Book Review: Shades of Yellow by Wendy J. Dunn

 

Shades of Yellow
By Wendy J. Dunn

Publication Date: 7th September 2025

Publisher: Other Terrain Press

Page Length: 314

Genre: Women's Fiction / Historical Fiction

Who better to write about a betrayed woman than a woman betrayed?

During her battle with illness, Lucy Ellis found solace in writing a novel about the mysterious death of Amy Robsart, the first wife of Robert Dudley, the man who came close to marrying Elizabeth I. As Lucy delves into Amy’s story, she also navigates the aftermath of her own experience that brought her close to death and the collapse of her marriage.

After taking leave from her teaching job to complete her novel, Lucy falls ill again. Fearing she will die before she finishes her book, she flees to England to solve the mystery of Amy Robsart’s death.

Can she find the strength to confront her past, forgive the man who broke her heart, and take control of her own destiny?

In the wake of devastating news that her cancer may have returned, Lucy Ellis feels a surge of determination to finish her book. The project, a culmination of years of research and personal reflection, is more important to her now than ever. Regardless of the grave concerns expressed by her doctor and the anxious entreaties of her mother, who fear for her health, Lucy remains resolute in her decision to embark on her trip to England. This journey is pivotal for her, as it promises the final pieces of research she needs to shape her narrative. As the days pass and her condition deteriorates, Lucy confronts an agonising realisation: has she waited too long to finish her book? The relentless progression of her illness casts a shadow on her ambitions, leaving her to ponder the price of her determination. Is the risk of ignoring her doctor's advice worth the potential reward of completing her book, or has her relentless pursuit put her life in jeopardy?

“Shades of Yellow” by Wendy J. Dunn is an emotionally gripping narrative that revolves around Lucy Ellis, a talented writer whose life has been overshadowed by the relentless grip of cancer. The illness has stripped away nearly everything she holds dear—her health, her relationships, and her dreams of becoming a mother—yet one thing remains, her passion for storytelling. As Lucy faces the harsh realities of her condition, she finds solace and purpose in her unfinished novel. The journey to complete her book serves as a powerful representation of her struggles and resilience. As the story unfolds, readers witness Lucy not only fighting against her illness but also embarking on a meaningful journey of self-discovery. Each page she writes offers a glimpse into her innermost thoughts and emotions, ultimately helping her reclaim pieces of herself amid the turmoil. Wendy J. Dunn crafts a poignant tale of hope, determination, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who will not allow her circumstances to define her.

Lucy is writing a novel that evokes the spirit of Tudor England. As she immerses herself in her writing, she depicts the era’s vibrant and often tumultuous atmosphere. For the past few years, Lucy has devoted herself to learning all she can regarding Lady Amy Dudley, a figure eclipsed by the brilliance of her husband, Robert Dudley. Robert, a charismatic courtier and a close favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, has long been the focus of historical narratives, leaving Lady Amy’s story in the shadows. Lucy feels a deep connection to Amy, understanding the challenges of living in an era where women were largely defined by the men in their lives. With every chapter she writes, Lucy seeks to illuminate the intricate details of Amy’s character—her struggles, her ambitions, and the intriguing dynamics of her relationship with Robert. As she delves deeper into research and imagination, the lines between her own struggles and those of her protagonist begin to blur, providing her with a deep sense of purpose even as the chaos of her reality envelops her. Through Amy’s story, Lucy hopes to reclaim a voice for those who have been marginalised and to explore the hidden narratives of women who navigated the turbulent landscape of power, love, and loyalty during one of history’s most captivating periods.

Throughout the novel, readers are treated to a rich portrayal of Lucy’s research process, replete with the frustrations and triumphs that accompany uncovering the past. They witness her late nights spent poring over her manuscripts and the long hours of research. The narrative captures the tingling sensation that envelopes Lucy as she visits historic sites, standing in the very locations where the characters of her research once walked. In these moments, she imagines the whispers of the past surrounding her, feeling the presence of ghosts eager to share their stories. This haunting connection to history brings both joy and heartache, as Lucy grapples with the realisation that these lives, while seemingly distant, resonate deeply with her own experiences. With each revelation about Lady Amy, Lucy’s determination to bring Amy’s story to light intensifies. The more she uncovers, the more she feels a kinship with Amy—a longing to honour her legacy drives Lucy forward, compelling her to bridge the gap between past and present. The journey becomes not just about research; it evolves into a personal quest for understanding and connection, enriching both Lucy’s life and the lives of the readers who are drawn into this poignant exploration of history.

