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The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose
Ousted from her family by her new stepmother, Eliza Rose makes her way to London--only to be thrown straight into prison for stealing a bite to eat. Her life takes a remarkable twist when she is rescued and befriended by the infamous actress Nelly Gwyn. Nelly introduces her to the courtly intrigue, politics, and glamour of the court of King Charles II, as well as to a handsome young man known as Valentine Howard. Eliza is smitten, yet their love cannot be, as she is only a lowly maid and he is an aristocrat.
From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know--a place where she truly belongs?
From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know--a place where she truly belongs?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
9 people are currently reading
2440 people want to read
About the author
Mary Hooper
211 books289 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
British children's and young adult author Mary Hooper was born in 1944, in Barnes, then in Surrey, nowadays in South West London. She left school at fifteen, and went to work as a window dresser, and then as a secretary. She eventually returned to school, as an adult student, earning a degree in English from Reading University. Hooper began her writing career with short stories, publishing in women's and teen magazines. Her first book, Jodie, was published in 1978. She is married, has two children, and one grandchild, and lives in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.
British children's and young adult author Mary Hooper was born in 1944, in Barnes, then in Surrey, nowadays in South West London. She left school at fifteen, and went to work as a window dresser, and then as a secretary. She eventually returned to school, as an adult student, earning a degree in English from Reading University. Hooper began her writing career with short stories, publishing in women's and teen magazines. Her first book, Jodie, was published in 1978. She is married, has two children, and one grandchild, and lives in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 22, 2013
bleh and ho-hum. Forgetable except for my annoyance at the time wasted reading it.
The story is set in 17th century England but I felt there was very little historical content--while many of the characters were real I just didn't get enough of the sights and sounds from this time period.
The story itself seems to resolve around sex from the "bawdy" houses all the way to the King and his mistresses and one-night stands. It is even celebrated when Eliza's best friend becomes pregnant with the king's illegtimate child. There is no sense of moral behavior except from Eliza which makes it confusing that she's so willing to associate with the people she does. The story ends in a predictable way. I believe this may be considered a young adult book which makes it even more apalling.
It would have been nice for a little appendix at the end of the book telling which characters were real and which were made up.
The story is set in 17th century England but I felt there was very little historical content--while many of the characters were real I just didn't get enough of the sights and sounds from this time period.
The story itself seems to resolve around sex from the "bawdy" houses all the way to the King and his mistresses and one-night stands. It is even celebrated when Eliza's best friend becomes pregnant with the king's illegtimate child. There is no sense of moral behavior except from Eliza which makes it confusing that she's so willing to associate with the people she does. The story ends in a predictable way. I believe this may be considered a young adult book which makes it even more apalling.
It would have been nice for a little appendix at the end of the book telling which characters were real and which were made up.
June 6, 2012
I've had my fair share of bad books lately. This one stars a painfully stupid heroine who appears to be just thrown into 17th.c England, not understanding why or how she got there, doing not much else but staring with big stupid doe eyes like cattle in the slaughterhouse or gasp very ladylike. It takes her page after dreary page to draw the simplest conclusion; if Mom and Dad are not my real parents, then - she realizes 2 pages later - :gasp: my brothers are not my real brothers! Bravo Sherlock!
No wonder she understands herself with Jemima so well, she is the only character even more severely retarded than than her and that says a lot.
EDIT; It gets slightly better at the end.
:sigh: can't wait to start GoT so that I get to read some WELL-WRITTEN books with COMPELLING characters for a change.
No wonder she understands herself with Jemima so well, she is the only character even more severely retarded than than her and that says a lot.
EDIT; It gets slightly better at the end.
:sigh: can't wait to start GoT so that I get to read some WELL-WRITTEN books with COMPELLING characters for a change.
September 8, 2010
there's nothing remarkable about "the remarkable life and times of eliza rose." it is imminently missable. the plot points are preposterously lucky, so although terribly bad things happen to almost all the people around her, eliza escapes unscathed each time. sheesh. mediocre at best. sappy and stupid at worst. highly disappointing overall. the only thing worthwhile are the descriptions of 17th century london.
a cautionary pg13. this is not appropriate for young teens. it doesn't have explicit content, but in any real scenario eliza would've ended up a trollope in the stews of london. and her only real friend probably has 12 venereal diseases.
a cautionary pg13. this is not appropriate for young teens. it doesn't have explicit content, but in any real scenario eliza would've ended up a trollope in the stews of london. and her only real friend probably has 12 venereal diseases.
April 11, 2008
I've been reading so much lately that I realized I need to be harsher in my scoring. I've been using three stars as my "eh I was entertained but I wouldn't say it's really all that good", and this book is one of the first where I knocked that down to two.
Characters come in and out of the story, never to appear again, signs of a well developed world in an adult novel, but in this YA title, it felt as if the author forgot a plot twist she planned. Eliza isn't a character the reader can really identify with, although it seems clear that we're supposed to, as she navigates the poorest slums and the King's palace. The ending is wrapped up quickly, and is only about Eliza, ignoring Nell Gywn, who is honestly the character I read this book for (and the jacket emphasizes).
This wasn't a bad book, it was just so "ehhh" and while I was entertained while I read it, I don't feel the need to talk about it to anyone, I'm bored by it in retrospect.
Characters come in and out of the story, never to appear again, signs of a well developed world in an adult novel, but in this YA title, it felt as if the author forgot a plot twist she planned. Eliza isn't a character the reader can really identify with, although it seems clear that we're supposed to, as she navigates the poorest slums and the King's palace. The ending is wrapped up quickly, and is only about Eliza, ignoring Nell Gywn, who is honestly the character I read this book for (and the jacket emphasizes).
This wasn't a bad book, it was just so "ehhh" and while I was entertained while I read it, I don't feel the need to talk about it to anyone, I'm bored by it in retrospect.
