If Booker contenders aren't your usual reading matter - though by the look of it this year's longlist broadens what's seen as the typical scope of the prize - how about "an ebullient page-turner" of a historical novel?
The Darling Strumpet
The book is a first novel by Gillian Bagwell whose background is in the theatre, both on the acting and production/direction sides. She began researching Nell Gwynn as the subject of a one-woman show, but found that that format couldn't do justice to the richness of Nell's life, so a book was born. "Richly engaging", "bawdy and poignant", "thoroughly recommended" - a romp in Restoration London - and if you're wondering about the title, it's from "A Panegyrick Upon Nelly", Anonymous, 1681:
"She's now the darling strumpet of the crowd,
Forgets her state, and talks to them aloud,
Lays by her greatness and descends to prate
With those 'bove whom she's rais'd by wond'rous fate."
This looks like lots of fun... and the title is truly inspired! Jane Gray
Posted by: The Time Sculptor's Secret | 27 July 2011 at 01:46 PM
Another one for the list!
Thanks for the mention of Insurrection BTW. It's not a book I would have looked at if I hadn't seen it on here, but I collected it from the library yesterday and am hugely impressed with the first chapter so all I need now is the time to sit, read and wallow!
Posted by: LizF | 28 July 2011 at 12:38 PM
Great to hear that about Insurrection - many thanks, Liz.
Posted by: Cornflower | 28 July 2011 at 01:50 PM
Oh lovely, there can never be too many books about Nell Gwynne. Diana Norman wrote this fab chunkster of a historical novel about her called 'The Vizard Mask' that I recommend.
Posted by: Jodie | 01 August 2011 at 01:26 PM
Thankyou, Jodie. I've not read any Diana Norman, who of course sadly died not long ago, but I've heard many good reports of her books.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 August 2011 at 10:11 PM