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ERROR of UNDERSTANDING
Paula, while on vacation from her home in Los Angeles, is preparing to celebrate her birthday at a luncheon on the Gold Coast in Australia. Her husband is aboard an aircraft , which is flying into Coolangatta Airport on a flight from Melbourne, and he plans to meet her at the rendezvous. The date is 10 September, 1999, However, a traumatic event occurs to alter their carefully-constructed plans. Instead, Paula finds herself in Victorian Victoria, on the banks of the mighty Murray River where the paddle-steamers are plying their trade while the time-frame is one hundred and thirty-two years earlier in Australian history. There, Paula encounters Louisa, Sylvia and Elizabeth, along with Charles Lyndhurst. Oblivious to her own predicament, Paula follows closely the dramas that affect the lives of these people in the State of Victoria in 1867. Queen Victoria is the reigning monarch and she sends her second son on a visit to the far-flung colonies of her empire. With the arrival of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, on the first Royal Tour of the country, the citizens of Melbourne prepare to celebrate in style. As the Royal Tour progresses, the lives of Louisa and Charles are thrown into turmoil. Sylvia is left to ponder her future as her world collapses around her. Elizabeth watches the events that are unfolding within her family and, alarmingly, she witnesses history repeating itself before her eyes. With the arranged marriage between Louisa and Charles taking place, against the wishes of both parties, Elizabeth does not hold out much hope for a happy future for the couple. When the spirited, young Louisa meets the charming, devil-may-care Phillip Carstairs within weeks of her marriage to Charles, she falls in love with him. Their clandestine meetings are many and the plans that they make together have disastrous results for Louisa. At the same time, Charles is continuing his decade-long love affair with Sylvia while he demands total obedience from Louisa, who defies him every step of the way. In her twentieth-century world, Paula watches in fascination while wondering why this whole scenario appears very familiar to her. After all, she has a busy life of her own in the USA and she knows little about Australian history. As the new millennium is about to dawn in her real world, she knows that she should be focusing on her present life and her current family. Instead, she drifts in an out-of-body reality where the nurse, Gerard, appears. The nurse is guarded in the information that he releases to Paula when she questions him on what has occurred to bring her to this place and why she is all alone in the hospital setting. The familiarity of the scenes that are taking place with the Victorian Victorians are resonating with Paula as she fights for life in a hospital on the Gold Coast in a time-frame that is far removed from Victorian Victoria, and Melbourne in particular. Still, Paula stands watching, being but the silent observer to all that occurs in the lives of these people. It all seems oh-so-familiar!
588 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2010
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 18, 2023
I loved this book! It was a fascinating blend of history and fantasy, with a touch of romance and mystery. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. I especially liked the way the author portrayed the contrast between the modern and the Victorian worlds, and the challenges that Paula faced in adapting to her new environment. The book also had some surprising twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good historical fiction.
August 28, 2023
"An Error of Understanding" by Stella McMillan takes readers on an enthralling voyage through time, immersing them in a captivating blend of history and imagination. The novel introduces us to Paula, a modern woman who unexpectedly finds herself transported to the Victorian era in 1867 Australia.
As Paula adjusts to her new reality, she crosses paths with an ensemble of dynamic characters—Louisa, Sylvia, Elizabeth, and Charles—whose lives are intricately woven into the historic events surrounding the first Royal Tour of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. McMillan's narrative craftsmanship is evident in the seamless interplay between the characters' personal stories and the grand backdrop of history.
The allure of "An Error of Understanding" lies not only in its time-travel premise but also in the emotional depth of its characters. Paula's journey is as much an exploration of her inner self as it is a journey through time. The book beautifully captures her struggles, growth, and connections with those she encounters in the past.
McMillan's writing shines as she paints a vivid portrait of Victorian Australia, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and sentiments of that era. The historical context serves as an enriching tapestry, elevating the story beyond its time-travel core.
This novel's intriguing premise and engaging characters make it a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. "An Error of Understanding" sets the stage for a larger narrative canvas, promising an epic saga that traverses time and generations.
Whether you're a history buff seeking to relive the past or simply a reader in search of an absorbing story, Stella McMillan's debut is a literary journey well worth embarking on. Available on platforms like Amazon and AbeBooks, this book invites you to step through its pages and immerse yourself in a world where past and present collide. If you've had the pleasure of experiencing this novel or are enticed by its premise, your thoughts and comments are eagerly awaited. Happy reading!
As Paula adjusts to her new reality, she crosses paths with an ensemble of dynamic characters—Louisa, Sylvia, Elizabeth, and Charles—whose lives are intricately woven into the historic events surrounding the first Royal Tour of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. McMillan's narrative craftsmanship is evident in the seamless interplay between the characters' personal stories and the grand backdrop of history.
The allure of "An Error of Understanding" lies not only in its time-travel premise but also in the emotional depth of its characters. Paula's journey is as much an exploration of her inner self as it is a journey through time. The book beautifully captures her struggles, growth, and connections with those she encounters in the past.
McMillan's writing shines as she paints a vivid portrait of Victorian Australia, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and sentiments of that era. The historical context serves as an enriching tapestry, elevating the story beyond its time-travel core.
This novel's intriguing premise and engaging characters make it a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. "An Error of Understanding" sets the stage for a larger narrative canvas, promising an epic saga that traverses time and generations.
Whether you're a history buff seeking to relive the past or simply a reader in search of an absorbing story, Stella McMillan's debut is a literary journey well worth embarking on. Available on platforms like Amazon and AbeBooks, this book invites you to step through its pages and immerse yourself in a world where past and present collide. If you've had the pleasure of experiencing this novel or are enticed by its premise, your thoughts and comments are eagerly awaited. Happy reading!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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