A review by mrsvikingreads
The Anarchist's Wife by Margo Laurie

4.0

The Anarchist's Wife is an eloquent and poignant read that showcases the family behind the scandal in an emotive re-imagining of the infamous 1920s Sacco & Vanzetti Case. A brilliant debut, Margo Laurie is one to watch.

Margo Laurie weaves tenderness and grief into this eloquent and emotive debut.

We are taken into Rosa Sacco's world as she composes a diary for her daughter Ines, recounting the story of her marriage to Ines' father and his subsequent arrest and execution. Whilst the story of Nicola Sacco is relatively well known, the story of the woman who stayed by his side throughout is more enigmatic.

The Anarchist's Wife is gracefully constructed and though it is a work of fiction, Margo evidences her care for the true events with exceptional research that is carefully presented via the Acknowledgements chapter of the book. It is not very often that even the Acknowledgments are a genuine joy to read! I genuinely feel as though this is a book that would make it into English Literature lessons!

I found this book to be very well written, it flowed with ease and really pulled me into Rosa's world and her feelings at being left behind to raise the children and continue without her life partner. The earlier chapters telling the story of Rosa and Nic's love story were breathtaking and filled with sweet romantic details that made their separation more achingly difficult to read.

All in all, an eloquent and poignant read.

I was provided an advanced ebook of The Anarchist's Wife in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the wonderful Margo for inviting me to provide feedback and for trusting me with your debut novella!