rhodaj 's review for:

The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning
4.0

Thank you to Allen & Unwin for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book!

This book of fiction is woven around the true event of the Cheapside Hoard, which was an amazing collection of 500 pieces of jewellery and gemstones that was dug up in a cellar in 1912 and never claimed. What a fascinating basis for an historical fiction book!

The book alternates between time periods, with most set in 1912 with Essie and her sister Gertie and the current day involving Essie’s great-granddaughter Kate. Kate is a jewellery historían who sets out to explore family secrets that are long buried.

This was a very enjoyable book and I particularly loved the sections set in 1912, where I could really feel the utter desperation of Essie’s poor living conditions and the family’s struggle to make ends meet. I also loved the snippets from the 17th century and wish there had been more of them!

An absorbing read - I could have read an entire book just about Essie. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5