[Subdue] The Illumination of Ursula Flight by Anna-Marie Crowhurst 3*

[Tien]

Despite the gorgeous cover and interesting premise, this would be a book I'd usually pick up on my own. Mostly that'd be due to the fact that I don't really like historical fiction set in Medieval - Middle Ages - or around those time periods featuring women because they usually make a sad read. This one, as you'd note on the page, has noted 'humour' as one of the genre. And I must admit that it's a very interesting choice to write about women in those time with humour but hoooowww....??

The novel opens with her birth which coincided with a comet then her childhood where she proved to be precocious and loved her learning and especially, words. Then came some sadness that is life and even further, burdens that women of that time shoulder. However, her passion will not let her be and despite hurdles and trials, Ursula Flight will fight for her dreams.

What I appreciate most is that the book didn't dwell too much nor provide anything graphic on the sad bits which I can't usually abide in these stories though it was noted that Ursula spent quite a bit of time crying and at times, depressed and angry. However, what I really find ingenious is the structure of the novel as interspersed between the narrative are plays, diary entries, letters, etc which in their turn purported to be a part of the narrative. These intermissions are where most of the humour is found. They are mostly written by Ursula herself, so I do wonder whether events/conversations as written through the play are 'true' or whether they are coloured by her sardonic view of people and life. In the end, I think these in-between-chapter bits are what made the book. Overall, a fast & entertaining read.

Just a little taster on the funny... there is a list on *coughs* positions and here are a couple for your entertainment:
The Whoopsy-Me-Pardon
The 'Tiring Room Tickle
The Wimple Wetter

You're welcome...