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The Candlemass Road | 
| Author: George Macdonald Fraser
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Category: Book
List Price: £6.99
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Avg. Customer Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 168610
Media: Paperback
Edition: New Ed
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 180
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.6
ISBN: 0006477208
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780006477204
ASIN: 0006477208
Publication Date: January 3, 1998
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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| Customer Reviews:
 An interesting work of almost-fiction October 31, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
George MacDonald Fraser has given us, in "The Candlemass Road", an intriguing little book. There is certainly interest attached to the story as it's a working of somebody's historical diaries from a fascinating period of turmoil, not simply a straight novel.
The book is a worthwhile buy for a number of reasons, not least because it's very well written (although one could argue 'too well written', as it's presented in period style and quite a jar when you first get into it). Also, it turns out to be one of those books that linger in the memory long afer you've put them down. The only real downside I can tell you about is that the 'climax' of the story happens way before the end - I suppose this is the way with true-life accounts - and the final sections of the novel do little more than tidy the story up.
Still, it's a brilliantly-written piece, nicely paced for the most part, and extremely atmospheric. The characters are brought to life beautifully and the sense of time-and-place are conjured wonderfully.
This is certainly not a 'must', but you won't regret buying it if you're interested in historical fiction.
History brought to life July 31, 2005
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
Once again, George Macdonald Frazer has shown us what a master of the historical novel he is.
The setting, in the 18th century Border country, is perfectly drawn and the sense of unease and ever-present danger, caused by the Border Rievers (savage warring bands, loosely based on families) who could and did strike at will is put over most powerfully. The plot line is simple but gripping and holds the reader to the very last page.
 A beautifully drawn tale November 22, 2004
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
First of all, this is far removed from Fraser's Flashman books - though the eye for character and dialogue is just as acute. It is not a rollicking adventure story and the plot itself is quite slim. I don't mean it's shallow, but it's about what was, for the sixteenth century Borders, a fairly minor affair - a Reiver raid (or 'Road'). It's far more about the evocation of place and time, though it also has it's share of exciting bits (well done, as you'd expect from Fraser). The feel for place and time is created with exceptional skill: the language is archaic without being incomprehensible and Fraser knows his history (see The Steel Bonnets for that). As for the ending, yes it might not satisfy all - it's reminiscent of the ambiguity of Mr American more than anything else he's written, but it's still quite powerful.
So then, if you want a fast-paced swashbuckling, this probab;y isn't for you. If you want something that shows you how historical (or any) fiction should be done, you won't regret buying this.
 Disappointed...sorry about that December 22, 2002
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
I don't like admitting that I was disappointed in this book.
I travel fairly regularly through the area, which I find beautiful and distinctive. Unlike the reviewers for The Steel Bonnets I recommend visiting at all times of the year, just ensure your clothing is appropriate and nature will provide any desired variety of weather patterns.
I love the books of George MacDonald Frazer but felt that this was an opportunity just missed. The story has depth and well drawn characters but seems curtailed too abruptly.
It waa probably my fault as I expected a blend of history and fiction, a beginning and an end. I found the blend and a beginning but would have preferred a more conclusive end as well, even 'though life doesn't work that way in reality.
Disappointed...sorry about that December 22, 2002
3 out of 8 found this review helpful
I don't like admitting that I was disappointed in this book.
I travel fairly regularly through the area, which I find beautiful and distinctive. Unlike the reviewers for The Steel Bonnets I recommend visiting at all times of the year, just ensure your clothing is appropriate and nature will provide any desired variety of weather patterns.
I love the books of George MacDonald Frazer but felt that this was an opportunity just missed. The story has depth and well drawn characters but seems curtailed too abruptly.
It waa probably my fault as I expected a blend of history and fiction, a beginning and an end. I found the blend and a beginning but would have preferred a more conclusive end as well, even 'though life doesn't work that way in reality.
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