Becoming Belle

by Nuala O'Connor

'Luminous' Sebastian Barry

'Incandescent characters and mellifluous prose' Lisa Carey

The true story of a woman ahead of her time . . .

In 1887, Isabel Bilton is the eldest of three daughters of a middle-class military family, growing up in a small garrison town. By 1891 she is the Countess of Clancarty, dubbed "the peasant countess" by the press, and a member of the Irish aristocracy. Becoming Belle is the story of the four years in between, of Belle's rapid ascent and the people that tried to tear her down.

Reimagined by a novelist at the height of her powers, Belle is an unforgettable woman. Set against an absorbing portrait of Victorian London, hers is a timeless rags-to-riches story a la Becky Sharpe.

'Belle's determination to live her life on her own terms and in defiance of her times makes her a fascinating subject for the author and the reader . . . a touchstone from the past to inspire in the present.' Irish Central

'Nuala O'Connor has the thrilling ability to step back nimbly and enter the deep dance of time. This is a hidden history laid luminously before us of an exultant Anglo-Irish woman navigating the dark shoals and the bright fields of a life.' Sebastian Barry, award-winning author of The Secret Scripture and Days Without End

'Masterful storytelling! I was putty in Nuala O'Connor's hands. She made the unsinkable Belle Bilton and her down-to-earth sister Flo real to me, and brought 1880's London to my living room. Encore! Encore!' Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. Poe

'A glorious novel in which Belle Bilton and 19th century London are brought roaring to life with exquisite period detail.' Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of A Memory of Violets

'Thoroughly engrossing and entertaining read. O'Connor's meticulous attention to period detail and scrutiny of the upper classes and their shallow lives [is] reminiscent of Edith Wharton at her very best. It also makes us question whether women have ever really escaped from the censorious judgement of Victorian times.' Liz Nugent, author of Unraveling Oliver

'Thrillingly dramatic and achingly moving and profoundly resonant into this present era.' Robert Olen Butler, author of A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain

'Becoming Belle is so mesmerizing you will be distraught when it ends. O'Connor has resurrected a fiery, inexorable woman who rewrites the script on a stage supposedly ruled by men. Sensual, witty, daring, and unapologetically forward.' Lisa Carey, author of The Stolen Child

'O'Connor gently unfolds Belle's tale in a manner that is compelling and disarming. The ambience may be Victorian elegance but the sheer honesty of O'Connor's writing is sensual, authentic and earthy. A delight!' Rose Servitova, author of The Longbourn Letters

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, 19th Century, British Literature, Victorian, Irish Literature

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

Nuala O’Connor lives in Co. Galway, Ireland. In 2019 she won the James Joyce Quarterly competition to write the missing story from Dubliners, ‘Ulysses’. Her fourth novel, Becoming Belle, was published to critical acclaim in the US, Ireland and the UK. Her most recent novel Nora is about Nora Barnacle, wife and muse to James Joyce. Nuala is editor at flash e-zine Splonk.

She also writes as Nuala Ní Chonchúir.

Reviews

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars Thank you to Penguin's First to Read and G.P. Putnam and Sons for allowing me to read and review this digital ARC. Publishes August 7, 2018.

Set in London in the late 1800's we meet Isobel "Belle" Bilton and her family. As naive as Belle is, she seems to understand early that she wants to be her own woman and become famous. She manages to do that very thing, through a vaude-villian dancing act with her younger sister. However she misses the mark when it comes to men and her private life. She understands that she she is not mother material, but she dreams of being a wife - a rich well-to-do wife, with a handsome title. Once she finally receives the title that she has sought, she finds that it comes with difficulties.

There were a few times in this story that I felt like I was rereading the same words over again. Like the story circled back and retold a section for a second time, word for word. There were also a few times that I was just bored with the story, thinking that it was not moving fast enough. The page count of this book was about the average length, but I felt that it went on a bit longer than it should have. When the story was good, it was really pretty good, but it was interrupted too often with either the boring or the duplication. I would give this author a second chance and read another book she has written, due to the bits of positive story telling I did see in this novel.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way you said bella, it's made me think to change my name. I will be Isabel Bilton no more. 'Belle' seems a better one for me. Belle Bilton. Belle! What do you think?