June 30, 2013
This was a decent book (much because of Claude Du Vall and occasionally Valentine) but it just didn't hold up in the long run. It was a good book to forget myself within, but not one I'll read again, and simply too many strings were left untied by the end. (In fact, some characters appeared with a major role and then disappeared without us having any disclosure?) (And where/what were any characters' motives?).
The only reason for 2 stars instead of 1 is that I did somewhat enjoy the mystery.
The only reason for 2 stars instead of 1 is that I did somewhat enjoy the mystery.
March 6, 2011
4 or 5 stars for the story, and how it pulled me in. 2 stars for the 'whore' content. I enjoy Mary Hooper's writing style.
Howvever, it was hard to tell that this was 1600 London versus 1800 London. Maybe there weren't many differences.
Content Advisory:
Little if no language. There is a lot of talk about affairs, mistresses and whore houses. This way of life is deemed acceptable to everyone in the story. The heroine, Eliza, does not want to become a mistresses (or whore); she wants to wait for her 'one and only', yet is not troubled that her dearest friend lives this kind of life and even rejoices when her friend is pregnant with the King's illegitimate son.
Howvever, it was hard to tell that this was 1600 London versus 1800 London. Maybe there weren't many differences.
Content Advisory:
Little if no language. There is a lot of talk about affairs, mistresses and whore houses. This way of life is deemed acceptable to everyone in the story. The heroine, Eliza, does not want to become a mistresses (or whore); she wants to wait for her 'one and only', yet is not troubled that her dearest friend lives this kind of life and even rejoices when her friend is pregnant with the King's illegitimate son.
February 13, 2014
Ridiculous.
The story was unbelievably predictable at every single turn. Eliza was perhaps the stupidest protagonist ever. It seemed to take her an age to figure out the most obvious of things. I knew exactly where the plot was headed, which was so far fetched it made me want to tear lumps of my own hair out.
It does have an eye-catching front cover though.
The story was unbelievably predictable at every single turn. Eliza was perhaps the stupidest protagonist ever. It seemed to take her an age to figure out the most obvious of things. I knew exactly where the plot was headed, which was so far fetched it made me want to tear lumps of my own hair out.
It does have an eye-catching front cover though.
November 3, 2016
I love reading about books in different eras, though they probably do not really show what it was like back in the day at least it gives an idea. I feel that if you were poor you were actually able to make money easier then now in days but how they obtained their money was also a lot more reckless then what a person can do today. Its so said how class and status was so important, how a person may not even be able to befriend a person who was so much lower then them in status because it was frown upon in their society.
I kept thinking that the king was really eliza's father and did not understand why he did not see a resemblance or when she saw the queen why she wouldn't have either. But I guess it was because she was of a different noble family. How hard that life would be to be kicked out, then go to a whole other country to seek out the person who you thought was your father, only to arrive, be thrown in jail and then bought out to become a victim to a women who wanted you to become their show thing and then later tried to turn you into one of their 'whores.' At least she was saved from ever being bought into prostitution, then to have to do all these small jobs, find out that who she thought was her father was not and that her mother was not her mother either and though she did live better then most I feel, to have the stress of wondering what would become of your life in the future and that you had no hope of really bettering your situation. Than to finally come across your real mother though you did not know it at the time and her seek you out and then you happily wanting you back and your sisters excited for you to join the family as well! I am glad it all worked out and that she was able to keep her innocence and still be proper though people always treated unkindly. I was made at valentine for believe so badly about her! Then to see him rush to her new home once he found out that she was of a proper standing now for him to pursue! Yes I would be upset just as she was and say, since he couldnt love me as a simple person why should I let him in now that he knows I have money! BUt then again her mother had a point, it was the way he was raised and sadly as a Psych major I understand how norms in society have too big of an impact for people to want to break them. I hope they did end up together, not right away but in due time!
My ending is of him professing his interest in her. Her playing hard to get and saying they can become friends and see. Then her going to court and meeting a bunch of people but in the end Valentine and her end up together and form a family. :)
I kept thinking that the king was really eliza's father and did not understand why he did not see a resemblance or when she saw the queen why she wouldn't have either. But I guess it was because she was of a different noble family. How hard that life would be to be kicked out, then go to a whole other country to seek out the person who you thought was your father, only to arrive, be thrown in jail and then bought out to become a victim to a women who wanted you to become their show thing and then later tried to turn you into one of their 'whores.' At least she was saved from ever being bought into prostitution, then to have to do all these small jobs, find out that who she thought was her father was not and that her mother was not her mother either and though she did live better then most I feel, to have the stress of wondering what would become of your life in the future and that you had no hope of really bettering your situation. Than to finally come across your real mother though you did not know it at the time and her seek you out and then you happily wanting you back and your sisters excited for you to join the family as well! I am glad it all worked out and that she was able to keep her innocence and still be proper though people always treated unkindly. I was made at valentine for believe so badly about her! Then to see him rush to her new home once he found out that she was of a proper standing now for him to pursue! Yes I would be upset just as she was and say, since he couldnt love me as a simple person why should I let him in now that he knows I have money! BUt then again her mother had a point, it was the way he was raised and sadly as a Psych major I understand how norms in society have too big of an impact for people to want to break them. I hope they did end up together, not right away but in due time!
My ending is of him professing his interest in her. Her playing hard to get and saying they can become friends and see. Then her going to court and meeting a bunch of people but in the end Valentine and her end up together and form a family. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 27, 2011After the story of Henry VIII and all of his Baby Momma drama my kids are fascinated with Kings and their "home lives". They just can't understand how a King can be married and have so many other "friends" this will satisfy thier craving for depravity without being to graphic and it will help them understand how much power the Kings had over the world around them. I wish that the ending had not been so neat and wrapped in a bow. I wish that girls were not constantly given the message that life is perfect when you get a man to sweep you off your feet and take care of you. This message is so deply embeded in our society. I don't want the girls in my classes think that they need a man to make their lives perfect or that if they don't have a man that their lives are not as worthy.
