I don’t normally like books or films that include extensive scenes set in a theatre or on a film set; however, the theatre scenes in this novel are among the story’s highlights. The main character Bird is the actress, and I was very much engaged by the build-up of her stage debut, and more so by her first performance.

I also like Bird’s character, whom the author made me care for. Less likable is Bird’s mother-in-law; however, old Mrs Knepp is a brilliantly-drawn character – vivid and believable.

Much of the story revolves around Bird’s miserable married life and how she tries to cope with it. It’s a depressing existence and I found myself willing Bird to find a way out of it.

Other enjoyable scenes feature Bird with Mr Pepys. Unlike the other books in this series, Bird isn’t repelled by Pepys, and this makes for some excellent interaction between the two characters.

The story includes the Great Fire of London, which features a sequence of events expertly portrayed by the author.

The only aspect I dislike is the odd word/phrase in French or Dutch. As a reader, I’m locked out of the story if I don’t understand the meaning of something, and I won’t break off to go online and try translating it. I am pro-language learning, but I expect a book advertised as being written in English to be just that. Exceptions being if it’s something that can’t be translated articulately, or if it’s someone’s name or title, or a place name.

Overall, this is an entertaining read, which I recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction set in England during the 1600s. ( )

Entertaining Mr. Pepys begins in 1659 when Mary Elizabeth "Bird" Carpenter enters a loveless marriage that has been arranged by her father. It is also when she first meets Livvy, a blackamoor, and a very special friendship begins between Bird and her maid. Bird's life with Christopher Knepp isn't easy and and it is Livvy who helps her through these times. Bird even considers going back to her father's house and when she does, she finds that 'Dorcas was putting her 'woman's touch' on her family home, eliminating her father's former life, and by doing it, claiming if for her own. It was clear enough to Bird that she could never be able to come back here.' Recognizing the inevitable, Bird returns to her husband Christopher Knepp and it is only after many tragedies, including the fire that destroyed London, that she sees him in a new light. 'So this is what it is, to be married, Bird thought. To lean on each other in times of hardsip and know the other will always be there. A comforting quietness fell over her.'

This book is large in its number of pages and it is huge in content. I enjoy historical fiction but I haven't read any books centered on this time period and it is apparent that author Deborah Swift has done extensive reseach to portray London as it was in the 17th century. Her description of The Great Fire of London is riveting and I also enjoyed learning about Bird's introduction to the theatre and her eventual success as Elizabeth Knepp, the actress who enjoyed a friendship with Samuel Pepys. The final chapter relates Bird's successful appearance at The King's Playhouse in March, 1667, when The King himself was in the audience, along with Pepys, his wife Elizabeth, and Bird's husband and father. This woman, who had witnessed so many tragedies and experienced so many hurts, was finally able to feel love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

This is the third book in Swift's trilogy centered around Samuel Pepys. I haven't read the first two but my enjoyment wasn't diminished by this and I hope to read the first two. I appreciate that at the end of this book, there are historical notes so that we understand what was true and what was fictional during this famous man's life. I recommend Entertaining Mr. Pepys to all who enjoy historical fiction.

I appreciate the chance to read an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts. These are my honest thoughts and I received no monetary compensation for this review. ( )