Miss Isabel “Belle” Maude Penrice Bilton certainly seems to have led an interesting life – and author Nuala O'Connor did well to resurrect a woman whose name appears forgotten outside her final residence in Galway – but despite good authorial intentions and some truly remarkable biographical information, I don't think that O'Connor was completely successful in breathing life into Becoming Belle. This might have more appeal for another reader, but as romantic historical fiction isn't really my bailiwick, this was just okay for me. (Note: I read an ARC and quotes may not be in their final forms.)

Oh, Isabel is not for literary pursuits. She prefers to live her story.

In a nutshell: Raised in a stifling garrison town by a doting military father and an abusive (erstwhile actress) mother, a young Isabel Bilton headed for London in 1887 in order to pursue a life on the stage. Finding immediate success, she sent for her younger sister, Flo, to join her, and together, they became the famed and feted Bilton Sisters act. Perhaps naive, or perhaps a true rebel, Isabel (soon known professionally as “Belle”) embraced the emergent Bohemian lifestyle in London's Theatre District – eating and drinking 'til the wee hours at extravagant clubs with enamoured suitors – and although she savoured the appearance of her name in the gossip columns, when Belle became embroiled in some personal scandals, those same tabloids turned against her. Eventually finding herself the defendant in a lawsuit, what justice could Belle expect from a jury of men with Victorian sensibilities who had been tainted by her own pursuit of notoriety?



Becoming Belle follows Isabel Bilton for the four years of her stage career (between her arrival in London in 1887 and her departure in 1891), and despite the story being told from her own point-of-view (and the addition of memories from her childhood), I never felt I had any idea who this character was (and by extension, I understood the other characters even less). Belle and Flo sometimes speak in rhyming Cockney slang, and sometimes they use jarringly multisyllabic words (which seemed extra odd coming from a woman like Isabel who notedly refuses to read books), and despite being two unchaperoned young women who have moved far away from their family, there's no mention of correspondence or visits between the daughters and their parents until late in the story. A second visit from their mother encapsulates what I ultimately found to be this book's biggest failing: After Ma Bilton shows up to Belle's trial and they have a brief and stiff conversation, the daughter is left thinking, “She's still a horrible old person, but I guess she did give me some good advice.” This book is stuffed full of self-contradictory passages – I think this, but maybe not; I want to do this, but I guess I won't – and overwritten in flowery prose, I found it all pretty wishy-washy:

The June air in London always hummed with heat and promise. Summer was already underway but, Belle thought, June was the month of highest possibility – anything might happen during the endless days when the song sparrow chimed his alleluia from every eave. The window-box roses of Oxford Street were shedding their puce gowns and they lay like a carpet under Belle's feet as she walked towards Piccadilly. She wanted to stoop, grab the petals and throw them like confetti to celebrate their triumph over smuts and everyday pestilence. But there were too many passersby and what would they make of her petal tossing? Instead, she toed the fallen flowers with light kicks and watched them flutter before her.

I did think that the narrative picked up when it got to the trial – and especially since the author seems to have had the court transcripts to refer to – but again, the writing (and self-contradictions within passages) didn't much work for me:

Judge Hannen sat and waited for absolute silence before he embarked on his summing-up. He put Belle in mind of the brown bear at the zoological gardens. In truth, he had no ursine qualities, but the quizzical way he lifted his head to study people reminded her of Hector, the bun-scoffing bear. The animal watched patiently and swung its head from side to side, when he thought more goodies might come to his waiting mouth. Judge Hannen was watchful in a similar way, but his movements were subtler than Hector's. He was quietly fearsome like the bear, though not as contained, for his pit was the bench and his zoo the courtroom.

If O'Connor's research is to be trusted, Belle Bilton was a woman of great passion, and this led to some weirdly graphic sex scenes and some scenes I just found weirdly unsexy (They kissed and it was the most natural thing, to feel William's tongue hot and swollen in her mouth. Tears slipped from her eyes and mingled with their spit; they laughed and cried.) And I note “if the research is to be trusted” because in the Author's Note at the end, O'Connor admits to taking some rather large liberties with the truth of some of her characters; which made me wonder, “Was Belle's mother really the harridan she's made out to be? Was Belle herself sometimes unfeeling in the ways depicted?” Again, I appreciate O'Connor's motives in bringing Belle back into the spotlight, but if I don't feel as though I really got to know her, and as I can't be certain that I can trust the biographical detail, this comes across as little more than a rather unremarkable work of fiction.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgalley #65

