A review by moonlightjuju
The Corset by Laura Purcell

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Corset by Laura Purcell is a fantastic addition to the Victorian Gothic genre, which I love. I picked it up immediately after The Silent Companions, and it did not disappoint. The character of Ruth is built up brilliantly—she believes her sewing has the power to harm others. Her story is tragic, and I found myself rooting for her, hoping she could finally catch a break, though the world seems determined to keep her down. The atmosphere of the novel is perfectly crafted; it immerses you in the dark struggles faced by women in Victorian England.

Although I didn’t find The Corset quite as compelling as The Silent Companions, it was still a great read. My only issue was with the ending, where
>Ruth may indeed possess a supernatural ability, as implied by the fate of Dotty’s father. There are subtle hints, such as Dorothea subtly encouraging Ruth to think of hanging while embroidering her initial on a handkerchief—later, we learn she left it outside her father's library before his death. This twist suggests Ruth had the power all along, and Dorothea may have used it to rid herself of a problem, reinforcing the idea of "murderous" lumps she felt on her own head.
I would have preferred the story left Ruth as an ordinary girl caught in a series of tragic events.

Overall, The Corset is atmospheric and haunting, with a thought-provoking exploration of fate, power, and women’s struggles.
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