Scan barcode
aileensbookshelf's review
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
sorrel29's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was fortunate to get an ARC of Stacey Halls' fourth novel through Readers First. I have read her debut novel, The Familiars, and have The Foundling on my shelf.
Stacey executes a brilliant story, the microscope of Urania Cottage firmly on the chosen "fallen" women who become it's inhabitants. This reads almost like a modern Austen, and I love that it's based in the true history of Charles Dickens and his association with the real Angels Burdett-Coutts.
A tale of hope and new beginnings, patience, and the resistance to temptation. Deception and danger abound for this collection of female protagonists, and it is only in the latter pages all unfolds. I read this in two sittings, and was gripped from the first page. Another triumph for this bestselling author.
Stacey executes a brilliant story, the microscope of Urania Cottage firmly on the chosen "fallen" women who become it's inhabitants. This reads almost like a modern Austen, and I love that it's based in the true history of Charles Dickens and his association with the real Angels Burdett-Coutts.
A tale of hope and new beginnings, patience, and the resistance to temptation. Deception and danger abound for this collection of female protagonists, and it is only in the latter pages all unfolds. I read this in two sittings, and was gripped from the first page. Another triumph for this bestselling author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage, Rape, and Stalking
what_heather_loves's review
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Moderate: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Slavery, and Misogyny
Minor: Abandonment and Violence
More...