The Perfect Royal Mistress by Diane Haeger

 

Summary (from the publisher): Born into poverty and raised in a brothel, Nell Gwynne sells oranges in the pit at London’s King’s Theater, newly reopened after the plague and the Great Fire devastated the city. Soon, her quick sense of humor and natural charm get her noticed by those who have the means to make her life easier. But the street-smart Nell knows a woman doesn’t get ahead by selling her body. Through talent, charm, intelligence, and sheer determination—as well as a keen understanding of how the world operates—Nell works her way out of the pit and onto the stage to become the leading comedic actress of the day. Her skills and beauty quickly win the attention of all of London—eventually even catching the eye of King Charles II. Their attraction is as real as it is unlikely, and the scrappy orange girl with the pretty face and the quick wit soon finds herself plunged into the confusing and dangerous world of the court, where she learns there are few she can trust—and many whom she cannot turn her back on.

From the gritty streets of seventeenth-century London to the backstage glamour of its theaters, to the glittering court of Charles II, The Perfect Royal Mistress is a love story for the ages, the rags-to-riches tale of a truly remarkable heroine.

Review: This novel does such a fantastic job of exploring the life of Nell Gwynne, who was born and raised in a brothel and rose up the ranks in the theatre from being an orange seller to an actress to eventually catch the eye of King Charles II. Her carefree nature and quick wit captured the king's attention and though he was never faithful to her, she bore him two sons and maintained a lasting relationship with him until his death, a remarkable feat considering the grim circumstances into which she was born. 

I truly loved the focus on Nell Gwynne in this book, which felt like such a breath of fresh air from the focus on princesses and fair ladies that are the subject of so many historical fiction novels. Nell is scrappy and irreverent and was a fascinating main character. She isn't afraid to strike a deal or tell the truth, no matter who she is speaking to. I loved how loyal and earnest Nell is in this. She remains steadfast to her friends, never forgets anyone who pays her a kindness, and yet is quick to forget and forgive a grudge. 

I think where this book struggled is that Haeger wanted to make this a great love story. I am sure that Nell and the king did love each other on some level. But there is no denying that this was a calculated move on Nell's part. Becoming a royal mistress came with immense security and wealth and had to have been attractive, regardless of her feelings for the man. The king is constantly moving on to other women and it made the narrative feel choppy and swing all over since Nell is constantly waiting around for her supposed great love to swing back to her. 

I also was disappointed with what Haeger did with the character of Jeddy, who was the young black child that Nell inherits from one of her first lovers. Jeddy is used as a living embodiment to show how kind and generous Nell is. She takes in the child, fiercely protects her, and treats her like her own family - all calculated to show the reader what a good person she is at heart. And I think that she is! But yet Jeddy has no independent characterization. She is literally just a walking example of Nell's goodness, and it grated on me. Similarly, I wish more had been done with Nell's sister and mother. 

Stars: 3.5