Monday, November 16, 2009

The Book of Fires - Jane Borodale


The Book of Fires - Jane Borodale (2009)

Historical fiction is one of those genres that I cling to and even though it has its ups and downs you know that you will always come away appreciating the luxuries of modern life that we take for granted.

Seventeen year old Agnes Trussel, finds herself pregnant and knows that she cannot stay on the farm or face a life with the man who she slept with. A chance find allows her the opportunity to escape to London, where she arrives not knowing where to go.

Finding a job by chance, she becomes the assistant to Mr Blacklock who makes fireworks. In his workshop she helps him, gradually learning most of his secrets and dreaming of making fireworks in vivid colours. As her knowledge increases, she realises that hiding her pregnancy is becoming more and more difficult.

I actually was surprised at the ending, it was not what I expected, and that for me made it a more memorable book. 3/5

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