Rain Dodging: A Scholar's Romp through Britain in Search of a Stuart Queen

Susan Godwin's Rain Dodging is a creative nonfiction account of the search for the truth behind Mary of Modena's ability to cultivate a court full of women writers in an age when female authorship was rare. Godwin travels through both space and time, exploring Britain and her own feminist path, and finding moments of transcendence and delight.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

Susan Godwin's captivating journey into the life of Mary of Modena, a seventeenth-century Italian princess who, at the age of fourteen, was forced into marriage with the future king of England, James II, takes an intriguing turn. Despite the societal constraints of her time, Mary managed to create a court full of talented women writers, a rarity in an era where female authorship was uncommon. How did she achieve this remarkable feat? This question becomes the driving force behind Susan's creative nonfiction book, "Rain Dodging." Through her exploration, Susan traverses both space and time, embarking on a solo adventure through Britain in search of truth. In a parallel storyline, she chronicles her own cluttered but resilient feminist path, navigating relationships with schizophrenic lovers, out-there musicians, and a challenging mother.

As Susan visits the palaces and manor houses in England and Scotland once inhabited by Mary, she delves into the materials housed in Oxford's renowned 400-year-old Bodleian Library. In this quest, she uncovers moments of transcendence and unexpected delight, adding depth and richness to her narrative. "Rain Dodging" is not only a fascinating account of the late Stuart monarchy but also a testament to the progression of feminist history. Susan's journey intertwines these two themes, revealing the unexpected connections between them.

Join Susan on this irreverent and illuminating journey, as she unravels the secrets of Mary of Modena's remarkable life and explores the complexities of feminist history. With her captivating storytelling and meticulous research, Susan provides a captivating perspective on a period of history that continues to resonate today.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647425692