THE REMARKABLE LIFE AND TIMES OF ELIZA ROSE

Eliza Rose—cast out by her stepmother and imprisoned in 17th-century London for stealing a meat pie—is rescued by Ma Gwyn from the clink because of her green eyes and black hair. The crafty Ma sees a future for Eliza that may include whoring. But the stubborn Eliza is rescued by Ma’s daughter Nell, a vivacious actress and dancer who strives to be—and soon is—mistress to King Charles II, with Eliza as her companion and maid. While there’s a lot of period detail, Eliza herself seems willfully naïve and remarkably ignorant. Nell is the most vivid character, but she’s drawn in broad strokes; there’s more depth of feeling in the description of clothing and carriages than in that of any of the characters. Eliza’s own story comes clear in a most fairytale-like ending complete with a possible suitor named Valentine. (cast of characters and places) (Historical fiction. 12-15)