Publisher: 3rd February 2021 by HarperCollins AU
Pages: 400 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction
My Rating: 4.5 cups
Synopsis:
Success would depend on taking a dangerous risk.
When Blaise Hill, a feisty young journalist from one of Sydney's toughest neighbourhoods, is dispatched to London at the dawn of the swinging sixties to report on Princess Margaret's controversial marriage to an unconventional photographer, she is drawn into an elite realm of glamour and intrigue.
As the nation faces an explosive upheaval, Blaise must grapple with a series of shocking scandals at the pinnacle of British society. Yet, haunted by a threat from her past and torn between two very different men, who can she trust in a world of hidden motives and shifting alliances? If she makes the wrong choice, she will lose everything.
Inspired by real events, The Royal Correspondent is a compelling story of love and betrayal, family secrets and conspiracy that takes you from the gritty life of a daily newspaper to the opulent splendour of Buckingham Palace.
My Thoughts
Following on from Alexandra’s 2020 novel, The Paris Model, she now brings to life the upper echelons of British society, with the incorporation of the press, in the 1960s with her latest historical fiction offering. I enjoyed last year’s book and I am happy to report that once again, Alexandra has won me over with her seamless weaving of historical fact and fiction to provide her readers with a highly engaging tale.
‘ ... no matter how good you are, you’re going to be faced with plenty of brick walls for no other reason than because you’re a girl. I say ignore them. Either batter those walls down, find a way round them or else slip through the cracks - if you don’t, you won’t get anywhere. You’ve got to back yourself Blaise - nobody else will.’
Inspired by real events, The Royal Correspondent covers love and betrayal, family secrets and even a thrilling spy conspiracy from the streets of Sydney to the swinging 60s of London. Perhaps the most inspiring story line is that of a female trying to pave her way out of the ‘Women’s Pages’ and into the ‘real news’ and to be seen (and paid) like her fellow male reporters. Add into the mix everything from Buckingham Palace Garden parties, to conspiracy theories of the Cold War, to romance and betrayal all against the backdrop of hems coming up and music in full swing. It is lively and it is liberating!
You cannot help but be inspired by Blaise as she pushes the social boundaries in her quest to be recognised for her journalism and maintain the strong, independent woman she wishes to represent in the 1960s. There is sure to be something for everyone in this multi layered story - from espionage to fashion, from getting the scoop to falling in love, readers are sure to be enthralled with this fun and lively tale.
‘Blaise drifted out of Sir Ernest’s flat, gathered her billowing skirts in her white-gloved hands and stepped into the lift. Taking several deep breaths, she told herself ‘You’ve got this, Blaise Hill. You’re simply off to a royal ball held by Her Majesty the Queen in honour of the imminent marriage of her little sister, Princess Margaret. Piece of cake. Nothing to it.’ Somehow, the words had a hollow ring.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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