“You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.” –Saul Bellow
All About Me
Constance Briones is passionate about bringing to light the little-known stories of women and their contributions to history. She has a Masters in History focusing on women’s studies, which informs her writing. For twenty years, Constance has taught an interdisciplinary study program in Language Arts and History in public schools. She is currently an educational docent for her city’s historical society.
My HP Books
What if Taylor Swift found herself penning songs about love in Elizabethan England when women were required to be chaste, obedient, and silent?
Isabella Whitney, an ambitious and daring eighteen-year-old maidservant turned poet, sets out to do just that. Having risked reputation and virtue by allowing her passions for her employer's aristocratic nephew to get the better of her, Isabella Whitney enters the fray of the pamphlet wars, a scurrilous debate on the merits of women. She's determined to make her mark by becoming the first woman to write a poem defending women in love, highlighting the deceptive practices of the men who woo them. Her journey to publication is fraught with challenges as she navigates through the male-dominated literary world and the harsh realities of life in sixteenth-century London for a single woman. Loosely based on the life of Elizabethan poet Isabella Whitney, this is a compelling tale of a young woman's resilience and determination to challenge the status quo and leave her mark in a world that was not ready for her.
Book Excerpt
As we left the churchyard, we passed a young man reading verses aloud to a well-dressed gentleman with a bulbous nose. When the young man finished, the gent nodded his approval and gave him a slip of paper. The poet bowed gratefully and shook his hand.
"There goes a fortunate young man who found a patron," I uttered wistfully.
Millicent linked her arm to mine. "I'll wager your verses are better than his."
We had not walked far from the church when Millicent asked, "Do you still love Robert?"
Since the revelation of Rose Clavell's letter, my feelings for Robert should have grown cold. But my love for him burned fitfully with joy, desire, anger, hate, and the grace of forgiveness. I hoped that upon Robert's return, he would prove that he was deserving of the love I bore him.
"Call me a fool if you want, but I still love him. When he returns, I will know my fate. To stay with him here in London or start anew."
Millicent, ever understanding, bit her lip and refrained from passing judgment. "I hope your love for Robert proves worthy, and you can remain here in your beloved London with him."
I embraced her for her kind words. To the devil with Thomas and Robert, to have thought ill of her. She’s only lesser than them for her lack of money, not her character.
“I have no doubt that your widower will treat you well.”
“If he doesn’t, he’ll feel the end of a broomstick on his head. You can be sure of that.”
She laughed, and I did, too. For I knew she meant it.
Book Trailer
Book Reviews
"A dramatically drawn portrait of the plight of Elizabethan women,
be they high born or low." -- Kirkus Review
“A fascinating look at a female poet in 16th century England…”
“A nice blend of historical romance, feminist rebellion, and forbidden desire…”
“A brave, unconventional, beautiful read. I really enjoyed it…”
“Overall, this book is a wonderful, perfectly written book. Great for lovers of literary history…”
*****
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look at a female poet in 16th century England
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
In London, 1567, one woman desires only to write.
In 16th century England, a woman’s place belongs in the home despite its successful rule by a Queen. What is a budding poet to do? Ignore the naysayers? No, she sharpens her quill and puts pen to paper. And in this historical novel, that’s just what Isabella Whitney does.
TRY BEFORE YOU TRUST: TO ALL YOUNG GENTLEWOMEN AND OTHER MAIDS IN LOVE by Constance Briones is the story of England’s first female secular poet. It portrays a determined woman with the courage and intelligence to succeed in England’s competitive book business, enduring more challenges than most to turn her dreams into reality. As a maid to the aristocratic Lady Bramwell, she runs into the feckless, but intelligent, nephew of her mistress, a man who appreciates Isabella’s learning, wit, and ambition. The two swiftly become betrothed, but the ambitious minstrel of a husband is a wastrel of a man. His inability to attract the attention of an aristocratic patron leads to a depletion of funds and sends him running home, where an aristocratic bride awaits.
But what about Isabella?
After drying her tears, the focus on Isabella’s quest to become a writer propels the story forward with its heartbreak, peril, and the mystery surrounding Isabella’s career choice - considering there was no such thing as female careers in the 16th century.
The poet Isabella, an innocent country girl striving for life in the big city, is presented in the context of the querelle des femmes, a popular subject of the day. It led this reader to laugh out loud at the naivete of the young poet: Whether he can be a lover true, / or do intend to shrink.” Did men shrink at Isabella’s wit? Indeed. At the very least, her husband did.
One of Briones’ exceptional skills is making readers feel like they are sitting alongside the characters, enjoying a holiday meal or dance, scrubbing a crusty pot, or crying their eyes out over a man. But make no mistake, Isabella is not the typical innocent country maid, and her complexity lies in the career she has chosen in Elizabethan London, a role not open to females. Ultimately, Isabella is bright, calm, and driven.
The research that went into this book is remarkable, with tidbits sprinkled liberally throughout. Unlike some historical novels, the dishing out of ancient background doesn’t feel heavy handed and in no way slows down the plot or Isabella. The world building is remarkable; beautifully detailed, warm to the touch, smelly when necessary, and gorgeous in palatial buildings, clothing, or pocket gardens.
I finished half the book in one sitting beginning at the point when Isabella’s betrothed leaves, being driven to know how any early modern English woman without position, family, or money could make it. Not wanting to give away a good ending, let’s just say, she took a big bite from the apple. Hopefully, the author continues the story because this reader would love to know how Isabella lives out her writing life.
