Exit the Actress: A Novel (edition 2011)

It's rare that I feel compelled to provide a review of this book, but I feel I must in this instance, both as a historian with an academic interest in the area and a voracious reader of historical fiction. Upon reading the initial description of this novel online, I was hopeful with some reservations about the way in which it was compiled. The idea of a storyline from memoranda is, in theory, a very good one. However, in practice, this wasn't the case. There was no continuity between the various articles used and often enough, these sections ran contrary to the main storyline or had no relevance to it whatsoever. Thus they became very grating, very quickly. This wasn't helped by the inappropriate language that Parmar chose to use. The modern day vernacular doesn't work in a novel set in the 17th century. In particular, the letters between Charles II and his various relatives was much, much too familiar. These letters sounded as they were written: like 21st century notes that had been foisted into a novel set four hundred years previously. Naturally, this language issue was transcribed into the main diary storyline as well. All in all, it ruined any sense of authenticity regarding the setting. It ensured that there wasn't even a vague sense of accuracy about the setting. This makes me question just how well Parmar did her research. Although she's gotten a lot of her dates in the right place (some are clearly nothing more than speculation), this is about the only place in which it's obvious she did ANY research about the period. The fullness and jollity of the Restoration Era was conspicuously absent from the book. She quotes and includes the usual Dryden, Rochester and Behn - but it's painfully clear she's not read anything to do with their lives, but has rather ushered them in out of necessity to bulk the novel up. Bad form. My other complaint lies in the fact that there was very little plotline. At all. It just seemed to rather predictably repeat the well-known life story of Nell Gwynn. Many other authors have done the same thing, but with much greater aplomb. The odd diary and memorandum format meant that the novel became almost entirely devoid of motion or dramatic progression. The story just kept coming and coming, but there was very little to further it on. It was almsot as if the author relied entirely upon just the fact the Nell was living to continue the book. When the ending eventually did arrive, it did so in an odd place. Like only half the story had been told, or that Parmar had gotten bored of writing and didn't wish to follow the story out until Nell's death. Thus, the reader leaves her just before the birth of her first child. There is SO much more life to Nell after this point. We lose a lot of Nell's possible personality with Parmar's writing style. Others like Diane Haeger, Susan Holloway Scott and Gillian Bagwell seem to strive to capture the witty personality that history records Nell as possessing. There's nothing of the sort here, and again, I think that is because of the odd choice in narrative format. It has taken me a very long time to get through this novel - over two months in fact - when I can usually get through a 400 odd page HistFic novel in a couple of days or less. I had to force myself to keep reading, despite the overall dullness, because I love this period so very much. I will not be revisiting this book, or any other that may be accredited to Ms Parmar in future. Although she clearly can write at reasonably high leve, I don't think she's suited to fiction. ( )

An interesting novel by Priya Parmar. I was kind of skeptical at first as to whether I should pick up this book since its written in an entirely different format from novels that I usually read. I'm glad I did because it doesn't disappoint. It was different, no doubt, but still an intriguing and easy read. Best to be savored during rainy days or as a beach read. The characters were well-developed. I liked Nell enough but there were times when I could not quite tell what her goal seems to be. A girl who's appalled with the idea of following her sister's footsteps. A person who wants to love and be loved so badly - to the point of losing sight her initial principals. Even so, I do not blame her because she's brave enough to take chances and is only doing what she can to survive in this wretched and superficial world. Whatever her flaws are, it only adds to her character and does not impede the storytelling nor stop me from continuing. There are, after all, secondary characters to make up for it. The most memorable of the lot would have to be Teddy, the cross-dresser. He was frivolous and humorous at the same time. I would have liked to read more about him. As what has been stated in the author's notes, I too find it hard to believe Nell's alleged illiteracy. Surely, being an actress, or an exceptional one at that, wouldn't survive the harsh demands of the stage without a literate background. The author has also managed to capture the convivial and vibrant 17th century setting. It was beautiful in its description and anecdotes. Regardless of a few aspects that didn't wholly agree with me, I still recommend the book! ( )

Nell Gwyn is perhaps one of my favorite scandalous ladies from British history. Not only group up from nothing a climb her way into the king's bed, but she did virtually all of it based on her personal wit and charm. Not only that, but she was the darling of the London stage for much of her career in a time where woman were still considered second-class citizens. The Restoration Court of Charles II is also a fascinating period to read about, with its lavish ways, mistress rivalry and Charles II's many liaisons.

While I wouldn't say that Exit the Actress is my favorite novel of Nell, but its certainly one of the most beautifully written and uniquely presented. In author Priya Parmar's tale of the actress, Nell lands a job selling oranges to patrons at a local theatre. Happy that she does not need to resort to prostitution, Nell grabs the attention of the theartre's owners with her wit and charm that seems to cast a spell on patrons, which lands her a role in the company. As she grows into a well-loved actress, Nell eventually catches the eye of Charles II.

Parmar succeeds in painting a fascinating portrait of the period, and of Nell -not just a witty woman, but a human woman who grows up onstage, deals with love and loss, and finds a life that she loves. The most interesting aspect of Exit the Actress, is the unique way that Parmar tells Nell's tale -through a unique collection of diary entries, letters, newspaper clippings, playbills and other items from the time that reveal other character's personalities while giving the readers a complete view of the period.

A beautiful, moving drama, Exit the Actress is a beautiful portrait of Restoration England surrounding the fascinating life of Nell Gwyn. This is the perfect read for historical fiction buffs. ( )

Using a series of diary entries, letters, newspaper clippings and other ephemera, Exit the Actress chronicles the early years of the legendary Nell Gwyn, English actress and mistress of King Charles II. Her story is something like a fairy tale. Nell – who in this book, prefers to go by ‘Ellen’ - was born to poverty, with an alcoholic mother who a brothel and a sister forced into prostitution. By luck, Ellen becomes an “orange girl”, selling fruit to theatergoers. She falls in love with the theatre and becomes an actress at the tender age of fourteen. Her fellow actors and actresses become a second family, supporting Ellen through several relationships and her meteoric rise to the bed of Charles II.

Although Ellen’s diary entries make up the bulk of the narrative, the reader is occasionally given an alternative view through secret letters between Charles II and his family or gossip columns in the London Gazette. In a way, it makes the story more of an ensemble piece than a book purely about Nell Gwyn. This is further enhanced by the strong supporting cast – secondary characters like Ellen’s sister Rose and her actor friend Teddy often eclipse the king because they are far more lively and interesting.

Restoration England was a very sensual place. The King had several mistresses, and had at least twelve illegitimate children with them. (Sadly, there was no issue from his marriage to Catherine of Braganza.) Theatres were reopened, and for the first time women were allowed on the stage. With rich, descriptive language Priya Parmar brings the world of this post-Commonwealth England to life with great energy. If this were a movie, it would be done in the style of Moulin Rouge – brilliant color, grand theatrics and a clear zest for life! It’s great fun, and I enjoyed this book immensely. ( )