Another First To Read from the archives.
In 1887, Isabel Bilton is the eldest of three daughters of a middle-class military family, growing up in a small garrison town. By 1891 she is the Countess of Clancarty, dubbed “the peasant countess” by the press, and a member of the Irish aristocracy. Becoming Belle is the story of the four years in between, of Belle’s rapid ascent and the people that tried to tear her down.
With only her talent, charm, and determination, Isabel moves to London alone at age nineteen, changes her name to Belle, and takes the city by storm, facing unthinkable hardships as she rises to fame. A true bohemian and the star of a dancing double act she performs with her sister, she reigns over The Empire Theatre and The Corinthian Club, where only select society entertains. It is there she falls passionately in love with William, Viscount Dunlo, a young aristocrat. For Belle, her marriage to William is a dream come true, but his ruthless father makes clear he’ll stop at nothing to keep her in her place.
Reimagined by a novelist at the height of her powers, Belle is an unforgettable woman. Set against an absorbing portrait of Victorian London, hers is a timeless rags-to-riches story a la Becky Sharpe.
My Review
Becoming Belle by Nuala O'Connor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I received an ARC(digital) from First to Read
This book was a good read and the ending left me wanting to know more about these characters. At the end of the book when you learn that this was based on real people and you get a little bit of info on how the real people ended up. That was interesting and sad.
I wasn't in love with any of these characters as they are most definitely flawed. And when you sit back and take in the story as a whole you can see why she made some of her more questionable choices even if you may not agree with them.
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