A review by cjmichel
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent

1.0

I was quite ready to enjoy The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent, but I was really disappointed with the actual characters. I expect to like the main characters, but I almost resented that this was the expectation for this novel. I sympathize that Lucinda has some form of epilepsy in a time where the condition is misunderstood, but the cold-heartedness of this character was more appalling than the strength of that sympathy. To connive to gain the secrets of one man only to turn those secrets against him by proffering them to another who shows no loyalty to her but promises an abusive relationship if the relationship continues is beyond blindness. Lucinda appears intelligent yet her actions speak louder in another direction. When directed to bring an innocent rival into the abusive relationship, instead of saying no, Lucinda sends her to a brothel to be sold into a life of even greater abuse when she could have left her home with her family. She would rather destroy those around herself than just move on if she doesn't want that lifestyle and she has no conscience about these horrible fates she forces people into, no remorse.

Of course Lucinda is not the only character with the same lack of humanity. I did not like novel, and I am sorry I ever picked it up.