The Rebel Daughter: The gripping feminist historical novel you won’t be able to put down!

My main reaction as I read this book was that it should have been published before the Puritan Princess. It would have made so much more sense historically to follow Cromwell and his family from the beginning of the Civil Wars and then to the Protectorate rather than the other way round.I expect there must have been a reason, although I can't figure what it might be. At all events the book follows the rise of Cromwell and Henry Ireton , their military and political achievements up to and beyond the death of Charles I. All this is told through the eyes of Bridget, Cromwell's eldest daughter. She shares with us her aspirations as a young girl and her marriage to Henry Ireton, her father right-hand man and her subsequent growing love for him.The book moves at a good pace and I found the descriptions of grief and bereavement particularly moving.Although the fate of women in the 17th century is mentioned, this is not a "feminist" book and Bridget is well aware of what can be expected of women at that time; however, she does try to find fulfilment for her ideas in her own way. From that point of view she can hardly be called a rebel.As in the Puritan Princess, the portrayal of Cromwell as a family man, the love he has for his children and grandchildren is endearing and does not conform to the generally received ideas one has of him.I wonder if there will be a 3rd novel taking us to the Restoration? I hope so and will look out for its publication.

Really enjoyed. Will be buying more from this author.

Gave a different side to Oliver Cromwell

This is the story of the Civil Wars from the viewpoint of a woman, a woman who is intelligent and strong and seeks to influence her own life and the events occurring around her, but I would not call it a 'feminist' book as to me that word has (unfortunately) come to mean propaganda and bias. This book acknowledges the historical realities which put women mostly out of the driving seat of their lives, but does not flinch to recount the amount of influence that a woman could have on the men around her, and even the ability to take action on her own account.OK, so that is the 'feminist' bit out of the way.Bridget (Biddy) Cromwell is a totally engaging character as written by Miranda Malins, who has brought her vividly to life. I'm not a historian, but liked the bits of domestic history that I recognised in the book, such as the habit (since lost to us) of having two sleep periods in the night, with a short space in between that could be used to do some light work, or eat, or enjoy each others' company, before the second sleep. Because of that I could feel sure that the history presented was factual, and lose myself in Biddy's life, her problems, choices, and worries. I smiled with her, I railed with her, I cried for her, and finishing the book I felt like I was leaving a friend.Thank you Miranda.

Nice to have a book which is hard to put down for a change. I am mad about the Tudor period but am also interested in this period, mainly for the witch hunting. Not a great time to be alive, unless you were part of the elite. Now learning more about this period thanks to this novel.

The Rebel Daughter by Miranda MalinsEly, 1643. England is convulsed by Civil War, setting King against Parliament and neighbour against neighbour. As the turmoil reaches her family home in Ely, 19-year-old Bridget Cromwell finds herself at the heart of the conflict.With her father's star on the rise as a cavalry commander for the rebellious Parliament, Bridget has her own ambitions for a life beyond marriage and motherhood. And as fractures appear in her own family with the wilful, beautiful younger sister Betty, Bridget faces a choice: to follow her heart, or to marry for power and influence, and fight for a revolution that will change history...I loved this story , and I loved hearing all about Bridget , a wonderful , strong , complex , independent woman, unusual for 1643.The author must have spent some time researching the civil war , and she really managed to capture the atmosphere and unease of the time.

Really enjoying these books delving into the lives of Cromwell's daughters. Definitely puts flesh on a bunch of names I have only really learned from school many years ago. Will be looking out for the next one! Thanks to Netgalley.

Bridget Cromwell is the oldest daughter of an East Anglian farmer but their lives change when he inherits land and position. Now Bridget supports her father in his political and military ambitions even if they go against the rule of the king. She knows she is not beautiful but wants independence so hesitates when an ambitious soldier proposes. However their marriage prospers as they negotiate Civil War and politics.This is a solid enough book. The premise is good, the story of Oliver Cromwell's female relatives is used as a backdrop for the history of the Civil War, and I really loved this aspect. The book itself is a little too romantic to be really gripping but it is entertaining.