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The Harlot's Press
The Harlot's Press is a gripping historical drama, in which St James's and Cheapside, royalty and the rabble become thrillingly entangled as Nell fights for survival.
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 20, 2017
I picked this up on the bargain shelf at the bookstore. The description drew me in and sounded interesting. Once I got it home and looked it up on Goodreads, the wide range of varying opinions about the book made me even more interested to see what I thought about it.
Having read the book, I honestly don't understand the reviews that hated this. I found it to be a very well-written, engaging story that effectively takes the reader into the world that was early 1800's London, with a very sympathetic main character that really drives the story well.
I loved Nell. I thought she was a very effective lead to this story, and one that it is hard not to like. She lived in a time when the world was hard and dark, but she still manages to be as decent and kind a person as anyone could be in the circumstances.
The plot, although complex, with several storylines that intersect and diverge at various times was interesting and it very much drew me in and kept my interest throughout. The supporting characters as well were unique and colourful and really added to the enjoyment of the book.
Running through everything else this book has to offer is a very realistically and effectively delivered sense of place. One very much feels they are there in 1820 London while reading this book. The writing transported me into the story and made me relate to the characters and feel the pain of what was happening to them. This isn't a cheerful story, but it is an engrossing one, and it held me from first page to last. I very much enjoyed this book!
Having read the book, I honestly don't understand the reviews that hated this. I found it to be a very well-written, engaging story that effectively takes the reader into the world that was early 1800's London, with a very sympathetic main character that really drives the story well.
I loved Nell. I thought she was a very effective lead to this story, and one that it is hard not to like. She lived in a time when the world was hard and dark, but she still manages to be as decent and kind a person as anyone could be in the circumstances.
The plot, although complex, with several storylines that intersect and diverge at various times was interesting and it very much drew me in and kept my interest throughout. The supporting characters as well were unique and colourful and really added to the enjoyment of the book.
Running through everything else this book has to offer is a very realistically and effectively delivered sense of place. One very much feels they are there in 1820 London while reading this book. The writing transported me into the story and made me relate to the characters and feel the pain of what was happening to them. This isn't a cheerful story, but it is an engrossing one, and it held me from first page to last. I very much enjoyed this book!
October 2, 2012
I imagine that being released from persecution is a lot like finishing a really bad story. You question your position in society as a whole, and whether this mis-step will catch up with you - is there a halfway house for survivors of poor story-telling?
I am writing this review so lucky readers can choose not to read this book. As there was no synopsis I could find for this book I ploughed on diligently until each page-turn was a akin to the torturous snap of a cane on soppy salty flesh.
I borrowed this book thinking it would be a historical 'sexy' piece. I was poorly mislead.
Let me just say: NOTHING HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK.
Synopsis:
After fleeing her uncle-come-sexual-predator after the death of her mother and imprisonment of Isiah for his spiteful anti-government speeches, Nell is 'forced' into giving her virginity up in an upper-class whore house.
We hear nothing of the sexiness.
Her ONE client, David (a wealthy supporter of either the King or Queen, I can't remember as it chopped and changed so many times) starts to grow feelings towards her, as does she to him. Just when we think that Nell could be rescued from a life on her back David is murdered by his nasty-arse cousin, Robin, for money.
Nell escapes the whore-house and reunites with her job printing at her stepfather's shop after his release [insert annoying dialogue about everything under sun that has no merit towards the story]. For a while she find a rival in a dirty old prostitute who has become her stepfather's latest squeeze.
Nell is used as a messenger-girl for one of David's colleagues to thwart the radical movement for/against the Queen (a totally unnecessary subplot).
Cousin Robin resurfaces like the perpetual boogieman to do little except sodomize Nell.
The proverbial hits the fan and Nell's stepfather goes a little crazy, has the print-presses traded in to settle debts and burns down the shop (and the neighbour's cow, who for some unknown reason we learn a lot about at the beginning of the book).
Just when we think Nell might have something interesting happen to her, a minor character conveniently sweeps her and her 'special' sister away to South Africa to start a new life and start the avalanche that will be the Boer War.
The end.
What was left out:
- Gin
- Life of mother
- Death of mother
- Bother's career aspirations
- Gin
- Death of brother
- Various etching artists
- Stepfather's rantings on radical movement
- Other character's ranting on radical movement
- Gin
- Italians
- Competing printer information
Not only was the story lack-luster, the narrative was confusing. It started almost like a diary entry with - what I can only guess - syntax to match the 1820s; but then would stretch back to modern syntax before jumping formats.
There were times when I wasn't sure who was talking or what about. It was safe to assume anything read was Nell speaking out aloud.
It's not a good sign when you have to re-read passages three or four times.
Although not a fault of Pike's, my edition was filled with errors - I had rogue brackets, spacing and omitted letters infiltrate this darling of literature.
Please save yourself from this book.
I didn't learn anything interesting, and sure as hell will be adding a post-it note word of warning for future borrowers: "Nothing happens"
I am writing this review so lucky readers can choose not to read this book. As there was no synopsis I could find for this book I ploughed on diligently until each page-turn was a akin to the torturous snap of a cane on soppy salty flesh.
