Review: The Escapades of Tribulation Johnson

Title: The Escapades of Tribulation Johnson

Author: Karen Brooks

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.

Review: The Good Wife of Bath

Title: The Good Wife of Bath

Author: Karen Brooks 

Publisher: 7th July 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 526 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

In the middle ages, a poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version? Who would you believe?

England, The Year of Our Lord, 1364

When married off aged 12 to an elderly farmer, Eleanor Cornfed, who's constantly told to seek redemption for her many sins, quickly realises it won't matter what she says or does, God is not on her side - or any poor woman's for that matter.

But Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars. Both a lover and a fighter, she will not bow meekly to fate. Even if five marriages, several pilgrimages, many lovers, violence, mayhem and wildly divergent fortunes (that swoop up and down as if spinning on Fortuna's Wheel itself) do not for a peaceful life make.

Aided and abetted by her trusty god-sibling Alyson, the counsel of one Geoffrey Chaucer, and a good head for business, Eleanor fights to protect those she loves from the vagaries of life, the character deficits of her many husbands, the brutalities of medieval England and her own fatal flaw... a lusty appreciation of mankind. All while continuing to pursue the one thing all women want - control of their own lives.

My Thoughts

‘I’m merely a wife.’ I lowered my eyes and tried to appear demure. Master Mervyn stood. 'Ha!' he said and drained his drink. You may be a wife, but there’s nothing mere about you.’

‘The Good Wife of Bath’ is the fictitious story of The Wife of Bath from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales - something I am not overly familiar with. This is not a quick or light-hearted read (page numbers aside). However, what I can tell you is that Karen provides her readers with an absolutely epic tale of love and loss, heartbreak and hope from the Middle Ages and it is not to be missed. 

‘You’ve said it before. Many times. Lest you’re forgetting, I'm also an ugly little bitch. It’s not slipped my memory.’ Did he flinch? ‘I’ll have you know’, I said softly, ‘I’ve been called worse.’ (Just for the record, I hadn’t - not then.) He glanced at me. ‘They’re just words.’ (I was yet to learn the power they had to inflict injury.)’

This is a one woman’s tale and it is filled with everything life can throw at a person. It will call on strength and understanding but gosh … there will be a few laughs along the way. Karen has surely provided the perfect balance in this all engaging story. Starting off as a cheeky, young twelve year old, Eleanor ends up having five husbands and each brings with them a story within itself. Towards the end, when it would seem life and circumstance has worn her down, Eleanor still retains her staunch ambition and fierce loyalty towards her ‘family’. 

‘Philippa is accustomed to being her own woman,’ he said stiffly. 'I’m sure you of all people understand.’ Did I? I was hardly my own woman, I belonged to Turbet, and     before him, Fulk, and before him, Papa. What woman could really be called ‘her own’? What did that even mean?’

Medieval daily living leaps off the page, testament to Karen’s impressive research. You will witness everything from plague to trade, physical abuse to unbreakable friendship bonds. Each of the books Karen has written (and I have read them all) are amazing in their attention to detail and the rich historical fact and fiction provided - right down to the swearing! This makes for incredible storytelling and an unputdownable story. The authenticity of everything from dialogue to social mores of the day, is richly detailed and leaves the reader needing to know more.

‘I’ll tell you what,’ I said, before she could answer. ‘It makes me a fool, enslaved to my heart --- and my c---’   ‘It makes you a good wife,’ she interjected. ‘Prepared to give your husband the benefit of the doubt.’ ‘Good wife?’ A dry, bitter laugh escaped. ‘I should be by now. I’ve had plenty of practice.’

Life is certainly not easy for Eleanor and she is the representative for all women, strong and most certainly forthright in her views and opinions. It is crushing at times to see what she endures but her determination to do right by those she loves is beyond admirable. It’s courageous. And I believe that is what Karen wants you to recognise and be inspired by. 

‘It’s time you trusted who you are and stand up to anyone else who would try to belittle you. And that includes me. Do you hear me? Use your voice, woman, use it for yourself and for those who don’t have one. And use it well.’

‘The Good Wife of Bath’ is an exploration of the treatment of women in a time so far removed from what we know today. At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking, this book is sure to speak to many with Eleanor’s efforts to overcome the many adversities that arise throughout her eventful life. I highly recommend this book to not only lovers of history and literary classics, but also readers who love stories involving strong and complex women. 

‘I’ve been with this woman since she was just a wee bit older than Lowdy. She’s been through more than you can imagine and, guess what? It’s never stopped her trying, nor giving folk a chance. She never says anything she doesn’t mean and she certainly wouldn’t be making offers if they weren’t genuine.’

