louisadassow's review against another edition
3.0
Largely picked up because of my namesake, but an enjoyable read. Exploring the historocal case of Louisa Collins set in late 19th century Australia. An invented personal history and persona grafted onto verifiable historical sources and documents about the woman's life. When you overlook the fundamental conceit that her innocence cannot actually be determined, the evidence in her defence is compelling. There is some effort made to parrot her style of speech in parts, with phrases like "I done it", but this does jar with general eloquence of the storytelling.
The story of her life itself is fairly dull, a woman's life shaped by others and marked in its monotony. Nonetheless, it is a well-crafted book and an enjoyable read.
The story of her life itself is fairly dull, a woman's life shaped by others and marked in its monotony. Nonetheless, it is a well-crafted book and an enjoyable read.
spinescens's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
em_beddedinbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Fictional telling of a true hanging . Louisa Collins is supposedly the last woman to be hanged in Australia in the late 19th century .
She was tried 4 times for the murder of her husband , and though there wasn't any conclusive evidence .. she was punished.
Not s very interesting story ... Mostly boring .. but the curiosity to know what really happened to Louisa's 2 husbands kept me plodding on.
It was so-so..
She was tried 4 times for the murder of her husband , and though there wasn't any conclusive evidence .. she was punished.
Not s very interesting story ... Mostly boring .. but the curiosity to know what really happened to Louisa's 2 husbands kept me plodding on.
It was so-so..
alexandrarose's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written; Janet Lee has created a heart-breaking voice for her character and was respectful when it would be easy to be callous. The depiction of the the failings of justice were upsetting, but the strength of the character distracted from it.
alannafowler's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
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