Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Allen and Unwin (2018), Edition: Main
Description
Born on the night of an ill-auguring comet just before Charles II's Restoration, Ursula Flight has a difficult future written in the stars. Against the custom of the age she begins an education with her father, who fosters in her a love of reading, writing and astrology. Following a surprising meeting with an actress, Ursula's dreams turn to the theatre and thus begins her quest to become a playwright despite scoundrels, bounders, bad luck and heartbreak.
User reviews
LibraryThing member VanessaCW
This is such an entertaining and fun romp set during the reign of King Charles II. Ursula Flight is born on the night of a comet. She’s strong willed, grows up to be a budding playwright and, by all accounts, is a 17th century feminist. This is her story as narrated by the girl herself in her own
I loved Ursula and her quirky voice. She’s a fantastic character with a great personality. She’s intelligent, feisty and determined. There is also a whole other cast of fascinating dramatis personae who all add to this engaging story and make it the lively and enjoyable read it is.
I thought it was very original and quite unusual. I particularly liked the theatrical plays as written by Ursula as a parody of her life, along with the lists of various things, letters and diary entries which all combined to make this bawdy tale so delightful. It’s beautifully and thoughtfully written with both sad and amusing moments.
A captivating, easy to read and enchanting drama which I applaud with vigour. I do so hope there will be an encore from this new author.
Many thanks Jellybooks for the opportunity to read this book.
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special and unique way.I loved Ursula and her quirky voice. She’s a fantastic character with a great personality. She’s intelligent, feisty and determined. There is also a whole other cast of fascinating dramatis personae who all add to this engaging story and make it the lively and enjoyable read it is.
I thought it was very original and quite unusual. I particularly liked the theatrical plays as written by Ursula as a parody of her life, along with the lists of various things, letters and diary entries which all combined to make this bawdy tale so delightful. It’s beautifully and thoughtfully written with both sad and amusing moments.
A captivating, easy to read and enchanting drama which I applaud with vigour. I do so hope there will be an encore from this new author.
Many thanks Jellybooks for the opportunity to read this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member busylizzie2
This is a wonderfully vivid work of historical fiction, with a captivating heroine.
Ursula's world is revealed through her thoughts and experiences, sometimes in the form of her writings, including lists, letters and scenes from plays. We get a wealth of detail, drawing on all the senses, that pulls
I was surprised at how much of the book was devoted to Ursula's childhood, yet looking back at the unhurried unfolding of the story I cannot think of anything that feels superfluous.
Ursula is a witty, brave, intelligent and exuberant character who cannot be suppressed for long, despite the efforts of her mother and later her husband and his family and the hard realities she encounters.
Ursula's world is revealed through her thoughts and experiences, sometimes in the form of her writings, including lists, letters and scenes from plays. We get a wealth of detail, drawing on all the senses, that pulls
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us right in, as exemplified by her exploration of the forbidden territory of the parlour at 3 years old.I was surprised at how much of the book was devoted to Ursula's childhood, yet looking back at the unhurried unfolding of the story I cannot think of anything that feels superfluous.
Ursula is a witty, brave, intelligent and exuberant character who cannot be suppressed for long, despite the efforts of her mother and later her husband and his family and the hard realities she encounters.
Show Less
Awards
HWA Crown Awards (Longlist — Debut — 2019)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018
Physical description
9.53 inches
ISBN
9781760632014
Local notes
Born on the night of an ill-auguring comet just before Charles II's Restoration, Ursula Flight has a difficult future written in the stars.