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The Vizard Mask
The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman. 1995 paperback published by Penguin Books,
704 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Diana Norman
39 books147 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
British journalist Diana Norman also writes as Ariana Franklin.
Born Mary Diana Narracott, she grew up first in London and then in Devon, where her mother took her to escape the blitz. At the age of 15, she left school, but with journalism in her background (her father had been a Times correspondent)and her hardy intelligence, the lack of formal education proved no barrier and by 17 she was n London, working on a local newspaper in the East End.
Headhunted at 20 by the Daily Herald, Norman became the youngest reporter on Fleet Street, covering royal visits, donning camouflage to go on exercise with the Royal Marines, and missing her 21st birthday party because she was covering a murder on the south coast. When she protested about this to the news editor, she was told: "Many happy returns. Now get down to Southampton." Diana Norman became, at twenty years of age, the youngest reporter on what used to be Fleet Street.
She married the film critic Barry Norman in 1957, and they settled in Hertfordshire with their two daughters. She began writing fiction shortly after her second daughter was born. Her first book of fiction, Fitzempress's Law, was chosen by Frank Delaney of BBC Radio 4's Bookshelf as the best example of a historical novel of its year. She is now a freelance journalist, as well as a writer of biographies and historical novels.
She died at the age of 77 on January 27, 2011. She was best known for her historical crime series featuring the 12th-century medical examiner Adelia Aguilar, written under the pen name of Ariana Franklin. The first book in the series, Mistress of the Art of Death, was published to critical acclaim in 2007 and won the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger award in the UK, as well as prizes in the US and Sweden.
Norman is survived by her husband, their daughters, Samantha and Emma, and three grandsons. Mr. Norman wrote a wonderful tribute to his wife.
• Diana Norman, writer, born 25 August 1933; died 27 January 2011
British journalist Diana Norman also writes as Ariana Franklin.
Born Mary Diana Narracott, she grew up first in London and then in Devon, where her mother took her to escape the blitz. At the age of 15, she left school, but with journalism in her background (her father had been a Times correspondent)and her hardy intelligence, the lack of formal education proved no barrier and by 17 she was n London, working on a local newspaper in the East End.
Headhunted at 20 by the Daily Herald, Norman became the youngest reporter on Fleet Street, covering royal visits, donning camouflage to go on exercise with the Royal Marines, and missing her 21st birthday party because she was covering a murder on the south coast. When she protested about this to the news editor, she was told: "Many happy returns. Now get down to Southampton." Diana Norman became, at twenty years of age, the youngest reporter on what used to be Fleet Street.
She married the film critic Barry Norman in 1957, and they settled in Hertfordshire with their two daughters. She began writing fiction shortly after her second daughter was born. Her first book of fiction, Fitzempress's Law, was chosen by Frank Delaney of BBC Radio 4's Bookshelf as the best example of a historical novel of its year. She is now a freelance journalist, as well as a writer of biographies and historical novels.
She died at the age of 77 on January 27, 2011. She was best known for her historical crime series featuring the 12th-century medical examiner Adelia Aguilar, written under the pen name of Ariana Franklin. The first book in the series, Mistress of the Art of Death, was published to critical acclaim in 2007 and won the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger award in the UK, as well as prizes in the US and Sweden.
Norman is survived by her husband, their daughters, Samantha and Emma, and three grandsons. Mr. Norman wrote a wonderful tribute to his wife.
• Diana Norman, writer, born 25 August 1933; died 27 January 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 22, 2021
Entertaining, glorious look at England from the restoration to William & Mary
Penitence Hurd, a Puritan lass from New England flees the new country for the old in this adventure. She arrives off the ship to London with the Plague. Looking for her Aunt Margaret Hughes, Pen ends up in a brothel in the worst part of the city. Here, though, she finds herself and begins to understand why women are forced to work in the oldest profession. She ceases to preach and begins to sympathize with the plight of these women and the other poor and downtrodden of the city. Pen learns compassion and gains some knowledge that doesn't come from the bible, but should. Her time in the Rookery is just the beginning of her story and a full life it is.
Penitence Hurd, a Puritan lass from New England flees the new country for the old in this adventure. She arrives off the ship to London with the Plague. Looking for her Aunt Margaret Hughes, Pen ends up in a brothel in the worst part of the city. Here, though, she finds herself and begins to understand why women are forced to work in the oldest profession. She ceases to preach and begins to sympathize with the plight of these women and the other poor and downtrodden of the city. Pen learns compassion and gains some knowledge that doesn't come from the bible, but should. Her time in the Rookery is just the beginning of her story and a full life it is.