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.

Review: The Darkest Shore

Title: The Darkest Shore

Author: Karen Brooks

Publisher: 24th February 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ Fiction

Pages: 480 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

The independent women of Scotland stand up to a witch hunt, male fury and the power of the Church in a battle for survival in this compelling historical novel based on true events in early eighteenth century Scotland.

1703: The wild east coast of Scotland.

Returning to her home town of Pittenweem, fishwife and widow Sorcha McIntyre knows she faces both censure and mistrust. After all, this is a country where myth and legend are woven into the fabric of the everyday, a time when those who defy custom like Sorcha has are called to account.

It is dangerous to be a clever woman who 'doesn't know her place' in Pittenweem - a town rife with superstition. So, when a young local falls victim to witchcraft, the Reverend Cowper and the townsfolk know who to blame. What follows for Sorcha and her friends is a terrifying battle, not only for their souls, but for their lives, as they are pitted against the villagers' fear, a malevolent man and the might of the church.

Based on the shocking true story of the witch hunt of Pittenweem, this multi-layered novel is a beautifully written historical tale of the strength of women united against a common foe, by one of Australia's finest writers.

My Thoughts

I have read and enjoyed two Karen Brooks novels before (reviews HERE) and they have been exceptional. I was therefore eager to try her latest - a tale of witch hunts in eighteenth century Scotland.

This gripping and confrontational tale revolves around a group of women - fishwives - who are accused of being witches. There is a great deal of research that has gone into this fictional adaptation. Based on a true story this is a shocking truth and extremely cruel occurrence. In a world dominated by men and religion, these women come together and exemplify everything that embodies the word ‘friendship’. Add into the mix superstition and a clergy out for revenge and it is hard to believe that much of this story is true! These women fight to save their lives and the torture they endured can only be described as horrific. 

‘Listening to the reverend, Sorcha marvelled that this man of God, who should be alleviating people’s fears, was exacerbating them. When he should be encouraging unity, he was fostering discord and suspicion. How was this helping the town? It wasn’t. It was destroying it.’

Karen has done an incredible job of not only researching the trials themselves but capturing the time and place of Scotland during this period. The best part I believe, however, is her detailed characterisations. As she states, “I hope that this book, while dark and harrowing in parts, is understood as I intend it—not only to showcase female friendship, the great bonds and love that can exist between good and decent men and women, even when all about them is unravelling, but also to honour the community of Pittenweem and especially those who fell during these bleak and terrible times.”. The author’s note at the conclusion is most insightful after such a read. 

‘... slowly, carefully, she embraced the woman. She smelled of musty old caves, fear and hunger. Of nightmares and endless days of loneliness. She smelled of defiance.’

Despite all of this, I did struggle at times. There were parts of the book that seem overly drawn out and the reader needs to be patient and persevere to learn of this desperate time in history for women. This tale is so dark and difficult to read at times simply because of the material - it really is confrontational. Although uncomfortable and challenging,  it shines a light on both the good and bad to be found in human natures. 

‘There was something not quite right about someone who could inflict that level of pain on another human being, divest a woman of her robes without blinking a cold eye nor show any emotion as he pawed her flesh, pulled and searched… Searched, my arse. It was as if his soul had been dislodged or evaporated altogether. And they called her a witch.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

The Chocolate Maker's Wife

Title: The Chocolate Maker’s Wife

Author: Karen Brooks

Publisher: Harlequin Australia, HQ

Pages: 608 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Australian bestselling novelist Karen Brooks rewrites women back into history with this breathtaking novel set in 17th century London—a lush, fascinating story of the beautiful woman who is drawn into a world of riches, power, intrigue…and chocolate.

Damnation has never been so sweet...

Growing up in an impoverished household with a brutal family, Rosamund Tomkins is both relieved and terrified when her parents all but sell her in a marriage of convenience to a wealthy nobleman, Sir Everard Blithman. Though Rosamund will finally be free of the torment she’d become accustomed to in her childhood home, she doesn’t know if she’s traded one evil for another. But much to her surprise, Rosamund soon discovers that her arranged marriage is more of a blessing than curse. For her new husband recognizes not only Rosamund’s unusual beauty, but also her charm and vibrancy, which seem to enchant almost everyone who crosses her path.

Sir Everard presides over a luxurious London chocolate house where wealthy and well-connected men go to be seen, exchange news, and indulge in the sweet and heady drink to which they have become addicted. It is a life of luxury and power that Rosamund had never imagined for herself, and she thrives in it, quickly becoming the most talked-about woman in society, desired and respected in equal measure. But when disaster strikes, Rosamund stands on the brink of losing all she possesses. Determined not to return to poverty, Rosamund makes a deal with the devil that could preserve her place in society—or bring her the greatest downfall.

