Ratings10
Average rating3.9
Interesting treatment of London society during the turn of the century, just after the death of Queen Victoria and the Victorian age was passing. Three children from different social classes are the main characters, with their parents, siblings and community members also forming the story. The story is told from shifting points of view as each person becomes the narrator for a time. The story follows the changing social and cultural attitudes as the children grow into young adults, leaving or clinging to Victorian sentimentalism in different ways.
I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't on the same level as some of her other books, especially Girl With a Pearl Earring. Possibly too many characters to shift between or the unconvincing maturity in the dialogue of the young children combined to make the book a little disappointing.
I felt it was slow to get started but I did get to know the characters and feel for them, and even started liking Kitty Coleman, though was annoyed at how she ignored her daughter. The audiobook was well done. It was an interesting insight into the world of women fighting for their right to vote, and what life was like in the 1900s Victorian England.