While this was a different approach to this particular story, it did not really engage my attention. This is not a flaw from the author as the story is presented well and has a deft touch - the most likely cause is I am over familiar woth the story and was not in the right mood to enjoy this version.

audio version. review submitted via mobile. ( )

Fabulous. ( )

2.75 stars

At the start of the book, it is 1662 and Nell is 12 years old. Her 14-year old sister is a prostitute (thanks to their mother, who is a drunk). Nell refuses to become a whore, so she finds her own path - she initially becomes an "orange girl" (selling oranges), then works her way up to an actress, then manages to become the king's mistress.

I wasn't crazy about it. The premise sounded promising, but I probably would have been more interested in the story if it had focused more on Rose. I enjoyed the parts about Nell's family, but the acting and her life there, I just couldn't get interested in. Nor was I all that interested in King Charles II and her life as his mistress.

The book was told in diary form, which I was fine with, but the book also included letters between Charles and his family (his mother and sister, as well as letters between the mother and sister), and other interludes like a society gossip column in the paper. To me, these interrupted the actual story, and I didn't really see the purpose behind them.

I was surprised (but interested) to learn in the author's note at the end that almost all the characters in the book were real people, including Nell's fellow actors. Overall, though, I was disappointed. ( )

Exit the Actress, Priya Parmar's debut novel, is a delightful story of Nell Gywn, an orange girl turned actress turned royal mistress. Told through the lens of Nell's diary entries, gossip broadsheets, Privy Council memos and private letters between members of England's royal family - particularly those between King Charles II and his sister, Henriette-Anne 'Minette' - Parmar has painted a vibrant portrait of life in Restoration England.

The greatest strength of this novel is the wonderful cast of characters the author has brought to life, whether they be figures central to the story or supporting ones. Parmar's Nell Gwyn is a woman with whom readers would wish to be friends, making it easy to see how Nell came to be loved by both her audiences and her monarch. While Charles II is perhaps best remembered by history for his many mistresses and illegitimate children, Parmar has characterized him as a monarch who also cared deeply about his country and subjects. In addition to Nell and Charles, the novel is supported by a strong cast of secondary characters from the theatre and the royal court, characters who add both humour and drama to the story.

Although I love English history, the Restoration has never been a period of particular interest to me. Parmar's novel has changed this. This novel was smart, funny and above all entertaining. I look forward to hearing more from Priya Parmar.

Exit the Actress is definitely worth a read. ( )

Excellent historical fiction, bringing Nell Gwynn alive as a character ( )