February 5, 2016
When I first started reading this long book, The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman, I didn’t think I’d be able to finish it. By the time I reached the 20% mark on my Kindle, I didn’t want it to end - so captivating was the story. The reason for my initial reaction was a combination of the style of writing (which is rich if not dense in detail) and the heroine, a Puritan named Penitence Hurd who, frankly, I couldn’t warm to at all. Not at first. Then she gripped my heart and didn’t let go…
Forced to leave her home in a fledgling colony in America and travel to London to find her Aunt, a woman whose existence her devout family denies, Penitence arrives on English soil the same day as the plague. Discovering her Aunt lives in St-Giles-in-the-Fields, a den of inequity and poverty outside the city walls, Penitence manages to find her house only to learn not only is her Aunt likely dead, but her abode is actually a whore house. The woman in charge, a formidable and harsh woman known has “her Ladyship” takes in the shocked and confused Penitence, protecting her from the usual work of the women under her roof. Much to the other women’s chagrin, Pen is given other duties, and proceeds to cast dire judgements and disapproval on all who come her way as she desperately tries to reconcile her Puritan beliefs with this shocking, disgusting and inappropriate place she has come to.
When the plague attacks in force, Pen finds not only her beliefs challenged, but also her faith in humanity restored and broken over and over. Humbled by what she witnesses, devastated by the losses the disease wreaks, Pen finds allies and enemies in unlikely places. But this is just the beginning of the incredible transformation this young woman must undergo if she is to survive, not just illness, disease, the unwanted attention of lecherous men, and the injustices heaped upon women, but Restoration London.
The days of the Republic are over; Cromwell is dead and Charles II is back on the throne and determined not to waste a day or a woman if he can help it. Theatre is alive and well, women are on stage, and the arts generally are flourishing. The seeking of pleasure is the goal of the classes that can and the envy of those who cannot. Religious dissent bubbles away and gossip and politics are never far from anyone’s minds or lips. If it’s not true, then it will be made up and, as she rises up the ranks of London Society, Pen finds how hurtful and damaging this type of talk and the scandal in its wake can be.
I don’t want to say too much more about this book for fear of spoiling it or not doing it justice. It is stunning. An epic in every sense, it slowly and carefully introduces the reader to this uptight and devout young woman and with flashbacks to her past in the Americas, allows us to come to get to know, accept and finally love Pen and who she becomes. Valiant, loyal, smart and with a difficulty she overcomes with help, Pen is a heroine for any age.
Against a backdrop of Charles II’s reign and beyond; the plague, Great Fire, death of a king, terrible war, religious discord and the rise of another king, his fall and the final reclamation of the throne by William and Mary, we follow Pen’s life and that of those who enter her orbit throughout one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods of English history.
Norman, once a journalist and renown for her historical accuracy has done an amazing job of weaving fiction and fact. Attributing actions and words to her (based on real-life) characters that were actually said by them, recreating known events but also humanising them, this book is so hard to put down. Not only that, but the character of Pen is based on a real life figure as well (I won’t reveal), whose early years are unknown, allowing Norman to colour them in fantastical and vivid detail. Pen is brought to life in spectacular and heart-breaking ways, as is the city she finds herself in and the other places she dwells in as well.
As always with this type of female-centred historical fiction, it’s hard for modern readers to stomach what happened to women in these eras. The notion of women being objects and chattels are lived and shocking experiences for which the women had no recourse. Norman does a terrific job of relaying not only how the women coped with this, but exploring those who were complicit in their subordination and those who learned ways to rise above it. She also portrays how men were also confined but empowered by the rigid gender roles and how both sexes suffered (and some thrived) as a consequence. Norman also offers an unforgiving portrait of class differences as well as prejudices.
But it’s not all suffering and there are some fabulous moments in this book that allow your heart to soar, while others make your pulse quicken with anxiety. Likewise, the language I at first found a bit intense (mainly because Pen has a habit of quoting the Bible so much) became one of the joys of the book. Norman’s turn of phrase, her ability to capture a sensation, a thought, a feeling as well as physical descriptions are just magical and poetical.
There are parts that are slow, but these are the times when Norman allows us breathing space and the opportunity to get to know not just the fascinating and flawed people populating her novel and the period – from kings to playwrights to printers and farmers and soldiers, but the places as well; her descriptions are magnificent and place you firmly in the moment.
So, far from casting the book aside, I immersed myself in it. Read concurrently with Antonia Fraser’s biography of King Charles II, I can attest to the level of research (as well as other books I am reading on the period) and am in awe of Norman’s ability to weave fact and fiction so seamlessly and entertainingly.
