Idalia; Or, the Unfortunate Mistress

by Eliza Fowler Haywood

Eliza Haywood (1693-1756) (born Elizabeth Fowler) was an English writer, actress and publisher. Since the 1980s, Eliza Haywood's literary works have been gaining in recognition and interest. She wrote and published over seventy works during her lifetime including fiction, drama, translations, poetry, conduct literature and periodicals. Haywood is a significant figure of the long 18th century as one of the important founders of the novel in English. Her writing career began in 1719 with the first two installments of Love in Excess. Many of her works were published anonymously. Amongst her other works are Fantomina; or, Love in a Maze (1724), The Fortunate Foundlings (1744), Life's Progress Through the Passions; or, The Adventures of Natura (1748) and The History of Miss Betsy Thoughtless (1751).

124 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2008

About the author

Eliza Haywood (1693 – 1756), born Elizabeth Fowler, was an English writer, actress and publisher. Since the 1980s, Eliza Haywood’s literary works have been gaining in recognition and interest. Described as “prolific even by the standards of a prolific age” (Blouch, intro 7), Haywood wrote and published over seventy works during her lifetime including fiction, drama, translations, poetry, conduct literature and periodicals. Haywood is a significant figure of the 18th century as one of the important founders of the novel in English. Today she is studied primarily as a novelist.

Reviews

[Michal Bitan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The amount of things actually occurring in this story could have been sufficient for an entire book series, but unfortunately no happening got to develop enough to leave the shock that it should upon provoke upon the reader. It feels more like a list of things that happened rather than a full fleshed out story. And of course, one gotta love the tiny specific details that are casually thrown at the reader, with no preparation, to help the plot move to the next crazy thing on the list. I gave it 3 stars because of 1) the very detailed descriptions the reader does get, of the chain of emotions, which some situation lead several characters to have. 2) The prevailing idea throughout the story, that noble characters are the ones who are able to feel for others.

[Ellie Kidger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent novella by Haywood, with nicely fleshed out characters and a satisfying narrative. Idalia herself is well written and realistic, though the fast pace of the novella makes her development feel rushed. My main gripe is the length causing the narrative to feel incomplete and strangely paced.