January 16, 2019
First of all, I like Mary Hooper and have read a couple of her books. The storyline is sometimes a little flat and could have been shorted. Over all I really enjoyed it but what is confusing to me is the time stamps given. The Book is said to be in 1655. Eliza says that it has been 4 years since the great fire, which was in 1666. Also Charles II is king and His official reign only started in 1661 and it was the time he met Nell Gwyn which historically was around 1668. As you can see, something is not adding up.
April 28, 2011
I usually don't pick history books to read but this book definately changed my mind about fiction hirstory books. I learnt a lot from this book, all about the dates a couple of years after the great fire of London. I love the way Mary Hooper adds so much detail to her books. I would definately reccomend you to read this book!
June 20, 2008
Though this is a young adult historical novel, I'm not sure I would recommend this to a teen because of the setting: King Charles II's bawdy court.
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September 6, 2019I'm torn on this to be honest. I LOVED 'At the Sign of the Sugared Plum' and 'Petals in the Ashes' when I was younger (even wrote an essay on them) and that's why I don't want to rate this or be too harsh in my review, because I feel like this book is for younger people and if I loved 2 of this authors book when I was at the age group this book was intended for then I probably would've enjoyed this book at that age to so is it fair to rate this low because I am now older?
For the review, this book follows Eliza Rose and her journey into finding out who she is - she is cast out of her home in the countryside by her stepmother and makes her way to London to find her father to rectify her situation and finds herself thrown into situations. And that is what happens in this book. There isn't really a plot, it's just situations thrown at our characters. The blurb on the book makes it sound like the book has a plot, but it doesn't really, it feels like that is sacrificed to show the research done on 17th century London, like the author was writing these details and situations and then remembered that she has a plot to fit in somewhere. The plot where she needs to find her father is over and done with quite quickly and the romance plot was basically non-existent, the characters would casually meet and somehow I'm supposed to like them together when they barely spend any time together. I feel like this book would've been better without the (albeit haphazardly thrown in) father and romance plots and was basically about a girl left on her on and moving to London to figure out her life - going into a book expecting a plot point told to you by the publishers and it ends up being background noise is quite frustrating.
But I did enjoy the research and, while for older readers the situations may seem outlandish, I feel like younger me would've relished these situations, if you like British history why wouldn't you like to see a character thrown into the King's court and read about how different classes lived in 17th century London? Mary Hooper's writing is easy to read and fun and she obviously does her research, I enjoyed seeing Eliza Rose go from being at the bottom of the ladder to working her way up, and while older I may roll my eyes at the absurdity of some of it, younger me would've absolutely loved it.
For the review, this book follows Eliza Rose and her journey into finding out who she is - she is cast out of her home in the countryside by her stepmother and makes her way to London to find her father to rectify her situation and finds herself thrown into situations. And that is what happens in this book. There isn't really a plot, it's just situations thrown at our characters. The blurb on the book makes it sound like the book has a plot, but it doesn't really, it feels like that is sacrificed to show the research done on 17th century London, like the author was writing these details and situations and then remembered that she has a plot to fit in somewhere. The plot where she needs to find her father is over and done with quite quickly and the romance plot was basically non-existent, the characters would casually meet and somehow I'm supposed to like them together when they barely spend any time together. I feel like this book would've been better without the (albeit haphazardly thrown in) father and romance plots and was basically about a girl left on her on and moving to London to figure out her life - going into a book expecting a plot point told to you by the publishers and it ends up being background noise is quite frustrating.
But I did enjoy the research and, while for older readers the situations may seem outlandish, I feel like younger me would've relished these situations, if you like British history why wouldn't you like to see a character thrown into the King's court and read about how different classes lived in 17th century London? Mary Hooper's writing is easy to read and fun and she obviously does her research, I enjoyed seeing Eliza Rose go from being at the bottom of the ladder to working her way up, and while older I may roll my eyes at the absurdity of some of it, younger me would've absolutely loved it.
January 29, 2025
Ousted from her family by her new stepmother, Eliza Rose makes her way to London—only to be thrown straight into prison for stealing a bite to eat. Her life takes a remarkable twist when she is rescued and befriended by the infamous actress Nelly Gwyn. Nelly introduces her to the courtly intrigue, politics, and glamour of the court of King Charles II, as well as to a handsome young man known as Valentine Howard. Eliza is smitten, yet their love cannot be, as she is only a lowly maid and he is an aristocrat.
From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know—a place where she truly belongs?
My Thoughts: May Contain Spoilers.
Eliza Rose we first meet being thrown into the ‘Clink’ for stealing a pastry. Form then one she always seems to be in the need of rescuing. All her encounters are with real historical figures although Eliza herslef is a fictional character but based on a young girl of the times. Ma Gwyn helps her out to her own advantage, then along comes Nell, Claude Duval, the famous highwayman and also King Charles II. Will Eliza end up with a happy ending ?
This book is for young adults unknown to me when I picked it up, firstly for its cover and the blurb on the back. That dosen’t matter too much, but had I have been about 15/16 years of age then this book would have been the perfect fairytale. The book was very quick to read and had it’s sugary ending where all ends well. I enjoyed the historical characters and would have loved to have seen Eliza spend a little more time with the highwayman. I was looling forward to reading about Nell Gwyn but feel the same as another reviewer on here that perhaps there are better books out there about her.
A quick pleasant read but I would have loved it more had I have been a teenager.
From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know—a place where she truly belongs?
My Thoughts: May Contain Spoilers.
Eliza Rose we first meet being thrown into the ‘Clink’ for stealing a pastry. Form then one she always seems to be in the need of rescuing. All her encounters are with real historical figures although Eliza herslef is a fictional character but based on a young girl of the times. Ma Gwyn helps her out to her own advantage, then along comes Nell, Claude Duval, the famous highwayman and also King Charles II. Will Eliza end up with a happy ending ?
This book is for young adults unknown to me when I picked it up, firstly for its cover and the blurb on the back. That dosen’t matter too much, but had I have been about 15/16 years of age then this book would have been the perfect fairytale. The book was very quick to read and had it’s sugary ending where all ends well. I enjoyed the historical characters and would have loved to have seen Eliza spend a little more time with the highwayman. I was looling forward to reading about Nell Gwyn but feel the same as another reviewer on here that perhaps there are better books out there about her.
A quick pleasant read but I would have loved it more had I have been a teenager.
June 25, 2021
This YA historical fiction gives a good feel for what it was like to live in the restoration period in London.
Our heroine has been turfed out of her Somerset home by her stepmother, and she makes the journey to London to find her father, a mason working to rebuild London after the Great Fire. Unfortunately she was so hungry she stole a some food and ended up in prison. Her adventures took her to several places in London. I particularly enjoyed reading about Nell Gwyn and the theatre life.
The author has written a lot of little details of life back then. I was fascinated with how they lived in the clink prison. This is a relaxing read that ticks along slowly, with enough intrigue to keep interest, but not too much suspense and drama that keep you reading into the night.
Our heroine has been turfed out of her Somerset home by her stepmother, and she makes the journey to London to find her father, a mason working to rebuild London after the Great Fire. Unfortunately she was so hungry she stole a some food and ended up in prison. Her adventures took her to several places in London. I particularly enjoyed reading about Nell Gwyn and the theatre life.
The author has written a lot of little details of life back then. I was fascinated with how they lived in the clink prison. This is a relaxing read that ticks along slowly, with enough intrigue to keep interest, but not too much suspense and drama that keep you reading into the night.
December 23, 2019
This reads like a first draft - one thing happening after another with very little detail. The protagonist was extremely passive and unrealistically stupid (sure it was likely there was a difference between rural and city life, but rural people weren't naïve!) and the historical research seemed preliminary at best. Gave it an extra star in that I wanted to see what stupid thing Eliza would do next, though
September 15, 2018
Loved it. I generally don't like reading fiction novels written in prehistorical times such as Middle Ages etc. However, this was absolutely brillant. It kept me on edge and I did become all emotional while reading the book sometimes even crying during certain bits.
January 16, 2020
I didn’t really enjoy this book as, even though I am only 12, the foreshadowing was very strong and easy for even me to pick up on however I also wouldn’t recommend this to a younger reader as the content can be inappropriate. It is very difficult to put a recommended age on it.
August 7, 2020
This is my favourite mary hooper and my favourite book. Its a book I would reading again and again. The writing was really good and portrayed the era really well. And I loved the characters and all of the known ones she included like the king and nelly. The plot was very clever too.
July 11, 2017
This is a little bit like the YA version of The Vizard Mask (in which book virtue is *not* miraculously preserved) with a happy ending and bonus Claude Duval.
December 3, 2024
I read this book years ago, I can't fully remeber what it is about, but it must have left a lasting impression if I still remeber bits of it
January 31, 2025
I love this book but wish it did not end on such a cliffhanger.
June 2, 2025
I loved the way Mary Hooper wove historical fact and fiction here, and yet again created a cast of endearing characters.
March 4, 2016
Mary Hooper is one of my favourite historical fiction writes of all time, and I devoured her books when I was a few years younger but I haven’t actually read any of her books for quite a while so this one was a much anticipated re-read for me. And I really, really enjoyed it. Mary Hooper is an expert at creating really vivid and lively settings that seem to jump of the page – and are bursting with historical details that please my inner historical buff in so many ways – and this book was certainly no different. All of the characters on this book were all really engaging and very entertaining to read about and I really liked the intelligent, strong-willed yet slightly naïve character of Eliza. The plot of the book was very easy to follow as well as being interesting and full of twists and turns. And while the writing may have been slightly better suited to someone a few years younger than me – I can see why I loved it so much a few years ago – there are so quite serious themes in this one so it can still appeal to older teenagers and adults alike. I really enjoyed re-reading this and was able to fall in love with Mary Hooper all over again.
Ousted from her family by her new stepmother, Eliza Rose makes her way to London – only to be thrown straight into prison for stealing a bite to eat. Her life takes a remarkable twist when she is rescued and befriended by the infamous actress Nelly Gwyn. Nelly introduces her to the courtly intrigue, politics, and glamour of the court of King Charles II, as well as to a handsome young man known as Valentine Howard. Eliza is smitten, yet their love cannot be, as she is only a lowly maid and he is an aristocrat. From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know–a place where she truly belongs?
Something that I really like about the character of Eliza is that she doesn’t have everything figured out and she makes mistakes along the way. But, just because she makes mistakes and is sometimes a little naïve – or just optimistic, whatever way you want to look at it – doesn’t mean that she is a pushover and lets people walk all over her. She stands up for what she believes and always shares her opinion – but not in an arrogant or pushy way, and is actually always pretty tactful with what she says. She is also a really kind and gentle person too. I also really liked the character of Valentine Howard, and I just wish that he got a little more character development and we got to find out some more about him. This ‘bad guys’ in this book are also really interesting because they are all very complex and interesting, and not inherently ‘bad’. I also really liked to see the handful of historical characters that appear in this book, because I’m all for reading and learning at the same time.
I know that the whole ‘switched-at-birth’ storyline isn’t particularly original, but considering that this book is set in the Georgian period and the ‘switched-at-birth’ thing happened a heck of a lot more and was more of a unique and different thing to happen in the world, so I don’t mind reading something that would be considered a bit of a cliché nowadays. The main thing that I love about Mary Hooper’s books is just how vivid and vibrant the whole world seems. Everything is explained and described so brilliantly that I can always imagine myself in the worlds that she describes. This book combines a lot of different elements – there is a really sweet romance, which you know is a really important point for me, as well as action, drama and some suspense which kept me hooked throughout the whole thing.
I love Mary Hooper and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for her, and this book was a really nostalgic read for me. I’d give this one a 4 out of 5 stars, and I really want to re-read some more of Mary Hooper’s books soon.
Ousted from her family by her new stepmother, Eliza Rose makes her way to London – only to be thrown straight into prison for stealing a bite to eat. Her life takes a remarkable twist when she is rescued and befriended by the infamous actress Nelly Gwyn. Nelly introduces her to the courtly intrigue, politics, and glamour of the court of King Charles II, as well as to a handsome young man known as Valentine Howard. Eliza is smitten, yet their love cannot be, as she is only a lowly maid and he is an aristocrat. From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know–a place where she truly belongs?
Something that I really like about the character of Eliza is that she doesn’t have everything figured out and she makes mistakes along the way. But, just because she makes mistakes and is sometimes a little naïve – or just optimistic, whatever way you want to look at it – doesn’t mean that she is a pushover and lets people walk all over her. She stands up for what she believes and always shares her opinion – but not in an arrogant or pushy way, and is actually always pretty tactful with what she says. She is also a really kind and gentle person too. I also really liked the character of Valentine Howard, and I just wish that he got a little more character development and we got to find out some more about him. This ‘bad guys’ in this book are also really interesting because they are all very complex and interesting, and not inherently ‘bad’. I also really liked to see the handful of historical characters that appear in this book, because I’m all for reading and learning at the same time.
I know that the whole ‘switched-at-birth’ storyline isn’t particularly original, but considering that this book is set in the Georgian period and the ‘switched-at-birth’ thing happened a heck of a lot more and was more of a unique and different thing to happen in the world, so I don’t mind reading something that would be considered a bit of a cliché nowadays. The main thing that I love about Mary Hooper’s books is just how vivid and vibrant the whole world seems. Everything is explained and described so brilliantly that I can always imagine myself in the worlds that she describes. This book combines a lot of different elements – there is a really sweet romance, which you know is a really important point for me, as well as action, drama and some suspense which kept me hooked throughout the whole thing.
I love Mary Hooper and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for her, and this book was a really nostalgic read for me. I’d give this one a 4 out of 5 stars, and I really want to re-read some more of Mary Hooper’s books soon.
August 24, 2011
Rezension auch hier: http://buechertruhe.blogspot.com/2011...
Inhalt:
England, 17. Jahrhundert: Nachdem ihre Stiefmutter sie herausgeworfen und Eliza sich mittellos auf den Weg nach London gemacht hat, wacht die 15-jährige Eliza Rose in einem Gefängnis auf. Eine freundliche Frau kauft sie frei und Eliza ist ihr sehr dankbar. Doch ahnt sie nicht, dass diese Frau ein Bordell betreibt und Eliza mit ihrem hübschen Aussehen der neue Goldesel sein soll. Wieder gelingt es Eliza, sich von einen düsteren Schicksal zu befreien und kann endlich ein neues Leben beginnen, bei dem sie mehr über ihre Vergangenheit erfährt, als sie je gedacht hätte.
Meine Meinung:
Hach! Was ein zuckersüßer Jugendroman! Dieses Buch ist das erste, was ich von Mary Hooper gelesen habe, aber mit Sicherheit nicht das letzte. Mir gefiel Schreibstil, Story und die Personen. Ein paar Kleinigkeiten haben mich zwar gestört, aber die waren so miniklein, dass sie meiner guten Meinung über das Buch keinen Abbruch taten.
Die Hauptperson Eliza kommt aus behüteten Verhältnissen und muss das wahre Leben in London kennenlernen. Von der Gosse bis zu Mätressen, sie wird jede Seite Londons kennenlernen. Ihre Entwicklung mit anzusehen ist sehr schön. Zunächst ist sie entsetzt und so naiv, doch sie wird abgebrühter und selbstbestimmter.
Auch gefiel mir, dass es die Orte und einige Personen tatsächlich gibt/gab. Als Beispiel Nell Gwyn. In der Geschichte ist sie auf der Zielgeraden, die Geliebte des Königs zu werden und tatsächlich - diese Frau gab es. Am Ende des Buches hat Mary Hooper eine Auflistung mit den Personen und Orten beigefügt, ebenso ein Glossar, in dem sie Begrifflichkeiten der damaligen Zeit erklärt.
Der Roman ist flott geschrieben, kurzlebig und unterhaltsam. Er ist laut Verlag für Jugendliche ab 12 Jahren. Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob man das per se so unterschreiben kann. Es kommt wahrscheinlich auf die 12-jährigen an, die das Buch lesen. Wer kein Problem damit hat, dass ein Bordell darin vorkommt und auch die Sprache mal etwas ungehobelter wird (was sich aber im Rahmen hält - nichts Unanständiges!), sollte zu dem Buch greifen.
Ein weiterer Pluspunkt ist der Plot. Ein wahres Aschenputtel Märchen. Schon dass die Geschichte in einem Gefängnis beginnt, zeigt den Einfallsreichtum von Mary Hooper und es geht kreativ weiter. Nie wird es langweilig, immer ist es abwechslungsreich. Spannung treibt die Geschichte voran und man fiebert mit der jungen Eliza mit. Die Liebesgeschichte kommt mir leider etwas zu kurz in dem Roman. Ein Kapitelchen mehr hätte Mary Hooper schreiben können, oder zumindest mehr Szenen inmitten der Story.
Aber ich will mich nicht beschweren. Denn dieser Roman ist eine Perle! Schade, dass ich ihn nicht schon vor zehn Jahren entdeckt hatte. Gleichzeitig freue ich mich, dass ich endlich dieses Buch gelesen habe und es noch viele weitere Bücher von der Autorin gibt. Wer noch kein Buch von ihr kennt, sollte sich schnellsten eins beschaffen. Zum Beispiel dieser hier, es ist sehr empfehlenswert für jung (und alt!).
Das Cover ist sehr schön. Mir gefällt das Titelbild ungemein gut. Und die Zusammenstellung mit der Schrift erstellt eine Atmosphäre, die gut den Roman widerspiegelt. Den Titel finde ich zu lang. Ich denke "Eliza Rose" hätte auch genügt.
Fazit:
Ideal für junge Romantikerinnen, die Aschenputtel Geschichten mögen und gleichzeitig noch etwas über England im 17ten Jahrhundert erfahren möchten. Aber auch junggebliebene Romantikerinnen sollten getrost zu diesem süßen Buch greifen.
Inhalt:
England, 17. Jahrhundert: Nachdem ihre Stiefmutter sie herausgeworfen und Eliza sich mittellos auf den Weg nach London gemacht hat, wacht die 15-jährige Eliza Rose in einem Gefängnis auf. Eine freundliche Frau kauft sie frei und Eliza ist ihr sehr dankbar. Doch ahnt sie nicht, dass diese Frau ein Bordell betreibt und Eliza mit ihrem hübschen Aussehen der neue Goldesel sein soll. Wieder gelingt es Eliza, sich von einen düsteren Schicksal zu befreien und kann endlich ein neues Leben beginnen, bei dem sie mehr über ihre Vergangenheit erfährt, als sie je gedacht hätte.
Meine Meinung:
Hach! Was ein zuckersüßer Jugendroman! Dieses Buch ist das erste, was ich von Mary Hooper gelesen habe, aber mit Sicherheit nicht das letzte. Mir gefiel Schreibstil, Story und die Personen. Ein paar Kleinigkeiten haben mich zwar gestört, aber die waren so miniklein, dass sie meiner guten Meinung über das Buch keinen Abbruch taten.
Die Hauptperson Eliza kommt aus behüteten Verhältnissen und muss das wahre Leben in London kennenlernen. Von der Gosse bis zu Mätressen, sie wird jede Seite Londons kennenlernen. Ihre Entwicklung mit anzusehen ist sehr schön. Zunächst ist sie entsetzt und so naiv, doch sie wird abgebrühter und selbstbestimmter.
Auch gefiel mir, dass es die Orte und einige Personen tatsächlich gibt/gab. Als Beispiel Nell Gwyn. In der Geschichte ist sie auf der Zielgeraden, die Geliebte des Königs zu werden und tatsächlich - diese Frau gab es. Am Ende des Buches hat Mary Hooper eine Auflistung mit den Personen und Orten beigefügt, ebenso ein Glossar, in dem sie Begrifflichkeiten der damaligen Zeit erklärt.
Der Roman ist flott geschrieben, kurzlebig und unterhaltsam. Er ist laut Verlag für Jugendliche ab 12 Jahren. Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob man das per se so unterschreiben kann. Es kommt wahrscheinlich auf die 12-jährigen an, die das Buch lesen. Wer kein Problem damit hat, dass ein Bordell darin vorkommt und auch die Sprache mal etwas ungehobelter wird (was sich aber im Rahmen hält - nichts Unanständiges!), sollte zu dem Buch greifen.
Ein weiterer Pluspunkt ist der Plot. Ein wahres Aschenputtel Märchen. Schon dass die Geschichte in einem Gefängnis beginnt, zeigt den Einfallsreichtum von Mary Hooper und es geht kreativ weiter. Nie wird es langweilig, immer ist es abwechslungsreich. Spannung treibt die Geschichte voran und man fiebert mit der jungen Eliza mit. Die Liebesgeschichte kommt mir leider etwas zu kurz in dem Roman. Ein Kapitelchen mehr hätte Mary Hooper schreiben können, oder zumindest mehr Szenen inmitten der Story.
Aber ich will mich nicht beschweren. Denn dieser Roman ist eine Perle! Schade, dass ich ihn nicht schon vor zehn Jahren entdeckt hatte. Gleichzeitig freue ich mich, dass ich endlich dieses Buch gelesen habe und es noch viele weitere Bücher von der Autorin gibt. Wer noch kein Buch von ihr kennt, sollte sich schnellsten eins beschaffen. Zum Beispiel dieser hier, es ist sehr empfehlenswert für jung (und alt!).
Das Cover ist sehr schön. Mir gefällt das Titelbild ungemein gut. Und die Zusammenstellung mit der Schrift erstellt eine Atmosphäre, die gut den Roman widerspiegelt. Den Titel finde ich zu lang. Ich denke "Eliza Rose" hätte auch genügt.
Fazit:
Ideal für junge Romantikerinnen, die Aschenputtel Geschichten mögen und gleichzeitig noch etwas über England im 17ten Jahrhundert erfahren möchten. Aber auch junggebliebene Romantikerinnen sollten getrost zu diesem süßen Buch greifen.
April 19, 2011
The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose by Mary Hooper
Bloomsbury, 2006
334 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Read for Overlooked YA Book Battle.
I wasn't entirely sure about this book because it's set in Restoration England and features a closer look at one of Charles II's many mistresses, Nell Gwyn. She befriends Eliza Rose, who undergoes a remarkable journey. Eliza's stepmother kicked her out, so she traveled to London to find her father who was looking for work there. She lands in jail but is bailed out by Nell Gwyn's mother. After narrowly avoiding having her virginity sold to a wealthy man, she becomes the maid to Nell as she begins her affair with the king. Eliza learns more about the world and her family background.
