A review by silverliningsandpages
The Illumination of Ursula Flight by Anna-Marie Crowhurst

5.0

🦅 "In which I am born in auspicious circumstances.
“On the fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 1664, a great light bloomed in the dark sky and crept slowly and silently across the blackness: a comet."
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Instantly compelling, Ursula Flight's narrative is a coming-of-age story about a plucky young woman who has been educated and encouraged by her progressive father to read, write and learn. A creative soul, her passion is for writing and she longs to become a playwright, but her hopes are dashed when she discovers that her marriage has been arranged to a wealthy older man. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Urusla plans her escape, but she must make sacrifices in order to gain her freedom.
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I loved the writing of this romp, which frequently made me giggle - some of its bawdy lines were simply begging to be read out aloud, such was their hilarity. I especially laughed at Ursula’s observations on her husband, and was reminded of the marriage depicted (and spirit of adventure)in Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier. The characterisation, particularly of the protagonist, was very strong. Ursula has a voracious appetite for life and experiences, and despite heartbreak, her resilience and stoicism shine through. It’s a very sensual novel, and the vivid details of the seventeenth century countryside, London and the theatre are beautifully vivid and cinematic. I also liked that each short chapter had a summary "In which I..", (reminiscent of David Copperfield, maybe?), and the book is divided into three Acts, with the story told in a mixture of styles including letters and Ursula's plays (which show her feisty spirit,innocence and humour). Finally, I think this would make a marvellous film - my fingers are crossed!
Thank you Atlantic Books for the review copy of this uplifting and vibrant novel.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5