Many thanks go to Nuala O'Connor, GP Putnam, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Why do so many young ladies in novels dream of being dancers and going on stage? If this weren't based on a true story, I'd have said,"not again." But it is, so I didn't. Belle sure did have some hard luck though.
Nothing novel about this novel, wonder if this is the true story that every other story is based on. I just couldn't get overly excited about it. And Belle wasn't likable. At All.
O'Connor worked with what she had. It just wasn't a great story.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story progresses fast. The chapters are short, making it a quick read. However, I didn’t feel any connection with the main character.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I thought it was going to be about Belle becoming Countess Clancarty and how she coped with life on an Irish estate. However, it's set in England and was about her life before she became the Countess. She doesn't arrive in Ireland until the last chapter and this disappointed me.
I just didn't like this book. I know the author took artistic licence with some of the characters and I hope it was with Belle herself and William of Clancarty. Belle was totally over the top naive and very self obsessed. Whatever she went through she brought on herself. William was a complete and utter idiot. From the time that she met him, I just wanted to give him a good smack.
Most of the relationships in it were odd to say the least and there was way too much sex in it for me.
I struggled with it throughout but I very seldom DNF a book so stayed with it.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just not for me. Not the writing, not the story, nothing in this book. I almost dnf it but I hoped it would get better but it did not.

1. I feel like most of what was written did not have any relevance.
2. I could not feel any attachment to the characters, especially not to Isabelle.
3. So many things got repeated, I was so done.
4. A lot of the chapters titles already spoil what is going to happen, which took away any of the interest I might have had.

I really wanted to like this book but I couldn't get myself to...

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review of “Becoming Belle” by Nuala O’Connor. G.P.Putnam’s Sons August 2018

Nuala O’Connor, Author of “Becoming Belle” has written an enthralling and captivating novel about ambition, love, passion and making dreams come true. The Genres of this story are Historical Fiction and Fiction.This also also is a story of a feminist way ahead of her time, and a Bohemian way of acting and living. The timeline of the story is around 1887 in London, and other areas. The story goes to the past only when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.

The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complicated and complex , possibly due to the circumstances and the time. The main character is based on Isabel Bilton, who is 19 years old when she comes to London to be an entertainer. Isabel is the oldest of three sisters, and has the need to escape her mother’s oppression, and find her way. Soon after, her sister Flo comes and joins her and both become part of a dancing and singing act. The two sisters are extremely popular at The Empress Club and The Corinthian Club, where high society visits.

At this time, Isabel changes her name to Belle. Belle has a certain innocence and naivety about her. Belle seems to prefer the friendship of men to women. Unfortunately Belle is betrayed and left with dire consequences. With the help of Flo and a wealthy friend, Belle lands on her feet. Belle is determined to find true love.Belle makes sure she is able to provide for herself, and becomes determined to do well.

In 1891, Belle has become a countess. Along the way, the press attacks her, people betray her, and she finds herself in a trial, fighting for her reputation.
I would recommend this entertaining Historical Novel for those readers that enjoy reading about a Bohemian lifestyle and feminism in this time period. Happy Reading!!

[Melissa Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a devotee of historical fiction, and I expected to enjoy “Becoming Belle”. I was disappointed in several ways. I never connected with the character, in fact, I admired Belle’s sister Flo far more than Belle. The historical background was understated and at times confusing. The language was overblown and would have benefited from a good paring down. I finished the book, but only because I had committed to it, and I did have a bit of curiosity about what would happen.

[Suzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

* I received an e-ARC from First to Read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *

I didn't particularly like this book. The writing was at times over the top and cringe-inducing. The chapters are relatively short making for a fast-paced novel, which was appreciated.

The characters were unlikeable though.I found Belle, the main character, to be a naïve and selfish woman and not the feminist that the description would have you believe she was.

I am also not a fan of the liberties the author took with a certain character to make Belle more sympathetic to the reader.

I love reading historical fiction. Especially about people and events whom I would otherwise not have heard of. But this book was a complete miss for me. I am extremely disappointed.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Belle is the story of Isabel Bilton, she changed her name to Belle for her career, who became a dancer/actress on the London stage. She performs with her sister Flo and they take London by storm. They frequent the clubs and that is where Belle meets William, Viscount Dunlo. They fall in love and marry but William's father, Lord Dunlo, opposes the marriage and sends William abroad to get him away from Belle. Belle has a protector, Isidor, who is supposedly gay. Even though it is known in the circles they travel in, it is not in the open so when Lord Dunlo has Belle watched, this is speculation that she was unfaithful to William while he is gone. This is used against Belle when Lord Dunlo tries to have the marriage dissolved.

