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A review by mr_pink_ink
The Household by Stacey Halls
4.0
Thank you to Pan MacMillan South Africa for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Household is a fictional representation of true events in mid-1800s London; based on Urania Cottage, a home or shelter - in the terminology of the time, a Magdalene asylum - for "fallen" women, women who were imprisoned for whatever reason and now have a chance to reform and learn life skills, and its founders, Charles Dickens and Angela Burdett-Coutts.
Telling the story of numerous women, some who do not want to be saved, this well-researched story is a mix of drama and mystery, and more besides:
- Atmospheric, time-accurate setting;
- A smattering of romance;
- The desperate plight of women of the era;
- Endearing friendships;
- A lifelong stalker;
- Highlighting the ignorance of the rich to the poor;
- Fascinating characters.
Never being a fan of history in school I nonetheless enjoy a well-crafted historical novel and I can certainly recommend this one.
The Household is a fictional representation of true events in mid-1800s London; based on Urania Cottage, a home or shelter - in the terminology of the time, a Magdalene asylum - for "fallen" women, women who were imprisoned for whatever reason and now have a chance to reform and learn life skills, and its founders, Charles Dickens and Angela Burdett-Coutts.
Telling the story of numerous women, some who do not want to be saved, this well-researched story is a mix of drama and mystery, and more besides:
- Atmospheric, time-accurate setting;
- A smattering of romance;
- The desperate plight of women of the era;
- Endearing friendships;
- A lifelong stalker;
- Highlighting the ignorance of the rich to the poor;
- Fascinating characters.
Never being a fan of history in school I nonetheless enjoy a well-crafted historical novel and I can certainly recommend this one.