Review: Conceit, by Mary Novik
Mary Novik’s 17th century novel, Conceit is a beautifully written story about the daughter of the famed poet, John Donne. Almost tragic in her obsession with her parent’s legendary love-affair, the protagonist, Pegge Donne, explores the depths of passion, betrayal, sexuality and her own attempt to navigate a confusing and perilous era in England, not only politically, but socially. Novik’s handling of the subject matter is with a cool authorial voice, almost clinical, a striking,…