The Jewel: A Novel of the Life of Jean Armour and Her Husband, Robert Burns

Some books are page turners where you find yourself racing to the end, but others deserve to be savoured and this is how I felt while reading The Jewel, Catherine Czerkawskas beautifully written novel of the life of Jean Armour, wife of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns. Despite being brought up with Burns as a national hero, I had only the haziest idea of his life story except for an impression he was a philanderer, and little or no knowledge of his wife Jean. To this extent the book was a revelation in describing their complex relationship and there’s a sense that Czerkawska is righting the wrongs of a history that has consigned their marriage to a footnote. The author says she has included only what is true or could be true and so there is a remarkable authenticity in this story. I never doubted any of the details of life and society in 18th century Ayrshire or felt myself leaving the story I was inhabiting. If anything the reluctance to rework or restructure the events means that in some ways it occasionally reads more like biography than fiction, but with the addition of all Jean’s hopes and fears for herself, her often absent husband and her children. Because crucially it is Jean’s story, not Rab’s, and so his famous dalliances are covered only in so far as Jean knew about them. Particularly affecting is the account of her widowhood when she found herself the custodian of memories other people wanted to own but also made peace with those she had previously considered enemies. The poetry of Burns is quoted liberally and I took great pleasure in having lines that had swum around in my consciousness pinned down to a specific time and place. This is an important book in shining a light on a woman whom history has overlooked. It’s also a joy to read. I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone with or without an interest in Rabbie Burns.

A lovely story of the romance between Robert Burns and Jean Armour. Tender and revealing

As an admirer of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns and his wife Jean Armour, I am so pleased that Catherine Czerkawska has written this historical fiction. The book is based on the facts and brings well deserved attention to the lovely Jean. It is a true romance for which Ms. Czerkawska did considerable research. All her novels are well researched and this lovingly written book is no exception. After purchasing this book I bought another for a friend. I will be reading it over and over again. I am happy to recommend "The Jewel" and its authoress's other writings.

Just spent several engrossing hours completely immersed in the life of a much overlooked and historically neglected hidden heroine of 18th/19th century Ayrshire. Jean Armour was no other than the long suffering wife of the serial but romantic philanderer and Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. Recently published "The Jewel" by Catherine Czerkawska is a must-read novel for anyone who appreciates literature, language, sound in-depth research and stark, refreshing honesty. This is one talented researcher, writer, wordsmith and author. Jean's story is long, long overdue. "The Jewel" gives Jean Armour her rightful place firmly alongside her more (in)famous husband.

Very readable. Well written.

My knowledge of Burns and his family was proven to be scant on reading this most informative novel. I choose to happily enjoy the storyline be it fact or fiction because it sits well and rings true for me.

Fills a gap in my Burns' library and interesting take on his family life.

I did not seek out this book, I somehow came across it. A lovely well written book. It opened my eyes to life in those times and the culture and ways of behaving in Ayrshire and in Edinburgh. I don't even like Burns poetry! but he sounded amazing and awful at the same time. Jeany seemed a person you would love to have enough charm to charm. Must go South and see the fields and rivers of that area. Thank you