I was lucky enough to receive a copy of The Household, the latest book by Stacey Halls (The Familiars, The Foundling, Mrs England). The book is set in 1847 at Urania Cottage in Shepherd’s Bush, London. This is a large house that has been made into a home for fallen women. It is hoped that the women will gain the skills and training there to go on to lead better lives somewhere on the other side of the world. It is run by robust matron Mrs Holdsworth and owned by a number of wealthy and influential people including the author Charles Dickens, and a wealthy single woman called Angela Burdett-Coutts. The book centres around the some of the residents, including Martha who is looking for her sister Emily and Josephine, recently released from prison. Urania Cottage and the benefactors are based on real life which made it all the more interesting.
I love books featuring Dickensian times and I loved this book. It is easy to read, compelling and addictive. I do enjoy Stacey Halls’ writing style and this book did not disappoint. If I am being really picky, I think the cover (particularly the spine) lets the book down after the eye catching and similar in style covers from her previous books which identify her work immediately. That said, the content itself is brilliant.
I love books featuring Dickensian times and I loved this book. It is easy to read, compelling and addictive. I do enjoy Stacey Halls’ writing style and this book did not disappoint. If I am being really picky, I think the cover (particularly the spine) lets the book down after the eye catching and similar in style covers from her previous books which identify her work immediately. That said, the content itself is brilliant.