Burning Bright follows the Jem Kellaway whose family comes to London after the death of his older brother. He and his father are chair makers and they find work working for Philip Astley a circus owner. Jem befriends his neighbor Maggie Butterfield and they spend much of their time following the circus life and William Blake Jem's next door neighbor who causes uproar by supporting the French Revolution in 1792.On the four star scale
Sap Factor (*) - London in the late 1700's is not a easy place. People have to work hard and woman are often have little opportunity or resources.
Naughty Bits (****) - The Butterfields are riotous people who enjoy rough talk and song. On multiple occasions Maggie tries to embarrass Jem by pointing out the rougher or more sensual elements of London. At one point Maggie is forced to act out desperation to prevent a rape. Philip Astley's son is a lark who spends much of his time bedding and breaking up with the local young ladies. The community knows what he is up to but few people are willing to stand up to him.
Readability (****) - 320 pages. Although the book is about the eighteenth century the writing style is 21st and easy to follow.
Final notes (**) - An easy read with some entertaining parts but probably not worth the effort. Why did I pick up historical fiction. I know better. See in an attempt to move away from a strict mystery story review blog I'm reading all these books I don't like that much. Maybe I should just say bah humbug to Jason and go on a Mystery Book Binge. Anyone have some good suggestions?
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