I confess, like so many others, I fell in love with the unlikely heroine with the debilitating stutter. She captured my heart, as has Norman’s writing. I cannot wait to explore her other books, including those she wrote under a different pen name. That she died in 2011 was a great loss to literature and lovers of history and historical fiction. I hope someone penned her a deserving epitaph and I am so grateful we continue to gain pleasure from her wonderful imagination and research.
Forced to leave her home in a fledgling colony in America and travel to London to find her Aunt, a woman whose existence her devout family denies, Penitence arrives on English soil the same day as the plague. Discovering her Aunt lives in St-Giles-in-the-Fields, a den of inequity and poverty outside the city walls, Penitence manages to find her house only to learn not only is her Aunt likely dead, but her abode is actually a whore house. The woman in charge, a formidable and harsh woman known has “her Ladyship” takes in the shocked and confused Penitence, protecting her from the usual work of the women under her roof. Much to the other women’s chagrin, Pen is given other duties, and proceeds to cast dire judgements and disapproval on all who come her way as she desperately tries to reconcile her Puritan beliefs with this shocking, disgusting and inappropriate place she has come to.
When the plague attacks in force, Pen finds not only her beliefs challenged, but also her faith in humanity restored and broken over and over. Humbled by what she witnesses, devastated by the losses the disease wreaks, Pen finds allies and enemies in unlikely places. But this is just the beginning of the incredible transformation this young woman must undergo if she is to survive, not just illness, disease, the unwanted attention of lecherous men, and the injustices heaped upon women, but Restoration London.
The days of the Republic are over; Cromwell is dead and Charles II is back on the throne and determined not to waste a day or a woman if he can help it. Theatre is alive and well, women are on stage, and the arts generally are flourishing. The seeking of pleasure is the goal of the classes that can and the envy of those who cannot. Religious dissent bubbles away and gossip and politics are never far from anyone’s minds or lips. If it’s not true, then it will be made up and, as she rises up the ranks of London Society, Pen finds how hurtful and damaging this type of talk and the scandal in its wake can be.
I don’t want to say too much more about this book for fear of spoiling it or not doing it justice. It is stunning. An epic in every sense, it slowly and carefully introduces the reader to this uptight and devout young woman and with flashbacks to her past in the Americas, allows us to come to get to know, accept and finally love Pen and who she becomes. Valiant, loyal, smart and with a difficulty she overcomes with help, Pen is a heroine for any age.
Against a backdrop of Charles II’s reign and beyond; the plague, Great Fire, death of a king, terrible war, religious discord and the rise of another king, his fall and the final reclamation of the throne by William and Mary, we follow Pen’s life and that of those who enter her orbit throughout one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods of English history.
Norman, once a journalist and renown for her historical accuracy has done an amazing job of weaving fiction and fact. Attributing actions and words to her (based on real-life) characters that were actually said by them, recreating known events but also humanising them, this book is so hard to put down. Not only that, but the character of Pen is based on a real life figure as well (I won’t reveal), whose early years are unknown, allowing Norman to colour them in fantastical and vivid detail. Pen is brought to life in spectacular and heart-breaking ways, as is the city she finds herself in and the other places she dwells in as well.
As always with this type of female-centred historical fiction, it’s hard for modern readers to stomach what happened to women in these eras. The notion of women being objects and chattels are lived and shocking experiences for which the women had no recourse. Norman does a terrific job of relaying not only how the women coped with this, but exploring those who were complicit in their subordination and those who learned ways to rise above it. She also portrays how men were also confined but empowered by the rigid gender roles and how both sexes suffered (and some thrived) as a consequence. Norman also offers an unforgiving portrait of class differences as well as prejudices.
But it’s not all suffering and there are some fabulous moments in this book that allow your heart to soar, while others make your pulse quicken with anxiety. Likewise, the language I at first found a bit intense (mainly because Pen has a habit of quoting the Bible so much) became one of the joys of the book. Norman’s turn of phrase, her ability to capture a sensation, a thought, a feeling as well as physical descriptions are just magical and poetical.
There are parts that are slow, but these are the times when Norman allows us breathing space and the opportunity to get to know not just the fascinating and flawed people populating her novel and the period – from kings to playwrights to printers and farmers and soldiers, but the places as well; her descriptions are magnificent and place you firmly in the moment.
So, far from casting the book aside, I immersed myself in it. Read concurrently with Antonia Fraser’s biography of King Charles II, I can attest to the level of research (as well as other books I am reading on the period) and am in awe of Norman’s ability to weave fact and fiction so seamlessly and entertainingly.
