ALL FOR LOVE

Author: Amanda Elyot ISBN: 9780451222978 2/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL
Time Period: 18th-Century England

A bold and bawdy historical novel—from the acclaimed author of Too Great a Lady. Mary Robinson's talent, beauty, and drive led her from debtors' prison to the glamour and scandal of the London stage, where a star was born—and sold as society's darling, envied by women, and desired by men. From her shocking affair with the Prince of Wales to heartbreaking betrayals and a restless pursuit of true romance, this breathtaking novel paints a vivid portrait of a woman who changed history by doing as she pleased—for money, for fame, for pleasure, and above all, for love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

A fictionalized account of Mary Robinson's life, ALL FOR LOVE takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that is spellbinding. I had no prior knowledge of either Amanda Elyot's writing or the subject of her novel, Mary Robinson, before opening the pages of this book. Now I must admit to being a fan of both women. Ms. Elyot's writing style is smooth and captivating, and Mary Robinson's strong-willed, intelligent, ahead-of-her-times exploits are both intriguing and commendable.

The novel is told through Mary's eyes, and begins when she is eight years old. Her perfect, tidy little world is upset when she wakes to hear the unfamiliar sound of raised voices. Her parents are arguing about whether or not Mary's mother will accompany her father abroad for two years. In the end, her mother's fear of water keeps her home, and what follows impacts everyone. Her father finds another woman, and abandons his family, and this one event goes on to drastically shape Mary's character.

With aspirations for a theatrical career, Mary went on to endure a life that, while sometimes filled with lucrative and satisfying points, was also far from the one she had envisioned for herself. She is smart, demanding an annuity when she believes it to be her due, but the intelligence and headstrong nature of her personality come at a cost. She is the subject of ridicule and gossip, all while being copied and written about.

As I said, I had no idea who Mary Robinson was before I read ALL FOR LOVE. Thanks to Ms. Elyot, I now have a desire to learn more about the woman and the time period. Wonderfully well done!

Kay James