Forced to fend for herself, she is determined to gain back the life she lost. H will face a villain out for revenge, find love in the most unexpected places, and overcome a betrayal that she never could have foreseen. Weathering it all, can H charm, or scheme, her way to the life of freedom and independence that she longs for ?
First of all, many thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Secondly, if you're looking for a historical novel who leads you through the ups and downs of XVIIth century London, you're in for a treat. In 1665-66 : the plague. In 1666 : the great fire. In 1668 : the Shrove tuesday riots. And these are just the historical parts : before all this, H loses her father, she's estranged from her sisters (except Evelyn), she goes to London and discovers a new way of living. Most of all, she discovers the playhouses, such disreputable places, but so fascinating ! She's just a young girl, still a child at the beginning, but she grows into a young woman along the story, in a rough way, but showing strength and resilience.
There are many characters in this story with their particular flaws but also their particular kindnesses. I feared this would be about despair, loneliness and misery - and they figure in it - but it was also a story of solidarity, of learning to value yourself. It is not to be taken too seriously (two coincidences were a lot, but why not, the author explains it, yet three coincidences...), but it's mentioned in the title, "adventures" ! It was a very entertaining read and I will not forget Mother Cresswell soon.
I also enjoyed the fact that there are lgbt characters - Frances's story should probably be a very interesting one and the end of the novel hints that she may tell her own, one day. I hope she will, I'll read it happily.
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