The Darling Strumpet

By Gillian Bagwell,

Book cover of The Darling Strumpet: A Novel of Nell Gwynn, Who Captured the Heart of England and King Charles II

Book description

A thrilling debut novel starring one of history's most famous and beloved courtesans.

From London's slums to its bawdy playhouses, The Darling Strumpet transports the reader to the tumultuous world of seventeenth-century England, charting the meteoric rise of the dazzling Nell Gwynn, who captivates the heart of King Charles II-and…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Darling Strumpet as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Nell Gwynn is another fascinating (female) historical figure who captures the imagination and has been the subject of much speculation and invention.

Bagwell has clearly researched her subject meticulously, and the novel is a perfect mix of historical detail and bawdy romp, which makes for a very readable, very entertaining novel. I first read it around a decade ago, and it was my favourite read of that year.

From Caroline's list on inspired by the lives of real women.

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