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mary_silva_21 's review for:
Ashton Hall
by Lauren Belfer
A new author to me with a unique mystery set in the past. I would also describe this book as historical fiction and thoroughly enjoyed the author’s note and the education I got on As an added bonus for this reader, there is a family drama and we get to consider modern day motherhood and marriage, and the impact of a neurodiverse child on both. There is a definite gothic feel and Jane Eyre vibes is a good call in the publisher’s blurb.
Ashton Hall is almost a character onto itself and if you like old English homes and their histories, you’ll enjoy this. I really savored the sone, Nicky and his friendships.
I identified very closely with the main character, Hannah, whose perspective informs us of the mystery. We get to see an American woman living in Britain and the author’s own experiences with this make for a highly authentic book. (I was born and raised in Ireland and know that’s there’s a lot more to a culture than a shared language!)
Although the entire book takes place in the present we are transported back in time to the life of Isabella Cresham. There are parallels in history between two main females as far as the choices they make. Hannah sees a lot of her own situation in Isabel. There are other female characters and their choices with motherhood and career are contrasted also.
It’s so interesting how the mystery of the death is solved and for anyone who loves books and libraries this is an excellent history lesson. Such a clever book that has SO much going on. There was a bit of an issue with pacing and some repetition but otherwise, I'd give this a 4.8!
Thanks to the author, Random House and to Net Galley for the advance copy. I will be checking out Belfer’s backlist.
Ashton Hall is almost a character onto itself and if you like old English homes and their histories, you’ll enjoy this. I really savored the sone, Nicky and his friendships.
I identified very closely with the main character, Hannah, whose perspective informs us of the mystery. We get to see an American woman living in Britain and the author’s own experiences with this make for a highly authentic book. (I was born and raised in Ireland and know that’s there’s a lot more to a culture than a shared language!)
Although the entire book takes place in the present we are transported back in time to the life of Isabella Cresham. There are parallels in history between two main females as far as the choices they make. Hannah sees a lot of her own situation in Isabel. There are other female characters and their choices with motherhood and career are contrasted also.
It’s so interesting how the mystery of the death is solved and for anyone who loves books and libraries this is an excellent history lesson. Such a clever book that has SO much going on. There was a bit of an issue with pacing and some repetition but otherwise, I'd give this a 4.8!
Thanks to the author, Random House and to Net Galley for the advance copy. I will be checking out Belfer’s backlist.