I have rediscovered historical novels since I have been reviewing books here, so I was delighted when a blogging friend of mine Southhams Darling offered to send me a novel she had just finished reading and thought I would enjoy.
Considering this was a first novel I thought it was very ambitious of the author to not only pick Nell Gwynn as her protagonist but rather than just cover a particular period of her life she chose to tell her complete life story. By her own admission in the notes at the end of the novel she has tried to do so as fully and truthfully as possible, keeping to the facts as known as much as possible. I think she has succeeded very successfully and only true historians will pick up the few minor liberties that Gillian Bagwell tells us she altered as to the timing of events. She also copes successfully with a vast cast of characters, the vast majority of which were real life people in Nell's world. With this brilliant first novel there seems no doubt that Gillian Bagwell is going to be a historical fiction writer to look out for.
The story is a bawdy one and the detail in the novel is sexually explicit, but it will make you realise exactly what life was like for this little girl growing up in 17C London. From oyster seller, to courtesan, orange seller to actress. Nell becomes one of London's favourite actresses when she is still a very young woman and her beauty, personality and ambitious dedication soon make her a favourite of Charles the Second. It is her relationship with Charles that changes her life for ever, as the novel progresses you can feel just how much this famous historical figure was passionate in her love for the King. A wonderful fictional read about real people and places.
Author Profile
Gillian Bagwell grew up in Berkeley, California, and began her professional life as an actress, studying at the University of California Berkeley and the Drama Studio London at Berkeley before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television. She moved into directing and producing theatre, founding The Pasadena Shakespeare Company, where she served as artistic director for nine years, producing thirty-seven critically acclaimed productions.
She united her life-long love of books, British history, and theatre in writing her first novel, "The Darling Strumpet," based on the life of Nell Gwynn. Her second novel, 'The September Queen' which was published in paperback in November 2011 is the first fictional account of the perilous and romantic odyssey of Jane Lane, an ordinary English girl who risked her life to help the young Charles II escape after the disastrous Battle of Worcester in 1651 by disguising him as her servant. Gillian is now writing her third novel, about the formidable four-times widowed Tudor dynast Bess of Hardwick. Visit her official website, Gillian Bagwell for further information about her books and upcoming events, and links to her blogs, articles, and videos of sites in Nell Gwynn’s London.
The video I have included gives a brief glimpse of present day Covent Garden and the church of St Paul's Covent Garden, which were the setting for scenes from the novel.
The biographical information photo and the video used in this post are with thanks to the following websites.
Goodreads Author Profile, Gillian Bagwell Facebook Profile
Number 6 in the Awards listed at the top of this post just happens to be another novel about Nell Gwynn, which I also reviewed Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar enjoy one and I think you will also enjoy the other.
I have chosen to read this title as the letter D for The A - Z Book Challenge which I have decided to attempt to achieve in alphabetical order. I have a good selection of titles to choose from our bookshelves, it will be interesting to see how far I can get before I get stuck. You can follow my progress here.
I am a fan me this author. I found Gillian's blog by chance before this novel was published. I was very excited when I did get to read it. By the very nature of Nell's profession I was expecting it to be a little shocking and it was handled well by the author. I enjoyed the fact that other events in Londons history , such as the fire and plague, were told thru the thoughts and fears of Nell . Carol
ReplyDeleteIsn't it lovely when you across a new author unexpectedly that turns out to be so good. I had never heard of her until fellow blogger Southhamsdarling offered to send me this great new book she had just finished reading. I am so pleased she did.
DeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteLove the whole concept of this book. From the subject for the story, the way that fact and fiction are woven together, the fact that I have read more historical ficton and romance novels lately than I have for a very long time, right through to the alluring and beautiful cover art.
A nice review and a great recommendation for my reading list, thank you.
Yvonne, thankyou very much for your comment It is interesting how one goes through phases of reading books from the same genre for awhile.
DeleteHi Linda,
DeleteMy favourite genre is and always will be crime/thriller, although just recently I have been a little inundated with romantic fiction, from authors requesting reviews.
It is almost getting to be a little too much of a good thing now, but I do love to receive requests and would never feel comfortable turning someone down.
Yvonne
I'm so glad that you enjoyed this book so much, Linda. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was an excellent first novel by Gillian. Very good review, and I'm really into historical novels at the moment! I would certainly recommend this to anyone as a thoroughly good read.
ReplyDeleteI am just so pleased that you introduced me to Gillian Bagwell's writing Diane by sending the book on to me.
DeleteIncidentally, these book blogs really do work, because I remember that I bought this novel as a result of reading Dizzy C's Book Blog (your first comment here).
ReplyDeleteOh that is so good to know.
DeleteWhat an ambitious project for any writer! This sounds like something I would like because I enjoy the Restoration period in England's history. :D
ReplyDeleteFantastic review! I am putting it on my wish list.
xo,
RJ
Thanks so much Ricki Jill, this should be right up your street by the sound of it then.
DeleteI've never dared write historical fiction because of the vast amounts of research needed, but I admire those who do!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Susan, vast amounts of research must be very daunting, but I get the impression that for those that write historical fiction this is all part of the pleasure of writing a novel?
ReplyDeleteNot normally my kind of thing but it sounds really good, thanks for the review
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
Lainy, I think you might be surprised and find you would really enjoy this one!
DeleteThis sounds like one I'd love. Exit the Actress by Priyar Parmar was a favourite read of mine in 2011, I hadn't read much about Nell Gwyn prior to that!
ReplyDeleteI think so as Exit The Actress is also a great favourite of mine, let me know if you do decide to read.
DeleteVibha has left a new comment on your post "The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell":
ReplyDeleteI love how you pack so many important aspects of the book in a brief review. It is always a pleasure to read your review.
Vibha's comment was delivered to my inbox but not published here, so I have added it myself!
Thanks Vibha, it was strange that your comment did not publish! Thankyou very much for your kind comment, I try to tempt readers without giving away too much!
DeleteI was looking forward to reading your review, Linda, after you recommended this book to me. Thank you for your review. It's going to the top of my reading list now, sounds like a fascinating read.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy this as much as I did Joanne, do let me know.
Delete