The Wideacre Trilogy Collection

In The Wideacre Trilogy Collection, Philippa Gregory transports readers to the verdant yet turbulent landscapes of the English countryside, weaving a rich tapestry of ambition, power, and family legacy around the Lacey family and their Sussex estate.

The Plot

Set in the eighteenth century, this trilogy begins with Beatrice Lacey, who loves her ancestral home, Wideacre Hall, but as a woman has no right to inherit it. Corrupted by a world that mistreats women, she pursues control of the land through a series of terrible crimes, with consequences no one escapes. The trilogy consists of three enthralling novels:

• Wideacre - The foundation of Beatrice's story, where her fierce determination begins to take shape.
• The Favoured Child - A continuation of Beatrice's legacy, exploring the consequences of her choices on future generations.
• Meridon - The conclusion of the trilogy, in which Meridon, a Romany girl riding bareback in a travelling show, finds herself riding towards a house called Wideacre.

Themes

Gregory delves into themes of female empowerment, class struggle, and the price of ambition. Beatrice emerges as a complex character whose decisions often blur the lines between right and wrong, leaving readers to ponder the true cost of her pursuits.

Writing Style

With her signature blend of eighteenth-century drama and vivid characterisation, Gregory’s writing captivates and immerses readers in a world of intrigue and drama. Her ability to create lush, atmospheric settings complements the intricate relationships that define the narrative.