A Tale Of Survival

An Almond For A Parrot by Wray Delaney is an epic historical novel set in the mid eighteenth century in England. It is the tale of one woman, awaiting her fate in Newgate prison. The novel begins in present day and then sweeps backwards, before travelling forwards in chronological order. The reader ‘walks’ through her life as the story is told in the first person.

The reader ‘experiences’ life in eighteenth century London – it’s sights, smells and poverty. It is comprehensively described, enabling the reader to picture the scenes. It was not a pleasant place to be.

There were few choices open to poor females at the time. It was adapt to circumstances or die. We in the modern world are horrified at the lack of care by those who should be nourishing the younger generation. There was little love. Any crumbs of affection were grabbed.

There is the theme of survival with a mentally strong lead character, whose emotions were manipulated by those around her. She certainly endeared herself to the reader.

Wray Delaney had clearly researched her topic thoroughly and it was an awful time to be a female. Whilst I appreciate that many females participated in the oldest profession in the world, for me, I found far too much detail given in the encounters in the novel and found myself skipping paragraphs before resuming the tale. I guess it’s just personal preference for the level of detail. The overall story was an excellent one though.

An Almond For A Parrot was an epic historical read and certainly made me glad to be a female of the modern age.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON