#BlogTour: A Deep Dive into Sara Read’s #TheGossipsChoice

Join me as I delve into Sara Read’s captivating historical novel, “The Gossips Choice,” a tale that transports readers to the tumultuous 17th century. This review is part of a #BlogTour organized by Love Books Tours, offering a comprehensive look at this richly detailed work.

Plot Summary: Lucie’s Trials and Tribulations

“The Gossips Choice” centers on Lucie Smith, a respected midwife in 17th-century England. Married to Jacob, the town’s apothecary, Lucie possesses a valuable understanding of herblore and medical practices, a dangerous combination for a woman navigating a society often suspicious of those who deviate from societal norms. Her life, seemingly content within their apothecary shop, the sign of the Three Doves, is thrown into turmoil in the year 1665. This year proves to be particularly troublesome, marked by the devastating Great Plague that ravages London, forcing many to flee to the countryside, including Lucie’s only son, Simon.

Lucie finds herself embroiled in familial and professional conflicts. Jacob objects to her involvement in a birth at the local Manor House, given their family’s past affiliation with their opponents in the English Civil Wars. Adding to the domestic strain, Simon returns to their country hometown only to fall into an argument with his father. Jacob’s fury is further ignited by the news of their loyal housemaid’s unplanned pregnancy and its ensuing repercussions. The year culminates with Lucie facing her first accusation of malpractice, a charge that threatens her midwifery license and could even lead to excommunication.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“The Gossips Choice” is an illuminating and richly painted tapestry that expertly draws the reader into the heart of 17th-century life. My overall impression is one of deep appreciation for Sara Read’s skill in crafting a narrative that is both educational and profoundly entertaining. The book is a testament to the author’s competence and skill as a historian, evident in its meticulous detail and descriptive prowess.

Writing Style and Vivid Imagery

Sara Read’s writing style is both accessible and evocative. She possesses a remarkable ability to create vivid imagery, painting a palpable picture of the era. From the initial description of the cover artwork, which I found to be an accurate and touching representation of Lucie – “Exhausted, crumpled, caring and competent” – to the detailed accounts of daily life, the author immerses the reader in the 17th century. Her prose is sharp and clear, allowing the historical setting to breathe and come alive.

Memorable Passages

While specific quotes aren’t provided in the source material, the overall descriptive power of the narrative creates memorable impressions. The chilling relevance of the book being set during the Great Plague, especially in light of recent global events, adds a layer of poignant resonance. The author’s ability to weave emotional and harrowing scenes with informative details makes for a truly engaging read.

Character Development

Lucie emerges as a bold, scary, and relatable protagonist. Her role as a midwife, a “Gossip” who attends women during childbirth, places her at the nexus of societal expectations and personal courage. Her intelligence and herblore knowledge, combined with her dedication to her profession, make her a compelling figure. While the primary focus is on Lucie, the supporting characters, particularly Jacob and their son Simon, contribute to the intricate web of familial dynamics and the pressures of the time. The depth of character isn’t explicitly detailed in the provided text, but the narrative’s ability to portray Lucie as a “key worker of the distant past” suggests a well-realized central figure.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several significant themes resonate throughout “The Gossips Choice.” The challenges faced by women in the 17th century, particularly those in non-traditional roles like a midwife, is a central motif. The ever-present threat of disease, epitomized by the Great Plague, underscores the fragility of life during this period. Societal suspicion and judgment are also key elements, as Lucie’s skills and deviations from the norm place her under scrutiny. The story is brimming with secrets and deception, hinting at a deeper mystery at its core.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of “The Gossips Choice” seems well-managed, as indicated by the description of it being an “illuminative and richly painted tapestry” that draws you in. The narrative appears to build steadily, presenting Lucie’s dramatic tale in a way that transports the reader back in time. The mention of a “gripping mystery at its heart” suggests that the plot holds interest, though no specific slow or confusing parts were highlighted in the provided material. The structure effectively allows the reader to experience events alongside Lucie and her family, providing “great escapism rooted in fact.”

Emotional Impact

The book clearly evokes strong emotions and provokes deep thought. The “emotional and harrowing scenes” suggest moments that would be both moving and thought-provoking. Witnessing Lucie navigate the dangers of her profession, the personal losses she might experience, and the societal pressures she endures would undoubtedly stir empathy and reflection in the reader. The very nature of her work – bringing new life into a world ravaged by death – is inherently emotionally charged.

Themes and Messages

Sara Read appears to be conveying a nuanced message about the resilience and vital contributions of women in history, even within restrictive societal frameworks. The novel illuminates the often-overlooked roles of women as healers and caregivers. The author’s background as a historian specializing in the cultural representations of women, bodies, and health in the early modern era strongly suggests a commitment to bringing these stories to light. The book likely aims to highlight the courage and strength required to live and practice one’s calling in a challenging historical period.

Social and Cultural Commentary

“The Gossips Choice” undoubtedly contains social and cultural commentary. By setting the story during the Great Plague, the author touches upon the societal responses to widespread disease, including fear, superstition, and the disruption of daily life. Lucie’s position as a midwife also allows for commentary on the historical status of women in medicine and the patriarchal structures that often sought to control or discredit female expertise. The accusation of malpractice and potential excommunication point to the power of religious and professional authorities over individuals, especially women.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Authenticity and Historical Detail: The novel is praised for its authentic and believable portrayal of 17th-century life, a testament to the author’s historical expertise.
  • Vivid Imagery and Descriptive Prose: Sara Read excels at creating a rich and immersive reading experience through her descriptive language.
  • Compelling Protagonist: Lucie is presented as a strong, relatable, and courageous central character.
  • Engaging Narrative: The blend of personal drama, societal pressures, and a central mystery keeps the reader invested.
  • Educational Value: The book provides informative insights into the era, particularly regarding medicine and the role of women.

Weaknesses

  • Based on the provided review, specific weaknesses are not explicitly mentioned. However, as with any historical fiction, the level of detail might be too much for readers who prefer a faster-paced plot with less historical immersion.

Recommendations

I would highly recommend “The Gossips Choice” to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in the early modern period, medical history, and stories focusing on strong female protagonists. Fans of authors who meticulously research and bring their historical settings to life would find this book particularly rewarding. Readers who appreciate narratives that explore societal challenges and the resilience of the human spirit will also likely enjoy this novel.

Comparing it to other works, the description “Call The Midwife for the 17th Century” is a very apt comparison, suggesting it shares the same blend of compelling human stories and historical context as the popular “Call the Midwife” series.

Overall Impression and Rating

“The Gossips Choice” is a richly detailed and compelling historical novel that successfully immerses the reader in the challenges and realities of 17th-century life. Sara Read’s expertise as a historian shines through, creating a narrative that is both informative and emotionally resonant. Lucie is a captivating protagonist, and the story’s exploration of societal pressures, disease, and female resilience is both thought-provoking and engaging.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

This novel offers a powerful glimpse into a bygone era, brought to life by a skilled storyteller.

Where to Get It

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