Under The Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

Under The Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan - 496 pages

Under The Wide and Starry Sky was a memorizing book. After extensive research, Horan wrote a historical and biographical fiction novel about the relationship between Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny Van De Grift Osbourne. They met in 1870s France and Louis, as he in known to family and friends, quickly becomes smitten with the then married Fanny. Over the course of several years, the relationship grows and Fanny files for divorce and the new couple settles in Europe. During this time, we see how Fanny cares for the often ill Louis. After realizing the the sea air strengthened Louis' fragile health they opt to travel the South Seas, eventually settling in Samoa. Throughout the novel, we gain an understanding of Stevenson's writing habits. Excerpts from Stevenson's works and family letters make occasional appearances.

Overall, I was thrilled with this novel. While it provided wonderful descriptions of the Stevenson family adventures, it was the relationships that took the forefront.

The copy I read was an ACR.  The current release date is 1/21/14 (this has been changed at least once).