Sovay, Celia Rees

Celia Rees (2009).
Sovay
Waterville: Thorndike Press
Genre:Historical fiction
9781410411853

In 1794 England, rich and beautiful Sovay, disguised as a highwayman, acquires papers that could lead to her father’s arrest. Her newly-awakened political consciousness leads her and her compatriot to France during the Revolution.
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Loosely based on an old English ballad, the protagonist is Savoy, the legendary 18th century female British highway robber, who disguised herself as a man. The novel begins when Savoy, 17, dons men’s clothing and robs the coach in which her fiancé rides as a way to seek revenge against his unfaithfulness. Sovay continues to rob coaches as a lark, but when she lifts the wallet of one of England's most powerful men, she finds papers for her father’s arrest for treason along with other politically damaging papers. Savoy soon becomes embroiled in schemes to overthrow the British crown and thwart the rights of the common man. The action shifts from England to France, as Savoy fights to clear her father’s name and save him from the guillotine. The author ambitiously weaves together historical fiction, adventure, and romance.

Despite the many plot twists, dastardly villains, and a brave, a resourceful young heroine the author seems to have tried to weave too much into her story and does not take time to fully develop the characters or the time period known as the Reign of Terror. Only those familiar with the time period and history will appreciate this endeavor.