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Measham Hall #1
The Master of Measham Hall
1665. It is five years since King Charles II returned from exile, the scars of the English Civil Wars are yet to heal and now the Great Plague engulfs the land. Alethea Hawthorne is safe inside the walls of the Calverton household as a companion to their daughter. She waits in anticipation of her brother William’s pardon for killing a man in a duel before they can both return to their ancestral home in Measham Hall.
But when Alethea suddenly finds herself cast out on the streets of London, a long road to Derbyshire lies ahead of her. Militias have closed their boroughs off to outsiders for fear of contamination. Fortune smiles on her when Jack appears, an unlikely travelling companion who helps this determined country girl to navigate a perilous new world of religious dissenters, charlatans and a pestilence that afflicts peasants and lords alike.
Anna Abney's immersive debut is a fast-paced, multi-layered novel that intimately explores the social and religious divides at the heart of the Restoration period.
But when Alethea suddenly finds herself cast out on the streets of London, a long road to Derbyshire lies ahead of her. Militias have closed their boroughs off to outsiders for fear of contamination. Fortune smiles on her when Jack appears, an unlikely travelling companion who helps this determined country girl to navigate a perilous new world of religious dissenters, charlatans and a pestilence that afflicts peasants and lords alike.
Anna Abney's immersive debut is a fast-paced, multi-layered novel that intimately explores the social and religious divides at the heart of the Restoration period.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 21, 2021
Set during the Restoration period and during plague ravaging England.
London, 1665. Alethea is a companion to a young lady. Lord Claverton promised Alethea’s father to treat Alethea as his own daughter. But Lady Claverton uses a cruel trick on Alethea leaving her behind while they flee London because of the plague.
Alethea is forced to make her way on foot to Derbyshire where her family estate is located. While in need of rescue from a pestering man, she meets a young man who becomes her travelling companion. As they near their destination, they experience road blocks pushing them away from their purpose. This further leads them to encounter a kind family, who they join and continue travel with.
While living in a forest, she observes other people’s way of living. She starts questioning what she was told while growing up.
The book explores social and religious divides and that’s what attracted me to this story. However, I wished for a stronger lead character. Alethea meets a man and she sees having his children, which is perfectly fine. She is a woman and she wants to have a family, it’s her natural instinct, but I didn’t find her character compelling. The story of her past comes through telling, which I wished was done through showing.
The beginning of the story is slow. It picks up when Alethea is left on her own. The trick that Lady Claverton used on her was very clever and engaging. And I was glad when Alethea decided to leave the forest and continue her journey home, even becoming adventurous. Overall, I’d say for the most part the story is slow.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
London, 1665. Alethea is a companion to a young lady. Lord Claverton promised Alethea’s father to treat Alethea as his own daughter. But Lady Claverton uses a cruel trick on Alethea leaving her behind while they flee London because of the plague.
Alethea is forced to make her way on foot to Derbyshire where her family estate is located. While in need of rescue from a pestering man, she meets a young man who becomes her travelling companion. As they near their destination, they experience road blocks pushing them away from their purpose. This further leads them to encounter a kind family, who they join and continue travel with.
While living in a forest, she observes other people’s way of living. She starts questioning what she was told while growing up.
The book explores social and religious divides and that’s what attracted me to this story. However, I wished for a stronger lead character. Alethea meets a man and she sees having his children, which is perfectly fine. She is a woman and she wants to have a family, it’s her natural instinct, but I didn’t find her character compelling. The story of her past comes through telling, which I wished was done through showing.
The beginning of the story is slow. It picks up when Alethea is left on her own. The trick that Lady Claverton used on her was very clever and engaging. And I was glad when Alethea decided to leave the forest and continue her journey home, even becoming adventurous. Overall, I’d say for the most part the story is slow.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2021
Omg this was brilliant. I bet you never thought I would say such a thing about this book. I drifted so far from my thrillers that I found myself in an historical fiction during the Restoration period. And I loved it. This was the main character Alethea journey back to her father’s house, the Measham Hall.
A debut by author Anna Abney, it was a fictional story but about her own ancestors. Alethea was quite unlike anyone I knew in my thrillers. She had her own mind and wishes and quite a quick wit in difficult situations.
I loved how the author portrayed her realistically, making mistakes, yet finding a way out. I never believed that I could find my heart bleeding when she was sad, so involved I was in her story that I read the book from midnight to 4am. Alethea was so worth losing my sleep over.
The beginning was slow but once I found the rhythm of the story I walked alongside Alethea as after being set adrift, she walked back to her father’s house, the Measham Hall. I loved the play of words in tbe title.
The entire book was so well written that it was obvious massive amount of research had gone into this. I was quite immersed in the main character’s life as she traversed the difficult pathway of her life. I loved how the author could pull me into the story. I was actually shocked to discover, rather rediscover my love for historical fiction.
I would say a must read for fans of this genre. You wouldn’t help falling in love with Alethea and author Anna Abney.
A debut by author Anna Abney, it was a fictional story but about her own ancestors. Alethea was quite unlike anyone I knew in my thrillers. She had her own mind and wishes and quite a quick wit in difficult situations.
I loved how the author portrayed her realistically, making mistakes, yet finding a way out. I never believed that I could find my heart bleeding when she was sad, so involved I was in her story that I read the book from midnight to 4am. Alethea was so worth losing my sleep over.
The beginning was slow but once I found the rhythm of the story I walked alongside Alethea as after being set adrift, she walked back to her father’s house, the Measham Hall. I loved the play of words in tbe title.
The entire book was so well written that it was obvious massive amount of research had gone into this. I was quite immersed in the main character’s life as she traversed the difficult pathway of her life. I loved how the author could pull me into the story. I was actually shocked to discover, rather rediscover my love for historical fiction.
I would say a must read for fans of this genre. You wouldn’t help falling in love with Alethea and author Anna Abney.
July 23, 2021
You can find my full review for this as well as other books on my blog here
It is England but not as we know it. It is 1665 and the plague is running rampant across the country.
As we all know (like we could forget) we are currently living in a pandemic world so we all know the feeling of being suspicious and wary of people we don't know.
Obviously times are very different now but I couldn't help but relate to the characters in this book and what they were going through as neighbours and entire communities become suspicious of newcomers and outsiders, especially those coming from London where the dead and dying fill the streets.
In this novel we follow young Alethea from Derbyshire, a companion to a young Lady Calverton.
Alethea awaits news of her brother's return to England after he was exiled and then pardoned for taking part in a duel.
Lady Calverton is a jealous woman and tricks Alethea into leaving their home to reunite with her brother who has finally re-entered the country.
Alethea soon discovers this not to be the case and returns to the Calverton's home only to find them all gone, fleeing the plague.
Alone and penniless Alethea is forced to try to make her way home to Derbyshire on foot. Alethea is quickly set upon by a plagued man and rescued by a young man who ends up becoming a loyal friend and travelling companion.
Together they try to make their way home but they come across many road blocks which lead them to turn backwards and into the company of a kind, highly religious family. They end up travelling as a group and the community feel is really lovely.
The time spent with the group changes Alethea's way of thinking and has her question everything she was told growing up, particularly her religious beliefs. I really enjoyed the way this book explored religion and the way it divided people in these times, particularly the way people looked down upon those of the Catholic faith.
During her time here she also embarks upon a romance with a particular member of the camp and this in itself was very interesting but I won't go into the details why for fear of spoiling a big part of the story.
The story sets quite a slow pace in the beginning and middle parts while Alethea travels and discovers herself. It really picks up in the latter parts when she finally makes her way to her home of Measham Hall and everything she expected to find there was gone.
She had to become someone else entirely to restore her home to what it once was by taking on a different identity which I did not expect at all.
Alethea is a very compelling character who is intelligent, brave and who completely hoodwinks everyone for lack of a better term.
I enjoyed her character and the way she grew as a person and how firmly she stuck to her guns, determined to be who she wanted to be and do what she wanted to do.
Overall I felt this was a fascinating novel, beautifully written and obviously thoroughly researched. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
It is England but not as we know it. It is 1665 and the plague is running rampant across the country.
As we all know (like we could forget) we are currently living in a pandemic world so we all know the feeling of being suspicious and wary of people we don't know.
Obviously times are very different now but I couldn't help but relate to the characters in this book and what they were going through as neighbours and entire communities become suspicious of newcomers and outsiders, especially those coming from London where the dead and dying fill the streets.
