The result of the latest Classics Club Spin has been revealed today!
The idea of the Spin was to list twenty books from my Classics Club list, number them 1 to 20, and the number announced today (Wednesday) represents the book I have to read before 31st August 2018. The number that has been selected is…
9
And this means the book I need to read is…
That Lady by Kate O’Brien
From Goodreads: Spain in the years before the Armada, and high passion meets high politics. Ana, Princess of Eboli is a remarkable woman. Married at thirteen and losing an eye in a duel a year later, Ana is also heiress of Spain’s leading family, widow of Philip II’s wisest cousellor and rumoured to be the King’s mistress. Unexpectedly – and unwisely – she falls in love with Don Antonio Perez, dandy, adulterer, skilled politician. With her unusual looks, her aristocratic arrogance and the simplicities of her faith, Ana cannot understand why her private life should become entangled with the affairs of state and, finally, incur the terrible vindictiveness of the King himself…
Kate O’Brien’s understanding and love of Spain enhance the beauty of this passionate and intelligent novel.
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I included this on my Classics Club list as it was first published in 1946 and is a Virago Modern Classic. I’ve never read anything by Kate O’Brien and I know very little about this particular book except that a few other bloggers whose opinion I trust have enjoyed it. The setting sounds appealing, though, and I think it should be my type of book.
Have you read That Lady? Did you take part in the Classics Spin? What will you be reading?
She Reads Novels 
I’ve never read anything by that author either, but it sounds good, another one to look out for.
I’ve been curious about this book for a while. It sounds different from Kate O’Brien’s other books, but I’m hoping it will be a good one for me to start with.
I’ve heard of Ana, Princess of Eboli, but I’ve never heard of this book. Hope you enjoy it!
I hadn’t heard of either the book or the woman until I saw one or two very positive reviews on other blogs. I’m looking forward to starting it!
Never heard of it, but I’m intrigued – especially by the losing her eye in a duel bit! Hope you enjoy it and I shall look forward to reading your review…
Yes, she sounds like a fascinating woman. I’m determined to start reading in the next few days so I might have a chance of finishing by the deadline this time – I was two months late with my last spin review!
I’ve not heard of this book either so I’m also looking forward to your review.
It’s quite an obscure one, I think, but I love the sound of it and can’t wait to read it.
Sounds intriguing, can’t wait to hear what you think of it. And that cover!
I love the portrait on the cover! And yes, it sounds very intriguing, doesn’t it?
I’m so pleased you’re going to be reading this book. I love Kate O’Brien’s writing and I think – I hope – you will too.
I’m very happy with this result as I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long time. I hope I’ll love Kate O’Brien’s writing as much as you do.
I think you’ll like this one.
I hope so!
I’ve never read any of Kate O’Brien’s books either – so I’ll look out for your review. My Spin book, He Who Whispers, was also first published in 1946.
I hope we both enjoy our 1946 books. Yours sounds very different from mine!
I like the premise: court intrigue and a fascinating time period. Enjoy! I look forward to your review. 🙂
Yes, it’s a great premise! I’m really looking forward to reading it and hopefully I’ll get round to reviewing it before the deadline.
Love the idea of a club spin, I’ll have to drop by for a look. The cover for your pick looks interesting – look forward to hearing how you get on with the contents.
I love taking part in the club spins and usually end up enjoying the book that is picked for me too. I’m hoping this one lives up to its striking cover!
Helen, I really hope you enjoy your spin result book – it sounds really intriguing. Sadly I wasn’t able to take part in this spin as I was on holiday!
Thank you. I hope the next spin will come at a better time for you.
Yes, hopefully!