The Puritan Princess by Miranda Malins

Title: The Puritan Princess
Author: Miranda Malins
Publication: Orion, paperback, originally published in 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: 17th-century 

Description: When Oliver Cromwell is declared Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, his large family joins him at court in London, and Cromwell’s two unmarried daughters become prospects for political alliances. Life at Whitehall and Hampton Court is surprisingly full of social activities despite Puritan rule and 18-year-old Frances Cromwell, well-educated and aware of the warring factions behind her father’s rise to prominence, is determined to choose her own husband. Robert Rich, grandson of the Earl of Warwick, comes from a former Royalist family and has a reputation for loose living, thus when he becomes Miranda’s choice she must navigate her father’s disapproval and the intrigue that surrounds her family if she wants to secure her future.

My Impression: This is an absorbing and moving depiction of the last years of Cromwell’s years in power before his death and the return of Charles II, told through the eyes of his youngest daughter Frances, an improbably astute observer of the troubled politics of the day. Although a staunch Royalist, I was fascinated by Malins’ portrayal of Cromwell’s family and its internal alliances and conflicts. She depicts him as a loving father who valued his daughters’ opinions and encouraged their education, which I did not know but am willing to entertain (at least for the purpose of this novel). He also, less surprisingly, sees their political value:

‘You know what is afoot here at the moment, Fanny,’ he begins at length. “This new proposed constitution, perhaps even the crown.’ He gives an involuntary shudder at the word as if he has blasphemed. ‘Well, it is time we began to make plans for you and Mary too.’ Father leans back in his armchair, lacing his fingers together in his lap. ‘Secretary Thurloe and I have drawn up a list of potential suitors for you both and we will begin to sound them out shortly.’

At one point there is even discussion of marrying Frances to Charles II, in exile in France or Holland at the time.  I couldn't help stopping to consider whether this was a good idea but, as Cromwell observes (at least in the book), Charles Stuart's licentious ways would not make for a viable union with a strictly brought-up Puritan maiden.  Still, it would not have been the first such political alliance.

There were times when I felt Malins was too anachronistic in portraying Frances’ determination to take control of her own future or in her perception of those around her. For example, I am sure the term “hero-worship” had not yet been coined and a good editor would point these things out. On the other hand, it is reasonable to believe that the four Cromwell sisters would discuss the politics of the day and how that affects their lives and I liked how Malins conveys their relationships.  Overall, I enjoyed the book from its dramatic beginning where Cromwell’s body is brutally disinterred to its historical note, and will look forward to more from this author.

Intrigued by Helen’s review in She Reads Novels, I bought this while in London last year.  Her recommendations are always good but often hard to find in the US, alas.  The Puritan Princess is one of my 20 Books of Summer 2023 and it is also my thirteenth book for The Intrepid Reader’s Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.

Source: Personal copy