Well, this was different! A debut historical novel with a modern feel and a distinctive voice. Tibb Ingleby is the narrator, a girl who is a vagrant and who has many adventures, culminating in a plot to raise money for a new life overseas by pretending to be an angel. Acquiring a group of misfit friends, she is accepting of differences in the strict society of Tudor times. There is a fun, playful element to the book, despite some dark themes. Tibb’s voice is very compelling, although she does use the same phrases often, such as ‘to boot’. She often talks to her Ma in her head and to herself. I thought the revelation of Margaret Beaufort’s secret was a bit far-fetched. An author’s note would be useful because I hadn’t heard of the Holy Maid of Leominster before (the historical figure upon which Tibb was based). This book would make a good TV drama, in my opinion. It was an unusual read which I’d recommend.
Thank you to Fig Tree (Penguin) for the invitation to read the book via NetGalley. It will be published on 1st August.