Thank you, Netgalley and Legends Press for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Strange Adventures Of H is a fascinating memoir-style coming-of-age story of a young girl by the name H. This story is set during the Great Plague of London. It also covers The Great Fire of London and The Shrove Tuesday Riots that happened in London. H tells the readers her life story by taking us through a series of unfortunate events that drive her to make difficult decisions and having to fend for herself in the 17th century London that wasn't kind to young women who didn't have a man's protection. This is such an honest and raw account of her life experiences that make her the person she is today. This is a story of a young girl pregnant and alone whose life is filled with hardships and a continuous string of unfortunate events triumphing against all odds. The pacing is set at a slower pace and the story is meant to be enjoyed and savored. I loved the descriptive writing and the author paints a vivid picture of the gritty and dark London set during the plague. The condition of humanity and the greed, survival, fight against the system all make this story a worthwhile read. The growth of the young and naïve protagonist to a savvy and resourceful businesswoman is intriguing and equally fascinating. H's character arc was amazing and I loved how determined and focused she was. Her strengths, flaws, and goodness were all portrayed honestly. This is an honest and wholesome story of the survival of a young girl in the most difficult circumstances. If you love historical fiction and would love to read about a character-focused success story of an unlikely protagonist you will enjoy this story. I gave this book 4-4.5 stars and I highly recommend getting this book.

This was a very enjoyable read.... the synopsis had my interest peaked. I enjoyed the character of H and the many struggles she faced and overcame. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys historical novels!

Why hadn’t I seen this book before!?! Why aren’t there more people reading this book? I was initially drawn in by the cover and then reading that the story is set in 17th Century London, I could not but read it.

“H” is born in the countryside as the youngest of 8 siblings, with 2 dead and a mother dying in childbirth she was brought up by her deeply religious father, although he was anxious “to see them off his hands” they were “equally anxious to escape”.

Whilst H’s siblings set forth on their own paths, her sister Evelyn is spared marriage to help take care of H as she is so young. Once their father dies, the adventure begins. They are taken in by their Aunt Madge who lives in London with her twin sons Roger and Frederick. So H’s story begins.

Narrated by “H” herself, this is a rags to riches story which takes you on a ride from the quite countryside to the heady heights of London. A story where H forges her way through the many complexities of London, bawdy playhouses, the great fire, the plague and the Shrove Tuesday Riots.

Through her journey and many adventures “H” remains a strong figure and shows tenacity through some of the most trying of times. She meets with a myriad of characters, some loveable and others horrid, but they all have their part to play in this fabulous book.

I thoroughly enjoyed his book, and have been recommending it to any that ask for a great historical fiction novel.

Many thanks to Sarah Burton, Legend Press and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have to admit, I had forgotten all about the synopsis by the time I got around to reading this book, so what I found came as quite a surprise. This turned into a highly enjoyable read!

H isn’t a very thrilling character, but she’s solid, and the times she lives through paint such an interesting picture. She is in London during some of the most disastrous events in history, starting of with the Great Plague. Now, this book was written before our current situation, but it’s chilling and unnerving to read about how the plague solidifies the already present lines between poor and rich, and how, despite quarantine and rules, some of the young folk hold lavish dinner parties! The similarities are remarkable, and I’d be interested to read some of the historical accounts of that time to see how much of it matches.

One of the main themes that pass through this book, and the questions it asks, surround the societal notion of virtue. How much value do we need to put on virtue, so much so that it becomes the better, more accepted option to die, rather than survive by any measure? Certain choices were unavoidable for women in that time, and the immediate expulsion from any kind of polite society the result. How dare you make a living in a world that has no support, no mercy for someone who loses everything, by doing something that we, the well-to-do, as well as the Church, have decided makes you no better than vermin? Better to be dead but virtuous, than alive but ‘spoiled’!

