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abbieinwonderland's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Antisemitism, Classism, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Cursing, Pregnancy, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Murder, Physical abuse, Vomit, Abortion, Alcohol, Blood, Death, Infidelity, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, and Sexual content
tianabooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"A woman had to be ruthless in defence of herself."
What a read. Admittedly, I am not one to often visit historical fiction books, yet I am positive this book and its characters will stay with me for a long time. Easily, one of the best books I've read this year already. I can see how it may appear to be a tedious read, as it's historically heavy and quite a long book, but I can guarantee you won't be disappointed by the end.
Historically, you can see the research and care that went into the writing of this. Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a new to me author but I'm so impressed that I will be automatically picking up any other books. There is another book, Blood & Sugar, which is supposed to be the prequel of this one and I intend to read that soon. Daughters of Night is not only an honest and unapologetic canvas of the Georgian Era but it is also an ode to the female experience of the time. Despite the imposing male characters, it is the women that shine the brightest; the ones that keep you at the edge of your seat. I cannot explain how impressed I was with Caro's character and her journey - emotionally and mentally - she underwent throughout this novel. Standing her ground despite what was imposed on her (due to her gender and position in society) and standing up for those who were more than often dismissed in the eyes of the law and the people.
"It is our tragedy to assume upon our own shoulders responsibility for the misdeeds of men [...] But we should be kinder, I think. To one another, as well as to ourselves."
Masterfully written, with pensive inner thinking and interesting character dynamics. Caro and Child's collaborative work was remarkable and we got to witness a, dare I say, friendship and camaraderie blossoming by the end. Pamela, Lucy, Theresa, Kitty - all wonderful and strong in their own way. All fighting their own battles.
Daughters of Night will keep you guessing until the very last page. It made me write down a clue board and yet, I kept getting surprised. It's so well-crafted. When you think you have the answer, something new appears and you're back to wondering. The way this book ended leaves open the possibility for a continuation of these characters' stories - especially Caro's. I would absolutely devour such a book.
What a read. Admittedly, I am not one to often visit historical fiction books, yet I am positive this book and its characters will stay with me for a long time. Easily, one of the best books I've read this year already. I can see how it may appear to be a tedious read, as it's historically heavy and quite a long book, but I can guarantee you won't be disappointed by the end.
Historically, you can see the research and care that went into the writing of this. Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a new to me author but I'm so impressed that I will be automatically picking up any other books. There is another book, Blood & Sugar, which is supposed to be the prequel of this one and I intend to read that soon. Daughters of Night is not only an honest and unapologetic canvas of the Georgian Era but it is also an ode to the female experience of the time. Despite the imposing male characters, it is the women that shine the brightest; the ones that keep you at the edge of your seat. I cannot explain how impressed I was with Caro's character and her journey - emotionally and mentally - she underwent throughout this novel. Standing her ground despite what was imposed on her (due to her gender and position in society) and standing up for those who were more than often dismissed in the eyes of the law and the people.
"It is our tragedy to assume upon our own shoulders responsibility for the misdeeds of men [...] But we should be kinder, I think. To one another, as well as to ourselves."
Masterfully written, with pensive inner thinking and interesting character dynamics. Caro and Child's collaborative work was remarkable and we got to witness a, dare I say, friendship and camaraderie blossoming by the end. Pamela, Lucy, Theresa, Kitty - all wonderful and strong in their own way. All fighting their own battles.
Daughters of Night will keep you guessing until the very last page. It made me write down a clue board and yet, I kept getting surprised. It's so well-crafted. When you think you have the answer, something new appears and you're back to wondering. The way this book ended leaves open the possibility for a continuation of these characters' stories - especially Caro's. I would absolutely devour such a book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Death, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Sexism, and Trafficking
Moderate: Antisemitism, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Abandonment, Pregnancy, and Rape
in general, a very accurate depiction of Georgian London and the nasty conditions for women.bookmarked642's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
I don't listen to many audiobooks, and I don't tend to read a lot of historical fiction either, so this was maybe an odd choice for me. I do, however, love to try reading new things, hence why I picked it up.
It takes place in London toward the end of the 18th century. Caroline Corsham - or Caro, as she is known - is anxiously awaiting the return of her husband. Things become particularly interesting when she is wandering the Pleasure Gardens and discovers an injured woman. This woman is an acquaintance of Caro's, Lucia. Caro holds her bleeding body as she whispers her final words: "he knows."
It is later revealed that Lucia is actually a prostitute called Lucy Loveless. Nobody seems particularly motivated in investigating her murder in any real detail, so Caro decides to hire a thieftaker herself to look into it. Through their investigation, Caro ruffles a lot of feathers and discovers a lot about a variety of different people. It's hard to see how all the details are relevant at first, but it all comes together in the end.
There is also another narrative throughout the book, of 15-year-old Pamela from before the death of Lucy. Again, it isn't immediately clear what role she has in this whole affair, but it is all tied together very well later on. I particularly liked Pamela's chapters; the atmosphere was extremely mysterious and eerie, and I found Pamela as a character very interesting. I think I actually preferred her to Caro, personally.
This book covers a lot of issues and topics that may make people uncomfortable. It is largely centred around prostitution and the sex trade, as well as the misogynistic treatment and abuse of women that was sadly so commonplace during that era. Of course, there's more than a fair share of death and violence, too, along with foul language - just so you're prepared!
It was, in my opinion, a bit slow for a while. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the last parts of it, and the final 'twist' was very clever. It was perhaps a little too complicated, especially for an audiobook where I'm maybe not paying full attention at all times, and I may have missed some details because of that. But I know some people are far more interested in complex books with lots of intermingling details, so it's not a criticism! Maybe if I were to read it rather than listen to it, I would enjoy it a bit more. 3.5 stars overall.
It takes place in London toward the end of the 18th century. Caroline Corsham - or Caro, as she is known - is anxiously awaiting the return of her husband. Things become particularly interesting when she is wandering the Pleasure Gardens and discovers an injured woman. This woman is an acquaintance of Caro's, Lucia. Caro holds her bleeding body as she whispers her final words: "he knows."
It is later revealed that Lucia is actually a prostitute called Lucy Loveless. Nobody seems particularly motivated in investigating her murder in any real detail, so Caro decides to hire a thieftaker herself to look into it. Through their investigation, Caro ruffles a lot of feathers and discovers a lot about a variety of different people. It's hard to see how all the details are relevant at first, but it all comes together in the end.
There is also another narrative throughout the book, of 15-year-old Pamela from before the death of Lucy. Again, it isn't immediately clear what role she has in this whole affair, but it is all tied together very well later on. I particularly liked Pamela's chapters; the atmosphere was extremely mysterious and eerie, and I found Pamela as a character very interesting. I think I actually preferred her to Caro, personally.
This book covers a lot of issues and topics that may make people uncomfortable. It is largely centred around prostitution and the sex trade, as well as the misogynistic treatment and abuse of women that was sadly so commonplace during that era. Of course, there's more than a fair share of death and violence, too, along with foul language - just so you're prepared!
It was, in my opinion, a bit slow for a while. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the last parts of it, and the final 'twist' was very clever. It was perhaps a little too complicated, especially for an audiobook where I'm maybe not paying full attention at all times, and I may have missed some details because of that. But I know some people are far more interested in complex books with lots of intermingling details, so it's not a criticism! Maybe if I were to read it rather than listen to it, I would enjoy it a bit more. 3.5 stars overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Murder, Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Sexism
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