Burden of Desire

by Robert MacNeil

Book Overview

Set against a vived backdrop of a world at war,Burden of Desireopens with a cataclysmic explosions that provides the novel's extraordinary central metaphor. The blast and its aftermath, which devastates Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1917, rocks the lives of the three major characters, and ensures that the world as they know it will never be the same again. Brilliantly blending suspense and eroticism with rich historical detail, Robert MacNeil sets the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385420196
• ISBN13: 9780385420198
• Release Date: February 1992
• Publisher: Nan A. Talese
• Length: 466 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Burden of Desire

Historical fiction dealing with a little known historical event, the Halifax Explosion. Most people associate Halifax Nova Scotia with the Titanic Cemetery. The story of the Halifax Explosion is actually more horrendous because many more lives were lost than on the Titanic and injuries were far greater. Excellent writing and intriguing sub-plot. I read this book before visiting Halifax which made my visit even more meaningful.

Totally Captivating

Based upon an actual event in history I was swept away, brought into the web of this story, constantly wanting to read on to what was next and what I expected did not happen, great ending!!!

A big, juicy thoroughly enjoyable story

What a delight to read a story that captivates on so many different levels. The three main characters come to life and you can't help but care what happens to them and the people around them. The history of the Halifax explosion and its aftermath was fascinating. It really is amazing how little Americans know about Canada and Canadian history. Put it all together and you've got a story with sex, mystery, politics and religion that keeps you guessing how its going to turn out right up to the very end. A novel to truly get lost in for hours at a time.

Beautifully written. Very Sensual.

This book was informative and beautifully written. I loved Julia's story. Her dairy entries were so sensual and personal. MacNeil brought a beautiful woman to life for me. He wrote with such a feminine voice. There were times in the book, though, where it was a little too textbook-like in the Freudian discussions. Overall, I loved it and have bought his "Voyage"

An extremely readable historical romance.

This was a very fast read for me. Indeed I was sorry to reach the end of it. MacNeil's reporting skills are evident in a strong, straightforward narration, filled with interesting (at least to me) detail on the tragic Halifax harbor explosion in 1917 and, more broadly, on Canada itself during WWI when it really seemed to establish its own national identity. Readers should also find the novel's characters both well-drawn and appealing, and its numerous sub-plots come together naturally in the satisfying conclusion. I strongly agree with one reviewer's comment that this is a refreshingly "humane" work. I recommend "Burden of Desire" highly.