David Staction Boeken

Tells the tragic tale of the murdered Giovanna d'Aragona, Duchess of Amalfi.

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Fellow-feeling would be the proper phrase...' David Stacton, 1957With his fourth published novel - and his first on historical themes and personages - David Stacton's writing career took a decisive turn.

The story revolves around Christopher Barocco, a wealthy self-made man who embarks on an ambitious project to construct a house reflecting his vision on a rugged Californian hillside. As the construction unfolds, the people involved begin to uncover the complexities of Barocco's character, revealing a mysterious and troubled past that complicates his grand ambitions. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of one's history on their present endeavors.

Set against the backdrop of Northern California, the story follows a woman fleeing a tragic event—the death of her reclusive husband. Barefoot and desperate, she heads to her convertible with the intention of driving to San Francisco to confront her overbearing mother, highlighting themes of isolation and familial tension. The chilling atmosphere and the protagonist's emotional turmoil set the stage for a journey filled with personal revelations and the struggle for independence.

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the narrative follows brothers Edwin and John Wilkes Booth, exploring the complexities of identity and ambition. Edwin, a celebrated actor, contrasts sharply with his brother Wilkes, whose mediocrity drives him to commit the infamous act of assassinating Abraham Lincoln. The story delves into the chaos surrounding Lincoln's death and the subsequent trial, revealing how personal roles intertwine with historical events. It poignantly reflects on guilt and the consequences of one's choices, emphasizing that everyone is affected by their actions.

The last of the three trilogies authored by David Stacton (1923-68) was described by the author as 'an intermezzo designed to deal with sexual relations'. After Old Acquaintance (1962) and Sir William (1963) came Kaliyuga (1965), described by Stacton as 'the story of the relations of Siva and Kali, lightly told'.Its chief figures are Charlie and Denise, an American couple in Switzerland, prone to domestic spats. After one such set-to Charlie finds himself wishing men were gods, so to be spared the banality of life's cyclical little dramas. But he knows not of what he speaks or wants. In Hindu mythology the gods go round and round as we do, making the same mistakes - as Charlie and Denise will discover.

Sir William (1963) was the second entry in David Stacton's triptych of novels on the theme of 'The Sexes', for which he chose to fictionalise one of history's great love affairs. 'David Stacton's novel of the notorious ménage à trois between the fetching Lady Hamilton, her husband Sir William, and her lover, Lord Nelson, is a scintillating piece of historical fiction.' New York World-Telegram 'Stacton's best book... written with epigrammatic wit and grace.' Kirkus Reviews 'A sweeping luxuriant romp through the pre-Trafalgar life of Lady Hamilton. Her Pygmalion rescue from whoredom by the ineffable Charles Greville is wickedly told.' Sunday Times 'Stacton is a magnificent storyteller.' Book Week

'Yes, it was a crusade. But just what was it the people out there feared and hated so much? Not surely the candidate. He was a decent man. Or was that it?' With Tom Fool (1962) David Stacton concluded a triptych of novels drawn from the history of America. For this final panel he turned his eye on politics. The titular protagonist is a fictional rendering of Wendell Wilkie, unlikely Republican challenger to Franklin D. Roosevelt in the presidential election of 1940. As 'Tom Fool' endures an epic campaigning tour of thirty-one states - assisted (or dogged) by his political advisor 'Sideboard' and husband-and-wife PR consultants the Pattersons - he finds himself uncomfortably reminded that America, in its vastness and contradictions, is more than one country, and a unique conundrum to one who would be President.