The Lively Lady — Kenneth Roberts

Roberts wrote a number of these inflated historical romances, which were artful enough to snag him a special Pulitzer citation. This 1947 outing features Albion Hamlin, who comes to Boston in 1800 to defend a man accused of violating the Alien and Sedition Act. In a whirlwind of action, Hamlin is jailed, then escapes to Haiti in search of his client's daughter, Lydia Bailey, with whom he has fallen in love simply by gazing at her portrait. Roberts is known for his historical accuracy, so this should please fans of the genre. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

This Roberts novel is in the true picaresque tradition with action beginning in New England, moving on to Revolutionary Haiti, and ultimately to the very Shores of Tripoli. Albion Hamlin is captivated by a portrait and the adventure is on.