Where the Governess Finds Love and Mysteries

The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this novel, especially the last 80 pages or so, and though I wasn't loving it much in the first half, I'm rooting for the author, so I'm glad it took off. (IMO.)

The writing is very good, all through. And the characters are well-realized for the most part. I like the slow release of characters' histories, and I'll admit that I was surprised at one reveal, and thought it was better than what I was expecting. I wish the main character had been a little more active and empathetic earlier; she definitely improved. But I struggled through the pages with Margaret being blackmailed and just living with it. Of course, it is a theme throughout the novel that women are often trapped and made powerless, so it was probably intentional, and it matches the dynamic so often found in Austen novels or Jane Eyre or Agnes Grey. But Margaret is portrayed as especially timid or retiring, and I found it hard to admire her for much of it, as well as less fun to read.

When the mysteries start to be revealed, the MC starts being more active, showing more backbone, and for me it becomes a lot more fun to read. And though the ending isn't everything I hope for in such a novel, it makes perfect sense, and I have no real complaint.

(Okay, I do have a complaint. The Victorian sense of place, of class or station, of one's social position, is so noxious to me that, even though it's historically accurate, I cringe every time characters remind themselves and each other of what isn't possible--who is or isn't allowed to cook, and who can show emotions, and who can comfort whom or sit down to a meal together or sit together at church or consider marrying. It feels so toxic and contrary to human happiness that I get irrationally angry.)

Overall, this is a well-written, cleverly-plotted novel, promising other interesting books to come. And the author (based on her youtube channel) seems like such a pleasant person, I hope she has great success. A second novel is out, so I'll be looking for that one.

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