I thought the most striking feature of this novel was the comparison of three paths followed by vulnerable young women in seventeenth century England. Nell is a poor actress who confidently manipulates men with her sexuality, steadily rising in the world as a mistress to powerful and wealthy men until she secures a place with Charles II and conceives a child by him. Their friend Jemima was wealthy but she fell for the charms of a scoundrel who only wanted her wealth; her fake marriage and their very real baby lead to her fall from grace. Eliza walks a sort of middle ground, avoiding the advances of men and attempting to live respectably. However all three girls achieve relatively happy endings.
Eliza's ending, while hinting at respectable marriage, was too pat for me. She finds out early on that the people she thought were her parents were not. Through a series of events, she discovers who her family actually is but I didn't buy it.
I was also disappointed with the historical details. I've read historical novels where I felt immersed in the world, could see the details, could smell the scents. This was not one of the novels. Nothing felt anachronistic; I just didn't disappear into the world as I would have preferred. Part of this might have been a general dislike for this time period. I've always disapproved of Charles II's excesses, especially the behavior encouraged in his illegitimate son and his rowdy crowd, which is highlighted in this novel.
Overall: A fine historical novel, of particular interest to fans of Restoration England or YA historical fiction in general.
Cover: Eliza is a pretty girl with lovely hair but it doesn't really look like a historical fiction novel to me although I feel like the title and font of her name signals another time.
Bloomsbury, 2006
334 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Read for Overlooked YA Book Battle.
I wasn't entirely sure about this book because it's set in Restoration England and features a closer look at one of Charles II's many mistresses, Nell Gwyn. She befriends Eliza Rose, who undergoes a remarkable journey. Eliza's stepmother kicked her out, so she traveled to London to find her father who was looking for work there. She lands in jail but is bailed out by Nell Gwyn's mother. After narrowly avoiding having her virginity sold to a wealthy man, she becomes the maid to Nell as she begins her affair with the king. Eliza learns more about the world and her family background.
I thought the most striking feature of this novel was the comparison of three paths followed by vulnerable young women in seventeenth century England. Nell is a poor actress who confidently manipulates men with her sexuality, steadily rising in the world as a mistress to powerful and wealthy men until she secures a place with Charles II and conceives a child by him. Their friend Jemima was wealthy but she fell for the charms of a scoundrel who only wanted her wealth; her fake marriage and their very real baby lead to her fall from grace. Eliza walks a sort of middle ground, avoiding the advances of men and attempting to live respectably. However all three girls achieve relatively happy endings.
Eliza's ending, while hinting at respectable marriage, was too pat for me. She finds out early on that the people she thought were her parents were not. Through a series of events, she discovers who her family actually is but I didn't buy it.
I was also disappointed with the historical details. I've read historical novels where I felt immersed in the world, could see the details, could smell the scents. This was not one of the novels. Nothing felt anachronistic; I just didn't disappear into the world as I would have preferred. Part of this might have been a general dislike for this time period. I've always disapproved of Charles II's excesses, especially the behavior encouraged in his illegitimate son and his rowdy crowd, which is highlighted in this novel.
Overall: A fine historical novel, of particular interest to fans of Restoration England or YA historical fiction in general.
Cover: Eliza is a pretty girl with lovely hair but it doesn't really look like a historical fiction novel to me although I feel like the title and font of her name signals another time.
August 16, 2011
This was another one I have had in my locker for a long time. I kept picking it up then choosing something else instead, but this time I determined to read it.
Eliza Rose grew up in Somersetshire with her family. But things change quickly. Her step-mother kicks her out of the house with no real explanation so Eliza makes her way to London to find her father who is there working as a mason. On the way Eliza meets some trouble and ends up in jail for stealing a pastry. Not used to the rough conditions in the prison or the tough way of London living she has to fight to survive. Ma Gwyn passes the jail one day and spots Eliza in the courtyard, she passes herself of as her aunt and gets her out, but Ma Gwyn has other plans for Eliza, and makes her work for her keep, it's harmless at the moment, the worst she must do is dress up as a Mermaid, but Ma owns a 'bawdy house' and Eliza does not want that future, she then meets Nelly, a young girl who works in the King's theatre. Nelly takes her and they become friends. but Eliza still needs to find her place in the world, somewhere she can really belong.
Set in the 1670's the book has an authentic feel to it. It takes you back in time to another period. Eliza is lovely, lost, lonely, but determined and fierce. She comes up against a lot of hardship but doesn't break down, sure she has the odd crying moment, but she pulls through and carries on. She trusts easily and the friends she makes she becomes very close to and she is loyal.
It is written sort of like a journal. It starts from Eliza waking up in the cell and goes through her life from there. The host of characters are great. Nelly is so vibrant and full of life and I could really picture her in my head.
I love anything like this, that has that authentic old day feel. It's like being taken to a whole new world, a new world that still feels familiar.
The ending was predictable, by about a quarter of the way through the book I figured out who her family was, but I was surprised by how she found out.
Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely read other books by this author.
This is a lovely well written book that will capture your heart and mind.
Eliza Rose grew up in Somersetshire with her family. But things change quickly. Her step-mother kicks her out of the house with no real explanation so Eliza makes her way to London to find her father who is there working as a mason. On the way Eliza meets some trouble and ends up in jail for stealing a pastry. Not used to the rough conditions in the prison or the tough way of London living she has to fight to survive. Ma Gwyn passes the jail one day and spots Eliza in the courtyard, she passes herself of as her aunt and gets her out, but Ma Gwyn has other plans for Eliza, and makes her work for her keep, it's harmless at the moment, the worst she must do is dress up as a Mermaid, but Ma owns a 'bawdy house' and Eliza does not want that future, she then meets Nelly, a young girl who works in the King's theatre. Nelly takes her and they become friends. but Eliza still needs to find her place in the world, somewhere she can really belong.
