Reviews tagging 'Slavery'

The Household by Stacey Halls

1 review

what_heather_loves's review

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"Coming back through the house, she brushes a hand across the grand pianoforte, where her sister sang as Harriot played, while Angela sat on the rug, too small to take part. She presses a single note as if summoning her listening for her silk shoes in the hall. But the house is silent, and a gentle breeze flows through the open doors, carrying the mellow aroma of cut grass. When William dies, Holly Lodge and everything in it will be hers: the parrots in the bathroom, the horses in the stable.
Before she goes to bed, she looks back at the handsome instrument, silent for so long, wondering how it is that, through everybody has left her, she is the ghost."

Halls' historical fiction is always excellent - engrossing and authentic, with women at its heart - and The Household is no exception. Set in London in 1847, it's inspired by the real life characters of novelist Charles Dickins and heiress Angela Burdett-Coutts and their 'fallen women', philanthropic endeavour of Urania Cottage in Shepherds Bush. With a number of protagonists from different socio-economic backgrounds, their paths meet as the plot develops. Inspiring and strong female characters with heartbreaking back-stories combines with a missing sister, a stalker and a big twist, to create atmospheric mystery and tension. I couldn't put it down and it comes highly recommended to gothic, historical fiction fans who like tales influenced by real life people, places and events.
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