I borrowed this book thinking it would be a historical 'sexy' piece. I was poorly mislead.
Let me just say: NOTHING HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK.
Synopsis:
After fleeing her uncle-come-sexual-predator after the death of her mother and imprisonment of Isiah for his spiteful anti-government speeches, Nell is 'forced' into giving her virginity up in an upper-class whore house.
We hear nothing of the sexiness.
Her ONE client, David (a wealthy supporter of either the King or Queen, I can't remember as it chopped and changed so many times) starts to grow feelings towards her, as does she to him. Just when we think that Nell could be rescued from a life on her back David is murdered by his nasty-arse cousin, Robin, for money.
Nell escapes the whore-house and reunites with her job printing at her stepfather's shop after his release [insert annoying dialogue about everything under sun that has no merit towards the story]. For a while she find a rival in a dirty old prostitute who has become her stepfather's latest squeeze.
Nell is used as a messenger-girl for one of David's colleagues to thwart the radical movement for/against the Queen (a totally unnecessary subplot).
Cousin Robin resurfaces like the perpetual boogieman to do little except sodomize Nell.
The proverbial hits the fan and Nell's stepfather goes a little crazy, has the print-presses traded in to settle debts and burns down the shop (and the neighbour's cow, who for some unknown reason we learn a lot about at the beginning of the book).
Just when we think Nell might have something interesting happen to her, a minor character conveniently sweeps her and her 'special' sister away to South Africa to start a new life and start the avalanche that will be the Boer War.
The end.
What was left out:
- Gin
- Life of mother
- Death of mother
- Bother's career aspirations
- Gin
- Death of brother
- Various etching artists
- Stepfather's rantings on radical movement
- Other character's ranting on radical movement
- Gin
- Italians
- Competing printer information
Not only was the story lack-luster, the narrative was confusing. It started almost like a diary entry with - what I can only guess - syntax to match the 1820s; but then would stretch back to modern syntax before jumping formats.
There were times when I wasn't sure who was talking or what about. It was safe to assume anything read was Nell speaking out aloud.
It's not a good sign when you have to re-read passages three or four times.
Although not a fault of Pike's, my edition was filled with errors - I had rogue brackets, spacing and omitted letters infiltrate this darling of literature.
Please save yourself from this book.
I didn't learn anything interesting, and sure as hell will be adding a post-it note word of warning for future borrowers: "Nothing happens"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2011
Nell Wingfield is a printeress, producing the pamphlets and posters that caricature and immortalise the early part of the 1820's. There is political unrest as the new king George IV continues his personal and private battle against his erring wife, Caroline of Brunswick. Both Royal personages are fodder for the cartoonists, and Nell'sprinting work is in great demand.But when Nell's stepfather, Isaiah, is imprisoned in Newgate, Nell finds her only means of survival is as a prostitute in the bawdy house of Mother Cooper, and it is Nell's relationship with Sir David Fairfax, which will act as the catalysis towards her future survival.
Beautifully written , with an eye for detail, this novel captures perfectly the grime, squalor and skulduggery of the early part of 19th century London.,
Beautifully written , with an eye for detail, this novel captures perfectly the grime, squalor and skulduggery of the early part of 19th century London.,
February 2, 2017
This was an honest and well researched historical fiction book.
I liked Nell more and more towards the end of the book and was sorry that the story ended.
There were some parts in the book that were draging on a bit and It was not a novel with a lot of fluff, It was about real and imperfect people. I recomend it, but not as a historical romance novel.
I liked Nell more and more towards the end of the book and was sorry that the story ended.
There were some parts in the book that were draging on a bit and It was not a novel with a lot of fluff, It was about real and imperfect people. I recomend it, but not as a historical romance novel.
July 2, 2011
I'm quite disappointed but I really didn't enjoy this book at all. It was a bit choppy as it goes, and I found it difficult to make head or tail for what was going on in parts of the book.
September 6, 2020
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed this. It gripped me immediately and I read it over just four nights. I always enjoy a historical setting - and this was obviously very well researched. It is also particularly intriguing with its story unfolding over the carpet of turbulent radical politics at the time. For some reason also elicited Hogarth’s cartoons in my head... and Rowlandson’s wonderful caricatures.
The setting of Georgian London is a masterstroke. Great juxtaposition of the theme of “sex” or scandal, if you like; both in royal terms as well as on the streets; more than just a hint of feminism (or a strong woman) throughout; North/South differences come across; fascinating (and exciting?) contrast of biblical references (obviously also very much researched... or known) with salacious material; some quasi-tactile, subtle, but evocative choice of descriptive phrases - e.g. “sharp splinters of sound flying at her”; others very artistically imagined (e.g. the lamplighter scene... which one could really sketch).
Loved the use of the first person - one grows very much attached to (and in admiration of) Nell.
It’s been reviewed as a bodice-ripping romp w/ political intrigue; and a romping historical drama. I’ve had one of my own MUSICAL works described as “an upbeat romp” by the Arts Desk. (I quite like that.) It still got its many 5* ... and so should this.