A novel often is a reflection of the author’s life, and this sentiment resonates profoundly in Lucy’s poignant work. As Lucy crafts her fictional retelling of Amy’s life, the rawness of her own pain is intricately woven into the story. The depth of hurt is palpable, as each page unfolds, revealing the layers of longing and sorrow that permeate both Lucy's and Amy's existence. This emotional turmoil not only reveals the struggles of two lost souls but also creates a profound empathy with the reader, often evoking tears as they connect with the universal themes of heartache and resilience. Through Lucy’s words, the essence of her soul is laid bare, inviting readers to navigate the complex landscape of human emotion as she explores themes of abandonment and betrayal, weaving them intricately into her protagonist’s life. Both women experience the heart-wrenching pain of childlessness, and they both navigate the tumultuous waters of love and loss in a quest that can feel isolating and fraught with despair. Set against the backdrop of societal expectations that dictate the paths women should take, Lucy skilfully explores shattered dreams. As Amy and Lucy confront their realities, Lucy’s journey leads her toward healing, forgiveness, and a path of personal exploration, characterised by moments of reflection and growth. In stark contrast, Amy’s path spirals downward into tragedy, culminating in her tragic demise at the bottom of a staircase, a powerful symbol of her struggle and despair.

Lucy is fortunate to have a very supportive family that genuinely wishes only the best for her. Among them is Pop, her beloved grandfather, who has already carved out a name for himself in the literary world. Despite his age and declining health, he refuses to let his loss of sight impair his love of writing. His keen insights and wealth of experience shine through when he listens to Lucy’s manuscript, and he quickly knows the right people to approach. Thanks to his well-established connections, Lucy is introduced to a literary agent and an editor who recognise her potential. However, their feedback comes with a catch: they both want more from her story than what she has written. They suggest incorporating elements like angels and demons, tapping into themes that resonate with ‘today’s audience’—a demand they believe will enhance its commercial viability. Despite the initial excitement of recognition, Lucy finds herself grappling with feelings of doubt and frustration. The rewrites begin to feel like an overwhelming task, as she is pushed to alter parts of her novel she once felt confident about. Whether these revisions will enrich the narrative or detract from her original vision remains a matter of contention. This experience serves as a crucial eye-opener for Lucy, and perhaps for many aspiring writers as well. It reveals just how much effort, adaptation, and compromise are often required in the pursuit of publishing a novel. It emphasises that writing is not just an artistic endeavour but also a business that demands an understanding of the market and its shifting tastes. Lucy does have a moment of doubt about publishing the book, after all, this is her story, and maybe she is the only one who is meant to read it, that is, if her health allows her to finish it.

Just as the mystery of how Lady Amy found herself at the bottom of the staircase remains unresolved, there is no guaranteed outcome regarding Lucy’s recovery. Instead of providing a clear resolution that assures the reader of Lucy’s recovery, the tale instead embraces a nuanced sense of ambiguity. Dunn intentionally chooses to leave Lucy’s fate uncertain, allowing the audience to grapple with the complexities of hope amidst despair. Ultimately, this open-ended conclusion reflects a fundamental truth: hope is the one constant we can hold on to, a flicker of light in the darkness that encourages us to keep moving forward, despite the challenges we face.

“Shades of Yellow” by Wendy J. Dunn is a captivating novel that draws readers into its richly woven narrative, compelling them to keep turning the pages long into the night. The story’s intricate characters and vivid settings create an immersive experience, ensuring that readers are not only engaged but emotionally invested in the unfolding drama. With its profound themes and thought-provoking insights, this novel leaves a lasting impression, lingering in the mind long after the final page has been turned. This novel comes highly recommended.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

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Release Date: 7th September 2025

Wendy J. Dunn

Wendy J. Dunn is an award-winning Australian writer fascinated by Tudor history – so much so she was not surprised to discover a family connection to the Tudors, not long after the publication of her first Anne Boleyn novel, which narrated the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder. Her family tree reveals the intriguing fact that one of her ancestral families – possibly over three generations – had purchased land from both the Boleyn and Wyatt families to build up their own holdings. It seems very likely Wendy’s ancestors knew the Wyatts and Boleyns personally. 

Wendy is married, the mother of three sons and one daughter—named after a certain Tudor queen, surprisingly, not Anne. She is also the grandmother of two amazing small boys. She gained her PhD in 2014 and loves walking in the footsteps of the historical people she gives voice to in her novels. Wendy also tutors at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.

Connect with Wendy:

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