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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes I find it annoying when an author takes real people or a real event and changes it to suit their story. I was pleasantly surprised when this turned out to be a successful fictionalization. It’s based on an 1836 murder in London and the subsequent trial.
It was hard to get to know Sarah because she was holding so much back. She refused to speak in her own defense during the trial and the evidence, while circumstantial, damned her. By being (1) a woman who (2) lived with her lover and illegitimate son, the odds were already stacked against her. Ultimately she was an admirable person for keeping her secrets to protect her family.
The barrister Edmund was initially more likable because he was more open. Still struggling to get out from under his father’s thumb, he latched onto Sarah’s case at the expense of his marriage. It became hard to respect him because he was so easily led and he treated his wife poorly. By the end, though, he deserves our respect because he knew the difference between justice and the law and, finally, acted accordingly.
It was hard to get to know Sarah because she was holding so much back. She refused to speak in her own defense during the trial and the evidence, while circumstantial, damned her. By being (1) a woman who (2) lived with her lover and illegitimate son, the odds were already stacked against her. Ultimately she was an admirable person for keeping her secrets to protect her family.
The barrister Edmund was initially more likable because he was more open. Still struggling to get out from under his father’s thumb, he latched onto Sarah’s case at the expense of his marriage. It became hard to respect him because he was so easily led and he treated his wife poorly. By the end, though, he deserves our respect because he knew the difference between justice and the law and, finally, acted accordingly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Classism, Deportation
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Set in mid-19th century London, based on an actual crime and punishment, the author imagines the life of a convicted abettor to murder and the investigator who tries to understand if she has been unjustly convicted. The book is rich in late Georgian England detail about social life for the professional class and the lower classes, about mores and beliefs, about the justice system and the prison system. Both the convict and her investigator bring complex pasts to bear on the moment they meet, and each depends on the other to help reach justice, though ultimately, that which they conceal dooms this effort. I don't often enjoy historical tales, and this one does not overcome my general indifference/impatience. But for those who like the genre, it's a good read, I think.
This book was just boring and had a weak mystery. The description had a lot of promise and looked to be an intriguing story, but it fell pretty flat.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
This was good. Entertaining. Love a historical fiction based on a real murder. Love the 1800s setting, much of it in a women's prison nonetheless. Nothing super amazing but I did quite enjoy it.
Good, but not great. I didn't feel like the plot moved quickly enough to keep me wanting more. The last 75 pages were the most engaging when you finally started getting more information and filling in the blanks.
As debut novel this was totally amazing! It was absorbing with its descriptions and characters. Set in 1837 Sarah Gale seamstress and mother to George she has been sentenced to hang for role in the murder of Hannah Brown. Step forward lawyer Edmund Fleetwood who is appointed to investigate Sarah’s petition for mercy. Settle yourself in for a page turning ride through London’s streets, Newgate Prison and the justice system. Just remember not everything is what is seems. This author for had me on the edge of my seat I was there smelling the stench, feeling the tension for Edmund and Sarah. If you want a book to take you on a journey then read this. I wasn’t aware until I read the historical notes at the end that this was based on this truly awful crime and that Sarah was a real person arrested for a part in this murder. You’ll have to read it to find out more. I am looking forward to read the authors next book. Thank you Anna Mazzola for making my weekend go back in time with an enjoyable read
This is a fictionalized version of a real life murder ---I read it on audiobook. The characters came alive to me in the voices of the narrators. It is a hard book to digest as the the charges are stacked against Sarah Gale. It is best to go in cold, as the case is discussed in full--then make up your own mind. I did appreciate the author's notes at the end. A good read, but an emotional one for me.