Publisher: 5th July 2023 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, HQ
Pages: 528 pages
Genre: historical fiction
My Rating: 5 cups
Synopsis:
From the author of The Good Wife of Bath comes this brilliant recreation of the vibrant, optimistic but politically treacherous world of London's Restoration theatre, where we are introduced to the remarkable playwright Aphra Behn, now a feminist icon then an anomaly, who gravitated to the stage - a place where artifice and disguise are second nature and accommodates those who do not fit in.
It's 1679 and into the tumult, politics and colour of Restoration London and its lively theatre scene comes the fierce and opinionated Tribulation Johnson. Cast out from her family as ungodly and unworthy - Tribulation is determined to forge their own remarkable path.
Warmly welcomed by her cousin, the infamous playwright Aphra Behn, Tribulation cannot believe her good fortune as she is thrust into city life, and encouraged to read, write, think and speak for herself. When one of the female actresses at Aphra's company falls sick, Tribulation joins the company, finally becoming a prompter with the the Duke's Company. But little does Tribulation know that Aphra, the woman she adores and seeks to emulate, has her own plans for her acolyte, ones that might put her in the path of danger. In Tribulation, Aphra sees a young woman of incredible talent - a writer, thinker and, ultimately, a honey trap who will expose the Popish Plot as a dreadful and deadly hoax and in doing so, uncover another that will help her enact a long overdue revenge. But Tribulation is not who or what Aphra thinks either, and Tribulation has her own secrets to hide and her own reprisals to pursue...
My Thoughts
‘And still, you never learn.’ ‘But I do. I just refuse to accept the lesson.’ ‘Life is not a series of escapades, Tribulation,’ she said impatiently, quoting Papa, ‘but a matter to be taken seriously. Nevertheless, you’ve been given an opportunity. What you choose to do from hereon is entirely up to you.’
Once again Karen Brooks takes her readers on an epic journey back in time - 1600s England - and introduces her readers to a remarkable independent woman. With her attention to detail and gobsmacking amount of research, Karen crafts a story for the ages about women in history and giving them their voice back through tumultuous times of conspiracy and rebellion.
The Escapades of Tribulation Johnson is an amazing tale to add to Karen’s shelf of exceptional historical fiction writing. Sensational writing that keeps readers engaged through each and every page with poetic prose, astounding literary references and a cast of characters that command attention. There is never a dull moment with the many twists and turns, danger and drama, hope and healing.
‘While it was gratifying to be seen, what I truly desired was to be a woman who was heard. Not just uttering words a playwright put in my mouth, or sweet nothings to pander to a man’s pride, but like Aphra, my own considered views and damn the consequences. Time again to wield my pen. Wield my words.’
Set in the brave new world of English theatre where for the first time women were allowed to tread the boards, enter Aphra Behn. A spy and playwright who cut a path for other women to follow that would be felt through the many decades/centuries to follow. Thank you Karen for shining the spotlight on this incredible woman from history and bringing Aphra and her story very much back to life. As Karen wrote in her Author’s Note, “I sought to repatriate Aphra Behn, and present a real working woman - two of them! - seeking to simply earn a living wage and contribute creatively and intellectually to their society.”
‘Through words - words I write, and which actresses like Elizabeth Barry, Mary Lee, Elizabeth Currer, your Charlotte and the rest perform - we speak to the audience, to other women especially. They hear us. They see us. It’s one of the reasons I make sure there’s plenty for my female characters to say. There’s a strength in numbers, Tribulation.’
The creative license Karen claims to take simply enriches what was already a marvelous tale to be told. With attention to detail on every aspect of the novel, Karen’s book is quite outstanding. It is so believable and flows along at quite a pace given its length. Readers walk the streets of London in the 1600s, trod the theatre boards and jeer along with the crowd, geting caught up with Aphra and Tribulation as they face friends and foes. I highly recommend lovers of rich and well researched historical fiction to read The Escapades of Tribulation Johnson. Karen is truly proving herself time and again to be a masterful storyteller, giving voice to women who time and tide refused to hold back. Bravo!
‘One last thing, Tribulation.’ My heart began to do strange manoeuvres. What now? ‘You were never “unnatural”, simply “unconventional”. A woman for whom life is a series of adventures to be savoured. May it always be so.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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