A review by krismcd59
Pleasing Mr Pepys by Deborah Swift

4.0

Very cleverly done -- Swift has woven a plausible narrative in and around the details of Pepys' recorded interactions with his wife's companion, Deb Willet. Her depiction of life in Restoration London is full of real-life details, and offers fascinating glimpses into the choices (such as they are) for women surviving without the protection of male family. I also admired the fact that this is a rare Restoration novel that concerns itself not at all with the glamour of court figures, and instead mentions the Merry Monarch and his exploits only insofar as they interest the working people of London. An intelligent, well-researched novel, but also quite suspenseful and emotionally believable at the end.