Now, all these things sound dark and heavy, but the writing style, and the narration which has a hint of omniscience, is simple and witty, which does a lot to make this a quick and relatively easy read. With its historical setting, I got Georgette Heyer vibes, though I don’t think she ever wrote about these parts of society! The plot gets wrapped up a bit quick, and with some convenient solutions, but I found I didn’t mind, as it matches the sort of light narration that some of the historical novels have.

I loved this book. How fragile is our lives. How easy relationships can be broken this story is about H. Her relationships with family,love and friendships all are held together with such a fragile line.

Almost moving in places funny in others but stark reality of what it takes to survive against the odds.

A fascinating read with H at the centre and a lot of grit and determination.

Worth reading.

Thank you so much to @NetGalley and @legendpress for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh H, how I adore you!! This book is just wonderful. I loved every minute of this.

It tells the story of H, a young orphan who goes to live with her doting aunt in London, and from there we follow her life as she learns what a cruel and difficult world it can be, and what it takes to earn your independence.

Set during the Great Plague of London this was completely fascinating (if a little close to home right now) and I was entirely transported in time and place. The sense of actually walking in the filth and grime in the streets of London was spectacularly well done. I was completely absorbed by H and lived every moment of life with her.

This is an absolute must-read for fans of Historical Fiction and lovers of captivating characters. I promise H will steal your heart, and you won't regret it one bit. I can't wait for more from this author.

5 glorious stars.

I waited to read this given that it was about the plague. I picked it and then thought do I really want to read this? Well yes I did and am so pleased I did even though I did feel I was in the story....

The novel is set of course during the plague and it's a fascinating look at London and the people who lived there. The story is detailed and graphic but you can't help really liking the characters and wanting the best for them. And boy do they need it. There are some dark places to live in in London of that time.

The writing is flowing, the scene setting exquisite although some scenes seemed to go a bit too fast for my liking as they were pivotal to the plot. Never mind, I lingered over them when I could and I will reread for another visit to this literary landscape.

Historical fiction at its best!

The Strange Adventures of H is a brilliant piece of historical fiction, with a lot devastation, but with so much fun too. H is an intelligent, funny and loyal character, and it is impossible not to like her.

The story is split into three parts, as H becomes different people as she tries to survive. H narrates her tale, and it feels as if you are sitting next to her as she recounts all the highs and lows of her life. She brings important, and not so important, details to the story, which gives it a chatty, stream of thought, kind of narrative, which I absolutely loved.

Set in the 17th Century, after the Restoration, life in London is changing as the Puritanical rules are removed and the extravagance of Charles II’s court feeds through society. The novel contains the devastating plague, the Great Fire of London and the Shrove Tuesday riots, which I know very little about, but am interesting to learn. Each of these heartbreaking events affects H and her friends, and whilst at times it seems difficult to imagine how H is going to survive as she is made destitute, she does due to her own strength and resilience. H strives from her own independence and freedom, and fights every step of the way to get it.

H is surrounding by a group of delightful supporting characters, most notable are the strong women of the sisterhood she finds herself within. This group is smart and resourceful and help themselves outside the influence of men. Personally I also adored Godfrey, who is an especially wonderful character and support for H, and Jasper, the most over the top and ridiculous of English Earls.

One tiny quibble I had was that some of the more dramatic passages went over a little too fast, and could have done with being slowed down, with a little more detail, but it’s such a tiny issue in such a brilliant novel.

I went into this intentionally knowing very little of what the story was about, but knowing how much the book was loved by those who had read it, and I am in total agreement. With quick chapters, and an interesting story, and even more interesting characters this is for all fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Burton and Legend Press for this ebook to read and review

This is a very impressive debut. I love the London setting and this reads like a classic, but is very engaging. Looking forward to more from this author

Plague and the great fire of London.
What an entertaining read. Poor H certainly has a tough time. Everything is pitted against her, all of her plans and schemes go wrong..
Reminiscent of Forever Amber, an old favourite of mine.
Bawdy without too much sexual detail.
Amusing and tragic.
Pure escapism at its best.
Thank you Sara and NetGalley

The Strange Adventures of H. Where to start if complex and gripping novel. You follow the life of H through a whirlwind of emotions and scrupulous situations. I became entwined with H’s narrative, living her story alongside her. Sarah Burton had my routing for H and feeling for and with her. The characters in the novel are rich and unique, each telling their own story whilst intertwined with H’s own adventure. I haven’t enjoyed such a long and detailed book so fervently in years! Set in London after the Plague and great fire, a London long lost invites you in to it’s perilous and exciting arms.

I absolutely loved this book! What an amazing debut novel by Ms Burton. I am a huge fan of historical fiction so this book appealed to me straight away and I loved the front cover!
The Strange Adventures of H is very atmospheric of the time. The chapters depicting The Plague and The Great Fire of London were very well told and you almost felt like you were there. But this book is much more than its setting, it is satirical comedy at it's best.
The title of the book, The Strange Adventures of H is ingenious. It enables the author to create the different persona's of H, what does H stand for? H, Halcyen or Doll? For me H was a hugely likeable character, 'a tart with a heart.' Many of the other characters in the book are stereotypical of the time and are made to appear almost larger than life. The villainous cousin and his selfish wife, the Madam of a brothel who isn't all she seems, the wonderful 'say it as it is' best friend, the playhouse actor, the larger than life Earl, a 'fagin type' villain and some pompous relatives to name a few all contribute to this engaging story that has a true slapstick style about it.
My only criticism of the book is that I felt the ending was predictable and somewhat rushed. However it did not spoil this little gem of a book. A thoroughly enjoyable read which would appeal to fans of historical fiction and comedy alike.

I love reading historical fiction and I must say that this book is one of the best books in 2020. The plot is set in the 1600s and explores the period of the plague and the great fire of London. The protagonist H is happily living with her aunt after being orphaned in her early childhood. Her life takes a drastic change when the plague hits London and she is forced to live on the streets. But she’s determined to survive and the plot explores her journey of it. The story also highlights the role of the women in society at that time and surprisingly it’s still relevant in many parts of the world.

The writing is well detailed and well crafted. It easily took me to the world of H where I could experience everything vividly. The portrayal of the characters is beautiful and relatable. The plot explores an array of emotions which makes all the characters stand out and make their presence meaningful. The ambiguous name of the protagonist also adds a Kind of mystery in the plot which she tries to solve. It does get solved at the end of the book.

Though it’s a predictable and happy ending, it left me wanting more about her sister’s life. How they end up where they were? What kind of situations they had to face? I do understand that this book is about H but still I felt the need to have a bit of understanding about their lives. Overall, it’s a great read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Legend press for an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Who was H? To begin she was the young orphan sent off with elder sister, Evelyn to live with Aunt Madge in London, a far cry from their humble rural home, but then something happened as Burton took us and H through some pivotol moments in London’s history that shaped the new H.

From the start you couldn’t help but love H, the naive young girl who delighted at the new sights of London, to the unknown quantities of the characters that entered her new life. They were characters that would have a distinct impact, especially that of her cousins Frederick and Roger. They were light and dark, good and bad, the bad the start of her downfall but also, in my opinion, the making of her.

Yet Burton was clever, her use of two major events in London history, the Great Plague and Fire gave her licence to describe a London under siege. The horrors of the plague were graphic and chilling, you felt yourself recoil in horror at the selfishness that pervaded, of the fear and dread that encapsulated the city. You could see H’s instinct for survival kick in, hard choices made before Burton gave us the Great Fire of London, the destruction and turmoil for H and fellow Londoners. It gave her the opportunity to be her own person, as she exploited men’s weaknesses for her own gain, as she achieved notoriety, wealth and independence.

Burton gave her a hard, determined exterior but maintained her femininity, her vulnerability, and as the story progressed the real H slowly began to materialise. We witnessed her own slow acceptance of who she was, what the people in her life meant to and the slight chink in her armour as she learnt to trust.

H was a wonderful character but she wasn’t the only one. There were her sisters, all so different, her gentlemen friends, Lord H and Charlie and my favourites Jasper and Godfrey who added colour and a measure of fun.

What I admired most about Burtons narrative was her portrayal of women, of their lack of standing, the derision men poured on them, yet who relied on them for more than simple household duties. Burton showed what happened when one woman opposed them, stood up for herself and in some instances outwitted and rose above them.

Above all The Strange Adventures Of H was that wonderful mix of the historical with a dawn good story and characters that transfixed and entertained.

I'm not sure what exactly encouraged me to want to read 'The Strange Adventures of H' by Sarah Burton, as it's certainly a historical fiction novel.. which is something I typically avoid. What's more.. there's no supernatural or fantastical element that might normally turn my head, yet in hindsight.. I'm glad I gave it a chance.

The story follows an orphaned girl simply known as H, who along with her sister Evelyn, is sent to live with their aunt in London. The sisters are incredibly close and Aunt Madge is an endearingly free-spirited widow who seems to adore them.

Happy in their lot, possibly happier than they were before they became orphans, things take a dark turn when their cousin assaults H and an epidemic of the plague ravages the city. Those she loves, either too far removed or taken from her, H is cast into the streets during a great exodus of those hoping to get beyond the disease's reach.

Alone, pregnant, and with no money with which to survive, she's forced to do whatever she can to earn a living.

Honestly, this doesn't read at all like a story. There's no discernable plot exactly, just a series of horrific events, though that isn't a bad thing. It's more of a fictional memoir chronicling the life of a young woman as she experiences some of the lowest days imaginable, some of the greatest betrayals and losses a heart can bear, and some moments of great joy that seem to exist at times.. only to give her hope until the next crushing disappointment.

Despite the fact it's a period piece, most of the language avoids that flowery styling I normally dislike, as it deals with people considered common and the dialects of their status. There's plenty enough modern wording thrown in there that I didn't mind it all that much and in truth, I was too engrossed in what was going to happen to H.. to put the book down anyway.

There were some characters I dearly loved. Godfrey was spectacular, Aunt Madge was a warm, rebellious creature, Fredrick and Charlie filled their pages with a kindness and gentleness that was sorely needed to offset all the horrible events happening around H, and certainly Jasper.. while silly as can be.. managed to charm me nonetheless.

Both the time period and historical events that took place throughout the tale, were intricately detailed. Burton painted an appropriately somber image of the tragedy and despair devastating those left behind to struggle through the plague, while the wealthy often just picked up and left.. heading off to safer locales. The result of course being even more unkindness as their society devolves into a primarily 'every person for themselves' situation. Therein lies a parallel not lost on me as we have in some cases watched similar things take place in recent months.

I give the author credit for not simply sinking into the more unpleasant human nature that can rise to the surface in these situations. There's still representation here for those who would help their fellow, whether or not it be in their own best interest.. and poor H is one of those. But overall things are rather grim and sometimes the things people tell themselves to justify their behavior is shocking.

It's a great read though, I recommend it if you're not likely to be overwhelmed by the desperation many of the characters find themselves in. There are some triggers here to be considered, especially in regards to violence towards women and children, even up to loss of life in some cases.. but if you can handle that, it's a richly pain-filled story painted in fine strokes, so as nothing is glossed over.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Legend Press for the chance to read and give an opinion on this delightful book.
Set in London during the plague and great fire, we meet H and all that life throws at her. She is brave and resilient in her adventures and tragedies. Full of a cast of characters that are endearing and memorable. Reminiscent of Vanity Fair or Moll Flanders, I could see this turned into a film for Masterpiece theater. H will stay with me for a while.

The Strange Adventures of H, by Sarah Burton, is a bleak tale. I can’t honestly say that I enjoyed reading H’s continual trials and tribulations - enjoyed would be entirely the wrong word. (How does one enjoy watching the world continue to kick someone who’s already down, over and over again?) But I couldn’t stop reading it. Every time I said “This is too depressing, I want to read something else,” I just...kept reading it. Not an enjoyable book, then, but certainly a compelling one, and one that is, furthermore, skillfully written. The historical aspect feels so well researched and crafted that the book practically reeks with all the odors of 17th century London, while the theme of theatricality and play-acting that threads throughout H’s adventures finds its culmination in a decidedly, and self-consciously, theatrical conclusion. H herself is a particularly appealing heroine, reminiscent of (but in many ways an improvement on) the much-maligned young heroes of Dickens’s or Stevenson’s Bildungsromans, and she is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, from the wicked to the clownish to the genuinely noble. It's worth reading - even if it is, at times, a hard read.

Content warning: Rape, domestic abuse, infanticide, animal death, mention of pedophilia, murder.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for the advance review copy!*

The Strange Adventures of H
by Sarah Burton

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

A captivating tale of the strength and stamina of a young woman in 1660’s London during the plague, bawdy house riots. A realistic dark coming of age tale, where we follow ‘H’ through a very turbulent time in history. Historical atmospheric details are exquisite, the characters are three dimensional and vibrant.
The narration is wonderful and we see everything through the eyes the “H”. Written in wonderful prose. The storyline flows perfectly and the reader is taken from one heart wrenching calamity to the next. There is a little dark comical humor in book that is piercing, which I adored. A tale of destitute and misfortune and ultimately a heroine’s undaunted ability for survival.. and finding a happiness and rising above.

To give away further plot would be to lessen the pleasure for readers

This is one book that I will be purchasing for my friends and family members

A little over a month ago, I came across this little gem of a book on Netgalley and requested a copy immediately after reading the book’s description. So, a special thanks to both Netgalley and the publisher, Legend Press, for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

The Strange Adventures of H is Sarah Burton’s debut novel for adults, and she comes into the historical fiction realm on a strong note. Young H is orphaned very early on, following the death of cold and unlikeable father, and is sent away with to live with her beloved Aunt Madge in the city along with her favourite sister Evelyn. Following a fair share of hardships, H finds some happiness again in her new home, but it doesn’t last, and she suffers a cruel loss of her innocence at the hands of someone she trusted.

As if H hadn’t suffered enough, along comes the 1665 Great Plague of London, and people are dropping like flies all around her. H’s safety net falls out from under her once again and she finds herself alone and the tough times keep on coming, an unexpected pregnancy puts H in a difficult predicament and so she seeks to survive any way she can. All is not as it seems once she finds a new normal either and a betrayal from an unlikely source becomes a great catalyst of change in H’s life.

Burton takes us on a whirlwind of a journey in this novel. We began with a young orphaned H and witness her hardships and enjoy her fleeting moments of happiness, and we root for her to thrive and rebuild her life, so that she may acquire the independence and life of freedom she has long craved.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Strange Adventures of H, Burton’s historical expertise really shines through – the historical accuracy throughout the novel truly enhanced the reading experience of this book and helped to pull you into the pages to experience H’s world. You get to witness H go from a keen to please orphan to an independent woman who has overcome adversity at great lengths, who finds love in unlikely places and a newfound happiness even after all the chaos. H is a survivor and a wonderful protagonist, this book most definitely lives up to its namesake: it is a strange tale… But it is a great and hopeful one.

I really enjoyed the adventures of H, and felt that the development of her character, together with the historical references to the Great Plague and Great Fire of London made for a wonderful story. The enigmatic 'H' who decided on the nature of her character depending on her circumstances, was very easy to love, and her relationships with those close to her, including Evelyn, her Aunt, Godfrey and Charlie were wonderful to read about. A must read for all historical fiction fans.