I confess, like so many others, I fell in love with the unlikely heroine with the debilitating stutter. She captured my heart, as has Norman’s writing. I cannot wait to explore her other books, including those she wrote under a different pen name. That she died in 2011 was a great loss to literature and lovers of history and historical fiction. I hope someone penned her a deserving epitaph and I am so grateful we continue to gain pleasure from her wonderful imagination and research.
December 27, 2009
It's 1664 and Puritan Penitence Hurd arrives from America armed with nothing but her faith, a bag filled with wampum and tobacco and the address of her long lost aunt. The address takes her to the Cock and Pie on Dog Street, a brothel with a Madam who goes by the moniker of "Her Ladyship". Told that her aunt is long gone and most likely dead and with no where else to go Penitence accepts a position as seamstress as Her Ladyship is surprisingly reluctant to allow her to whore like the others. Plague soon breaks out and all on Dog Street are quarantined in their homes to catch it and die or survive the forty days and be freed. Penitence's room is across the way from room rented by the mysterious Henry King and they strike up a strange friendship as Henry teaches her to use The Vizard Mask to become someone else and thus lose her terrible stutter As the plague loosens its hold Henry and Penitence share one night of passion before he gains his freedom and disappears from her life.
Fate has a few unfortunate surprises for Penitence (pregnancy, Newgate, illegal pamphlet printing to name a few) and many times the only way to get past it is the oldest way in the world, but she will do anything to keep her independence. Once she sees the glitter and magic of the King's Theater she is determined to beat the odds and make it - although when she crosses one of King Charles' rowdy noblemen and he strikes back she's willing to give up her freedom for royal protection (no it's not who you are thinking it is). As she settles into a safe, albeit boring life with her royal protector, Penitence gets a shock when Henry King once again drops into her life and his name is not Henry King.......
That's as far as I'm going, if you want to know more then read it for yourself. Penitence's story begins just before the Great Plague of London through to the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion and it’s aftermath to the coronation of William and Mary. Fans of Charles Stuart be warned, he does not come off looking too pretty in this one, he’s portrayed at his rutting, double dealing worst here.
At times very witty and bawdy with lots of laugh out loud moments makes this a fast fun read, but there are some very difficult moments as well - keeping her son hidden and to safety after the failed Monmouth rebellion will have you on the edge of your seat, as well as the descriptions of the Bloody Assizes after the failed rebellion. That said there are times when the pace dropped off and got a bit tedious (the plague went on waaaaaay too long, as well as that last bit at the end trying to get ______ buried in Poet's corner *yawn*). Even with the flaws I enjoyed it a lot, and most especially when Penitence and Henry were in the same room – some of the best banter I’ve come across in a long time. Four stars.
Fate has a few unfortunate surprises for Penitence (pregnancy, Newgate, illegal pamphlet printing to name a few) and many times the only way to get past it is the oldest way in the world, but she will do anything to keep her independence. Once she sees the glitter and magic of the King's Theater she is determined to beat the odds and make it - although when she crosses one of King Charles' rowdy noblemen and he strikes back she's willing to give up her freedom for royal protection (no it's not who you are thinking it is). As she settles into a safe, albeit boring life with her royal protector, Penitence gets a shock when Henry King once again drops into her life and his name is not Henry King.......
That's as far as I'm going, if you want to know more then read it for yourself. Penitence's story begins just before the Great Plague of London through to the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion and it’s aftermath to the coronation of William and Mary. Fans of Charles Stuart be warned, he does not come off looking too pretty in this one, he’s portrayed at his rutting, double dealing worst here.
At times very witty and bawdy with lots of laugh out loud moments makes this a fast fun read, but there are some very difficult moments as well - keeping her son hidden and to safety after the failed Monmouth rebellion will have you on the edge of your seat, as well as the descriptions of the Bloody Assizes after the failed rebellion. That said there are times when the pace dropped off and got a bit tedious (the plague went on waaaaaay too long, as well as that last bit at the end trying to get ______ buried in Poet's corner *yawn*). Even with the flaws I enjoyed it a lot, and most especially when Penitence and Henry were in the same room – some of the best banter I’ve come across in a long time. Four stars.
September 21, 2021
A long, gripping historical novel set in Restoration London. It’s extremely dramatic, but I think the tone suits the setting and I enjoyed every page. (Diana Norman == Ariana Franklin, by the way.)
Penitence arrives in London, aged 18, suffering from a stutter and filled with righteous Puritan scorn. Her worldview is first disturbed when she acquires a reluctant affection and respect for the “sinful” women who take her in, and then by a series of tragedies -- plague, debtor’s prison, and the general string of inequities belonging to women of this era. She survives to become a famous actress and to frequent the debauched court of Charles II, where she learns that even those circumstances provide little respect or protection.
