  |
|
|
|
Book Review: Burning Bright by Tracy ChevalierAuthor of Girl with a Pearl Earring Recreates William Blake’s London
Set in Georgian London, Burning Bright (Harper Collins 2007) is a remarkable story set around the life of famous poet and historical figure William Blake.
In Burning Bright, Tracy Chevalier has once again provided readers with not only an enjoyable story but also an incredibly detailed and visually evocative depiction of 18th Century London. Plot and Characters in Burning Bright Following the death of a beloved son, chairmaker Thomas Kellaway moves his wife and two youngest children from a small village in Dorsetshire to a new life in London. Jem and Maisie Kellaway find themselves both entranced and confused by the hustle and bustle of the city. They are soon acquainted with the various characters that inhabit the area of Lambeth. Philip Astley the circus owner who originally enticed them to London becomes a large figure in their lives, as does young Londoner Maggie Butterfield. Maggie’s knowledge of the city streets inspires both admiration and envy in Jem, while Maggie is delighted by Jem’s initial naiveté. While Maisie is captivated by Philip Astley’s talented yet unscrupulous son John, Maggie and Jem are more curious about the activities of their neighbor – the enigmatic poet and artist William Blake. Not all are as impressed by Blake’s abilities however, and his support of the revolution in France causes many to question his loyalties to his own country and king. Fact and Fiction – History in Burning Bright Chevalier’s love of history and the characters that inhabit it is once again obvious in Burning Bright. She pays great attention to detail, so the readers find themselves completely immersed in the world she has recreated. With vivid descriptions of chair- and buttonmaking, the construction of Westminster Bridge and the inner workings of London factories, Chevalier manages to not only entertain but also provide real insight into the lives of late 18th Century Londoners. By inserting historic figures and events into the fictional plot of the novel, Chevalier gives the story even more sincerity. Philip Astley in particular makes a wonderful larger-than-life character, and the world of his circus is fascinating. Songs of Innocence and Experience The themes of Blake’s famous poetry collections, Songs of Innocence and Experience are echoed in Burning Bright. Blake’s juxtaposition of opposing factors can be seen very clearly in the rural Kellaway family’s reactions to hectic city life. Maggie, Jem and Maisie provide some inspiration for his work, each of them at once encapsulating both innocence and experience. Blake’s comparison of country and city life is also evident in Burning Bright as Chevalier evokes the bright lights, noise and smells of London and then eventually at the novel’s conclusion the slow calm pace of Dorsetshire. About Tracy ChevalierBorn in 1962 in Washington D.C. Chevalier currently resides in London. She is best known for the widely acclaimed Girl With A Pearl Earring (Dutton, 1999) which was made into a film in 2003 starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth. Burning Bright is her fifth novel. With it’s vivid imagery, historic accuracy and interesting themes, Burning Bright is an excellent choice for study in a book club or reading group. A reading guide is available online through Penguin books.
The copyright of the article Book Review: Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier in Modern American Fiction is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Book Review: Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
