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Series: The Women of Pepys' Diary, Book #3
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis
London 1666
Elizabeth ‘Bird’ Carpenter has a wonderful singing voice, and music is her chief passion. When her father persuades her to marry horse-dealer Christopher Knepp, she suspects she is marrying beneath her station, but nothing prepares her for the reality of life with Knepp. Her father has betrayed her
trust, for Knepp cares only for his horses; he is a tyrant and a bully, and will allow Bird no life of her own.
When Knepp goes away, she grasps her chance and, encouraged by her maidservant Livvy, makes a secret visit to the theatre. Entranced by the music, the glitter and glamour of the surroundings, and the free and outspoken manner of the women on the stage, she falls in love with the theatre and is determined to forge a path of her own as an actress.
But life in the theatre was never going to be straightforward – for a jealous rival wants to spoil her plans, and worse, Knepp forbids it, and Bird must use all her wit and intelligence to change his mind.
Based on events depicted in the famous Diary of Samuel Pepys, Entertaining Mr Pepys brings London in the 17th Century to life. It includes the vibrant characters of the day such as the diarist himself and actress Nell Gwynne, and features a dazzling and gripping finale during the Great Fire Of London.
The third in Deborah Swift’s atmospheric trilogy, bringing to life the women in Pepys’ Diary. Each novel features a different character and can be read as a stand-alone book.
My Thoughts
Bird Knepp loves music and has a wonderful singing voice. When she visits the theatre for the first time, she is so enthralled that she vows to become an actress, the antithesis to her disastrous marriage and life of drudgery. Despite her husband controlling her every move and the cruel punishment that awaits her should Knepp discover she has disobeyed him, Bird's courage and determination to follow her dream never wavers. Begrudgingly, Knepp allows Bird to continue with the theatre when she cleverly promotes his business through her position there. Life is harmonious for a while until Knepp becomes suspicious of her relationship with Pepys.
None of the main male characters are likeable in this story. Knepps is a cold, unfeeling man, concerned only with his horses and his intense rivalry with Ted Viner, the owner of the more successful livery business. Viner, who married well, is also a bully and a womaniser. Pepys, too, is a womaniser. Despite coming from different social classes, all treat their wives abominably and are happy to resort to violence should the need arise, believing that they are justified in doing so. Bird's father, Joshua Carpenter, is a weak, selfish man, easily persuaded by his new wife to be rid of his daughter, knowing that his action is expedient.
Entertaining Mr.Pepys explores the prejudices and mores of 17th century life. Racism, religious persecution, xenophobia and the treatment of women are offset by the exciting world of the theatre and the delightful character of Bird, who rises above the ugliness to earn the respect of her husband and her father.
I was thoroughly entertained by this novel, a terrific blend of fact and fiction. My only regret is that I haven't read the other two books in the trilogy, but that is easily remedied.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book.
Entertaining Mr. Pepys is available from Amazon, Kobo and Waterstones.
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