***WHO SUCKED ME IN***
Victoria of What Victoria Read on Youtube in their BEST READS OF 2019! - What Victoria Read - Booktube video published on 18 dec. 2019

She recommended it in such a way that I couldn't help myself from getting intrigued...

‘’On the fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 1664, a great light bloomed in the dark sky and crept slowly and silently across the blackness: a comet. The prating in the coffeehouses was of the evil the fiery star portended. Such astrological phenomena, it was known, brought war, famine, disease, fire and flood; the fall of kingdoms, the death of princes, mighty tempests, great frosts, cattle-plague and French pox.’’

1664. Born on the night of a comet, Ursula Flight has to keep up with a strange fate. She discovers the world and its secrets under the guidance of her beloved father and her craving for knowledge grows stronger, as does her love for theatre and stories. Her fervent imagination creates tales of clandestine affairs under the moonlight, her dreams of becoming an actress inspire her whole life. But soon the time comes for her to marry and her world is about to change. It is now that she will need all her strength.

‘’Ah yes, it is all writ above us’, he said. ‘My earth sign means I will always walk on the ground. Your mother is governed by the crab, and so she feels things deeply, though she may not speak them. Your centaur governs you and he is the archer. You shoot for far-off purposes, child. And one day you will strike home and true.’’

In an era when women’s education was seen as a cruse, we witness the story of a woman whose desire is to be independent, to stay true to herself. The hurdles she faces are many. From a cruel mother incapable of love to a new family that treats her like an insolent mare, Ursula finds comfort in the secrets of the stars, in stories and the fascinating world of Theatre. Anna-Marie Crowhyrst creates a wonderful heroine and lightens a rather difficult subject with elegant humour as Ursula is struggling to find a silver lining in every situation. The narration flows through Ursula’s thoughts, diary entries, lists and letters, while crucial moments of her life are presentes as scenes from a play. Brilliant technique!

The rest of the characters are interesting, although nothing we have never seen before in other Historical Fiction novels, but what really makes the story exciting is the wonderful sense of setting. From the idyllic countryside of Ursula’s childhood, her isolation during her marriage, London’s alleys, the court and the playhouses. The dialogue is clear, vivid, faithful to the era and entertaining.

This novel is an exciting fest of the frivolity and all-around frenzy of the Restoration Era and a hymn to a woman’s unquenchable thirst for independence and expression.

‘’One thing I know is that there is no pleasure on this Earth better than reading. I have been transported to realms beyond my wildest imagining, to places I shall never see, for they are on the other side of the world, or do not exists at all. And I have been made to cry - and to laugh and to think and to be peaceful, and all this I have got from books.’’

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )

This is such an entertaining and fun romp set during the reign of King Charles II. Ursula Flight is born on the night of a comet. She’s strong willed, grows up to be a budding playwright and, by all accounts, is a 17th century feminist. This is her story as narrated by the girl herself in her own special and unique way.

I loved Ursula and her quirky voice. She’s a fantastic character with a great personality. She’s intelligent, feisty and determined. There is also a whole other cast of fascinating dramatis personae who all add to this engaging story and make it the lively and enjoyable read it is.

I thought it was very original and quite unusual. I particularly liked the theatrical plays as written by Ursula as a parody of her life, along with the lists of various things, letters and diary entries which all combined to make this bawdy tale so delightful. It’s beautifully and thoughtfully written with both sad and amusing moments.

A captivating, easy to read and enchanting drama which I applaud with vigour. I do so hope there will be an encore from this new author.

Many thanks Jellybooks for the opportunity to read this book. ( )

Born as the comet streaked across the skies of Restoration England, Ursula Flight lives a happy childhood in the country. her father dotes on her and educates her to love words and language. At the age of fifteen she is affianced to an older man and shortly after her father dies. Ursula goes to live with her pious in-laws in a dour house where she is discouraged from reading and encouraged to get pregnant. Her husband repulses her and when they finally get to court Ursula meets up with her childhood sweetheart but that is just the start of her life.

I found the first half of this book ponderous and wondered if it would pick up at all. The playlet interludes are amusing and add an engaging twist to the narrative. However once Ursula lands in London the book takes off and the true bawdy, witty nature comes to life. Like a Restoration Comedy, no punch is spared and I found myself loving this story ( )

http://tamaranth.blogspot.com/2018/02/201802-illumination-of-ursula-flight.html ( )