Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of immersive historical fiction with strong, complex female leads, "The Vizard Mask" is a treat. Diana Norman delivers gritty, vibrant Restoration London, complete with unforgettable characters - both real and imagined. Lovers of epic sagas, theatre, and a dash of romance (without dominating the plot) will find much to savor. The book shines in its atmospheric setting and sharply observed social dynamics. It's ideal for readers who want to feel like they're living history, from crowded slums and dramatic playhouses to royal courts.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This one's not for you if you prefer shorter reads - at over 700 pages, the plot is sprawling and occasionally slow in spots. Some may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of historical detail and the large cast of characters, both fictional and historical. Purists who want faithful depictions of real-life figures might be disappointed by the liberties taken with Margaret Hughes and others. And if you're going digital, beware: the Kindle edition is reportedly plagued with distracting typos and formatting issues.
About:
The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman follows the journey of Penitence Hurd, a young Puritan woman who arrives in England from Massachusetts in 1664. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Restoration England, capturing the essence of London life during this tumultuous time. Penniless and in search of her aunt, Penitence finds herself in a brothel, working as a seamstress amidst the outbreak of the plague. As she navigates through various challenges, including a stint in debtor's prison, a career in the theater, and becoming entangled in the political turmoil of the Monmouth rebellion, Penitence's adventures offer a glimpse into the decadence and drama of the era. The author's writing style is lauded for its historical accuracy, vivid portrayal of characters, and the intricate weaving of real historical events with fictional elements, creating a compelling narrative that spans over 700 pages.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of the plague, violence associated with historical events like the Monmouth rebellion, and themes surrounding women's struggles.
From The Publisher:
Acclaimed author Diana Norman wrote several historical novels, including the internationally bestselling MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH series, under the name Ariana Franklin.
THE VIZARD MASK was originally published in 1994 and has become available again as ebook only.
Penitence Hurd journeys from Puritan America to London to find her aunt, and steps into a city full of rogues, hell-fire and fleshly pleasures. When she discovers her aunt is running a brothel, Penitence has no option but to point out the wickedness.
As the Plague releases its horror over London's streets, Penitence is forced to acknowledge that courage and a paradoxical decency are to be found among the wicked as much as the saintly. Her former morality shaken, she meets Aphra Behn, playwright and spy for Charles II, who introduces her to the wicked Restoration stage, where nearly all England's first actresses are somebody's mistress, and Penitence is changed forever...
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