Anne Manning
Mary Powell & Deborah's Diary
"Mary Powell & Deborah's Diary" by Anne Manning is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows Mary Powell, the young wife of the esteemed poet John Milton, as she navigates her tumultuous early marriage amid the backdrop of the English Civil War. The story brings to life not only Mary’s experiences but also her interactions with family and other notable figures of her time, painting a vivid picture of 17th-century domestic life. The opening of the book introduces readers to Mary Powell on the cusp of her seventeenth birthday. Through entries in her diary, she discusses the challenges facing her family, including her father's financial troubles, and her mother's disapproval of her father's political affiliations. As Mary shares her thoughts on love, familial obligations, and the pressures of impending marriage, we also meet John Milton, the man who will soon become her husband, albeit under complicated circumstances. The beginning sets the tone for a mix of youthful innocence and the weight of societal expectations, as Mary grapples with her feelings about her future and the looming responsibilities that come with her new life.