Journal of Mrs Pepys, The

George, Sara

  0 Reviews

A fictional account of Elizabeth Pepys, wife of the diarist, Samuel. The minutiae of daily life, the ups and downs of marriage, and the struggle from poverty of this famous 17th-century household, are set against the huge events of fire and plague. [Larger font]

Comments from Groups

Everyone enjoyed the book. Some found it a bit detailed and long, but all enjoyed the picture the author painted of life in the 17th century. A number of members said the book inspired them to find out more about that time. Dunedin 012

We all enjoyed this book - especially the historical descriptions. Some had reservations and found parts boring, but the book provoked lively discussion on all sorts of issues - diet, health, morals etc of the 17th century.... Waipukurau 001

Generally liked as an easy read. Informative and interesting if somewhat repetitive. We felt sympathy for Elizabeth as a very young, lonely, beautiful girl - childless, and too dependant on her servants for company. A colourful interpretation of domestic life in the 17th century. Whakatane 005

In general, our group enjoyed the book. Being a diary, the book had no plot, which we thought unusual. A couple of our members felt that the language was rather modern-day, given the time period the book was set in. Overall an interesting read, but not gripping. Auckland 234

A marvellous social history presented as a 'journal'. We all thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The research of Sara George was meticulous and Elizabeth Pepys' account of the last 10 years of her life was totally credible. A wonderful insight into life at that time , and into historical events such as the Plague and Great Fire. Thoroughly recommended. Wellington 041

As a diary, it was well constructed and believable, mixing a few big events with many small ones, as any diary would do. But as a result, many of us found it less compelling than other books we have read, and not all finished it. Auckland 090

Some members had read Dale Spender's book about Mrs Pepys, so were reluctant to read this version of her life. Those that read it were captivated. A great portrait of marriage and domestic circumstances in the 17th century. Wellington 042

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