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A Net for Small Fishes

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( 3,652 ratings, 556 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago is a gripping historical fiction novel set in the Jacobean court of King James I. It follows Frances Howard, a beautiful but profoundly unhappy woman from a powerful family, and Anne Turner, a witty and talented woman facing destitution. When their paths cross, a potent friendship is born, drawing Anne into a world of courtly splendour, intrigue, and danger. Amidst fierce power struggles and a foreign monarch unknown to his own people, the two women seek love and safety but find themselves threatened by enemies and forced into desperate actions. Based on the true scandal that shook the period, the novel offers an exhilarating and darkly immersive exploration of ambition, survival and betrayal in early 17th-century England.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction, particularly those interested in female perspectives within complex court politics and early 17th-century British history. Fans of immersive narratives filled with intrigue, scandal and character-driven storytelling will find much to admire.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS' CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD

'What a ride!' India Knight, Sunday Times Summer reads

‘Thrilling… a sumptuous feast of plotting and intrigue’ Mail on Sunday

‘A complete joy’ Bettany Hughes

‘Gloriously immersive’ Guardian

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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 strange 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.

Anne and Frankie dare to seek a little happiness for themselves in this extravagant, savage hunting ground. 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.

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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics have praised A Net for Small Fishes as a scintillating, immersive debut rich with intrigue and vivid historical detail. The Observer highlights its superb examination of female agency and class, with compelling characters and a tragic yet enthralling narrative. The Times calls it a powerful take on fascinating history, and the Daily Telegraph recommends it as a sumptuous dive into the Jacobean era. The Guardian notes Lucy Jago's deft handling of surface detail and underlying tensions, creating a brilliant, engaging narrator, confirming the novel as more than mere escapism.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526616654

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 April 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 247g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Lucy Jago is an award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction and Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund, and a former documentary producer for Channel 4 and the BBC. Her first book, The Northern Lights, won the National Biography prize and has been translated into eight languages. She was awarded a Double First Class Honours Degree from King’s College, University of Cambridge, and a master’s degree from the Courtauld Institute, London. She lives in Somerset.

lucyjago.com

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