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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
I think this book has just taken the top spot for my favourite book of the year. I absolutely loved it!
My favourite type of books have always been Victorian mysteries so I had high hopes for this book but it completely exceeded them! I felt like I had been transported back in time to live with the three main characters.
The story is written from three different female viewpoints. Poor Mabs lives in complete depravity in central London, sleeping in a filthy room with her father and five siblings and having to dress as a boy to get labourer work on the canal. At the other end of society Olive lives in a grand Hampshire house full of maids and servants and anything money could buy. She is fighting the aristocratic society where she is expected to be a married and obedient wife. Somewhere in between is twelve year old Ottilie who is desperate to further her education and go to University in a world where too much learning for women is largely frowned upon.
All three characters were so well written and such strong characters with such contrasting circumstances but all facing such difficult challenges. I equally enjoyed reading about each of them and I loved how the three women's lives cleverly intertwined in the story and their friendship developed.
The main storyline is centered around Ottilie's household. The Finch's have suddenly moved from Durham and taken on a completely new set of servants. What caused this sudden move for the family? Why does Mrs Finch stay in her room all day? What causes her sudden outbursts? Why did Mr Finch choose Mabs (who is not even able to read or write) as a companion for his wife?
I literally couldn't put this book down by the second half. The tension in the Finch's house was unbearable! I was completely gripped by the story and desperate to know how it would all resolve. There were several pivotal moments and the writing was incredible.
I whole heartedly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction who also love a good mystery. You will not be disappointed! This is one of the best I have ever read. I'm off to Amazon now to add the rest of Tracy Rees books to my wishlist!
My favourite type of books have always been Victorian mysteries so I had high hopes for this book but it completely exceeded them! I felt like I had been transported back in time to live with the three main characters.
The story is written from three different female viewpoints. Poor Mabs lives in complete depravity in central London, sleeping in a filthy room with her father and five siblings and having to dress as a boy to get labourer work on the canal. At the other end of society Olive lives in a grand Hampshire house full of maids and servants and anything money could buy. She is fighting the aristocratic society where she is expected to be a married and obedient wife. Somewhere in between is twelve year old Ottilie who is desperate to further her education and go to University in a world where too much learning for women is largely frowned upon.
All three characters were so well written and such strong characters with such contrasting circumstances but all facing such difficult challenges. I equally enjoyed reading about each of them and I loved how the three women's lives cleverly intertwined in the story and their friendship developed.
The main storyline is centered around Ottilie's household. The Finch's have suddenly moved from Durham and taken on a completely new set of servants. What caused this sudden move for the family? Why does Mrs Finch stay in her room all day? What causes her sudden outbursts? Why did Mr Finch choose Mabs (who is not even able to read or write) as a companion for his wife?
I literally couldn't put this book down by the second half. The tension in the Finch's house was unbearable! I was completely gripped by the story and desperate to know how it would all resolve. There were several pivotal moments and the writing was incredible.
I whole heartedly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction who also love a good mystery. You will not be disappointed! This is one of the best I have ever read. I'm off to Amazon now to add the rest of Tracy Rees books to my wishlist!
While there may be more fiction than history in its happy ending, sometimes it's awfully nice to read a story of women overcoming the patriarchal odds against them.
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
emotional
hopeful
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I know I’m in a good book by the amount of times I apologise to my partner for ignoring him! I read this book in bed, while cooking, eating breakfast, in front of the tv…! As the chapters flipped between narrators, I found myself thinking wanting to rush through the next one to get back to my current ‘favourite’; then of course the story moved on, as did my ‘favourite’. I was really rooting for each character to win their battle against the injustices of being a woman in that era. Great for the focus to be on interesting friendships rather than predictable romances.
Many thanks for this enjoyable ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks for this enjoyable ARC in exchange for an honest review.
mysterious
sad