Diana - by Ronald Frederick Delderfield (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the New York Times-bestselling author of God is an Englishman comes the timeless story of a love that could not be denied, set in the countryside of early twentieth-century England.

Fifteen-year-old John Leigh is living with his aunt and uncle in a small Devon village when he meets the girl fated to change his life. From the moment he first sees Diana Gayelorde-Sutton astride a horse, looking as poised and regal as a queen, he falls irrevocably in love. But they are worlds apart: He is a poor Cockney orphan and she is the pampered only daughter of a powerful businessman.

They become inseparable, though, and friendship deepens into love. As the 1920s segue into the 1930s, John becomes a small-town newspaperman while Diana travels the world. Yet they always return to each other, until one earth-shattering day. And soon World War II will cast its long shadow over the world, testing their relationship in ways they never imagined. Diana is a stunning story of war and remembrance, love and redemption.

Review Quotes

"A charming novel . . . recaptures with refreshing simplicity the awkwardness, excitement, and delights of youth." --The New York Times

"Highly recommended. Combines tension with a splendid sense of atmosphere and vivid characterization. An excellent read." --Sunday Express

"It is always a pleasure to read R. F. Delderfield." --Books and Bookmen

"A born storyteller." --Sunday Mirror

About the Author

R. F. Delderfield (1912-1972) was born in South London. On leaving school he joined the Exmouth Chronicle newspaper as a junior reporter and went on to become editor. He began to write stage plays and then became a highly successful novelist, renowned for brilliantly portraying slices of English life. With the publication of his first saga, A Horseman Riding By, he became one of Britain's most popular authors, and his novels have been bestsellers ever since. Many of his works, including the Horseman Riding By series, To Serve Them All My Days, the Avenue novels, and Diana, were adapted for television.