The Lady Brewer of London

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Trigger warnings: rape, murder, arson, abuse

When Anneke Sheldrake's father doesn't return from a sea voyage, the orphaned girl must find her own way.

Anneke's mother dies before the book begins after giving birth to twins. When her father dies years later, Anneke suddenly finds herself an orphan and has to care for the twins. Her brother Tobias is apprenticed as a squire, so he lives elsewhere and cannot provide help.

Anneke discovers that the house she lives in no longer belongs to her family, and she must quickly decide how to provide a roof and a living for herself, the twins, and their servants. She takes a loan from the dubious Lord Rainford and decides to begin brewing ale in the restored brewhouse on their property.

A merchant's daughter brewing ale for a living is unheard of, and many people in town and her family think it is beneath Anneke. The friary nearby that brews most of the community's ale has the most to lose, and the abbot is not kind to those who oppose him. Anneke does her best to protect herself, including allying with an old friend of her mother's and Lord Rainford's son Leander.

Anneke experiences a lot of misfortune for one character, and she is determined to keep going despite her losses. She leaves her hometown under cover of night for London, where she meets a businesswoman who will be her new ally and friend. She takes up residence in Goodwife Alyson's bathhouse (brothel) and starts brewing again outside of London.

Anneke's life is not what she expected in any way. She finds her girlhood hopes and dreams shattered and not only has to make her own way but also has to find what happiness she can in a world that mistreats her. Some of her dreams come true in unexpected ways, but the tragedies seem to outnumber the triumphs.

While the book only takes place over a few years, they are very eventful months. Anneke faces the disapproval of so many men simply because she is a woman experiencing success in business, and these men think she must be taken down at all costs. Anneke survives through the faith and generosity of her friends and contacts.

The book is written in the first person, which doesn't seem strange because the action is from Anneke's perspective. The prose puts the reader in Anneke's shoes and her hints about the future make the reader want to know more. The story unfolds as if an older Anneke is telling you about her past.

Recommended for those who like historical fiction about women who face adversity because of their gender. The novel will also appeal to fans of the Lancastrian era, medieval times, and historical British fiction.

Dr. Karen Brooks is the author of numerous novels, book reviews, and newspaper columns. During her university career, she was considered an expert on popular culture and the media. She lives in Hobart, Tasmania.

Publisher: William Morrow

Length: 816 pages

Release Date: November 10, 2020

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I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.