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A review by elwirax
The Secret of Matterdale Hall by Marianne Ratcliffe
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I always find that historical fiction tends to feel too modern in terms of the language used but this one was atmospheric and very much reminded me of a classic in the way it was written and how events played out.
I thought the LGBTQ+ and disability representation in this book was quite well done. I enjoyed the focus on sign language and the fact that deaf characters were at the forefront of the story rather than being relegated minor characters. The book balanced many themes such as the societal reactions to 'difference' and mental illness very well.
If anything, the plot was a bit slow moving and not always as fleshed out as I would have wanted. The epilogue felt slightly rushed and would have benefitted from being more extensive .
Overall, a very solid lesbian historical romance
I thought the LGBTQ+ and disability representation in this book was quite well done. I enjoyed the focus on sign language and the fact that deaf characters were at the forefront of the story rather than being relegated minor characters. The book balanced many themes such as the societal reactions to 'difference' and mental illness very well.
If anything, the plot was a bit slow moving and not always as fleshed out as I would have wanted. The epilogue felt slightly rushed and would have benefitted from being more extensive .
Overall, a very solid lesbian historical romance