This has a wonderfully vivid description of 17th century England: the Great Plague of 1665; the infamous Newgate prison; the Restoration stage; the Monmouth Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes; the bloodless victory of William of Orange. The narrative mostly sticks with Penitence, but sometimes it backs away to give the larger picture.
Penitence is very (very) loosely based on a real historical figure (the book will be more exciting if you don’t look up her story, and anyway the author largely invents her early and late life), and there are lots of others depicted, including the playwright Aphra Behn and Nell Gwyn. Penitence meets William of Orange as a stilted young man horrified by his uncle’s raucous court. She is courted by no less than Prince Rupert of the Rhine, although she remains haunted by her first love...
The romance didn’t do much for me, since it provides some of the worst melodrama (although their banter can be nice), but it’s more of a background thread than a major plot point. I was more taken with the unlikely, enduring friendship she forms with a caustic prostitute.
Penitence arrives in London, aged 18, suffering from a stutter and filled with righteous Puritan scorn. Her worldview is first disturbed when she acquires a reluctant affection and respect for the “sinful” women who take her in, and then by a series of tragedies -- plague, debtor’s prison, and the general string of inequities belonging to women of this era. She survives to become a famous actress and to frequent the debauched court of Charles II, where she learns that even those circumstances provide little respect or protection.
This has a wonderfully vivid description of 17th century England: the Great Plague of 1665; the infamous Newgate prison; the Restoration stage; the Monmouth Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes; the bloodless victory of William of Orange. The narrative mostly sticks with Penitence, but sometimes it backs away to give the larger picture.
Penitence is very (very) loosely based on a real historical figure (the book will be more exciting if you don’t look up her story, and anyway the author largely invents her early and late life), and there are lots of others depicted, including the playwright Aphra Behn and Nell Gwyn. Penitence meets William of Orange as a stilted young man horrified by his uncle’s raucous court. She is courted by no less than Prince Rupert of the Rhine, although she remains haunted by her first love...
The romance didn’t do much for me, since it provides some of the worst melodrama (although their banter can be nice), but it’s more of a background thread than a major plot point. I was more taken with the unlikely, enduring friendship she forms with a caustic prostitute.
February 6, 2010
Norman's historical novels aren't very well known in the US, but they should be. This is a great story, well written. Penitence Hurd is a Puritan from America who makes the journey back to Charles II's London, and finds herself very out of place. She struggles through, makes a place for herself and friends, and is caught up in the plague panic. Highly recommended.
January 10, 2015
I really liked this book. I'll write more about that shortly, but first a word about the ebook edition, which I bought for $4.99 on Amazon. It's clearly a book created from a scan of the printed book, and IT HAS NOT BEEN FORMATTED OR PROOFREAD. The text is littered with errors. There are no scene breaks, which was really confusing at times. This ebook version is so poorly done that I feel the $4.99 is a ripoff. It's shameful--disrespectful to readers and to the author, who's passed away and had no say in how her work is presented here.
On to my opinion. A friend asked if I'd read it. I said no and asked what it was. She said, "It's a Bekke book." And she was right.
This is an epic tome of a novel, and it took some getting used to the writing style, but pretty soon I got caught up in the story, the immersive history, and the depth of the characters and the plot. It's vivid, gritty, and with just enough romance to satisfy the romance reader in me. I'm only knocking off a star because it really was a bit too long (I skimmed a good deal of the second half).
I hated the errors in the ebook so much that I'm hesitant to buy more of these on Kindle, but I loved the book enough that I'll probably just suck it up. But seriously, to whoever is responsible for publishing this ebook in such a terrible shape....shame on you!
On to my opinion. A friend asked if I'd read it. I said no and asked what it was. She said, "It's a Bekke book." And she was right.
This is an epic tome of a novel, and it took some getting used to the writing style, but pretty soon I got caught up in the story, the immersive history, and the depth of the characters and the plot. It's vivid, gritty, and with just enough romance to satisfy the romance reader in me. I'm only knocking off a star because it really was a bit too long (I skimmed a good deal of the second half).
I hated the errors in the ebook so much that I'm hesitant to buy more of these on Kindle, but I loved the book enough that I'll probably just suck it up. But seriously, to whoever is responsible for publishing this ebook in such a terrible shape....shame on you!
September 25, 2018
Having read Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, a nom du plume of this author, and loved it. A friend loaned me this book. Wow! The detail is phenomenal, her research must have taken years. I live in the area where much of the second half of the book takes place, particularly the Monmouth Rebellion so it held special interest for me. For any lover of historical fiction this is a must
March 3, 2020
As a professional historian I tend to be uber-critical of historical fiction but I just loved this, especially the later part of the story where Penitence moves to Somerset - a part of the country that I know and love. Thoroughly recommended!
August 15, 2019
This could be the best historical novel I've ever read. It's set in England in the 17th century. The main character, Penitence Hurd, is an American Puritan who comes to London to avoid being burned at the stake for witchcraft, and also to find her aunt, Margaret Hughes. She ends up working as a seamstress in a house of prostitution in Drury Lane. To say more would be to give spoilers.
Norman writes vividly, always keeping the reader's interest. But more, she has done her research, and she gives an excellent account of the Plague, the Great Fire, the Monmouth Rebellion, and the Glorious Revolution. Although Penitence is a fictional character, she's based on a real 17th century actress. Other real characters include King James I, William of Orange, and the playwright Aphra Behn (about whom I'd like to know more).
Norman writes vividly, always keeping the reader's interest. But more, she has done her research, and she gives an excellent account of the Plague, the Great Fire, the Monmouth Rebellion, and the Glorious Revolution. Although Penitence is a fictional character, she's based on a real 17th century actress. Other real characters include King James I, William of Orange, and the playwright Aphra Behn (about whom I'd like to know more).
July 13, 2018
Excellent writing
A great story told in wondrous detail, perfect for the historic fiction fan. Norman is a master of colorful storytelling.
A great story told in wondrous detail, perfect for the historic fiction fan. Norman is a master of colorful storytelling.
October 18, 2013
Very very glad that the much-missed Diana Norman's earlier out-of-print novels are making their way into e-format, but sad that this particular one is apparently a scanned version -- many many typos. But it's entirely worth it for this huge, satisfying novel that captures the romance, squalor, creativity, and chaos of the Restoration era, with an unblinking depiction of the horrors of London life for the poor and for women of ill repute. Penitence is a carefully drawn character based on the almost nonexistent biography of a real actress, and Norman gives her a resume that puts her in the middle of nearly every level of Restoration society, from the gutters to the throne room. Norman has also delighted me here by bringing the great Aphra Behn to life as Penitence's confidant and savior. Few historical fiction writers have managed to balance lush description with witty dialogue the way Norman has here and in her other novels. She was a master at presenting heroines and stories formulaic enough to be satisfying, but boundary-breaking enough to stay with you after you finish them.
August 18, 2019
Ugh, I love Diana Norman and her historical fiction. It's the perfect blend (imo) of textbook level historical facts/explanations with well-written, well-fleshed-out characters/plots (who/which are themselves excellent blends of history and fiction).
At almost 25 years old, The Vizard Mask has some elements that can seem a bit dated/regressive (the relationship between the white main character and an indigenous tribe in 17th century Massachusetts, for example, clearly strives to be respectful, but definitely has overtones of white savior/noble savage), but it also features themes that remain fresh and relevant (the ways in which women have been/continue to be disadvantaged, put down, and trampled over by the world at large, for example).
I always hesitate to recommend her wholesale because my enjoyment of her books feels so personal and rooted in my Anne-ness, but if you're looking for high quality historical fiction, then Diana might be your gal.
At almost 25 years old, The Vizard Mask has some elements that can seem a bit dated/regressive (the relationship between the white main character and an indigenous tribe in 17th century Massachusetts, for example, clearly strives to be respectful, but definitely has overtones of white savior/noble savage), but it also features themes that remain fresh and relevant (the ways in which women have been/continue to be disadvantaged, put down, and trampled over by the world at large, for example).
I always hesitate to recommend her wholesale because my enjoyment of her books feels so personal and rooted in my Anne-ness, but if you're looking for high quality historical fiction, then Diana might be your gal.
May 6, 2015
The absorbing story of Penitence Hurd who arrives in London from New England at the same time as the Plague. How Penitence survives the Plague to make a new life for herself in Restoration London makes for very gripping reading with some wonderfully tense moments. The hard choices that she had to make to support herself felt very believable and highlighted the difficult position women without a male protector would have had at that time. Penitence's story was cleverly woven in with real characters such as Aphra Behn and Prince Rupert of the Rhine and the author made the whole period come alive. There were moments when the story sagged a little and it felt slightly as if it had run out of steam at the end but overall it was a really excellent read.
January 23, 2010
Wow, the thinking womans bodice ripper! What a really great and wide ranging historical novel this was.
This lusty tale tells us about the life of Penitence Hurd brought up as a Puritan in Massachusetts, who arrives in England alone and virtually penniless to search for an aunt she's never met.
There is so much depth to this story which transcends it above the run of the mill poverty to passion tales.
Her journey begins in a poverty ridden rookery in London where her Aunt rurns out to be a Madam running a brothel in Dog yard called the Cock and Pie.
