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mjminkowich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mollylewis2001's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
eggcellent_reads's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
This exceptional historical novel will grab you from the first page as it outlines an unusual friendship between women of different classes and a resulting scandal. Anne Turner is a physician's widow who has the gift of those small touches that make a society woman's presentation unforgettable. She is also able to cleverly disguise signs of abuse on the fairest skin. She becomes friends with a client, the Countess of Essex. You think she'd be living large with that kind of patroness, but the truth is much different. When you realize what the title means to the characters, it becomes hard to continue toward the end what you know is coming.
"A Net for Small Fishes" is immensely satisfying and will make you glad that you were NOT born in the mid-18th century as a woman of any class.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
"A Net for Small Fishes" is immensely satisfying and will make you glad that you were NOT born in the mid-18th century as a woman of any class.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
drannieg's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A mixed bag, but broadly enjoyable and nice to see a book set not in the usual late Georgian or Tudor setting of historical novels. Nice depiction of the perils and venality of court (plus ça change) and the warped way in which 'justice' depends on who is in, who is out, plus class and gender.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Minor: Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
caitlinmo's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
amandax777's review against another edition
3.0
Description
Bloomsbury presents A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago, read by Sarah Durham.
Based on the true scandal that rocked the court of James I, A Net for Small Fishes is the most gripping novel you'll read this year: an exhilarating dive into the pitch-dark waters of the Jacobean court
Frances Howard has beauty and a powerful family – and is the most unhappy creature in the world.
Anne Turner has wit and talent – but no stage on which to display them. Little stands between her and the abyss of destitution.
When these two very different women meet in the strangest of circumstances, a powerful friendship is sparked. Frankie sweeps Anne into a world of splendour that exceeds all she imagined: a Court whose foreign king is a stranger to his own subjects; where ancient families fight for power, and where the sovereign’s favourite may rise and rise – so long as he remains in favour.
With the marriage of their talents, Anne and Frankie enter this extravagant, savage hunting ground, seeking a little happiness for themselves. But as they gain notice, they also gain enemies; what began as a search for love and safety leads to desperate acts that could cost them everything.
Review
A Net For Small Fishes is my first read by Lucy Jago, and the Jacobean era was bought to life in this interpretation of a true scandal. Having finished the book, i am left with a strong sense of history of the era, am overwhelmed at the misogyny, the brutality and the manipulation of women by men. The sense of distrust, the women were charged with witchcraft if they fail to conform to court rules. The court scenes were distressing, and the pain Anne feels is well communicated.
It is a book that leaves me with a strong sense of history, the conditions of the time, and the mistreatment of women. You are left with a strong sense of the strength of the bond between Anne Turner and Frances Howard.
#ANetforSmallFishes #NetGalley
3/5
Bloomsbury presents A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago, read by Sarah Durham.
Based on the true scandal that rocked the court of James I, A Net for Small Fishes is the most gripping novel you'll read this year: an exhilarating dive into the pitch-dark waters of the Jacobean court
Frances Howard has beauty and a powerful family – and is the most unhappy creature in the world.
Anne Turner has wit and talent – but no stage on which to display them. Little stands between her and the abyss of destitution.
When these two very different women meet in the strangest of circumstances, a powerful friendship is sparked. Frankie sweeps Anne into a world of splendour that exceeds all she imagined: a Court whose foreign king is a stranger to his own subjects; where ancient families fight for power, and where the sovereign’s favourite may rise and rise – so long as he remains in favour.
With the marriage of their talents, Anne and Frankie enter this extravagant, savage hunting ground, seeking a little happiness for themselves. But as they gain notice, they also gain enemies; what began as a search for love and safety leads to desperate acts that could cost them everything.
Review
A Net For Small Fishes is my first read by Lucy Jago, and the Jacobean era was bought to life in this interpretation of a true scandal. Having finished the book, i am left with a strong sense of history of the era, am overwhelmed at the misogyny, the brutality and the manipulation of women by men. The sense of distrust, the women were charged with witchcraft if they fail to conform to court rules. The court scenes were distressing, and the pain Anne feels is well communicated.
It is a book that leaves me with a strong sense of history, the conditions of the time, and the mistreatment of women. You are left with a strong sense of the strength of the bond between Anne Turner and Frances Howard.
#ANetforSmallFishes #NetGalley
3/5
ameliahockey's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
kleonard's review against another edition
3.0
This historical novel tells the story of the marriage of Frances Howard and Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex, their annulment, Howard's relationship with Robert Carr, the Earl of Somerset, and Howard's attempts to murder/murder of Thomas Overbury. It's a complicated tale, but told here through the POV of Anne Turner, one of Howard's waiting-women, it becomes detangled and more easily followed. The retelling, though, isn't terribly engrossing: although there is good detail throughout, the large jumps in time often derail the plot, and the lack of follow-ups on significant events and information on important people and their numerous relationships and networks will send readers to Wikipedia for explanations.
bgc97's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75