wayward's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
oliviaritter's review against another edition
4.0
May/June book club pick! hard to follow at times, probably because some of the science stuff went over my head, but the story is AMAZING and interesting and i enjoyed!!! also sad :(
novelesque_life's review against another edition
2.0
RATING: 2 STARS
2019; Harper/HarperCollins
I wanted to love this novel, and tried more than I have in awhile with a book that just isn't doing it for me. The synopsis, genre, and time period was right up my alley. And, some of the book and writing was great, but the portions that Frannie narrates were slow. It just made it hard to pick the book back up again and read further. I found my mind wandering a lot. I did finish the book, as Collins had me intrigued on where this story was going. I did have to skim through some parts. I would definitely try another book by the author.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2019; Harper/HarperCollins
I wanted to love this novel, and tried more than I have in awhile with a book that just isn't doing it for me. The synopsis, genre, and time period was right up my alley. And, some of the book and writing was great, but the portions that Frannie narrates were slow. It just made it hard to pick the book back up again and read further. I found my mind wandering a lot. I did finish the book, as Collins had me intrigued on where this story was going. I did have to skim through some parts. I would definitely try another book by the author.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
This is a historical mystery about a former slave on trial for murder, yes, but more than that, it’s the most scathing indictment of white fragility I’ve ever read. Frances worked as a housemaid and is now on trial for killing her employers. She claims not to remember what happened the night in question, but she’s actually hiding much more guilt and shame that go back years and years, all the way back to her time on a plantation in Jamaica, when her master used her as a pawn in barbaric experiments. Not a light or easy read by any means, but an important one.
kelsalami's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
afox98's review against another edition
4.0
Frannie Langton is accused of killing her employer and his wife, but she doesn't remember any of that actually happening. Now on trial for the crimes, she's forced to recall her slavery on a Jamaican plantation, her move to London and the disappointing results when she arrives, and the various roles she takes on in the big city to survive. Now she sits in Newgate prison, writing about her life to pass the time and try to remember what really happened that night. Her life has been harsh and violent, and that tragedy is well portrayed in the writing. She is a complex woman, despite not having much choice in how her life has been lived, and she shines among the other vividly written characters around her. Almost a gothic novel, the suspense and dreariness of London during this time period is obvious throughout.
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
What an utterly compelling story was this!
Honestly, murder mysteries set in the nineteenth century really get me going, so I'm not surprised (in the slightest) that I thoroughly enjoyed this. Sara Collins really knows how to write a story. I think what make this one so unique was the slave narrative and how being a slave really affected the psyche of someone for their whole life. I know this is obvious, but Collins managed to highlight some really interesting/important stuff through this particular narrative of murder, which is lacking in other novels. It was done in a sensitive way and was very thought-provoking and emotive.
I just really liked this.
Honestly, murder mysteries set in the nineteenth century really get me going, so I'm not surprised (in the slightest) that I thoroughly enjoyed this. Sara Collins really knows how to write a story. I think what make this one so unique was the slave narrative and how being a slave really affected the psyche of someone for their whole life. I know this is obvious, but Collins managed to highlight some really interesting/important stuff through this particular narrative of murder, which is lacking in other novels. It was done in a sensitive way and was very thought-provoking and emotive.
I just really liked this.
red_steele's review against another edition
2.0
I did not enjoy the author’s writing style and the decision to self record the audiobook was a poor decision . I hope for future books she hires an experienced voice actor.
I’m not a fan of reading about same sex relationships. Had I known I would not have read this book.
I’m not a fan of reading about same sex relationships. Had I known I would not have read this book.
mjminkowich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5