Hot on Penitences heels is Plague which strikes the rookery with devastating effect.
This book is written in 4 books, each telling a different period of Penitences life and covers diverse topics inlcuding her time in debtors prison, her friendship with the female playwright Aphra Benn, how she ends up on the stage with Nell Gwynn, is lusted after by princes and a famous judge, yet her heart remains with the actor she remembers from her roookery days who turns out not to be what he at first appears.
It reminded me of a grown up version of "At the sign of the sugared Plum" by Mary Hooper as it's set in the same time, similar setting and events. Yet it reads more like The Crimson Petal and the White" by Michel Faber.
A cracking good read for anyone who likes a historical romance which educates and makes you think as well as entertaining every step of the way.
This lusty tale tells us about the life of Penitence Hurd brought up as a Puritan in Massachusetts, who arrives in England alone and virtually penniless to search for an aunt she's never met.
There is so much depth to this story which transcends it above the run of the mill poverty to passion tales.
Her journey begins in a poverty ridden rookery in London where her Aunt rurns out to be a Madam running a brothel in Dog yard called the Cock and Pie.
Hot on Penitences heels is Plague which strikes the rookery with devastating effect.
This book is written in 4 books, each telling a different period of Penitences life and covers diverse topics inlcuding her time in debtors prison, her friendship with the female playwright Aphra Benn, how she ends up on the stage with Nell Gwynn, is lusted after by princes and a famous judge, yet her heart remains with the actor she remembers from her roookery days who turns out not to be what he at first appears.
It reminded me of a grown up version of "At the sign of the sugared Plum" by Mary Hooper as it's set in the same time, similar setting and events. Yet it reads more like The Crimson Petal and the White" by Michel Faber.
A cracking good read for anyone who likes a historical romance which educates and makes you think as well as entertaining every step of the way.
October 27, 2014
The Vizard Mask is epic! And it seems to me there are far too few books like this out there any more. This is a huge story, spanning thirty years and well over six hundred pages - wars, plagues, and in particular the life of one little Puritan girl who undergoes a number of very interesting life changes. Penitence Hurd arrives in London with the plague, makes her home in the most unlikely of places, and falls in love. But I've read a few of this author's books, and they all have in common some pretty complicated love affairs - the Vizard Mask is no exception, and I would hate to ruin this for anyone by dropping too many clues. So I'll just say this - if you love detailed plot, historical fiction and love that feels like real, true love, read this book. In fact, read everything Diana Norman/Ariana Franklin wrote. Awesomeness!
October 9, 2014
I wanted to read this book because Diana Norman is the real name of Ariana Franklin, who wrote the Mistress of the Art of Death series.
A Puritan (and have I changed my opinions of them) arrives back in England where she was born to find an aunt because a head man back in Massachusetts wants to label her a witch when escapes his sexual clutches.
Quite a bit of history from the plague during Charles II through James II to William and Mary. The plight of women, how one woman survives it all.
Also, quite a bit about the first English woman to write plays (absolutely sinful) Aphra Behn.
The King Phillip War between New England settlers and the Indians in 1675 was a bit of American history I didn't know about.
All in all, a great read.
A Puritan (and have I changed my opinions of them) arrives back in England where she was born to find an aunt because a head man back in Massachusetts wants to label her a witch when escapes his sexual clutches.
Quite a bit of history from the plague during Charles II through James II to William and Mary. The plight of women, how one woman survives it all.
Also, quite a bit about the first English woman to write plays (absolutely sinful) Aphra Behn.
The King Phillip War between New England settlers and the Indians in 1675 was a bit of American history I didn't know about.
All in all, a great read.
August 20, 2018
A very interesting book, within which during a riveting plot, substantiates possible meanings of the surname, Vizard. Vizard is thought to be a French Huguenot name and records have it as a family name in England in the early 1700s. The actual vizard mask is written about in Dr Johnson's diary as a mask for ladies to hide behind when laughing (or crying) at the theatre. The name can be pronounced as v-eye-zard. Famous Vizard's: Steve Vizard, Australian comic and republican campaigner. Well known wizards, Maurice Vizard, painter and cabaret artist, Julian Vizard, businessman.
June 24, 2016
A bit overly long in that so much happens over so many years, some of it interesting and some of it not, but still a good read. A great example of this time in history and all the cool things that happened in London.
February 9, 2021
If you like historical fiction, you'll love this book. Set in Stuart England it covers a period from the Plague to the installation of William and Mary as monarchs. It is impeccably researched and beautifully written. I really loved this book.
