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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Mrs England had an intriguing premise: a historical fiction novel set in the Edwardian times, where a newly-graduated nurse moves to West Yorkshire to live with a family that she knows nothing about. The book begins promisingly, as Ruby May declines to move with her original employer to America despite her love for her ward and her easygoing employers - why on earth would she decline such a thing? And then, she takes up an offer from the Englands, whom she knows nothing about. This decision comes with its own stakes:
When Ruby arrives at the Englands' estate, it's clear that there's something wrong at the center of their marriage. Charles and Lilian appear estranged and Lilian, in particular, appears to be uncaring towards her children as she barely spends any time with them. As Ruby learns more about the Englands, the family appears to be headed to a breaking point and tragedy unfolds.
There's a tense atmosphere at the centre of Mrs England and it really sold the book to me, despite it having a somewhat predictable plot which is why I gave it a 3 star rating. However, it also felt like there were certain plot points that were abandoned halfway.
What saved the book was its palpably tense atmosphere, which I've mentioned earlier, and I also thought that Ruby's backstory was a huge twist that I didn't see coming.
"You're sure about the position? Once I write to Mrs England, the offer is made. I'll remind you that nurses who fail in three situations are invited to withdraw from the institute."
I bristled and sat a little straighter. "I shan't fail you again, Mrs Simpson. You have my word."
"Very well. I shall reply to Mrs England on my return."
"They sound like the perfect family," I said, trying to be bright.
Sim gave a dry laugh. "Nurse May, there is no such thing."
When Ruby arrives at the Englands' estate, it's clear that there's something wrong at the center of their marriage. Charles and Lilian appear estranged and Lilian, in particular, appears to be uncaring towards her children as she barely spends any time with them. As Ruby learns more about the Englands, the family appears to be headed to a breaking point and tragedy unfolds.
There's a tense atmosphere at the centre of Mrs England and it really sold the book to me, despite it having a somewhat predictable plot which is why I gave it a 3 star rating.
Spoiler
I'd already guessed earlier that Lilian wasn't the uncaring, callous mother that her husband had depicted her to be and that she'd actually been abused by him.Spoiler
Ruby appears to have somewhat of a fledgling relationship with Saul Booth, newly married to one of the Englands' former maids, but then this plot is sort of left out? Moreover, Charles England also makes a move on Ruby (in a way) but this also isn't really addressed. Both of these plotlines left me feeling uncomfortable and unsure about what Stacey Halls was trying to express.What saved the book was its palpably tense atmosphere, which I've mentioned earlier, and I also thought that Ruby's backstory was a huge twist that I didn't see coming.
Spoiler
I was shocked that her father had tried to kill her, which was why she had been avoiding his letters despite her sister's request for her to read them.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
No
dark
reflective
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
mysterious
sad
tense
So twisty-turny and I was suspecting everybody of different things
and I was right to
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
It was okay, but quite a few plot threads seemed to be dropped? What about Lilian's missed period, and Ruby's weird feelings for Mr Booth? And the abruptness of her change of mind about running away felt very jarring.
I enjoyed this so much and now have a huge interest in historical fiction, something I never thought would happen.
I loved Stacey Hall’s writing very much, as well as the complexity of the characters and the rich plot. I did figure out what was happening quite early on, but other things were a surprise.
I loved Stacey Hall’s writing very much, as well as the complexity of the characters and the rich plot. I did figure out what was happening quite early on, but other things were a surprise.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character