In this novel we follow young Alethea from Derbyshire, a companion to a young Lady Calverton.
Alethea awaits news of her brother's return to England after he was exiled and then pardoned for taking part in a duel.
Lady Calverton is a jealous woman and tricks Alethea into leaving their home to reunite with her brother who has finally re-entered the country.
Alethea soon discovers this not to be the case and returns to the Calverton's home only to find them all gone, fleeing the plague.
Alone and penniless Alethea is forced to try to make her way home to Derbyshire on foot. Alethea is quickly set upon by a plagued man and rescued by a young man who ends up becoming a loyal friend and travelling companion.
Together they try to make their way home but they come across many road blocks which lead them to turn backwards and into the company of a kind, highly religious family. They end up travelling as a group and the community feel is really lovely.
The time spent with the group changes Alethea's way of thinking and has her question everything she was told growing up, particularly her religious beliefs. I really enjoyed the way this book explored religion and the way it divided people in these times, particularly the way people looked down upon those of the Catholic faith.
During her time here she also embarks upon a romance with a particular member of the camp and this in itself was very interesting but I won't go into the details why for fear of spoiling a big part of the story.
The story sets quite a slow pace in the beginning and middle parts while Alethea travels and discovers herself. It really picks up in the latter parts when she finally makes her way to her home of Measham Hall and everything she expected to find there was gone.
She had to become someone else entirely to restore her home to what it once was by taking on a different identity which I did not expect at all.
Alethea is a very compelling character who is intelligent, brave and who completely hoodwinks everyone for lack of a better term.
I enjoyed her character and the way she grew as a person and how firmly she stuck to her guns, determined to be who she wanted to be and do what she wanted to do.
Overall I felt this was a fascinating novel, beautifully written and obviously thoroughly researched. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
August 13, 2021
1665. Five years have passed since Charles II returned from exile and the great and devastating scars of the English Civil Wars are yet to heal and now the great plague has started to ravage not only the capital, but far and wide through England, engulfing everyone in death who it effects.
Alethea Hawthorne waits in much anticipation of her much-revered brother William’s pardon for killing a man in a misguided duel before they can both return to their grand ancestral home of Measham Hall. However, when one day Alethea is sent on an errand to reunited with her brother only to discover it is all a ruse to leave her out on the streets of London, a very long road to Derbyshire lies ahead..
Militias have closed off their counties from outsiders for fear of contamination, people are sent mad by the fear of the great death and all seems lost until she meets Jack, unlikely travelling companion who helps Alethea navigate this strange new world as she draws ever closer to Measham Hall. But how will she claim it as her home when there is still no sign of William?
Will Alethea ever see her brother again, or will the plague take everything that she ever held dear from her?
Gripping, full of heart and characters who leap off the page, this is a must for historical fiction fans.
Alethea Hawthorne waits in much anticipation of her much-revered brother William’s pardon for killing a man in a misguided duel before they can both return to their grand ancestral home of Measham Hall. However, when one day Alethea is sent on an errand to reunited with her brother only to discover it is all a ruse to leave her out on the streets of London, a very long road to Derbyshire lies ahead..
Militias have closed off their counties from outsiders for fear of contamination, people are sent mad by the fear of the great death and all seems lost until she meets Jack, unlikely travelling companion who helps Alethea navigate this strange new world as she draws ever closer to Measham Hall. But how will she claim it as her home when there is still no sign of William?
Will Alethea ever see her brother again, or will the plague take everything that she ever held dear from her?
Gripping, full of heart and characters who leap off the page, this is a must for historical fiction fans.
June 17, 2021
1665 England and the plague engulfs the entire land. Communities are suspicious of any newcomers especially those coming from London. Alethea though she would like to be at her own home, due to her stepmother and her father's inability to stand up for her is at her aunt's house quite safe from the illness.
Alethea is awaiting her brother's return after exile and when a message arrives that he is awaiting her, she goes to meet him, not knowing that her aunt in a way to get rid of her has arranged for her to disappear on the journey. Alethea then finds herself penniless, abandoned and needs to find her way back to her family.
The adventures of Alethea first with a man she meets at a pub (fortunately not someone who seduced her and then abandoned her) and then meeting up with a group of religious people who were led by Samuel and who went from place to place preaching placed her in care till she fell in love with Samuel and discovered she was expecting a baby.
Knowing that she would have to now fend for herself and her child, she and a companion return to her family home, and she now dons the guise of her brother William and does it so well that she hoodwinks practically everyone whom she comes in contact with.
The story continues how Alethea (now William) continue with the camoflauge despite William returning to the family home and the ramifications of maintaining this facade throughout. An interesting story dealing with religious divides, a family divided on religious grounds and the constant greed for property which threw families apart.
Alethea is awaiting her brother's return after exile and when a message arrives that he is awaiting her, she goes to meet him, not knowing that her aunt in a way to get rid of her has arranged for her to disappear on the journey. Alethea then finds herself penniless, abandoned and needs to find her way back to her family.
The adventures of Alethea first with a man she meets at a pub (fortunately not someone who seduced her and then abandoned her) and then meeting up with a group of religious people who were led by Samuel and who went from place to place preaching placed her in care till she fell in love with Samuel and discovered she was expecting a baby.
Knowing that she would have to now fend for herself and her child, she and a companion return to her family home, and she now dons the guise of her brother William and does it so well that she hoodwinks practically everyone whom she comes in contact with.
The story continues how Alethea (now William) continue with the camoflauge despite William returning to the family home and the ramifications of maintaining this facade throughout. An interesting story dealing with religious divides, a family divided on religious grounds and the constant greed for property which threw families apart.
June 14, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for the advanced reader copy of this book.
I felt this book had such great promise but fell short in some areas.
The main character of Alethea was well fleshed out and she stood as her own character, but I felt a lot of the other characters could have been a bit more well-rounded with their history delved into a bit more. It would have allowed me to feel slightly more compassion for the secondary characters.
I did think that the clever part of the book was as to the identity of “the master” of Measham hall. At the start, I assume we’re led to believe it is the Mr Calverton; we then realise that Alethea comes from Measham hall, so maybe the master is her father, or brother. But we soon start to learn that perhaps she is in fact the master of her childhood estate.
Abby does have a very good hand for description so you can place yourself in Alethea’s shoes, and you can feel the horror of the plague around them, not unlike the pandemic we’re experiencing now, although hopefully not to the same devastating extent.
I found the first half of the novel rather slow, with not much going on, but then come the second half, so much was going on that it felt a little rushed. I also felt it ended quite abruptly, which I’m hoping is because of a potential sequel as I think there’s a lot of stories that could be explored further.
Overall I don’t think it holds up to a lot of other historical fictions I have read, but as a debut novel, I think it has promise. One nice touch I liked was that instead of simply picking any old fictional house to write about, Abby wrote about her own ancestor (albeit in a fictionalised way - or so we assume). Having said all of that, I can really see it being picked up as a new BBC period costume drama.
I felt this book had such great promise but fell short in some areas.
The main character of Alethea was well fleshed out and she stood as her own character, but I felt a lot of the other characters could have been a bit more well-rounded with their history delved into a bit more. It would have allowed me to feel slightly more compassion for the secondary characters.
I did think that the clever part of the book was as to the identity of “the master” of Measham hall. At the start, I assume we’re led to believe it is the Mr Calverton; we then realise that Alethea comes from Measham hall, so maybe the master is her father, or brother. But we soon start to learn that perhaps she is in fact the master of her childhood estate.
Abby does have a very good hand for description so you can place yourself in Alethea’s shoes, and you can feel the horror of the plague around them, not unlike the pandemic we’re experiencing now, although hopefully not to the same devastating extent.
I found the first half of the novel rather slow, with not much going on, but then come the second half, so much was going on that it felt a little rushed. I also felt it ended quite abruptly, which I’m hoping is because of a potential sequel as I think there’s a lot of stories that could be explored further.
Overall I don’t think it holds up to a lot of other historical fictions I have read, but as a debut novel, I think it has promise. One nice touch I liked was that instead of simply picking any old fictional house to write about, Abby wrote about her own ancestor (albeit in a fictionalised way - or so we assume). Having said all of that, I can really see it being picked up as a new BBC period costume drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
This a very interesting historical fiction novel. Anna does a good job keeping the readers to stay off track with the plot. The plague of 1665 in London is something I hear about in the history books. This book excited me to learn more about the history of London and all things British. I wanted to live and fight for the characters but I couldn't. It reminded me of a Thomas Hardy novel modernization. I am an Hardy admirer but the main character Althea didn't make me want to be friends with her or Ellen. Where's Jack Fleet when you need him? He was my favorite part of the story.
July 2, 2023
‘You should prepare yourself. We none of us can know when danger might reach out his hand for us.’
When I signed up for The Messenger of Measham Hall blog tour I rather foolishly missed the fact that it was the second in the series. I almost always have to read a series in order so I read these two back to back and I highly recommend this experience!
The Master of Measham Hall follows the story of Alethea. It is 1665, King Charles has returned from exile and the Great Plague has taken hold. Alethea is staying in London in the role of companion when she is sent on an errand and on her return finds the whole household gone. London is awash with danger, particularly for a young woman, and Aletha’s attempt to find her way back to her home in Derbyshire is perilous.
As I have written previously, I think historical fiction is a very variable genre. A bit like drinking squash - sometimes too strong, sometimes too diluted! This was absolutely perfect. A wonderful balance of story and history; gloriously rich in historical detail with a story that keeps you turning the pages. I love historical fiction which makes you scurry off to fill out some of the historical detail, which makes you fall in love with history again. I always enjoy a bit of Plague fiction but what particularly fascinated me in this was the depiction of England post Civil War. Trying to work out friend or foe was particularly fraught - most importantly you’ve got to work out whether they are infected by plague, then what side did they take in the civil war and even more complicated …what religious faction do they follow?
The writing is beautiful and very evocative. I felt that this was very visual. From scenes in London with bodies floating in the water to the greenery of Epping Forest where Alethea finds safety with a religious group, I could really picture this..
There are lots of brilliant characters in this story. Alethea is wonderful female lead, bold and courageous but also rather naive. Samuel the group’s religious leader, is charismatic, magnetic, persuasive …and rather attractive!o
When I signed up for The Messenger of Measham Hall blog tour I rather foolishly missed the fact that it was the second in the series. I almost always have to read a series in order so I read these two back to back and I highly recommend this experience!
The Master of Measham Hall follows the story of Alethea. It is 1665, King Charles has returned from exile and the Great Plague has taken hold. Alethea is staying in London in the role of companion when she is sent on an errand and on her return finds the whole household gone. London is awash with danger, particularly for a young woman, and Aletha’s attempt to find her way back to her home in Derbyshire is perilous.
As I have written previously, I think historical fiction is a very variable genre. A bit like drinking squash - sometimes too strong, sometimes too diluted! This was absolutely perfect. A wonderful balance of story and history; gloriously rich in historical detail with a story that keeps you turning the pages. I love historical fiction which makes you scurry off to fill out some of the historical detail, which makes you fall in love with history again. I always enjoy a bit of Plague fiction but what particularly fascinated me in this was the depiction of England post Civil War. Trying to work out friend or foe was particularly fraught - most importantly you’ve got to work out whether they are infected by plague, then what side did they take in the civil war and even more complicated …what religious faction do they follow?
The writing is beautiful and very evocative. I felt that this was very visual. From scenes in London with bodies floating in the water to the greenery of Epping Forest where Alethea finds safety with a religious group, I could really picture this..
There are lots of brilliant characters in this story. Alethea is wonderful female lead, bold and courageous but also rather naive. Samuel the group’s religious leader, is charismatic, magnetic, persuasive …and rather attractive!o
August 11, 2021
This was a somewhat difficult book to rate. I think for serious readers of Historical Fiction, this will be a 4 Star.
This was a very richly detailed coming-of-age story set in 17th century England during the plague and Restoration after civil war. Alethea is a naïve girl who is tossed from trusted friends and left to survive (or die) on her own in a very perilous time. She fall in, pretty conveniently, with different people who all want to help her and through these connections she makes her way back to her home, Measham Hall.
The story really fleshes out the tensions between the Catholics and Protestants with the added fears of pestilence. Lots of familiar themes, sadly. The story being a fictionalized account of the authors ancestors is a fun thought to me, and many details and likely scenarios seemed well done. There did seem to be a rather unlikely lack of trauma for a solitary girl at this age in this time, but she did not go completely unscathed. I really liked the end and felt it a fascinating and satisfying final chapter, though not the fairy tale ending often thought of in this period.
I was reminded of Anya Seton's "Katherine" which I really loved.
For readers not as inclined to Historical Fiction, there may seem to be too much detail and overdevelopment of certain sections, likely the Epping Forrest setting. It may read slow and lack a suspenseful plot, but for the character driven story fan and those who don't mind the careful pacing of that development, it should be an enjoyable read.
I would recommend this books to fans of Historical Fiction and character driven stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book, and my opinions are given honestly in return.
This was a very richly detailed coming-of-age story set in 17th century England during the plague and Restoration after civil war. Alethea is a naïve girl who is tossed from trusted friends and left to survive (or die) on her own in a very perilous time. She fall in, pretty conveniently, with different people who all want to help her and through these connections she makes her way back to her home, Measham Hall.
The story really fleshes out the tensions between the Catholics and Protestants with the added fears of pestilence. Lots of familiar themes, sadly. The story being a fictionalized account of the authors ancestors is a fun thought to me, and many details and likely scenarios seemed well done. There did seem to be a rather unlikely lack of trauma for a solitary girl at this age in this time, but she did not go completely unscathed. I really liked the end and felt it a fascinating and satisfying final chapter, though not the fairy tale ending often thought of in this period.
I was reminded of Anya Seton's "Katherine" which I really loved.
For readers not as inclined to Historical Fiction, there may seem to be too much detail and overdevelopment of certain sections, likely the Epping Forrest setting. It may read slow and lack a suspenseful plot, but for the character driven story fan and those who don't mind the careful pacing of that development, it should be an enjoyable read.
I would recommend this books to fans of Historical Fiction and character driven stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book, and my opinions are given honestly in return.
May 16, 2021
I received The Master of Measham Hall as part of a NetGalley giveaway.
Shortly after the English Restoration, Alethea Hawthorne is serving as a companion to a young woman of standing as plague ravages London. When a stroke of cruelty leaves her homeless and friendless, she embarks on a journey into the English countryside, camping and living with religious separatists while beginning to question her royalist Catholic upbringing. Circumstances soon force her out of this situation as well and she begins to make her way towards her ancestral home to seek aid from her father and unfriendly stepmother. Still more heartache awaits, however, and Alethea finds herself forced to undertake a ruse that will lead her to challenge her question her worth and place in society.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, even as I was reading it, but on the whole I found it very worthwhile. It effectively paints a portrait of the deeply contentious nature of religious divisions and the more unsavory aspects of both sides of the debate. In some ways the ending feels a bit unsatisfying (the book seems to be begging for a sequel) but I also appreciated it because our lives don't always come in easily digestible chapters; there's always uncertainty, bittersweetness, and shades of gray. I felt her disguise and everyone's wholehearted acceptance of it was a bit suspect, as I'm not sure a woman of that time period could successfully pull such a thing off without some word slipping out. But generally, I found it an engrossing, unique read that kept my attention through many twists and turns, and an effective look at the religious and political turmoil of the era.
Shortly after the English Restoration, Alethea Hawthorne is serving as a companion to a young woman of standing as plague ravages London. When a stroke of cruelty leaves her homeless and friendless, she embarks on a journey into the English countryside, camping and living with religious separatists while beginning to question her royalist Catholic upbringing. Circumstances soon force her out of this situation as well and she begins to make her way towards her ancestral home to seek aid from her father and unfriendly stepmother. Still more heartache awaits, however, and Alethea finds herself forced to undertake a ruse that will lead her to challenge her question her worth and place in society.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, even as I was reading it, but on the whole I found it very worthwhile. It effectively paints a portrait of the deeply contentious nature of religious divisions and the more unsavory aspects of both sides of the debate. In some ways the ending feels a bit unsatisfying (the book seems to be begging for a sequel) but I also appreciated it because our lives don't always come in easily digestible chapters; there's always uncertainty, bittersweetness, and shades of gray. I felt her disguise and everyone's wholehearted acceptance of it was a bit suspect, as I'm not sure a woman of that time period could successfully pull such a thing off without some word slipping out. But generally, I found it an engrossing, unique read that kept my attention through many twists and turns, and an effective look at the religious and political turmoil of the era.
July 21, 2021
This fascinating piece of historical fiction is set during the Restoration period, a time I knew little about before reading ( if you don’t include Horrible Histories’ Charles II rap).
Abney is clearly very knowledgable about this period and characters, places and ideas are vividly brought to life through her elegant prose.
England in 1665 was a place of political and religious upheaval, not to mention plague.
This era is explored through the life of our young protagonist, Alethea Hawthorne. The daughter of Royalist and Catholic parents. The story opens with her staying with upper class friends in a London hit hard by the ‘distemper’.
The insight into how people tried to stop contagion and how they lived and died with this deadly disease clearly echos Covid and gives the novel a very timely significance.
When Alethea finds herself alone and separated from her family by similar lockdown restrictions to those we’ve come to know only too well, she must make new friends and live a life very different to the privileged one she’d previously enjoyed, in order to survive.
We follow her journey as she tries to return to her family home at Measham Hall. Along the way her political and religious beliefs are thrown into question, as are her ideas about womanhood. Will she be the same person when she makes it home?
Overall this is an intriguing read, exploring ideas about beliefs, intolerance and gender conventions. Although it is historical, it certainly resonates with modern times and it is a hugely relevant read for the present day.
Thank you to Random Things Book Tours and Duckworth Books for a gifted copy in return for an honest review.
Abney is clearly very knowledgable about this period and characters, places and ideas are vividly brought to life through her elegant prose.
England in 1665 was a place of political and religious upheaval, not to mention plague.
This era is explored through the life of our young protagonist, Alethea Hawthorne. The daughter of Royalist and Catholic parents. The story opens with her staying with upper class friends in a London hit hard by the ‘distemper’.
The insight into how people tried to stop contagion and how they lived and died with this deadly disease clearly echos Covid and gives the novel a very timely significance.
When Alethea finds herself alone and separated from her family by similar lockdown restrictions to those we’ve come to know only too well, she must make new friends and live a life very different to the privileged one she’d previously enjoyed, in order to survive.
We follow her journey as she tries to return to her family home at Measham Hall. Along the way her political and religious beliefs are thrown into question, as are her ideas about womanhood. Will she be the same person when she makes it home?
Overall this is an intriguing read, exploring ideas about beliefs, intolerance and gender conventions. Although it is historical, it certainly resonates with modern times and it is a hugely relevant read for the present day.
Thank you to Random Things Book Tours and Duckworth Books for a gifted copy in return for an honest review.
July 19, 2021
The Master of Measham Hall is a fantastic historical fiction novel set in the Restoration period in England. The Great Plague is rife and it sets a dark tone to the story.
The main protagonist Alethea starts off the story as a very naive young lady who has not experienced what life is really like outside of her privileged background. That is until circumstances throw her out into the real world. She meets many different, colourful characters on her travels who make her question about what she was taught growing up.
The writing is spectacular. The author has obviously taken out a lot of research to be able to put this intriguing novel together. It is immersive, atmospheric and emotional. I read it in two sittings as I was completely drawn in as it was highly entertaining and thought provoking.
I loved how it has been described as a rich feminist novel which it truly is. The character development of Alethea is written superbly and it shows you the struggle women had during that time and how Alethea had to fight for what was rightfully hers.
This is a rich, engrossing tale that explores the religious and social divides and is all about survival. I highly recommend this to other lovers of historical fiction.
The main protagonist Alethea starts off the story as a very naive young lady who has not experienced what life is really like outside of her privileged background. That is until circumstances throw her out into the real world. She meets many different, colourful characters on her travels who make her question about what she was taught growing up.
The writing is spectacular. The author has obviously taken out a lot of research to be able to put this intriguing novel together. It is immersive, atmospheric and emotional. I read it in two sittings as I was completely drawn in as it was highly entertaining and thought provoking.
I loved how it has been described as a rich feminist novel which it truly is. The character development of Alethea is written superbly and it shows you the struggle women had during that time and how Alethea had to fight for what was rightfully hers.
This is a rich, engrossing tale that explores the religious and social divides and is all about survival. I highly recommend this to other lovers of historical fiction.
June 16, 2021
This was definitely a book that draws you in and keeps you peddling through the pages. I can’t put my finger on what was so drawing about this book but it certainly kept me gently entranced!
It’s one of those reads where you kind of have no idea where the story is headed or what’s about to happen, so it keeps you guessing with how the plot will play out and how things will turn as you go along. The things I thought were going to happen didn’t, and there were plenty of things I didn’t foresee happening that did! It was exciting to see which twist the story was going to take next.
I loved the setting and feel that the author described, and it was a greatly executed historical read in a time of the restoration and post civil war re cavaliers V Roundheads. Where religion was a central dogma and there were many lives walking the edge of a fine line.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a pleasant surprise at how much it enraptured me and kept me guessing!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy with thanks to the author and publishers via NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
It’s one of those reads where you kind of have no idea where the story is headed or what’s about to happen, so it keeps you guessing with how the plot will play out and how things will turn as you go along. The things I thought were going to happen didn’t, and there were plenty of things I didn’t foresee happening that did! It was exciting to see which twist the story was going to take next.
I loved the setting and feel that the author described, and it was a greatly executed historical read in a time of the restoration and post civil war re cavaliers V Roundheads. Where religion was a central dogma and there were many lives walking the edge of a fine line.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a pleasant surprise at how much it enraptured me and kept me guessing!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy with thanks to the author and publishers via NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
July 3, 2021
A truly wonderful historical novel. Set in 1600s England, it takes our naïve heroine, Alethea on a journey from plague riddled London back to her country estate. We see her grow out of her girlish assumptions into an aware woman with her own ambitions and desires.
There are many little things that make us sad for her, many things of life which we know will hurt her into which she steps unaware. It is part of the journey of growing up, gaining and losing friendships, learning of your mistakes and also gaining certainly in your own feelings. I had no idea what to expect, it is quite an odd little novel to come out now, but it was very well written. I wanted to know what life would give Alethea and how she would extract herself from all her predicaments. Though I do admit I would have liked the ending to be a little more climatic.
It reminds me of one of my favourite classics, Consuelo by George Sand, a very open minded historical novel at the time too, set in the 1600s, about a girl with no family or friends singing her way across Europe and encountering amazing adventures. I highly recommend both.
There are many little things that make us sad for her, many things of life which we know will hurt her into which she steps unaware. It is part of the journey of growing up, gaining and losing friendships, learning of your mistakes and also gaining certainly in your own feelings. I had no idea what to expect, it is quite an odd little novel to come out now, but it was very well written. I wanted to know what life would give Alethea and how she would extract herself from all her predicaments. Though I do admit I would have liked the ending to be a little more climatic.
It reminds me of one of my favourite classics, Consuelo by George Sand, a very open minded historical novel at the time too, set in the 1600s, about a girl with no family or friends singing her way across Europe and encountering amazing adventures. I highly recommend both.
July 19, 2021
Well-written, historically accurate, and richly detailed. This was a compelling story about a young woman struggling beneath the weight of 17th century English society's expectations of women and how she ultimately was able to choose her own way in the world, using her wits and a bit of entertaining deception. I would like to read more books from this author in the future.
July 13, 2021
The Master of Measham Hall by Anna Abney
As the plague kills one person after another in restoration England, Alethea Hawthorne finds herself in London, fending for herself, and in need of getting to her family home – Measham Hall. This story deals with how she ended up in the streets without protection, who steps in to offer support, time spent on the road and then with a spiritual community living in the forest before she heads on to her ancestral estates and what happens when she arrives. This is one that I believe young adults and it might also be used as a book for integrated learning with the right group of high school students.
What I liked:
* The history
* The insight into the religious divide in England at that time
* The superstitions mentioned related to the plague
* Seeing that some human behaviors remain the same through the centuries
* The growth Alethea showed as the story progressed
* The way the division between the social classes was presented
* The reference to punishment for various crimes during that era
* Finding out what happened to Jack
* It made me think
* Finding out who the master of Measham Hall was meant to be
Some comments:
* I had trouble with believability – could a woman “pass” as a man in that time period and successfully carry off the charade over an extended period of time especially in the condition she found herself in? Would a brother truly behave as Alethea’s brother did? Would it all work out as simply as it did by the end of this book?
* Alethea seemed very gullible at many points in the story. She seemed to made silly decisions, was unwilling to listen to wise counsel, was easily brainwashed, and then later managed to step into “power” that I found it difficult to see her easily wearing. Again, perhaps a believability issue as Alethea would have been in her early twenties in this story.
* I would have liked to find out what happened later and whether what was projected by Alethea came to fruition or fell apart.
* I felt there were a number of loose ends that perhaps will be dealt with if this is to be a series but they did leave me wondering.
* There was a LOT of religion in the book and it could, perhaps, be difficult to read and understand by some readers.
* I had trouble relating to the main character in the story – I couldn’t really relate to her or sympathize with her and wanted “more” from her…though perhaps she wasn’t able to give or be more.
* The author has potential – would like to see more interaction and dialogue and less “telling” of the story.
Did I like this book? Yes and No
Would I read more by this author? I might
Thank you to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
As the plague kills one person after another in restoration England, Alethea Hawthorne finds herself in London, fending for herself, and in need of getting to her family home – Measham Hall. This story deals with how she ended up in the streets without protection, who steps in to offer support, time spent on the road and then with a spiritual community living in the forest before she heads on to her ancestral estates and what happens when she arrives. This is one that I believe young adults and it might also be used as a book for integrated learning with the right group of high school students.
What I liked:
* The history
* The insight into the religious divide in England at that time
* The superstitions mentioned related to the plague
* Seeing that some human behaviors remain the same through the centuries
* The growth Alethea showed as the story progressed
* The way the division between the social classes was presented
* The reference to punishment for various crimes during that era
* Finding out what happened to Jack
* It made me think
* Finding out who the master of Measham Hall was meant to be
Some comments:
* I had trouble with believability – could a woman “pass” as a man in that time period and successfully carry off the charade over an extended period of time especially in the condition she found herself in? Would a brother truly behave as Alethea’s brother did? Would it all work out as simply as it did by the end of this book?
* Alethea seemed very gullible at many points in the story. She seemed to made silly decisions, was unwilling to listen to wise counsel, was easily brainwashed, and then later managed to step into “power” that I found it difficult to see her easily wearing. Again, perhaps a believability issue as Alethea would have been in her early twenties in this story.
* I would have liked to find out what happened later and whether what was projected by Alethea came to fruition or fell apart.
* I felt there were a number of loose ends that perhaps will be dealt with if this is to be a series but they did leave me wondering.
* There was a LOT of religion in the book and it could, perhaps, be difficult to read and understand by some readers.
* I had trouble relating to the main character in the story – I couldn’t really relate to her or sympathize with her and wanted “more” from her…though perhaps she wasn’t able to give or be more.
* The author has potential – would like to see more interaction and dialogue and less “telling” of the story.
Did I like this book? Yes and No
Would I read more by this author? I might
Thank you to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
June 24, 2021
There were lots of things i enjoyed about this book - its well written, clearly well researched and gives a glimpse into the past and tackles some of the big social, political and religious issues of the time. The lead character is Alethea and her journey takes her from high society London to Epping Forest and then to Derbyshire. Alethea finds herself in a difficult situation and trying to make her way home during the plague leads her to Epping Forest to wait out the worst.
I was really drawn in at the beginning of the book but started losing interest during the time in the forest. I forgot, I think, we were waiting on the plague to pass while not being very convinced by the forest storyline and not particularly liking Alethea very much at this point. The way she treats a very good friend of hers wasn't nice and I think once you lose your alliance to the main character, its difficult to stay invested. As the story progressed there was an interesting twist or two to the events at Measham Hall.
This is one of those books where you know the end is getting close but it seems like a lot has to happen... but the ending came a bit suddenly for me. I felt a bit dissatisfied but, on reflection, I don't know what else I'd have liked to happen. I felt that the book being set in the time of the plague helped the story along but we don't really hear much about it so don't really get the full impact of this. However, this story is cleverly woven through different geographical areas and social classes to give a very authentic feel of the time.
Overall, I enjoyed the historical element of this book but invested less and less in Alethea as time went on. By the end, I didn't like her all which I think left me feeling a bit disappointed overall.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was really drawn in at the beginning of the book but started losing interest during the time in the forest. I forgot, I think, we were waiting on the plague to pass while not being very convinced by the forest storyline and not particularly liking Alethea very much at this point. The way she treats a very good friend of hers wasn't nice and I think once you lose your alliance to the main character, its difficult to stay invested. As the story progressed there was an interesting twist or two to the events at Measham Hall.
This is one of those books where you know the end is getting close but it seems like a lot has to happen... but the ending came a bit suddenly for me. I felt a bit dissatisfied but, on reflection, I don't know what else I'd have liked to happen. I felt that the book being set in the time of the plague helped the story along but we don't really hear much about it so don't really get the full impact of this. However, this story is cleverly woven through different geographical areas and social classes to give a very authentic feel of the time.
Overall, I enjoyed the historical element of this book but invested less and less in Alethea as time went on. By the end, I didn't like her all which I think left me feeling a bit disappointed overall.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2021
In the 17th century as the plague ravishes through London, Alethea Hawthorne is companion to Jane the daughter of Lord Calverton. Her brother is exiled following a duel and her father is looking after their ancestral home Measham Hall. When Alethea is cast out by Lady Calverton she make the decision to return to Derbyshire and Measham Hall.
An interesting novel, much is made of the time spent in Epping forest with friends she makes on her journey back home. Would be interesting to see if there is a sequel.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
An interesting novel, much is made of the time spent in Epping forest with friends she makes on her journey back home. Would be interesting to see if there is a sequel.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
June 15, 2021
If you have visited my page before, you know I love historical fiction. This book takes place in the 17th century where women were considered lesser. Althea begins the story as a naive girl who hasn’t really experienced life outside of her home & the household she resides in.
As the story progresses, there is great growth in her character as she deals with the devastating effects of the Great Plague, jealous women, and cult-like religious followers. Not to mention having to pretend to be someone else in order to reclaim her home.
I enjoyed this book as it discusses inequality, fanatical religious figures, and even some gender fluidity that started out as a disguise.
•••••
Thank you to @bookstagrammerscom @duck_books & @madelinedewhurst for the gifted eBook.
As the story progresses, there is great growth in her character as she deals with the devastating effects of the Great Plague, jealous women, and cult-like religious followers. Not to mention having to pretend to be someone else in order to reclaim her home.
I enjoyed this book as it discusses inequality, fanatical religious figures, and even some gender fluidity that started out as a disguise.
•••••
Thank you to @bookstagrammerscom @duck_books & @madelinedewhurst for the gifted eBook.
June 11, 2021
¡Hola! Hoy os traigo la reseña de un libro que recientemente acaba de salir a la luz en Reino Unido titulado The Master of Measham Hall. Solo con leer su sinopsis me entraron unas ganas tremendas de leer la historia al momento. ¿Londres del siglo XVII y una plaga? Click.
La historia se sitúa en la época de la Restauración en Inglaterra y es un libro en el cuál la protagonista se cuestiona tanto su personalidad cómo su vida. Debido a la plaga que afecta a Londres, Alethea Hawthorne, nuestra protagonista, se ve obligada a retirarse a las afueras de Londres, a Measham Hall, donde reside su padre con su madrastra. Allí tendrá que cuidar de su padre, quién está enfermo y ella también irá cayendo poco a poco.
Para seguir leyendo: https://www.antiasreadings.com/2021/0...
La historia se sitúa en la época de la Restauración en Inglaterra y es un libro en el cuál la protagonista se cuestiona tanto su personalidad cómo su vida. Debido a la plaga que afecta a Londres, Alethea Hawthorne, nuestra protagonista, se ve obligada a retirarse a las afueras de Londres, a Measham Hall, donde reside su padre con su madrastra. Allí tendrá que cuidar de su padre, quién está enfermo y ella también irá cayendo poco a poco.
Para seguir leyendo: https://www.antiasreadings.com/2021/0...
July 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book on many levels: reading about London pandemic while in another London pandemic was what got me interested at first, then it's a fascinating work of historical fiction with a feminist vibe, followed by a gender-bending plotline that calls to mind Orlando without the headache.
A mysterious family scandal has resulted in 20-yr old Alethea Hawthorne having left her family manor in Derbyshire; she blames her stepmother Frances, but rumors of duel-induced manslaughter swirl around her beloved brother William, purported to have left the country. Alethea works for Lord and Lady Calverton in plague plagued London, as companion to their daughter Jane. The cast of characters is vast and yet memorable. Some of the plot twists were a bit too transparent or incredible
but Abney does an incredible job having her characters support warring sides, be they royalist, Jesuit, Catholic, Protestant; and quite realistically demonstrating convincing arguments for each.
A mysterious family scandal has resulted in 20-yr old Alethea Hawthorne having left her family manor in Derbyshire; she blames her stepmother Frances, but rumors of duel-induced manslaughter swirl around her beloved brother William, purported to have left the country. Alethea works for Lord and Lady Calverton in plague plagued London, as companion to their daughter Jane. The cast of characters is vast and yet memorable. Some of the plot twists were a bit too transparent or incredible
but Abney does an incredible job having her characters support warring sides, be they royalist, Jesuit, Catholic, Protestant; and quite realistically demonstrating convincing arguments for each.
July 1, 2021
Used to reading about royal court intrigues, I was pleasantly surprised by The Master of Measham Hall. Abney creates a complex story with rich historical details and characters, drawing on a lesser-known period of English history and a lesser-known group of English individuals. Alethea, the protagonist, feels keenly and humanly.
However, the pace is slow and I felt that there was little climax in the novel. Nevertheless, it was a solid debut showcasing an impressive breadth of historical knowledge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
However, the pace is slow and I felt that there was little climax in the novel. Nevertheless, it was a solid debut showcasing an impressive breadth of historical knowledge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
This book set in the 1660s offers a very enjoyable account of an eventful journey in the life of Alethea Hawthorne, taking her from plague-ridden London to a commune of former Levellers in Epping Forest, and then finally to her ancestral home, the Derbyshire property of the title. Alethea is a very energetic and attractive character forced to grow up fast, coping with harsh treatment, and changing her life dramatically to survive in a world where rape and premature death are rife. She is not entirely sympathetic - a little like Scarlet O'Hara, her determination to hang on to her property leads her into some ingratitude to old friends. However she remains entirely believable, despite the latter elements of the plot rather straining credibility. The scenes in London (a thriller-like opening) and Derbyshire are the best: I felt the middle section in the forest dragged slightly, with a very large number of characters which are not always well differentiated. I have a few detail quibbles. There are some inappropriate and inaccurate words - 'straights' is used instead of 'straits'; 'environment' , 'hopefully' and 'trousers' don't quite fit into the historical dialogue. The phrase 'consigned to play out the rest of her life as...' should have had 'condemned'. The town of Northampton has never been a city. Alethea seems to turn around the fortunes of Measham with unlikely ease. I do wonder if an estate with 7 tenants, as Measham has, would have earned so much rent that it would be possible that 'A few hundred pounds a month are unaccounted for.'
However these are minor quibbles. This is a well-plotted novel picaresque novel with interesting things to say about the roles of men and women. Warmly recommended.
However these are minor quibbles. This is a well-plotted novel picaresque novel with interesting things to say about the roles of men and women. Warmly recommended.
July 15, 2021
Set in 1665 at the time of the Great Plague this intriguing historical novel follows Alethea Hawthorne, the main character, on her journey from being cast out onto the streets of London following a nasty trick by her employers to her ancestral home in Derbyshire.
This book was very interesting to read, especially the comparisons to the current covid situation with restrictions and closures due to the Plague. The author's descendants are actually former residents of the real Measham Hall, a lost house of Derbyshire and the detail in this book definitely backs this up. I found it a little slow going at first but once Alethea is out on her own the story really begins to pick up and it was one of those that I couldn't put down as I was so desperate to find out the conclusions. Alethea was a fascinating character and her development throughout the 3 parts of the story was very well thought out and extremely well written. She was backed up by an incredible cast of minor characters who all had their own niche in the book. I loved the character of Jack and really disliked Samuel's character (You'll probably understand why when you read it!) The religious elements of the book were a little bit overpowering for me personally but in that time period religion was always a big topic of conversation so it's understandable why it's a big part of the story.
I won't say too much more about the actual storyline for fear of giving too much away but despite the fact that historical fiction is not my normal go to genre I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look forward to the next one by this author.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
This book was very interesting to read, especially the comparisons to the current covid situation with restrictions and closures due to the Plague. The author's descendants are actually former residents of the real Measham Hall, a lost house of Derbyshire and the detail in this book definitely backs this up. I found it a little slow going at first but once Alethea is out on her own the story really begins to pick up and it was one of those that I couldn't put down as I was so desperate to find out the conclusions. Alethea was a fascinating character and her development throughout the 3 parts of the story was very well thought out and extremely well written. She was backed up by an incredible cast of minor characters who all had their own niche in the book. I loved the character of Jack and really disliked Samuel's character (You'll probably understand why when you read it!) The religious elements of the book were a little bit overpowering for me personally but in that time period religion was always a big topic of conversation so it's understandable why it's a big part of the story.
I won't say too much more about the actual storyline for fear of giving too much away but despite the fact that historical fiction is not my normal go to genre I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look forward to the next one by this author.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
May 15, 2021
A tad predictable in parts,this was never the less an entertaining look at the different religions and how they viewed each other during the times of the plague.
A good central character,who has a lot thrown at her,yet learns to stand on her own two feet,and go after what she wants.
Enjoyable.
A good central character,who has a lot thrown at her,yet learns to stand on her own two feet,and go after what she wants.
Enjoyable.
July 10, 2021
This book is structured in 3 parts based on Althea's location- London, Epping Forest, and Measham Hall. I liked the structure of this as it gave a sense of place where a lot of everything else seemed so uncertain and mysterious.
Althea is a great female lead. She's strong, resilient, daring and kind too. Her character is planted unexpectedly in a very difficult situation and most women of that class and time period would probably have struggled enormously, whereas she takes it on and battles through.
This is set at the time of plague, so if you are feeling particularly sensitive about Covid/restrictions etc this may not be the right time for you to read this. It did concern me how much of the plague responses felt all too relatable this many years on! However, this did not spoil the book for me in any way. This time period is packed with conflict- the backdrop of the English Civil War, religious tensions too. These components make this a particular era that draws you in.
Overall, a very pleasant read. Packed with drama, shocks, with some great minor characters.
Althea is a great female lead. She's strong, resilient, daring and kind too. Her character is planted unexpectedly in a very difficult situation and most women of that class and time period would probably have struggled enormously, whereas she takes it on and battles through.
This is set at the time of plague, so if you are feeling particularly sensitive about Covid/restrictions etc this may not be the right time for you to read this. It did concern me how much of the plague responses felt all too relatable this many years on! However, this did not spoil the book for me in any way. This time period is packed with conflict- the backdrop of the English Civil War, religious tensions too. These components make this a particular era that draws you in.
Overall, a very pleasant read. Packed with drama, shocks, with some great minor characters.
July 26, 2021
Providing a fictional imagining of the author’s own family history during the 1660s and set around a manor house (now sadly lost) in nearby Derbyshire (although, thanks to some tidying up of county boundaries in 1889, Measham would now be part of Leicestershire), The Master of Measham Hall was an intriguing prospect for a historical fiction fan – and did not disappoint in its evocation of the era.
Beginning in 1665 and with plague taking its toll on London, the novel follows Alethea Hawthorne, a young gentlewoman whose family seat is the titular Measham Hall but who, at the ‘suggestion’ of her stepmother, has been sent to act as companion to another young lady, Jane Calverton, in London. Alethea and her family are Catholics – a faith that sets them apart despite King Charles II’s claims of toleration – and her beloved brother William has been exiled overseas in mysterious circumstances.
Despite this, Alethea is happy in London – until she is suddenly cast out by the Calverton’s and forced to fend for herself on the streets of plague-ridden London. Determining to make it home to Measham Hall by any means possible, Alethea finds herself accompanied by the charming – and streetwise – Jack Fleet, before falling in with a group of non-conformists, headed up by their charismatic leader Samuel. By the time she eventually reaches her family home, Alethea will be a changed woman – and will have learnt to navigate a world filled with peril, pestilence, and deceit.
I always try to avoid spoilers in my reviews but its impossible to fully review The Master of Measham Hall without giving a couple of plot beats away, the most significant of which is that, through a series of misunderstandings, Alethea ends up arriving at Measham Hall as the titular ‘master’ of it, assuming the disguise of her brother William for much of the book’s final third.
I mention this ‘spoiler’ because the journey that Alethea goes on in the novel is more than just a physical one from London to Derbyshire. It is also a sort of seventeenth-century ‘coming of age’ tale in which Alethea learns to think and act independently, makes good and bad choices, dissemble, reason, argue, and love – and during which she begins to make her own way in the world around her. This personal journey was one of the central draws of the novel for me, although I’ll admit to being occasionally frustrated by some of Alethea’s choices!
Alethea’s assumption of the role of ‘William’ also allows the novel to explore the different societal expectations of men and women in the period, and I found it interesting how Alethea came to embrace the freedoms she had as a man whilst also missing some of the pastimes she could enjoy as a woman.
Whether a young woman such as Alethea would have been able to pass for her brother during this period has been debated by some readers but, as a student of the period, I’ve read of several instances of women disguising themselves as men in order for various pragmatic reasons – the most famous being Spanish nun Catalina de Erauso, who fled her convent disguised as a man in order to fight in the Spanish army and later travelled around Spanish America under a number of predominantly male identities. It is also thought that some women may have fought in the English Civil War disguised as men (Charles I certainly thought they did – he issued an order banning women dressing as men in order to fight), and there’s evidence of a number of women from the period managing estates in their husband’s absence. Whilst keeping up the pretence after periods of conflict was unusual, I can forgive Anna Abney some poetic license to allow her to explore the fascinating difference between the lived experiences of men and women during this period!
Indeed, the evocation of seventeenth-century England is one of the delights of The Master of Measham Hall. From the tense atmosphere of plague-ridden London to the incendiary religious debates going on at the time, Anna Abney’s writing brilliantly evokes the Restoration era. I did occasionally feel that some characters were serving to provide historical exposition for modern readers – the odd conversation felt a bit stilted and provided information that Alethea, being a woman of that period, would likely know already – but, for the most part, the writing is fluid and evocative.
From its pacy opening on the streets of London, the novel did also lull a bit for me in the middle section – which sees Alethea and Jack living amongst a group of non-conformists in Epping Forest – and I found the plot moving along more predictable lines for a while. Once the action moved on to Measham Hall, however, I was soon re-engaged in Alethea’s struggles – although I found myself becoming more and more conflicted about her as a character as her dual identities – and dual responsibilities – lead to her taking ever more ruthless decisions. I was also a little disappointed that the likeable and charming Jack Fleet didn’t feature a little more prominently in the novel – although fingers crossed that he may appear in Book Two of the series, due out in 2022.
For fans of historical fiction, The Master of Measham Hall has much to enjoy – a convincing and evocative depiction of the Restoration era that delves into the social and religious divides of the period, with a side of intrigue, a hint of a love story, and an interesting coming-of-age tale all thrown into the mix! If you read and enjoyed Frances Quinn’s The Smallest Man or Lucy Jago’s A Net for Small Fishes, and are looking for another historical read to dive into, The Master of Measham Hall should be heading for your TBR!
Beginning in 1665 and with plague taking its toll on London, the novel follows Alethea Hawthorne, a young gentlewoman whose family seat is the titular Measham Hall but who, at the ‘suggestion’ of her stepmother, has been sent to act as companion to another young lady, Jane Calverton, in London. Alethea and her family are Catholics – a faith that sets them apart despite King Charles II’s claims of toleration – and her beloved brother William has been exiled overseas in mysterious circumstances.
Despite this, Alethea is happy in London – until she is suddenly cast out by the Calverton’s and forced to fend for herself on the streets of plague-ridden London. Determining to make it home to Measham Hall by any means possible, Alethea finds herself accompanied by the charming – and streetwise – Jack Fleet, before falling in with a group of non-conformists, headed up by their charismatic leader Samuel. By the time she eventually reaches her family home, Alethea will be a changed woman – and will have learnt to navigate a world filled with peril, pestilence, and deceit.
I always try to avoid spoilers in my reviews but its impossible to fully review The Master of Measham Hall without giving a couple of plot beats away, the most significant of which is that, through a series of misunderstandings, Alethea ends up arriving at Measham Hall as the titular ‘master’ of it, assuming the disguise of her brother William for much of the book’s final third.
I mention this ‘spoiler’ because the journey that Alethea goes on in the novel is more than just a physical one from London to Derbyshire. It is also a sort of seventeenth-century ‘coming of age’ tale in which Alethea learns to think and act independently, makes good and bad choices, dissemble, reason, argue, and love – and during which she begins to make her own way in the world around her. This personal journey was one of the central draws of the novel for me, although I’ll admit to being occasionally frustrated by some of Alethea’s choices!
Alethea’s assumption of the role of ‘William’ also allows the novel to explore the different societal expectations of men and women in the period, and I found it interesting how Alethea came to embrace the freedoms she had as a man whilst also missing some of the pastimes she could enjoy as a woman.
Whether a young woman such as Alethea would have been able to pass for her brother during this period has been debated by some readers but, as a student of the period, I’ve read of several instances of women disguising themselves as men in order for various pragmatic reasons – the most famous being Spanish nun Catalina de Erauso, who fled her convent disguised as a man in order to fight in the Spanish army and later travelled around Spanish America under a number of predominantly male identities. It is also thought that some women may have fought in the English Civil War disguised as men (Charles I certainly thought they did – he issued an order banning women dressing as men in order to fight), and there’s evidence of a number of women from the period managing estates in their husband’s absence. Whilst keeping up the pretence after periods of conflict was unusual, I can forgive Anna Abney some poetic license to allow her to explore the fascinating difference between the lived experiences of men and women during this period!
Indeed, the evocation of seventeenth-century England is one of the delights of The Master of Measham Hall. From the tense atmosphere of plague-ridden London to the incendiary religious debates going on at the time, Anna Abney’s writing brilliantly evokes the Restoration era. I did occasionally feel that some characters were serving to provide historical exposition for modern readers – the odd conversation felt a bit stilted and provided information that Alethea, being a woman of that period, would likely know already – but, for the most part, the writing is fluid and evocative.
From its pacy opening on the streets of London, the novel did also lull a bit for me in the middle section – which sees Alethea and Jack living amongst a group of non-conformists in Epping Forest – and I found the plot moving along more predictable lines for a while. Once the action moved on to Measham Hall, however, I was soon re-engaged in Alethea’s struggles – although I found myself becoming more and more conflicted about her as a character as her dual identities – and dual responsibilities – lead to her taking ever more ruthless decisions. I was also a little disappointed that the likeable and charming Jack Fleet didn’t feature a little more prominently in the novel – although fingers crossed that he may appear in Book Two of the series, due out in 2022.
For fans of historical fiction, The Master of Measham Hall has much to enjoy – a convincing and evocative depiction of the Restoration era that delves into the social and religious divides of the period, with a side of intrigue, a hint of a love story, and an interesting coming-of-age tale all thrown into the mix! If you read and enjoyed Frances Quinn’s The Smallest Man or Lucy Jago’s A Net for Small Fishes, and are looking for another historical read to dive into, The Master of Measham Hall should be heading for your TBR!
July 16, 2021
The Master of Measham Hall is the debut novel from Anna Abney. Set in 1665, where the Great Plague is sweeping over England, not discerning between rich or poor, young or old, man or woman, but filling all with fear. Althea Hawthorn finds herself in London, far from her family home of Marsham Hall in Derbyshire, with the Calverton family, as a companion to the daughter Julia. When circumstances turn and Althea finds herself alone on the streets of London, she knows she must try and get home to Measham Hall. With an unlikely travelling companion in Jack Fleet, they start their journey north and find themselves navigating Restoration England with its different religious factions, and the fear of the Plague. Althea sees a different world and whilst on the physical journey also finds herself on an emotinal and educational journey that will change her life forever.
I was interested to read that Anna Abney has a personal link to this story in that her family are the last descendants of the family that owned the Measham Hall in the title of this book. The house itself is almost a character in its own right in this book. For Althea it is home, the one place where she will feel safe, and the dream of getting there is what keeps her going. But as always, the dream is not always the reality, and like other characters in the book, Measham Hall has also been effected by the Plague and by the Civil War that divided England. Althea is at the centre of The Master of Measham Hall and is a brilliant heroine who you just have to root for. She is well brought up, but shows a resourcefulness of character when many other young women would have given up. Life on the road is difficult, but when and and Jack meet a group of religious descenders led by Samula Byrd, they find themelves living in Epping Forest as part of a small community. Althea has no problem adapting to manual labour, learining to fish, forage, wash clothes in the river and help with daily taks. I also liked that she was open to the religious doctrine of this group even though she was Catholic, not as dismissive as Jack was. Her growth in character continues when she gets home to Measham Hall, but you will need to read the book to learn more as I dont want to give anythng away about the plot line. There is a fascinating cast of supporting characters, all with their own story to tell.
What I found fascinating about The Master of Measham Hall was how the experiences of the Great Plague mirrored what we are facing now with Covid. Althea and Jack have to have papers to leave London to prove they don’t have any Plague symptoms and to show where they are going and why, and fear of this disease also sees vigilantes stopping people from entering villages and towns to prevent the spread of the Plague. Anna Abney really captures the feeling of uncertanty of this period in English history, not only with the Plauge but also with the fall out of the Civil War and the religious divide that still exists. Through the characters who are lvivng in Epping Forest, Anna Abney is able to give a voice to these issues and the details of the Civil War, and how it continues to effect the lives of those who fought in the war and lived through it.
I absolutely loved reading The Master of Measham Hall, and nearly read it in one sitting. Althea is the perfect heroine, brave, resourceful, kind, wanting to help others and someone you cant help but root for. Anna Abney writes such a beautiful story that went in a different direction to what I expected, making this such a fascinating and intriguing read. The main theme that came from this book for me was the strength we show in times of adversity, and how far we will go to survive and protect those we love, human or home. A compelling, intelligent and an entertaining read of Restoration England; a must read for fans of historical fiction.
I was interested to read that Anna Abney has a personal link to this story in that her family are the last descendants of the family that owned the Measham Hall in the title of this book. The house itself is almost a character in its own right in this book. For Althea it is home, the one place where she will feel safe, and the dream of getting there is what keeps her going. But as always, the dream is not always the reality, and like other characters in the book, Measham Hall has also been effected by the Plague and by the Civil War that divided England. Althea is at the centre of The Master of Measham Hall and is a brilliant heroine who you just have to root for. She is well brought up, but shows a resourcefulness of character when many other young women would have given up. Life on the road is difficult, but when and and Jack meet a group of religious descenders led by Samula Byrd, they find themelves living in Epping Forest as part of a small community. Althea has no problem adapting to manual labour, learining to fish, forage, wash clothes in the river and help with daily taks. I also liked that she was open to the religious doctrine of this group even though she was Catholic, not as dismissive as Jack was. Her growth in character continues when she gets home to Measham Hall, but you will need to read the book to learn more as I dont want to give anythng away about the plot line. There is a fascinating cast of supporting characters, all with their own story to tell.
What I found fascinating about The Master of Measham Hall was how the experiences of the Great Plague mirrored what we are facing now with Covid. Althea and Jack have to have papers to leave London to prove they don’t have any Plague symptoms and to show where they are going and why, and fear of this disease also sees vigilantes stopping people from entering villages and towns to prevent the spread of the Plague. Anna Abney really captures the feeling of uncertanty of this period in English history, not only with the Plauge but also with the fall out of the Civil War and the religious divide that still exists. Through the characters who are lvivng in Epping Forest, Anna Abney is able to give a voice to these issues and the details of the Civil War, and how it continues to effect the lives of those who fought in the war and lived through it.
I absolutely loved reading The Master of Measham Hall, and nearly read it in one sitting. Althea is the perfect heroine, brave, resourceful, kind, wanting to help others and someone you cant help but root for. Anna Abney writes such a beautiful story that went in a different direction to what I expected, making this such a fascinating and intriguing read. The main theme that came from this book for me was the strength we show in times of adversity, and how far we will go to survive and protect those we love, human or home. A compelling, intelligent and an entertaining read of Restoration England; a must read for fans of historical fiction.
July 29, 2021
The Master of Measham Hall by Anna Abney is a sumptuous historical fiction book set in Restoration England of the 1700's. It is 1665 and five years since King Charles the second has returned from exile. The scars of the English Civil Wars are yet to heal and now the Great Plague engulfs the land. Alethea Hawthorne is safe inside the walls of the Calverton household as a lady's companion waiting in anticipation of the day she can return to her ancestral home of Measham Hall. But when Alethea suddenly finds herself cast out on the plague-ridden streets of London, a long road to Derbyshire lies ahead. Militias have closed their boroughs off to outsiders for fear of contamination.
Fortune smiles on her when Jack appears, an unlikely travelling companion who helps this determined girl to navigate a perilous new world of religious dissenters, charlatans and a pestilence that afflicts peasants and lords alike.
I adored the cover of this book, it was the first thing that definitely drew me in. It made me feel that a rich and historically detailed story was nestled under that front cover. The fact that Anna Abney is among the last descendants of the Abney family, former residents of Measham Hall in Derbyshire. This is a fictionalised account of her ancestors lives. It made me feel like the story was almost personal. It gave that closeness, as if I wasn't reading about a stranger somehow.
The fact that it was historical fiction and I was given a lot of information about the times and the setting didn't make me feel overloaded with information. I, instead felt like I had been positively saturated with it all and it gave me a feeling that I could be there, with Alethea, queueing for a potion to keep the plague away. As we all know now they were usually concotions made up to rob people of money but did nothing. The desperation of the people and Alethea as she handed the money over and gained a potion for herself too, just broke my heart...knowing the potions did nothing.
As always, I began this book for entertainment purposes. By the time I had done I discovered a lot about the times. I was unaware of a lot of things and again I was educated, my favourite type of book.
Alethea herself is a young woman who as the story unfolds decides to begin a journey to return to her family home, Measham Hall. We see her mature from a young girl during this time into a mature woman who begins to understand the way of the world and takes it upon herself to solve issues in her own kind, caring, unique and couragous way. She is definitely a character who I could easily root for throughout the book.
This is one story that if you feel like you would enjoy reading I say, go for it. It is one that encompasses so many things, religion being one and how women are treated being another. I did marvel at how the story of the plague mirrored what we see happening with Covid today and how it is being handled, that was just a thought I had while reading it.
A book that is very thought provoking and doesn't necessarily unfold in the way one would expect for a story set in the 1660s. This is one book I would highly recommend for sure.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Duckworth for my gorgeous copy of 'The Master Of Measham Hall'.
Fortune smiles on her when Jack appears, an unlikely travelling companion who helps this determined girl to navigate a perilous new world of religious dissenters, charlatans and a pestilence that afflicts peasants and lords alike.
I adored the cover of this book, it was the first thing that definitely drew me in. It made me feel that a rich and historically detailed story was nestled under that front cover. The fact that Anna Abney is among the last descendants of the Abney family, former residents of Measham Hall in Derbyshire. This is a fictionalised account of her ancestors lives. It made me feel like the story was almost personal. It gave that closeness, as if I wasn't reading about a stranger somehow.
The fact that it was historical fiction and I was given a lot of information about the times and the setting didn't make me feel overloaded with information. I, instead felt like I had been positively saturated with it all and it gave me a feeling that I could be there, with Alethea, queueing for a potion to keep the plague away. As we all know now they were usually concotions made up to rob people of money but did nothing. The desperation of the people and Alethea as she handed the money over and gained a potion for herself too, just broke my heart...knowing the potions did nothing.
As always, I began this book for entertainment purposes. By the time I had done I discovered a lot about the times. I was unaware of a lot of things and again I was educated, my favourite type of book.
Alethea herself is a young woman who as the story unfolds decides to begin a journey to return to her family home, Measham Hall. We see her mature from a young girl during this time into a mature woman who begins to understand the way of the world and takes it upon herself to solve issues in her own kind, caring, unique and couragous way. She is definitely a character who I could easily root for throughout the book.
This is one story that if you feel like you would enjoy reading I say, go for it. It is one that encompasses so many things, religion being one and how women are treated being another. I did marvel at how the story of the plague mirrored what we see happening with Covid today and how it is being handled, that was just a thought I had while reading it.
A book that is very thought provoking and doesn't necessarily unfold in the way one would expect for a story set in the 1660s. This is one book I would highly recommend for sure.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Duckworth for my gorgeous copy of 'The Master Of Measham Hall'.
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