October 19, 2024
Writing historical fiction takes a certain amount of chutzpah. One has to take on nitpickers who will point out that this wasn’t in fashion at that time or that hadn’t been discovered yet. One also has to create room for characters in written history without turning them into Forrest Gump. The rewards, at least for readers, are absolutely worth it. Nothing else can bring history to life like a well drawn character living in a time and place that we only know from broad strokes in a textbook. The Vizard Mask, by Diana Norman, is both a brilliant story and a brilliant piece of scholarship about life and politics in post-Restoration England. Because of this book (and because of the noodling around on Wikipedia it caused), I finally understand the Jacobite claim to the throne, how England transformed into a constitutional monarchy, and what Aphra Behn was up against. I had no idea how far The Vizard Mask would take me when I started reading it. I confess I was suckered in by a synopsis that advertised a Puritan woman going to live in her aunt’s brothel in London’s rookeries just before the Great Plague...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
January 7, 2015
This was an amazing novel! I felt like I was there in the 1600's with Pen. I felt love, fear, heartbreak and all those emotions you don't normally feel when reading just any book. AND the book just isn't leaving my mind. It was refreshing to read a book that featured an actress instead of the normal noblewoman. The struggle/survival in a mans world where woman are considered slaves who are excepted to give men pleasure and entertainment is the theme with women fighting back for independence and having limited alternatives in their choices. Mostly limited to whoring or if your lucky acting or dying. This is also not a normal book I would pick up but because it's Diana Norman I read it and was not disappointed. Rich in history and characters that you love and hate definitely read this book - I got it on Kindle for under $5.
And just in case you didn't know Diana Norman is Ariana Franklin author of Mistress of the Art of Death. She was a historical fiction genius!
And just in case you didn't know Diana Norman is Ariana Franklin author of Mistress of the Art of Death. She was a historical fiction genius!
March 19, 2017
This author also wrote the wonderful medieval Mistress of the Art of Death series, as Ariana Franklin. Since she died a couple of years ago, I've been reading her historical novels under the Diana Norman pen name. I always enjoy the historical detail: real people wander through the plot and you do get a good feel for the Restoration period and the court of the Merry Monarch contrasted with Puritan early America. Although the main character is based on real person, I didn't become fully invested in the plot and mostly just enjoyed the historical details of life during the 17th c. With Plague and the Great Fire of London, and cavaliers vs roundheads.
October 14, 2017
Well written, seems well researched (I'm honestly not super familiar with details of the 17th century), and kept me interested. Felt much more like a viewer watching Penitence's life play out rather than going through her life with her? Some parts do drag and I'll never understand the "romance" -he was a dick and they just had sexual attraction no real relationship.
It was mostly interesting for the historical bits; plague, great fire, the court of Charles ll, the Monmouth Rebellion, the Bloody Assizes, William and Mary, etc., etc.
It was mostly interesting for the historical bits; plague, great fire, the court of Charles ll, the Monmouth Rebellion, the Bloody Assizes, William and Mary, etc., etc.
November 4, 2016
I did really enjoy this book although I felt it was too long and the story really dragged on towards the end. The first two parts were brilliant (5*) however, especially descriptions of living through the plague in the rough parts of London. Really well written and just horrifying! Aphra Behn was an inspirational 'character'. I hadn't realised she actually existed until I checked Wikipedia after..
September 11, 2020
Penitence is a Puritan whose life in the colonies turns sour so off she goes to merry old England. She arrives nigh on penniless and certainly friendless in London in 1665. As she steps off the ship a rat carrying the plague alights from another. Restoration England is a bawdy and dangerous place for a pretty young girl but her adventures are spectacular to say the least. The plague section is also very enlightening.
June 20, 2018
Quite enjoyable
Found out by accident this author and Arianna Franklin are the same person and I like the Franklin books which are better than this. This has a very slow start and I almost gave up reading it. It's worth a read and I will now read more Norman books but this is not as good as the Franklin novels I have to say.
Found out by accident this author and Arianna Franklin are the same person and I like the Franklin books which are better than this. This has a very slow start and I almost gave up reading it. It's worth a read and I will now read more Norman books but this is not as good as the Franklin novels I have to say.
August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I gave one star less because it does lag in places and could easily be 100 pages shorter, but I am so impressed by the research that must have gone into writing this novel. I love reading stories that are both entertaining and educational. Will definitely be reading more of Norman's historical fiction!
February 27, 2012
the first historical novel that stuck in my head. with characters like APHRA BEHN. set around the time of the great fire of london & the plaugue just bursting with history.
September 14, 2019
For history buffs, one of those books so enjoyable you can’t wait to tell everyone to read it.
January 4, 2020
Fantastically detailed novel of Restoration England. Puritan girl ends up in the stage, resists but ends up as a high class prostitute. Ends up happy every after. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
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