From being a vicar's daughter to going to live with her Aunt Madge with a very comfortable existence and then to be on the streets and to end up in a bawdy house, albeit a more discreet and comfortable one was a huge journey for H.
The story was beautifully written and was like a daily account of H's life with its tribulations and sad nesses, the rape at the hands of her cousin, her loyalty to the end not to divulge to her Aunt what had happened even when things were very bleak and her loyalty not to claim relationship with her Aunt when it would have helped her all account to H's steadfastness and her character.
What H did was a career move to survive in the harsh world of London of the 17th century where women were treated as chattels and if you did not have your wits about you like H you were crushed and annihilated. H was shrewd and careful but she had heart and her story was really heart warming.
The history of London of the time is very well told and in the midst of the great plague which beset London is explained in great detail. Very good reading.
An excellent read from the historical fiction angle, as well as the social history angle of the times.
Sent by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Legend Press.
Sounds like a tough life but I like that it is heart warming and seems like she wins through.
ReplyDeleteI read quite a bit of historical fiction and this sounds like something I might enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt has been awhile since I've picked up historical fiction. This one sounds like a great choice.
ReplyDelete