A review by marjma2014
The Words in My Hand by Guinevere Glasfurd

4.0

4 Stars. I enjoyed reading this novel but somehow it didn't reach my favourites list which surprised and disappointed me a bit. The premise sounded so interesting and it was, but yet I felt a little removed from the characters in the story rather than immersed in it. But, on the positive side there is much to recommend this novel. It is interesting how the author focuses on Descartes's lover, a maid, and her child,) rather than Descartes himself. One that philosophy students and historians will no doubt find interesting. It brings to the forefront many questions about the character of Descarte, his lover and their love child. So, in this respect it thoroughly deserves its nomination as a Costa First Novel Award. I loved the first half of the book. It really worked for me, perhaps because the maid in question loves to write, and I do too!