Set against the decadent, chaotic backdrop of Restoration London, the plague, and the Great Fire, The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is a tale of revenge and redemption, love and hope—and the sweet, sinister temptation of chocolate.

My Thoughts

‘Today, my lady, you also became a chocolate maker’s wife.’

The Chocolate Maker's Wife was quite hard to get into, but once I did, I enjoyed it. The setting for this story is Restoration London, between 1662 and 1667. London in 1662 is still coming to terms with the return of Charles II to the throne. By 1667 London will endure both the Great Plague and the Great Fire.

The main protagonist is Rosamund Tomkins. She was born into poverty and treated badly by her mother, step father and step brothers. She seems condemned to a life of drudgery in her step father’s inn, but an accidental meeting changes the course of her life. Sir Everard Blithman recognises Rosamund as someone to be treasured, strikes a deal and then marries her. Could it be a dream come true?

Sir Everard Blithman opens a chocolate shop. Rosamund quickly becomes his greatest asset, she is beautiful as well as being very clever, so the chocolate shop is very popular. But Sir Everard Blithman has secrets and Rosamund is drawn into a life she didn't expect.

What I enjoyed most was the descriptions of the historical detail of the time. I  did enjoy the story, but found it quite hard to get into. It had enough interesting twists and turns to keep me interested and the mix of fact and fiction made it good too.

This is an enjoyable and entertaining read that lovers of romance and historical fiction will enjoy.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Locksmith's Daughter

Title: The Locksmith’s Daughter
Author: Karen Brooks
Publisher: 19th September 2016 by  Harlequin Australia, MIRA
Pages: 510 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical/general fiction, Tudor
My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

In a world where no one can be trusted and secrets are currency, one woman stands without fear.

Mallory Bright is the only daughter of London’s master locksmith. For her there is no lock too elaborate, no secret too well kept. Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster and protector of Queen Elizabeth – the last of the Tudor monarchs – and her realm, is quick to realise Mallory’s talent and draws her into his world of intrigue, danger and deception. With her by his side, no scheme in England or abroad is safe from discovery; no plot secure.

But Mallory’s loyalty wavers when she witnesses the execution of three Jesuit priests, a punishment that doesn’t fit their crime. When Mallory discovers the identity of a Catholic spy and a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom, she has to make a choice – between her country and her heart.

Mallory, however, carries her own dark secrets and is about to learn those being kept from her – secrets that could destroy those she loves.

Once Sir Francis’s greatest asset, Mallory is fast becoming his worst threat … and everyone knows there’s only one way Sir Francis deals with those.

My Thoughts

WOW! What a story! I am a lover of historical fiction and this is gripping reading. ‘The Locksmith's Daughter’ is a first-person narrative and straight away you are drawn into this turbulent Tudor period. The story is most engaging with factual detail, action, drama and romance all perfectly melded together.

The writing is comprehensive and most compelling. My one slight problem (and removal of just half a star), is that at times it was long winded. I wanted to move on with the action and wanted more of what was happening; however, you cannot deny that is was very well researched - steeped in detail, rich in facts. So much so, that some scenes are very confronting and graphic with how people were treated in the infamous Tower of London.

“It was even easier to commit atrocities when they were enacted in the name of justice; when you believed you were working for the good of the realm, for the security of the sovereign and your people. It was easy when you didn’t see the consequences and others performed the retribution for you. It was easy to be ruthless when you ceased to think of those convicted as human, and saw them as enemies.”

You will make strong connections with many characters, as you lose yourself in Elizabethan England and the fascinating world of locks and spies! What the lead character Mallory endured, will indeed confront you, but nothing will stop you from turning those pages. The array of secondary players are just as inviting - from her father Gideon, friend Caleb, to the infallible Lord Nathaniel - just to name a few.

“I was my father’s daughter. When I was with Papa, the hours became a solace, the workshop a refuge from the vexation my mere presence aroused in my mother.”

I feel that Brooks has perfectly portrayed the frightening Tudor England, in her settings and descriptions. There are subtle twists and turns, to downright cry out loud moments! With a fabulous female protagonist set against (or with?) the Queen’s own spymaster, Walsingham, you will quickly get caught up in this gripping espionage thriller.

“I want us to find the lock so we may open this chest of Catholic worms.’ He stared at me. ‘Who better to help us find the right lock than a locksmith’s daughter?”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release