Invitation To A Funeral - Softcover

A first novel set in the Restoration London of 1676. King Charles is on his rocky throne, surrounded by a full complement of spies, lackeys, and mistresses. Among the latter is the Italian Duchess of Mazarin, whos now supplanted the Duchess of Portsmouth. Nell Gwyn, a longtime favorite, is also still on the scene when a poet-playwright friend, Aphra Behn, enlists her help in the tutelage of would-be actress Elizabeth Decker, mistress of the Earl of Rochester, for the leading part in her newest playa move Aphra hopes will improve her near-penniless state. She has opted to provide a funeral for Matthew and Elias Cavell, brothers who had been kind to her family on their harrowing ship journey nine years ago to Surinam, during which Aphras father had died. Approached one day by Elias, now a wasted beggar, she had gone to the Gospel House shelter, where she found an unrecognizable Matthew dead in his bed. Elias is found soon after, stabbed to death in Aphras own outhouse. As if all this werent enough, theres Bevil Cane, tutor to Nells son, pestering her to read his play; her incorrigible sometime lover John Hoyle, secretly in and out of her house; and, in the background, a panoply of conspiracies at Court; animosities between Protestant and Catholic; the search for a politically volatile document and, at long last, Aphras near-fatal encounter with Eliass killer. The story, burdened by subplots and a procession of unmemorable characters, often in disguise, sometimes approaches total confusion. Still, theres a clutch of strong-minded women, a lively picture of Court life and Londons fetid streets, and Browns airy, unpretentious style. For fans of historical mysteries: a mildly interesting debut. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

YA-Leading readers back to the London of 1676, Brown provides all the sensual descriptions needed to conjure up the squalor in which most of the population lived. Aphra Behn, striving to get her new play into production, keep creditors away, and put her love life back into order, finds none of her efforts working. Into her already chaotic life appear two brothers who befriended her 15 years ago when she desperately needed their help. Aphra rallies to help them, only to become involved in the circumstances of both of their deaths. Deeply grieved over her misguided attempt to aid, she arranges both funerals and unwittingly becomes even more mired in intrigue, mystery, and personal danger. The largest part of the action takes place on the palace grounds of King Charles II with its luxury and opulence dramatically contrasting with the other major scenes. Aphra's best friend turns out to be Nell Gwyn, the actress and mistress of the King, and a strong ally in solving most of the heroine's personal problems. Various other figures from that era turn up also, adding a dash of reality to the story. The mix of adventure, history, and the surprise twist should appeal to most YAs, especially those who enjoy strong heroines.
Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.