This book is not one that you can read quickly. For me, it was a struggle to get through. That’s not to say I didn’t like it, it just isn’t what I’m usually drawn to. The subject matter is not happy. This isn’t a “feel good” kind of book. It took me several chapters to become engaged with the story.
The author has obviously researched the subject of mental health in the Victorian age. The sadness and darkness of the setting is occasionally brightened by the relationships of the various characters. Many of the characters are known by multiple names that made it hard for me to follow. It was a bit confusing.
This is from the publisher’s website:
“When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne had no idea the woman existed, and yet her portrait is shockingly familiar. When the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.
The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know.
But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?
Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.”
The intrigue and suspense of the story and the twists and turns of the plot will keep the readier interested and looking forward to the mystery being solved.
If you’re looking for a “feel good” warm and cozy story, this is probably not for you. If you like books that are thought provoking and make you concentrate, then you might like this one.
You can decide for yourself by going HERE to read an excerpt.
Learn more about the author HERE.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and
Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write
a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing
this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides
Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
