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The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

Katie Lumsden

Start date: September 1, 2023

Finish date: September 30, 2023

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May 14, 2023 Bonnie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2023-books, historical-fiction, gothic

I have mixed feelings about this book. I appreciate it as a historical fiction - Lumsden has written a solid historical novel with a voice that feels authentic to its period. The early parts of it also have the correct gothic feel - mysterious shadows, a governess caring for a young child at a remote estate, a forbidden wing, whispers in the village, etc.

But then there seemed to be more focus on Margaret Lennox's, the governess', love life then the mysterious happenings that I wanted to read mor I have mixed feelings about this book. I appreciate it as a historical fiction - Lumsden has written a solid historical novel with a voice that feels authentic to its period. The early parts of it also have the correct gothic feel - mysterious shadows, a governess caring for a young child at a remote estate, a forbidden wing, whispers in the village, etc.

But then there seemed to be more focus on Margaret Lennox's, the governess', love life then the mysterious happenings that I wanted to read more about. Margaret is a young widow and it is slowly (and expertly) revealed that her recently deceased husband was not a good man. In the present, Margaret falls in love with the handsome and kind gardener. Much of the book is not about the mystery surrounding Hartwood Hall at all, but about daily life. Even when something exciting like a blackmailing maid appears, it is dealt with very prosaically. The fate of the blackmailing house maid sealed it for me that this was very much a historical fiction with gothic elements, and not a gothic/horror novel. The blackmailing maid has been collecting secrets from everyone, including Margaret, and pushover that she is, Margaret mostly gives into the blackmail. I knew the housemaid had to go, but I figured that it would be something salacious and dark like someone who she is blackmailing poisons her. Instead, (view spoiler)

While the book promises dark deeds and mysterious doings, expecting too much in the way of gothic/horror elements is going to only lead to disappointment. The middle section is fairly slow and the gothic/horror elements are missing for much of it.

However, as a historical fiction, this book is quite good. It delves into the interior life of Margaret. While she is often a frustrating character - anxious, mousy, and quiet - she is realistic, and having her flaws upfront gives her plenty of room to grow and become brave. I also always appreciate when characters are strong within their time period and are not anachronistic modern people plunked down into a past century. Margaret is a result of her times, and the joy is watching her succeed despite the restrictions she faced. ...more

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