Eliza

It is rumoured that Charles Dickens’ tale Great Expectations was based on the true life story of Miss Eliza Emily Donnithorne. After being abandoned at the altar the bride refused to ever change out of her wedding gown and the heavily laden tables of her wedding feast were left to rot, untouched.

Eliza’s father, Judge Donnithorne had risen to riches and respect working his way to the top of the legendary East India Company. After he settled in NSW, Australia, his estate, Camperdown Lodge, very quickly became the focal point for the high society social set. Eliza was both adored and neglected by her father who travelled great distances in search of business transactions. His constant companion was Sachi, an Indian servant. Eliza was always wary of Sachi because she believed that he competed with her for her father’s attention.

It was whilst the Judge was absent that Eliza met George. George Cuthbertson was handsome, charming and easy going, but unfortunately, not of her class. It was also unfortunate that the astute Sachi quickly learnt of the clandestine friendship and thought that he could twist this knowledge to raise his own esteem in his master’s eyes.

This touching and tragic tale of ill-fated love is sure to be fondly remembered. John Godl has assembled the known and rumoured facts of Eliza Donnithorne’s life to retell the sad tale of a woman who should have wanted for nothing. Eliza had yearned for her first love for some time and fell in deeply with the first man that truly seemed to appreciate her. George gave her the one thing that her father could not; his total attention. Eliza was willing to give up everything to be with George but she never knew how far her father would go to end this inappropriate relationship. Readers will not doubt George’s love; John Godl’s interpretation of George’s part is both heart-warming and bitter sweet. Eliza waited patiently for her groom to appear, the servants were forbidden to clear away the feast that was set for their nuptials. Sadly, this macabre reminder was all that Eliza could hold on to in her tragic life. As the author retells history, be prepared for some gruesome moments. The romance is based on real life events but it is penned in a manner that is sure to appeal to all readers who enjoy historical romances.

Reviewed by: Naomi