Prior to meeting William, Belle ended up pregnant by a man, Alden Weston who she had a one night stand with. Because of her career, she chose to send the baby out to a wetnurse to be raised. The court case is dismissed and William and Belle go to Ireland where they live at Garbally Court, which still stands.

This is a story that is mostly based on research, true facts and speculation by the author. A romantic story of a strong woman who defies what society feels how a woman should behave, she is shunned by normal society, has a mother who never liked or loved Belle. Belle's life was not all roses though, as there is hardship and heartbreak. She perseveres and finally gets what she wants, William.

A historical fiction story that is well worth a read. I really enjoyed it! I highly recommend it!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the late 1800’s, feminism is unheard-of and a woman rising from middle-class to aristocracy is looked down upon. Did that stop Isabel Bilton? Think again.



Isabel leaves her parents’ home for London and doesn’t look back. She changes her name to Belle and is determined to “make it”. While her life takes interesting avenues I never knew existed in 1887, it’s her spirit that propels her to Countess. Along the way, she encounters many people who make it their mission to tear her down and put her in her place. Will Belle be victorious or will the upper echelon throw her back to her middle-class home, ruined and broken?



Becoming Belle is a compelling, historical fiction based on a real person. O’Connor takes the reader from modern-day and plunges them waist-deep into 17th century London. Everything from the language to the distinct differences in classes (food, clothing, appearance, behavior) makes this story alluring. Staying true to the era, this is a historical reader’s dream.



The character of Belle, however, didn’t appeal to me. I found her selfish, demanding and greedy. The fact that she continues to forgive those who have wronged her leaves a sour taste in my mouth. For a feminist, Belle’s quite the glutton for punishment. I found myself skipping pages to get to the more interesting aspects of the plot.



If you love strong women with a drive for social climbing, you’ll love Becoming Belle.



Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Penguin Canada via Netgalley in the hopes I'd review it.



My Rating: 3.5 stars



Reviewed by: Mrs. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...

[The Library Lady · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is described as "witty and inherently feminist" and that's a laughable description, especially in terms of "witty." Was the copy writer reading some other book, and just cut and pasted that in?

The story may be based on a real person, but if she really was as portrayed here, she wasn't a very likeable person! Perhaps O'Connor sees something in her that I don't, but her storytelling doesn't make that apparent. In fact, none of her characters are more than cardboard. The dialogue is stilted, the sex scenes are poorly done (the word "plunged" is used so many times that I wonder if O'Connor isn't a plumber in her free time), and the plot limps along until the "exciting" court sequence and a flat, flat ending. Move on to some other, better book.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

More fiction than fact. Dreadful people. Not one likable person in the lot, except maybe Isidor Werthemier who is portrayed in the book as a homosexual with no factual evidence to suggest that he was. This according to the author.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories like Belle's and the writing of course is superb. I somehow ended up with two copies of this so I gave one to a friend who loved it too. Read this, then go find O'Connor's short fiction online and read everything you can find.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75*

I was provided with a digital ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishing house, Piatkus, an imprint of Little, Brown Book group UK, in exchange for an honest review.

"Becoming Belle" is the story of the real life historical figure Isabel Bilton who in 1887 flees her hometown to go to London to sing and dance and to become successful. By 1891 she becomes a Countess, and this story recollects the facts that lead her to this sought-after position.

I quite enjoyed this book, I am a big historical fiction fan, so everytime I read a book like this I feel like coming home. I very much enjoy books set in London (or England) in the 1800s so I have to say I knew I was going to enjoy this one.
It was really interesting reading about a strong woman with a lot of ambition, pursuing what she dreamt of as a child.
I also really liked the frienship/family and love relationships throughout this novel. They are very well thought and they seem very real. I know this is a story based on true events, but as I understood from the author's note, she had very little material to work with regarding Isabel, so she was very good at crafting a story based on so little.

I did not particularly enjoy how the main problem in this book, of which I won't talk about because spoilers, was resolved. It seemed a little bit of a hasty solution in my opinion and I could not see a single ounce of change in William's behavior (Belle's husband and therefore a very important figure in the book).

