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paradise_library 's review for:
The Lodger
by Helen Scarlett
4.5
The period after the First World War is a fascinating time about which to write, as there are very few unaffected families. Women struggle to find their place, now that there are fewer men to marry and many husbands, sons and brothers have been lost.
Grace Armstrong is one such woman; her fiancé was killed, and – because she is a woman – she cannot carve out a career as a journalist. Struggling to come to terms with her grief, she has become close to the family’s lodger, Catherine. When Catherine is found drowned in the Thames, Grace channels her desperation into solving the murder.
Grace is an excellent character: troubled, resilient and full of guilt. As she delves into the mysteries linked to Catherine, we see her grow as a young woman into something more; at the same time, she fights against her feelings for Tom, wanting to stay true to her lost love.
It’s a brilliant story, with just the right balance between mystery and romance, ensuring that Grace is relatable and interesting to read about. She is sheltered, so her reactions to the places she visits helps us to better visualise and understand them, while the timing of the novel adds a layer of tragedy, as everyone we meet has secrets and grief with which to contend.
Beautifully written, compelling and engaging, The Lodger is a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
The period after the First World War is a fascinating time about which to write, as there are very few unaffected families. Women struggle to find their place, now that there are fewer men to marry and many husbands, sons and brothers have been lost.
Grace Armstrong is one such woman; her fiancé was killed, and – because she is a woman – she cannot carve out a career as a journalist. Struggling to come to terms with her grief, she has become close to the family’s lodger, Catherine. When Catherine is found drowned in the Thames, Grace channels her desperation into solving the murder.
Grace is an excellent character: troubled, resilient and full of guilt. As she delves into the mysteries linked to Catherine, we see her grow as a young woman into something more; at the same time, she fights against her feelings for Tom, wanting to stay true to her lost love.
It’s a brilliant story, with just the right balance between mystery and romance, ensuring that Grace is relatable and interesting to read about. She is sheltered, so her reactions to the places she visits helps us to better visualise and understand them, while the timing of the novel adds a layer of tragedy, as everyone we meet has secrets and grief with which to contend.
Beautifully written, compelling and engaging, The Lodger is a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished.