Ursula Flight is an engaging character and carries this book which I found a little slow in pace. Her wit and childish observations kept me interested through several chapters in which not a lot happens. I think there was too much time spent on her childhood, much of which emphasised that Ursula at the end is not much different from Ursula at age thirteen.
This is a well written book in terms of the language and the research. The smells and fashion and superstitions of seventeenth century England were all there and I felt in safe hands as a reader. The story, less so. Once Ursula finally lands in London, the last quarter of the novel whiz past but become entirely predictable. I would have rather have less of the childhood and marriage chapters and more on this London episode where so much happens but it is packed in so tightly that the impact of events doesn't have room to land. Ursula makes terrible choices but never hits rock bottom before a new opportunity is presenting itself. That left me feeling a little unsatisfied.
Overall: a fun and well-researched historical novel that doesn't quite live up to its potential.
This is a well written book in terms of the language and the research. The smells and fashion and superstitions of seventeenth century England were all there and I felt in safe hands as a reader. The story, less so. Once Ursula finally lands in London, the last quarter of the novel whiz past but become entirely predictable. I would have rather have less of the childhood and marriage chapters and more on this London episode where so much happens but it is packed in so tightly that the impact of events doesn't have room to land. Ursula makes terrible choices but never hits rock bottom before a new opportunity is presenting itself. That left me feeling a little unsatisfied.
Overall: a fun and well-researched historical novel that doesn't quite live up to its potential.