Moll Cutpurse, Her True History

by Ellen Galford

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0932379044
• ISBN13: 9780932379047
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Firebrand Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 12.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Feminist and Fun, Hurrah!

I just finished Moll Cutpurse and found it absolutely enchanting. It's one of my new favorite books. The novel is a fictionalized account of Mary Firth, a famous cross dresser who pops up frequently in gender studies texts. Told from the point of view of her lover, the story covers Moll's early wish to be a man, later acceptance of her unique brand of femaleness, and some of her famous adventures. What I loved most about this book was its determined effort not to be tragic. It never sugarcoats the (often unpleasant) reality of being a woman in the 1600s; but the tone was playful, hilarious and satirical. Great to read. I also loved that the Moll had an apologetically feminist mindset. Historical novels with lesbian characters often involve physical/psychological abuse, isolation, and sadness. Even many of my favorite books (most of Sarah Waters, most of Emma Donoghue) fall into that category. So I really appreciated the lighthearted tone and happy ending of this book. It's a great reminder that untraditional women throughout history did have fabulous, fascinating, and long lives. Reminds me a bit of Patience and Sarah.

Utterly delightful

Bridget is the daughter of an apothecary in the late 1500s in England. She meets the swashbuckling heroine Moll, and the two end up having a lifelong love affair, punctuated by Moll's many adventures. Somewhat based on the real life of Moll Cutpurse, a.k.a. Mary Frith, Galford's wonderful story is sure to appeal to those fans of Jeanette Winterson and Sarah Waters.

correction to previous review: the Roaring Girl!

Ellen Galford's novel is not a rewrite of Defoe's Moll Flanders! Dekker and Middleton's play "The Roaring Girl" was based on a actual London personage-- Moll Cutpurse, who also inspired the pamphlet debate "Hic Mulier/Haec Vir" by her cross dressing in men's clothes. Galford brings to life the "Roaring Girl" in hopefully more of the spirit in which she actually lived. Read it! Read all her work! Ellen Galford is the funniest and most intelligent contemporary (lesbian) writer I've found.