The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald
Historical literary fiction is at its best in Fitzgerald’s exploration of the early life of the romantic poet and philosopher Novalis. The language is a perfect comforting cushion to indulge in as the light starts to return in February.
The year is 1794…
Fritz, passionate, idealistic and brilliant, is seeking his father’s permission to announce his engagement to his heart’s desire: twelve-year-old Sophie. His astounded family and friends are amused and disturbed by his betrothal. What can he be thinking?
Tracing the dramatic early years of the young German who was to become the great romantic poet and philosopher Novalis, ‘The Blue Flower’ is a masterpiece of invention, evoking the past with a reality that we can almost feel.
Why I think this makes a great February read
- Gentle pace with lyrical writing
- Reflective and detailed
- Beautiful and complicated characters
- A perspective on history you may not have seen before
- A short book for a short month
A Book or Ten 