There are some historical figures that I’ve thought would have countless books written about them but somehow don’t; Mary Wollstonecraft is one of those people. This year has been a great one for historical fiction written about women, and I have to say, this book needs to be added to my list! Today I’m sharing Love and Fury by Samantha Silva, an incredible piece of historical fiction, and why you should read it. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Love and Fury: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft, Samantha Silva
August, 1797. Midwife Parthenia Blenkinsop has delivered countless babies, but nothing prepares her for the experience that unfolds when she arrives at Mary Wollstonecraft’s door. Over the eleven harrowing days that follow, as Mrs. Blenkinsop fights for the survival of both mother and newborn, Mary Wollstonecraft recounts the life she dared to live amidst the impossible constraints and prejudices of the late 18th century, rejecting the tyranny of men and marriage, risking everything to demand equality for herself and all women. She weaves her riveting tale to give her fragile daughter a reason to live, even as her own strength wanes. Wollstonecraft’s urgent story of loss and triumph forms the heartbreakingly brief intersection between the lives of a mother and daughter who will change the arc of history and thought.
Why You Should Read This…
This was a fantastic novel. I’ve always been interested about Wollstonecraft after studying her in my Romantic Lit course in university. However, I had never though of turning to fiction. I have to admit, I couldn’t really stand Mary for the first 30% of the book- her heart was always in the right place, but she charged headfirst into everything, and hurt a lot more people than necessary. However, I think it speaks to Silva’s writing talent that I couldn’t stop listening, even though the FMC drove me up a year. I think that Mary’s chapters are stronger than Mrs. B’s (her midwife), but it ties together well at the end. My only qualm is that we spend a lot of time on several other relationships but we never see that much of Mary’s marriage. Still, a thought-provoking and fascinating book!
As a narrator, Ell Potter was incredible. I listen to a *lot* of audiobooks, but she has a talent for expressing emotion without being over the top. I will be looking for more of her audiobooks!
Are you going to read Samantha Silva’s Love and Fury?
Cheers,
The Historian
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