Under The Wide And Starry Sky Review

Under The Wide And Starry Sky

**Spoilers**

I just had the extremely pleasurable read of a Historic/Fiction/Romance novel by Nancy Horan. Normally historic novels aren't my forte and even though it took me quite a while to finish it was ultimately a very good read! I bought it on eBay. I'm one of those people that judge the book by the cool cover. Come on now I know i'm not the only one! I'm usually pretty accurate though. the ones I pick based on the cover are 9/10 good reads!

**Spoiler Alert**

It starts off with an American woman Fanny who drags her three children to France but winds up in England when the youngest, Hervey, falls ill. She is trying to fill her dreams of painting at an art institute that only allows men so must find other means for her son's medical assistance. Ultimately he dies from his illness. She soon meets a man named Robert Louis Stevenson who is a mediocre writer who is trying to fulfill his dream at writing a masterpiece. (He was a real novelist in the late 1800's)

Fanny and Robert's relationship was rocky at start but soon Louis falls for Fanny and tries his best to court her. She is still married to her estranged husband who she left behind in America for a better life. Louis' life wasn't easy. he endured illnesses throughout his life consisting of lung hemorrhaging. She later falls to his charm and agrees to marry him while promptly filing for divorce from her significant other. After their marriage he completes his masterpiece "Treasure Island" and becomes the talk of the century. They marry and their lives aren't easy on the journey to getting Louis back to perfect health.

They discover he becomes nearly cured while at sea so they plan a four month trip to the Samoan Islands and decide to live there to escape all the fame. They are befriended by the natives and teach one another many things. Fanny falls mentally ill due to all the stress and will lash out against her youngest son who grew into a gentleman and Louis. They head out on another journey to make her well. She later becomes well and they return to the Samoan islands.

Louis had gotten the strength to climb the tallest mountain on the island and claims that's where he wants to be buried when he dies. Unfortunately he is given that wish sooner than Fanny could bear. He dies of a brain blood clot and is buried on the peak of the mountain. 

This book was filled with drama, romance, and some facts about R.L.S and was very well researched by the author. from historical documents and accounts of some of their ancestors. I loved this read and would think my mother would like it too.