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I think that Stacey Halls is a fantastic writer, and similar in style to one of my favourite writers Sarah Waters.
This is another sharply observed historical novel, with an intriguing storyline and a cast of mysterious and often downright unpleasant characters. Everyone seems to have a secret, including the narrator and main protagonist Ruby.
Ruby is a Norland nurse and she is posted to a large house in Yorkshire to take care of four children. From the very start, things seem a little out of kilter - all her dealings tend to be with the charming Mr England, the master of the house, while the shadowy Mrs England rarely strays beyond her bedroom.
Ruby is determined to get to the bottom of some of the strange happenings, but she is also desperate to keep her own past a secret from her new employers.
A really good page-turner - thoroughly recommended.
This is another sharply observed historical novel, with an intriguing storyline and a cast of mysterious and often downright unpleasant characters. Everyone seems to have a secret, including the narrator and main protagonist Ruby.
Ruby is a Norland nurse and she is posted to a large house in Yorkshire to take care of four children. From the very start, things seem a little out of kilter - all her dealings tend to be with the charming Mr England, the master of the house, while the shadowy Mrs England rarely strays beyond her bedroom.
Ruby is determined to get to the bottom of some of the strange happenings, but she is also desperate to keep her own past a secret from her new employers.
A really good page-turner - thoroughly recommended.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
it's safe to say that i've entered my historical fiction era, with this being the kickstart of it. i enjoyed the writing, with its countless detailed descriptions. i did not just appreciate it for the talent, but also its complete ability to transform me to a different world - i was living inside of the book whilst reading. i loved the distinct atmosphere within the pages as well. the characters, especially the children, came alive. meanwhile, i thought ruby could do with a little more depth to her and, quite frankly, she wasn't my favourite main character i've read about. and even though there are so many positives to my experience with this story, it just never gave me a five star feeling or anything close to it. still really loved this though.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked the storytelling, but it was a bit on the slow side and had a pretty predictable denouement.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated