload more of your book soon! I'm very interested to find out how events unfold...
Ingrid
aka Jack1761

Hi Carrie,
I'm just a bit of a history nut... My interest actually lies more with the Ponsonby family, so Georgiana's sister Harriet, Countess of Bessborough and her family. They were quite interesting (and scandalous) by themselves, so that might work. Or perhaps one of Georgiana's daughters (Little G and Harry-O, who married her aunt's former lover) or the young Duke of Devonshire (Georgiana's husband dies in 1811), who was partially deaf, if you want to include facts like that.

I hope you upload more of your book soon! I'm very interested to find out how events unfold...
Ingrid
aka Jack1761

Hi Jack,

Very well spotted! I just discovered that myself so will have to rethink it. Really wanted to have Georgiana in that scene, but I think I'll have to make do with her sister instead.

Thank so much for taking the time to read it!
Carrie

Just read the first chapter, and I like it a lot! Just one nitpick - or a question for the author though... Who is the Georgiana that you mention together with the Devonshire set? If you are referring to the famous Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, she would not have been at the theatre in 1816, having died in 1806...

I'll just go on reading then... ;o)
Cheers
Ingrid
aka Jack1761

Just read the first chapter, and I like it a lot! Just one nitpick - or a question for the author though... Who is the Georgiana that you mention together with the Devonshire set? If you are referring to the famous Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, she would not have been at the theatre in 1816, having died in 1806...

I'll just go on reading then... ;o)
Cheers
Ingrid
aka Jack1761

The Gentleman's Agreement -- C Madden -- You've done a beautiful job at instantly describing the period, mixed with Sheridan's voice, and the description of what is going on, which is why the reader is able to complete a picture in our mind. I loved learning new words and phrases, always a joy for historical fans. And you have intrigued us to read forward. Great pitches too. Starred and have already put you on my very long list of future backings.

Enjoyed!
Ellise
~The Governess~

I'm not sure where this is going, but I'm intrigued.