The Illumination of Ursula Flight by Anna-Marie Crowhurst

 

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin; Main edition (3 Jan. 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1760632023
• ISBN-13: 978-1760632021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

‘ON THE 15TH DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1664, A GREAT LIGHT BLOOMED IN THE DARK SKY…’

Born on the night of a bad-luck comet, Ursula Flight has a difficult destiny written in the stars. Growing up with her family in the country, she is educated by a forward-thinking father who enables her to discover a love of reading, writing and astrology. Ursula dreams of becoming a famous playwright, but is devastated to learn she must instead fulfil her family’s expectations and marry. Trapped and lost, Ursula plots her escape – but her freedom will come at a price.

As Ursula’s dangerous desires play out, both on and off the stage, she’s flung into a giddy world of actors, aristocrats and artistic endeavours which will change her life irrevocably.

 

Review

To celebrate the paperback release of The Illumination of Ursula Flight, I was asked to review as part of the blog tour, and I jumped at the chance as  I had heard such good things about it.  This book reads like an autobiography as it is narrated by Ursula in the first person and chronicles her life from childhood to adulthood during the reign of Charles II, and all that happens in-between.  This book is a coming of age story, as we are part of Ursula’s journey growing up, and her party to her dreams and fears, ambition and disappointments.  This book was every thing I expected and more, and even though it is only the second week of the year, I think this will be one of my best reads of the year.

Ursula Flight is a wonderful heroine whose life and ambitions transcends time.  Unlike most young ladies she has been educated by her father so can read, write, has studied latin, history, science and geography and thrives on reading books and learning more.  In the seventeenth century this was learning was not seen as an admiral quality in a lady, let alone Ursula’s ambition to be a playwright and becoming an actress.  Ursula is tenacious, confident, and has an air of independence that not even marriage to the dullard and puritanical  Lord Tyringham can dull in her.  There is a wonderful supporting cast, including her childhood friends Mary, Samuel, Grisella, Jasper and Nicholas who are the first people to act out her plays, Lord Tyringham’s sister Sibeliah whose teeth are so rotten she disguises the smell with clove oil and sugared almonds. There are aristocrats, actors, servants and cads that all enhance Ursula’s story.

The Illumination of Ursula Flight is a beautifully written, atmospheric and original read. Anna-Marie Crowhurst use of the language of the period is just one example of her attention to detail that makes this book stand out from other historical novels.  Anna-Marie also uses Ursula’s plays to add humour to some of the difficult situations Ursula finds herself in; meeting her older and dull husband, her wedding and her first attendance at the King’s court.  Ursula’s story is rich in period detail, culturally, socially and domestically that add to the atmosphere and verisimilitude of the book as a fictional autobiographical tale.

The Illumination of Ursula Flight is an absolute joy to read. The authenticity of the prose and historical detail bring are outstanding and take us on Ursula’s journey through seventeenth century England, and the popularity of Restoration  theatre.  I adored Ursula as a character, she was strong, stood up for what she believed in and took every opportunity to improve her life and follow her heart.  I laughed, cried and empathised with her during the highs and lows of her unconventional and at times heartbreaking story.  This is a glorious, engaging and witty read and a must read for fans of historical fiction; a memorable and magnificent novel with a heroine you will love.