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A review by mikkareads
Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The story is set in 19th century London, revolving around the mysterious death of Constance Horton. Disguised as cabin boy 'Jack Aldridge', she had boarded the «Makepeace», a ship that set out for a rescue mission in the Arctic, but never returned. Only her travel diary found its way back to her grieving father and her older sister, Maude…
Maude is driven to seek the truth, whatever the cost, taking the reader on a dark journey of suspense, intrigue, and revenge. The narrative takes some unexpected twists and turns: the harsh conditions in the Arctic, the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, the spectacle of public executions… The novel offers a stark portrayal of the grotesque fascination with murder and capital punishment that ran rampant in Victorian society.
Lizzie Pook weaves a strong narrative structure, maintaining suspense by revealing bits and pieces of Constance's journey through her journal entries. The villain, Edison Stowe, is a looming presence who keeps the tension high throughout the story.
The female leads, Constance and Maude, are complex and show strong character development. As the story progresses, Maude and Edison Stowe enter the classic constellation of driven protagonist and sinister antagonist, enhancing the story's emotional depth and conflict. Secondary characters are less fleshed out, but still serve their purpose as compelling examples of the challenges of Victorian society.
Pook's writing is vivid and immersive, skillfully setting the scene and evoking a captivating atmosphere that draws the reader in.
I devoured the novel in no time at all, even though historical fiction is a genre I do not read often. I loved the mystery, the drama, the strong female protagonists… But the most striking part, for me, was the critical look at executions as a sick form of entertainment.
Maude is driven to seek the truth, whatever the cost, taking the reader on a dark journey of suspense, intrigue, and revenge. The narrative takes some unexpected twists and turns: the harsh conditions in the Arctic, the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, the spectacle of public executions… The novel offers a stark portrayal of the grotesque fascination with murder and capital punishment that ran rampant in Victorian society.
Lizzie Pook weaves a strong narrative structure, maintaining suspense by revealing bits and pieces of Constance's journey through her journal entries. The villain, Edison Stowe, is a looming presence who keeps the tension high throughout the story.
The female leads, Constance and Maude, are complex and show strong character development. As the story progresses, Maude and Edison Stowe enter the classic constellation of driven protagonist and sinister antagonist, enhancing the story's emotional depth and conflict. Secondary characters are less fleshed out, but still serve their purpose as compelling examples of the challenges of Victorian society.
Pook's writing is vivid and immersive, skillfully setting the scene and evoking a captivating atmosphere that draws the reader in.
I devoured the novel in no time at all, even though historical fiction is a genre I do not read often. I loved the mystery, the drama, the strong female protagonists… But the most striking part, for me, was the critical look at executions as a sick form of entertainment.