To all intents and purposes this was Joanna’s first novel and it was the start of a genre labelled ‘aga saga’ – upper-middleclass country families getting into all sorts of messes.  Joanna is queen of this type of novel and has grown with each new one.  She’s lovely.  She actually started her writing career penning historical novels under the name of Caroline Harvey.

A "Piece of Passion" from the publisher...

‘A funny, intelligent and wonderfully involving novel for anyone who’s ever thought of leaving the rat race for the peace of village life – or who’s wondered if their present existence  really contains all that life has to offer.' Linda Evans, Senior Editorial Director at Transworld

Synopsis

The Grey House is the answer to everything in Alice Jordan's perfect life.It seems to be the ultimate achievement of her outwardly happy marriage – a loyal, if dull husband, three children, two cars and now the house.So why does she feel as if something crucial is missing?

As Alice and her family settle themselves into village life the something missing becomes something huge and then breaks, scandalizing the village, opening up old wounds.But because of it, Alice begins to feel that there is hope and humour, understanding and compassion in the new life she must build for herself.

Reviews

'An elegantly crafted dissection of English rural life among the well-heeled and privileged…A considerable achievement' - Woman's Journal

‘A story of seduction - not only sexual seduction but the irresistible appeal of money, beautiful objects, charming manners…excellent' - The Sunday Times

About the Author

Joanna Trollope was our Guest Editor in February 2012 - click here - to see the books that inspired her writing.   Joanna Trollope OBE has written numerous highly-acclaimed contemporary novels including: The Choir, A Village Affair, A Passionate Man, The Rector’s Wife, The Men and the Girls, A Spanish Lover, The Best of Friends, Next of Kin, Other People’s Children, Marrying the Mistress, Girl from the South, Brother and Sister, Second Honeymoon, Friday Night, The Other Family, Daughters-in-Law and The Soldier's Wife. Under the name of Caroline Harvey she writes romantic historical novels. She has also written a study of women in the British Empire, Britannia’s Daughters.   Joanna Trollope was appointed OBE in the 1996 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to literature.   Author Photo © Barker Evans   Click the screen below to view a Q&A with Joanna.     Click here to view part 2 of this Q&A. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation