The Escapades of Tribulation Johnson

Or A Woman Writes Back

Karen Brooks

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English

Harper Collins
05 July 2023

Fiction & Literature; Historical fiction

From the author of The Good Wife of Bath comes a brilliant recreation of the vibrant, optimistic, but politically treacherous, world of London's Restoration theatre. We are introduced to the remarkable playwright Aphra Behn, now a feminist icon, but then an anomaly, who gravitated to the stage - a place where artifice and disguise are second nature and accommodates those who do not fit in.

'Karen Brooks demonstrates her considerable talent for capturing the historical moment in this richly told, immersive read that will acquaint readers with a woman whose name we should all know. ' Pip Williams, author of The Bookbinder of Jericho

It's 1679 and into the tumult, politics and colour of Restoration London and its lively theatre scene comes the fierce and opinionated Tribulation Johnson. Cast out from her family as ungodly and unworthy, she is determined to forge her own remarkable path.

Arriving in London, she's astonished to discover that the widowed cousin whom she's been sent to live with is none other than the most infamous woman in London - the former spy and traitor's mistress, the playwright and polemical poetess, Aphra Behn.

Tribulation cannot believe her good fortune as she is thrust into city life and the heady, mercurial milieu of the theatre. Under Aphra's guidance, she is encouraged to write, think and speak for herself. But women aren't supposed to have a voice, or ideas, let alone wield a pen and write for a living, and there are harsh consequences for those who don't obey society's rules.

Together, Aphra and Tribulation face vilification and mockery, as well as terrible danger as plots to overturn the monarchy gather pace.

When someone from Aphra's complicated past reappears, the women's loyalties - to King, country, and ultimately each other - are bitterly tested. Can their relationship survive the burning fires of religious hatred, suspicion and deceit? When everyone plays a part, and all the world's a stage, who can you trust?

Praise for Karen Brooks:

'So damn readable and fun ... This is the story of a woman fighting for her rights; it breaches the walls of history.' The Australian

By: Karen Brooks
Imprint: Harper Collins
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 154mm, Spine: 45mm
Weight: 674g
ISBN: 9781867227229
ISBN 10: 1867227223
Pages: 528
Publication Date: 05 July 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Karen Brooks is the author of fourteen books - historical fiction, historical fantasy, YA fantasy, and one non-fiction. She was an academic for over 20 years, a newspaper columnist and social commentator. She has a Ph.D. in English/Cultural Studies and has published internationally on all things popular culture, education and social psychology. An award-winning teacher, she's taught throughout Australia and in The Netherlands and keynoted at many education conferences. Nowadays, she finds greatest contentment studying history and writing, and helping her husband in his Brewstillery, Captain Bligh's. She shares a beautiful stone house in Hobart, Tasmania, built in 1868, with her husband, adorable dogs and cats, and shelves brimming with books.