I also really appreciated how the author included a LGBTQ+ rep in this book, even though we have no source about it. I think it was fitting and very important to also include representation in historical fiction books (it is very rare).

After all, I really enjoyed this book, if it seems something that you might enjoy I really recommend you checking it out.

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabel Belton is the daughter of a military family, living in a small Hampshire garrison town. Her father adores her, and her mother abuses her. It’s 1887 and women’s roles are set in stone but that doesn’t stop Isabel. At the age of 19, off she goes to London, dreaming of becoming a star and of course she does just that. She’s quickly hired as she’s beautiful and a talented dancer. She insists her sister Flor join her and they become the talk of the stage world as the Belton Sisters. They do their performances but then become the talk of the nighttime “Bohemian” world where drinking, dancing and partying are the norm. The latter seems their real love!
However, things go too far, and Isabel becomes the defendant in a lawsuit and that Victorian world has its way as the males who will judge her impose in public their traditional, double-faced mores. Later, Belle herself will face that same justice or injustice, depending on your point of view, and eventually escapes by marrying. She’s now the Countess of Clan Carty and able to do as she will without condemnation. Some reference is made to her gay men friends but never goes into any substance on the issue, nothing beyond how that relationship serves to cover her less innocent deeds.
What saves this novel from being a stereotypical tale is Belle’s friendship with Wertheimer and Belle’s closeness to her sister Flo. Belle’s trial is a tad interesting as well. Given the time in which this story takes place, it reads like it took place many, many years later when Belle’s rise to fame and fortune were not questioned. I wanted to get to know Belle better but that never happens. One also wonders what happened to her connection to the rest of her family, other than a rather innocuous comment from her mother during her trial. It’s only at the end when Belle is carrying a child that she can call Garbally Court “home,” leaving Flo somewhat at loose ends.
Becoming Belle is a nice story, a good summer read about the willingness to pay the price of attaining the top of one’s dreams!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to have received this book in a giveaway as a book preview!

The late 1800's and early 1900's was a time of great change as the lines between the classes in British common wealth and around the world became blurred. I found the story of Isabel Bilton's rise from the household of a middle-class military family, to an independent working woman, and then to the position of Countess of Clancarty in Irish aristocracy fascinating. Isabel had a bold charisma to her, a confidence and a tenacity as well as a naivete that allowed her to pursue her dreams. This naivete got her into some trouble along the way, but it also allowed her to enjoy some good friendships with many men during her career in London.

I fully enjoyed the writing style and the story. However, I was disappointed at the perceived need to make one of Belle's friends gay when there was no evidence of this being part of his nature. As well, I was dismayed that the author felt she had to add graphic details of Belle's sexual encounters to hold the reader's interest. The story in and of itself was interesting and enjoyable. I didn't need the gratuitous sex scenes to encourage me to keep reading.

I did appreciate that there was information at the end as to which characters were historically sound, and which had been created or creatively altered for the purpose of the story line.
Overall, well written and a good read.

[Heather Brinkerhoff Burdsal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank goodness I got this for free. The grammar is so atrocious I couldn't get past the first two pages. Apparently the author offended commas, because they all left this manuscript. I followed suit.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

How is this book feminist?

Based on a real woman, Becoming Belle is a mediocre romance headlined by a passive, spoiled protagonist. Belle has the potential to be an interesting character, but as written, she’s inconsistent (as worldly or naïve as the story requires of her on any given page) and everything is more or less handled for her. I was reminded of Laura Lamont’s Life In Pictures, which takes place in Hollywood but features another woman who somehow becomes a star with no meaningful effort on her own.

I hate this narrative, because the unsaid message is that showing ambition is bad or unfeminine. The narrative in both stories is that, to be successful, just meet the right people by chance and then let them control your fate. I mean, sure, nepotism is a big factor in a lot of people’s success, but I’m more interested in a story that shows a young woman acting on her ambition and charting her own course - and yes, that likely will include a fortuitous meeting or two. All the better if she has to do this while still conforming to the feminine ideal.

Or, you know, have a character use people as she needs them, offer nothing in return, and sit by idly while others deal with any difficulty that arises in her life.

As for the romance: It’s never a good thing when, as a reader, I’m siding with the “evil” parents who think the romance is a bad idea. The big love affair came across more as a sheltered young man infatuated and in lust, and a woman pining over potentially losing a fortune. Not recommended.

