Wicked Company by Ciji Ware (Terra's Review)

In her second novel, Ware ( Island of the Swans ) again proves she can intertwine fact and fiction to create an entertaining and harmonious whole. Sophie McGann wants to earn her fortune as a playwright, but London's theater world in the mid-18th century is not a propitious place for women writers. First among those thwarting Sophie's ambitions is Peter Lindsay-Hoyt, a duplicitous and dissolute gentleman who hopes, by becoming her husband, to steal the credit and profits her writing brings. Further, she must either accommodate or evade Edward Capell, the eccentric censor of plays, who tends to dislike those by women. Sophie acquires a mentor in David Garrick, actor and manager of the Drury Lane Theatre, but her career is as tumultuous as her personal life: although married to Peter, Sophie loves actor Hunter Robertson, a romantic hero whose shortcomings are as realistically and winningly drawn as his charms. Ware tantalizingly tosses obstacles in the path of true love until the very end, while also offering a fascinating portrayal of London's theatrical milieu, with characters such as Capell, Garrick and Frances Sheridan--mother of Richard Brinsley and a playwright herself--convincingly drawn from history.


(Terra's Thoughts)  Wicked Company by Ciji Ware is one of those books you're either going to like or not like.  The writing is wonderfully done with consistent action thoughout the book but I just found the storyline to be a little too depressing for me.

Sophie McGann is a young beauty working under her father as his apprentice in their bookshop.  Lovely auburn locks and small stature make her look much younger than what she is and it's difficult for some to take her seriously because of this.  On top of this Sophie is much to trusting and has a fiery Scots temper that would most certainly put mine to shame.  Her temper gets her into predicaments that could very well cost her her life but lucky for her she has a Guardian Angel that seems to show up at just the right time to save her cute little behind.  Unfortunately, most of us know that reality and religious and political censure can creep up on you and bite you in the ass when least expected.

Hunter Robertson is a startlingly vision of a man let alone a Highlander.  Raised through poverty has taught Hunter to use his wits and all his God given talents to try and help his family survive.  With Sophie's help Hunter is able to progress to the theater and shows much promise to take him into a realm that will make him comfortable for the rest of his days.  Even though he is a rake of the highest stature, it doesn't make him any less susceptible to a certain little auburn haired Scot that will take his heart, break his heart and give him a run for the money in between.

The author does a wonderful job at keeping a nice pace to the story and gives us a realistic look at what Great Britain might have been during the 1100's.  Instead of giving us a look at the aristocrat riches and wonderful life, she has taken us to the back streets and alleys of harshness, desperation, betrayal, injustice, love, talent and a sadness for the deaths that consume our characters throughout.


Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (October 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402222718
ISBN-13: 978-1402222719