Set in the 1670's the book has an authentic feel to it. It takes you back in time to another period. Eliza is lovely, lost, lonely, but determined and fierce. She comes up against a lot of hardship but doesn't break down, sure she has the odd crying moment, but she pulls through and carries on. She trusts easily and the friends she makes she becomes very close to and she is loyal.
It is written sort of like a journal. It starts from Eliza waking up in the cell and goes through her life from there. The host of characters are great. Nelly is so vibrant and full of life and I could really picture her in my head.
I love anything like this, that has that authentic old day feel. It's like being taken to a whole new world, a new world that still feels familiar.
The ending was predictable, by about a quarter of the way through the book I figured out who her family was, but I was surprised by how she found out.
Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely read other books by this author.
This is a lovely well written book that will capture your heart and mind.
October 6, 2010
When Eliza Rose is kicked out of her home, she is sure that if she can get to London and find her father there, all will be well. Unfortunately, Eliza is rather naive and ends up in jail as soon as she arrives in London, simply for stealing some food when she was hungry. When she is rescued from the jail by Ma Gwynn, she thinks life will be grand; instead, she soon finds herself in a world of intrigue, dishonesty, and immorality. Luckily, she is saved by Ma's daughter, Nell, a famous actress, who helps Eliza find a job and keeps her away from predatory men. When Eliza finally does find her father, she discovers that her whole life has been a sham and that she doesn't actually know who she is. Throw in Charles II, a handsome young man named Valentine, and a highwayman named Claude Duval and you have an interesting look into London in the 1680s.
My biggest complaint about this book is that everyone in it, except for Eliza, is completely obsessed with sex. Seriously. I find it hard to believe that that's all anyone ever thought about in the 1680s. Eliza is the only one who seems to have any sort of moral compass or any drive to do something useful with her life. I wouldn't say she is the only likable character, though; there were other characters that were fun to have around. And, actually, I found Eliza pretty frustrating at times. For one thing, why in the world is she so interested in Valentine? Yes, he's the only young man who treats her sort of respectfully, but that's not really saying much considering who the other young men in the book are. I just didn't think he was all that much of a catch.
Overall, this was a decent book. I appreciated the back matter, which discusses the historical people who appear in the story and the real places that the author uses as settings. But I just didn't really enjoy reading the book. I think if everyone hadn't been so obsessed with sex and I had had the chance just to enjoy the basic story, I might have liked it more.
My biggest complaint about this book is that everyone in it, except for Eliza, is completely obsessed with sex. Seriously. I find it hard to believe that that's all anyone ever thought about in the 1680s. Eliza is the only one who seems to have any sort of moral compass or any drive to do something useful with her life. I wouldn't say she is the only likable character, though; there were other characters that were fun to have around. And, actually, I found Eliza pretty frustrating at times. For one thing, why in the world is she so interested in Valentine? Yes, he's the only young man who treats her sort of respectfully, but that's not really saying much considering who the other young men in the book are. I just didn't think he was all that much of a catch.
Overall, this was a decent book. I appreciated the back matter, which discusses the historical people who appear in the story and the real places that the author uses as settings. But I just didn't really enjoy reading the book. I think if everyone hadn't been so obsessed with sex and I had had the chance just to enjoy the basic story, I might have liked it more.
July 23, 2012
Quick summary: Eliza Rose lived with her family in Somersetshire (Somerset) in the 17th century but when her mother dies and her father marries again and then moves away to London to help rebuild after the Great Fire of London, her Step-Mother throws her out. So now detirmined Eliza travels to London to find her father and to be restored to her rightful place of daughter of the household. However not realising what is needed to survive she soon runs out of money and steals a pasty to keep from starvation but is caught and thrown into Clink Prison until Old Ma Gwyn (Nell Gwyns mother not her herself as I found out)resuces her. But Eliza doesn't realise exactly what Old Ma does and why she'd save a young girl in London in the 1670. She takes many jobs but finds out who she is (finnaly i.e. in aout the last 5 pages!)
SPOILERS*****SPOILERS
I enjoyed this book alot and it got me reading it at all hours and I finished it fairly quickly but Mary Hooper seems to think her audience are either dumb or have a very short memories because at the very beginning she talks about someone giving birth to a gil but then giving her up and then not suprisingly the story is about a girl! The fact that it is the same girl and SPOILER**** not either her mother or fathers child is so blatantly obvious that a 3 year old could have noticed it but still at about p 150 she says she isn't her fathers child and then about 50 pages later says shes not her mother either (i.e. the people she grew up with) when the readers had known this about 140 pages earlier! The only actual suprise was MASSIVE SPOILER** was that they had swapped children (Elizas mother and her fake mother) that hadn't crossed my mind I thought that she'd simply given the child up and then had another one, and the only reason they seemed to mention the Eliza's star brother or whatever it was was so that we'd love Valentine ( Eliza's love intrest more)
SPOILERS*****SPOILERS
I enjoyed this book alot and it got me reading it at all hours and I finished it fairly quickly but Mary Hooper seems to think her audience are either dumb or have a very short memories because at the very beginning she talks about someone giving birth to a gil but then giving her up and then not suprisingly the story is about a girl! The fact that it is the same girl and SPOILER**** not either her mother or fathers child is so blatantly obvious that a 3 year old could have noticed it but still at about p 150 she says she isn't her fathers child and then about 50 pages later says shes not her mother either (i.e. the people she grew up with) when the readers had known this about 140 pages earlier! The only actual suprise was MASSIVE SPOILER** was that they had swapped children (Elizas mother and her fake mother) that hadn't crossed my mind I thought that she'd simply given the child up and then had another one, and the only reason they seemed to mention the Eliza's star brother or whatever it was was so that we'd love Valentine ( Eliza's love intrest more)
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