The setting of Georgian London is a masterstroke. Great juxtaposition of the theme of “sex” or scandal, if you like; both in royal terms as well as on the streets; more than just a hint of feminism (or a strong woman) throughout; North/South differences come across; fascinating (and exciting?) contrast of biblical references (obviously also very much researched... or known) with salacious material; some quasi-tactile, subtle, but evocative choice of descriptive phrases - e.g. “sharp splinters of sound flying at her”; others very artistically imagined (e.g. the lamplighter scene... which one could really sketch).
Loved the use of the first person - one grows very much attached to (and in admiration of) Nell.
It’s been reviewed as a bodice-ripping romp w/ political intrigue; and a romping historical drama. I’ve had one of my own MUSICAL works described as “an upbeat romp” by the Arts Desk. (I quite like that.) It still got its many 5* ... and so should this.
August 28, 2018
c2011 (23) FWFTB: satirical, brothels, murder, London. Another example where the synopsis is lurid and misleading. I found this to be an enjoyable read with the author capturing the atmosphere of London at the time. I didn't like the age of the heroine (although I realise why she was put at this age) and I feel that this would have worked with a slightly elder heroine although perhaps not when the plot ending is revealed. However, frankly, it is disconcerting. Recommended to the normal crew.
June 26, 2017
patchwork of random stories. almost dnf
April 28, 2018
Inconsistent
January 6, 2012
I was disappointed in this book, unfortunately. It had an interesting premise, which is why I picked it up in the first place. However ultimately, I felt it tended to focus on the least interesting parts of Nell's life.
Whilst it focused on her stepfather's political leanings and Nell's life at the printers, I would rather have read about her life at the 'House of Quality', her relationship with Sir David Fairfax, and then at the end, her subsequent life with Gus. Instead I ended up feeling non-committal about Nell's story because it dwelled on elements that were not really clearly explained. In comparison, I have read other historical fiction that has put across complicated historical/political concepts with more clarity.
Overall, while I felt nothing wrong with Helen Pike's writing, I think I just felt the book did not deliver what I expected, and it could have done with some editing in order to keep the plot pace consistent and interesting.
Whilst it focused on her stepfather's political leanings and Nell's life at the printers, I would rather have read about her life at the 'House of Quality', her relationship with Sir David Fairfax, and then at the end, her subsequent life with Gus. Instead I ended up feeling non-committal about Nell's story because it dwelled on elements that were not really clearly explained. In comparison, I have read other historical fiction that has put across complicated historical/political concepts with more clarity.
Overall, while I felt nothing wrong with Helen Pike's writing, I think I just felt the book did not deliver what I expected, and it could have done with some editing in order to keep the plot pace consistent and interesting.
January 18, 2013
Not sure if I am being a bit harsh, think I'd give it more of a 2.5. It was okay but I don't think it will be staying with me for that long and I found it quite hard to concentrate on, kept having to read over parts I'd already read. Depiction of the heroine and the first person narration was alright, but she wasn't that appealing. In fact, none of the characters were that appealing or memorable. I thought the ending was a bit strange, particularly the sudden romance. And I have to say, considering the book was written by a historian it didn't really read as completely authentic. I'm not calling myself an expert, I've just read quite a lot of books either set in the period or written in the period. Just little details like somebody talking about the Scarlet Pimpernel (fictional character from a series of books which were published in 1905 appearing in a 19th century novel?), or having a bath with taps in a brothel in 1820? It sort of reminded me of a 99p Kindle novel.
February 6, 2017
An interesting read. I always love history books and historical fiction. I found the way the story was spread out was more unconventional, which still worked for me. Sometimes I found the intrigues of the plot and the underhand dealings mildly confusing, with things not being as clear as they could be. The main character was intriguing and relatable and I enjoyed her narration. My main issue was that the plot could have been more flushed out.
Want to read
January 13, 2012Im a bit put off by the fact that the main character was a prostitute. (actually misread the title as "A harlots progress and thought it was based on the prints by Hogarth)But the plot intrigues me...so on my to-read list it goes!
March 19, 2012
An okay book that had a lot of potential. It is the story of a young girl in Georgian London who works at a press printing political leaflets (some of which are decidedly dodgy!). I did enjoy the parts where Nell was lodged at St James's St, but felt the book tailed off after this period.
July 27, 2012
What a disappointment!
The book started off really well but declined rapidly about half way through. I kept reading in hope that it would improve but alas it never did. Such a pity as it seemed to have a very promising beginning.
Not a book that I would recommend.
The book started off really well but declined rapidly about half way through. I kept reading in hope that it would improve but alas it never did. Such a pity as it seemed to have a very promising beginning.
Not a book that I would recommend.
Read
July 31, 2011A good book. I like Helen Pike's style of writing.
October 13, 2013
Ok interesting the historical stuff
Not really my style
Not really my style
June 29, 2016
Great potential, but ultimately just didn't hold my interest.
August 21, 2012
Awful.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews