I found The Puritan Princess a bit of a slow starter but I did find it more engaging as the story progressed. I know very little about Oliver Cromwell and found the historical setting and events the most interesting part. At times, the main character, Francis, was irritating and unlikable and that prevented me giving this book a 5/5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was such a fascinating book perfect for lovers of history as well as those who just like historical fiction. You don’t often see books that look at the female perspective of the reign of the Puritans so this was such a fun and joyous experience.

The Puritan Princess by MIranda Malins

It is 1657 and Frances Cromwell’s life is transformed. At eighteen years old, Frances is the youngest child of Oliver Cromwell and his wife Elizabeth. Cromwell has reached the height of his powers and the kingless Commonwealth has never been stronger. Cromwell is the head of the government and now it wants Cromwell to rule the land as Lord Protector or even King. All of the family now lives in royal palaces and castles, they are bowed to, addressed as ‘Highness’ and Cromwell’s daughters have become valuable commodities in the business of state.

The Cromwell children are divided by age. Some are much older. They remember the times before their father’s rise to power and they made marriages of a different kind. The older daughters Bridget and Elizabeth were given leeway in their choice of grooms, their husbands becoming part of the family. But for Frances and her slightly elder sister Mary, there will be none of that. Which makes it all the more difficult when Frances meets the young aristocrat and courtier, Robert Rich. But, as the months pass, Oliver Cromwell faces his own challenges, not least those posed by his own family.

The 1650s is such a fascinating period of history and one of my favourites when it comes to historical fiction. I was really excited to read The Puritan Princess as soon as I heard of it. We all have our conceptions of what Cromwell was like, possibly dictated to us by a certain Richard Harris film or from history retold by the ultimately victorious and vengeful royalists, but this novel turns this upside down. Here is Oliver Cromwell the family man as well as the soldier and, particularly here, statesman. I’ve always been interested in how Cromwell became almost royal, was treated as royalty, and yet he played such a large role in the end of kingship. And here we’re shown a man who loved his family, who liked pleasant and unPuritan things, such as horse riding, plays and music. Above all, he wants what’s best for his children and that does bring him into conflict with them on more than one occasion.

There is some intriguing insight into the political and religious circumstances of the day, such as the resurgence of the Levellers, who divided the country and Cromwell’s family, and put Cromwell in real danger, leading to some exciting moments here. We’re also brought into the world of political intrigue, as important men quibbled over minor points, turning them into impassable mountains. The heart of the novel, though, belongs to Frances and it is more than anything a love story played out against a colourful, fascinating historical backdrop.

I did like Frances, who tries to reconcile herself to this new royal life, wanting to carry out household tasks herself, and not being able to. She and her mother and sisters are a tight group, almost bewildered by what has happened to them. Frances loves deeply but this is not a love that will flow smoothly and so there are upsets along the way and there are moments which are truly upsetting, for Frances and for the reader. I think that my favourite character, though, is Mary, who is prepared to make such a sacrifice so that her younger sister would be happy. Oliver’s admiration for his children, especially Mary, is evident.

Miranda Malins writes very well and there are some wonderful descriptive scenes of life in London during these times. I enjoyed the scenes in which the sisters go hawking, experiencing the privileges of true princesses. History tells us what will happen to Cromwell but it’s so good to see what happened to the other, lesser known members of his family, especially his youngest daughters. This is one of those books which inspired me to do some research afterwards. I love it when historical fiction does that.

First, I struggled so much with how to rate this book! For the first 1/4 of the book it, to be honest, was a bit dull and warranted simply a solid 3 stars. But then, once it warmed up, a 5 star rating all the way! In the end this book had me in floods of tears it was so powerful and emotional, and it had me staying up late into the night to read. Perfect for fans of Tracey Borman and Philippa Gregory this first novel plunges us straight into the heart of the Protectorate with a tale of forbidden love, loss, family and politics. .

Frances Cromwell is the youngest daughter of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and as her family rises she rises, when they fall, she falls, utterly without control over her own destiny. However, when she decides to take her future into her own hands determined to choose her own husband rather than play as pawn in a diplomatic marriage a whirlwind forbidden romance plays out in the heart of the ‘Royal’ Cromwell family across the backdrop of the rise, then fall of the only family to rule England without a true ‘King’ at their head.

I think the big issue with the beginning of the book was that even though it does the best to explain, if, like me you know next to nothing about that period. However, I do know enough to know were presented here with a slightly different view of the Cromwell family that is usually presented. Afterwards, however, this is a brilliant read for all historical fiction lovers that you can really get your teeth into (even the historical note at the end is interesting, and I usually end up skipping those!)

‘Everything is history now’
...
Synopsis
London, 1657
The youngest daughter of Oliver Cromwell, eighteen-year-old Frances is finding her place at England's new centre of power.
Following the turmoil of Civil War, a fragile sense of stability has returned to the country. Her father has risen to the unprecedented position of Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, and Frances has found herself transported from her humble childhood home to the sumptuous palaces of Hampton Court and Whitehall, where she dreams of a love match that must surely be found at court.
But after an assassination attempt on the Cromwell family, Frances realises the precarious danger of her position - and when her father is officially offered the crown, Frances's fate suddenly assumes diplomatic and dynastic importance.
Will she become a political pawn, or can Frances use her new status to seize control and further her own ambitions?
...
Review
The Puritan Princess is an incredibly detailed telling of Frances, Oliver Cromwell’s youngest daughter. The novel opens in 1661 as Cromwell’s body is being hanged and beheaded by Charles II, for the treasonous execution of his father Charles I. Readers know straight away that this is will be a dark and dangerous piece of historical fiction. We are then transported to 1657, during the Protectorate (or Interregnum) of Oliver Cromwell. Frances is a good narrator, she’s likeable, kind but with hints of vanity and pride. As Frances grows up her knowledge of politics is highlighted more and more. What I really enjoyed from this novel was how the women are portrayed. They are strong and clever, and can discuss politics as well as any of the men. Reading the Historical Notes at the end of this novel show that this was true for the ladies Cromwell’s court; he would seek out their advice and guidance.

I found this novel incredibly interesting, as this is a period of English and British history that I know little about. Cromwell is not shown here to be the serious figure that history has made him out to be, instead we are shown a humorous gentlemen who loves his family and God immensely, who fights for religious tolerance in a period of divided loyalties. The family relationships were my favourite aspect of this novel, all the Cromwell’s, and their extended family have such different personalities, which are all brought to life brilliantly.

As I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about this period I did struggle to understand some of the politics described and there were sections where I could not really focus. Personally I always find it easier when I know about the time period, and the outside historical events, when reading a novel on the political figures of the time. When the story focussed on the personal relationships of the Cromwell family it was a much easier read then when it was discussing the politics of Europe and Parliament.

The Puritan Princess is a good piece of historical fiction though, especially for fans of fictionalised novels of political figures and events

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.