What Staff is Reading at BPL
Read my Heart : a Love Story in England’s age of Revolution by Jane Dunn.
Far from a paperback romance, this love story reads more like a historical novel, taking you on a ride through 17th century England. This is a tale of Sir William Temple and Dorothy Osborne’s persistent love affair – in a time when the ruling classes married strictly for money (and never for love!). It offers the reader a revealing first person view into English society during a turbulent time in her history: Using the few surviving letters written between these two lovers as the basis for her thesis, Dunn weaves fact and a certain amount of speculation into her heroic story. The strength of her book lies in the details she includes in her descriptions of life at this time. Whether discussing medicine and medical procedures, the fire of London, or the social habits of the politicians and other “great leaders” of the time, the author manages to entertain while she educates. Her writing style is intelligent, yet easy to follow.
If you are looking for a steamy love-story, you will be disappointed, however if you are looking for an entertaining biography – and enjoy history, you should truly enjoy this book.