[Westward Woess · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the feminist themes, but this book was both overwritten and underdeveloped. This was a fault of both the editor and the writer. For example, at the beginning, there was a paragraph describing Belle's father convincing her to take the stage and replace her mother, and then dialogue "You must take the stage. You simply must!" That was in one of the first chapters and it never broke this mould. Aside from descriptions and dialogue being overdone, I felt like Belle and her sister were dreadfully underdeveloped. This went for all the other supporting characters as well (except for William, but that took until the trial to get any proper traction). This book was well researched and the themes were mostly thought out but characterization was dismal, especially in a book that is supposed to be about an impressive historical woman.

[Jan Reatherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never even heard of Belle Bilton but chose the book while searching the library shelves for historical fiction. I was fascinated by Belle’s ability to support herself, as a single woman, by performing in theaters of Victorian London in the late 1800s. The book jacket description of her as “an unstoppable woman ahead of her time” certainly seems to be accurate. I was even more intrigued by her steadfast love for the young aristocrat, William, Viscount Dunlo, and the very public trial instigated by William’s father in an effort to dissolve the marriage of Belle and Willam. Many of the theater and promotional photos of her described in the book are available to view online.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nineteen-year-old Isabel Bilton uses her talents and charm to take London by storm in the late 1880s. Her innocence is left in the dust as she goes on to become Countess of Clancarty.

I did not like Belle in this novel. From what I've read, Belle Bilton was a woman who was charm and talent to climb her way up the social ladder. Here, she was extremely selfish, didn't show any concern for anyone, and relied far too much on a man who was far too good to be true. Maybe this was how it really happened, but if so, I would not have liked her.

There were numerous sex scenes, far too detailed for my taste. They could have easily been removed and nothing would have been missing from the story.

Overall, definitely not a favorite read of the year. I suppose I would recommend this to readers who are looking for more spice in their historical fiction.

I received my copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.

[Helen Carolan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear me. A couple of hours of my life I'll never get back. This read like a vert bad soap opera. Belle dreams of a life on the stage. So at the age of 20 she leaves rural Hampshire for London. Soon she becomes the talk of the town and bags a rich aristocrat and marries him. While some other things happen they were too boring to even go into.Dreadful read.

[Monique Mihalitsianos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of Isabel Bilton, an actress and dancer of the London Theatre scene at the end of the 19th century who married the heir of an Irish estate and soon proceeded to "scandalize" society just by virtue of being who she was. I went into this book expecting much more than what I got. I expected a look into the bohemian scene of the late 19th century London, more insight into actual theatre life, and a little bit of a comedy of manners, perhaps.

This book is none of those things. Instead, it's a single-minded account of Belle Bilton's love life. Which is fine, of course. However, the late 19th century is one of my favorite periods of history, and I wanted to sort of deep dive into it with this book, especially into the bohemian lifestyle at that time. But I got none of that. I just wanted so much more from this narrative and found everything to be somewhat lacking.

At first I thought the writing was dry and detached. It's a third-person narrative and I'm used to reading first person and the closeness of it, but after the first few chapters I was quickly absorbed by the story. I would say the ending of the book is strong and the beginning is decent, it was during the middle that I got a little bored and struggled to pick up the book and continue reading.

There's also flowery prose and I'm not sure in this case whether I love it or hate it. It worked for this particular narrative voice but I prefer more direct writing without an overuse of big words or extended descriptions. Why use ten words when you can say the same thing in five words, or even less? The dialogue is sometimes too saccharine as well. I understand that the dialogue tries to reflect how people actually spoke during that time period but it comes off as infantile at times and put me off.

Concerning the protagonist, it was hard for me to root for Belle Bilton because I just found her so awful as a person. She was a terrible mother and somewhat selfish, and also kind of naive in this really annoying way, and this made her highly unlikable to me. I kept expecting she would do right for her son in the end, but she didn't. The protagonist's romantic interest is also disappointing. He is very unlikable as well just because he has no backbone whatsoever.

Also, the "scandal" was not what I imagined it to be, and though there are very interesting scenes towards the end involving a law procedure, which saves the ending for me, it's not enough to redeem the whole book. The whole story in general feels very enclosed, very limiting in a way. As a reader, we only have contact with a few characters and settings. I wanted to feel more whisked away by the time period, but this just didn't happen. In general, a disappointing read although not altogether awful.

[Joanne Balharrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I received this book from NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

‘Becoming Belle’ is based on the life of a real woman, the actress turned Countess Belle Bilton. Following her life from a teenage girl in her family home in Hampshire through her various affairs and life in the public eye, the novel is a fast-paced exploration of the coming of age of a rather impressive woman.

I knew nothing of Belle Bilton before reading this novel, so I had no idea what to expect. The trials and tribulations that she faces from a reasonably young age make this a rather gripping story that you want to keep reading. O’Connor manages to select the most interesting and dramatic aspects of Belle’s life in order to make her a memorable figure and bring her back into our collective memories. Like the musical ‘Hamilton’, but with a lot less rapping.

That being said, some aspects of the novel felt a little bogged down in detail. Accounts of Wertheimer’s life, for example, particularly his servant Jacob, seemed to be added in for the sake of demonstrating research and developing characters who didn’t stand particularly well without Belle as a companion. The details of Belle’s treatment by her mother also displays this, seeming almost as an afterthought or late addition due to where they were placed in the storyline.

The narrative itself, whilst embellished slightly with a touch of poetic licence, flows quickly due to the simplistic writing style and the short chapter length. This is not a criticism, but rather an appreciation of the way this story becomes accessible as a piece of fiction rather than a truly historical account. O’Connor succeeds in creating a work that allows Belle’s story to become more accessible to those outside the select groups of Irish historians who may be aware of her already. This book reminded me of why I love historical fiction, due to its ability to both enchant and educate you at the same time.

I must reiterate, however, that some major changes occurred in relation to the portrayal of characters in comparison to their real-life counterparts. Take the events and characters of this novel with a pinch of salt.

Whilst I enjoyed this novel, I feel it is more suited towards a Young Adult audience rather than the general adult audience it is listed for. The writing style and the general drama that is presented, whilst intermingled with adult themes, makes it seem more a New Adult title. If you’re a fan of embellished histories that are quick to read, this is the book for you.

4 stars.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty and inherently feminist novel about passion and marriage, based on a true story of an unstoppable woman ahead of her time in Victorian London.

In 1887, Isabel Bilton is the eldest of three daughters of a middle-class military family, growing up in a small garrison town. By 1891 she is the Countess of Clancarty, dubbed “the peasant countess” by the press, and a member of the Irish aristocracy. Becoming Belle is the story of the four years in between, of Belle’s rapid ascent and the people that tried to tear her down.

With only her talent, charm, and determination, Isabel moves to London alone at age nineteen, changes her name to Belle, and takes the city by storm, facing unthinkable hardships as she rises to fame. A true bohemian and the star of a dancing double act she performs with her sister, she reigns over The Empire Theatre and The Corinthian Club, where only select society entertains. It is there she falls passionately in love with William, Viscount Dunlo, a young aristocrat. For Belle, her marriage to William is a dream come true, but his ruthless father makes clear he’ll stop at nothing to keep her in her place.

Reimagined by a novelist at the height of her powers, Belle is an unforgettable woman. Set against an absorbing portrait of Victorian London, hers is a timeless rags-to-riches story a la Becky Sharpe.

Out August 2018

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Belle is way ahead of her time and thrives in a Bohemian life setting. This is a historical fiction piece of work and people should not expect a factual declaration about Isabel Bilton’s life. O’Connor bases her fictional piece on the life and struggles of Bilton adding creative fiction to enhance the story. With that said, the author has written a very lovely story about a woman during the Victorian age who moves to London determined to find love, make a life where she can support herself in a way that allows her to remain true to herself, despite society’s dictation of standards of the times. It’s layered and vibrant and truly entertaining!

Belle’s character truly transforms on the pages right before you, moving from a naïve and innocent woman to one of determination and survival. She is outspoken and uses wit and charm to secure her position in society despite the attacks she endures against her reputation.

I just loved immersing myself into this story, losing myself in well-structured settings and smooth plot transitions all the while watching Belle’s character grow and develop and move toward her ultimate goals.

If you love historical fictions, you’ll love this book.

[Emilio · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced readers copy. I shall give an honest review of this novel. Based on a true story, Becoming Belle was exactly the novel I needed during Victober as it not only was set in the Victorian era , but told the experience of a woman who was a head of her time. I enjoy Victorian novels, and those with a female progtagonist whose goals, and beliefs were not to her time ex. relationships, class-structure, gender equality.The novel tells the story of Isabel Bilton, the eldest of three daughters from a middle-class military family. The novel follows her experience living in a provincial town to her rise as a bohemian actor living in London. This rags to riches story invokes the romantic aspect to what many consider Victorian, and creates a meta environment in which we the reader may associate in their world a la authors, plays, etc. As many rags to riches story this tale examines a Victorian woman’s ambition and her experience despite gender, socio-political differences to create the world around her by her choice in the matter.The authors' prose was comfortable, easy to follow and delightfully intriguing. I finished this book in four days using my kindle, and audiobook from my local library as a guide. The novel was interesting and was pleased to learn it was based on a true story. I am intrigued to learn more about Isabel Bilton after learning her experience in Becoming Belle and look forward to sharing this book with friends and family. I recommend this book to those who enjoy Victorian literature, rags to riches stories, and show the merit of what strong women can do despite which era you live in. I gave this novel four out of five stars on good reads.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Becoming Belle is a novel about a woman who tries to make her way in the world through an uncharted path. Belle is living on her own in London in the late 19th century and that was just not done at the time. She finds herself in many scrapes and this story tells of her romance and misfortune. For the first half of this book, I feel like there was not a steady plot. I was only reading this for the vibes and I wanted to see what Belle would become. I think that the title is an accurate description of this book because Belle formerly known as Isabel goes through a lot of changes in this book. I don't understand why Belle's mother was the way she was. She showed up in London at her trial and tried to chaste her for what had occurred. But, I don't really think that is fair because her parents did not do anything to prepare her for life in the big city. They didn't send a chaperone or warn her to watch out for bad men. So, I really can't blame her from falling into all of these traps. I don't really think that the 'scenes' really added anything to this book. In fact, I feel like they kind of detracted from the story because it made it feel more modern and less historical. I liked reading the letters that Belle and William sent to each other during the time that he was abroad. I think that develops their relationship even more to the reader and makes them understand the full scope of what they are feeling. Overall, this book was a fast read for me but I didn't really understand what I was reading for most of the book. This book was really unexpected for sure.

[Maggie BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free eARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Based on real people, Becoming Belle is a fascinating tale of an independent woman finding her way in London at a time when being an independent woman was not always considered a particularly respectable way to be.

I very much enjoyed this book - historical fiction based on real people being a particular favourite of mine, it is hard for such books to disappoint me. I would say it was a solid 3.5 star read which I am happy to round up to 4. While I found it interesting, it never really grabbed me - which would be a 3 star read EXCEPT I really quite liked all the characters.

Something I definitely appreciated a lot was that the language is era appropriate - not just the dialogue, but consistently throughout. Some archaic words were well employed and the very flow of the prose felt like it could have been written in the early 1900s, as if Belle was writing her own life story.

The book is largely written from only Belle's perspective except for a few passages - which could have been jarring but really helped give depth to another character and only added to the story.

I very much liked the maim characters, but never felt concerned about how they would end up - this is a hard feat to achieve when dealing with a true story where the ending is therefore known ahead of time. I don't fault Nuala O'Connor for not creating more tension, but it kept my from giving a higher rating.

Overall a very solid book. Would definitely recommend to historical fiction fans, especially if you enjoy stories of real people, the setting of London in the late 1800s, or stories about women who carve their own path.

[Shayney · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the book.*

I'm not going to lie, I saw this beautiful cover and immediately feel in love and requested this book from NetGalley instantly, only briefly glancing at what the book was about. After learning that my request had been accepted, I got so excited and immediately dove into this book, checking out the synopsis fully beforehand but without actually realising that it was based on a true story.

I didn't really enjoy this book at all and I kept continually putting it down, not only because I kept getting bored and wasn't enjoying the writing of it, but also because I wasn't liking the main character Belle at all, finding her selfish. There was nothing that made me want to pick this book back up once I had put it down, except for the fact that it was a NetGalley read and I needed to finish it in order to review it. It advertised as being witty and inherently feminist and it wasn't either of those things. I don't know how much of this book is actually based on true events and I'm not interested in learning, which is shocking to me as I usually go exploring the real events afterwards, which for me, goes to show my complete lack of interest in this book. 

I have really been enjoying historical reads lately, but this one was certainly a miss for me. Whether it was the story, the writing, the characters or a combination, I found this book lacking.