Tag: Stacey Halls

The Household by Stacey Halls

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I have been waiting very patiently for ‘The Household’ by Stacey Halls to come out in paperback – mainly because I was hoping that the paperback cover would be more in keeping with the covers for all her other titles – and I am pleased to report that it is!

I found ‘The Household’ a fascinating read, because it is based on something that I had no knowledge of but now I am really keen to find out more about. We meet the ‘girls’ of Urania Cottage in Shepherd’s Bush, London – they are all women who have fallen on hard times for any number of reasons, but they are all characters that can be ‘redeemed’ and sent to the colonies to start a new life. This was a real place, a real home for fallen women, a project of Charles Dickens and Angela Burdett-Coutts, who saw this as their chance to save the women from the path they have chosen.

Each of these women is a brilliant woman in their own right, and they each have a story which you become easily invested in. They may have fallen on hard times or potentially made some poor choices, but this should not be all they are recognised for, as they each have a story to tell – or someone that they love that they are keen to help ensure that they better themselves for. It draws attention to what someone could do in a time of desperation and how small the ‘underworld’ of Victorian London really was. And, as this side of Victorian society is something that I find absolutely fascinating, this book was a great read, especially as it put women at the centre of the historical narrative, which, as we all know, is where they should be, but many are having to fight to ensure that is where they are. And, it recognises each of them as a real person, and not as an outcast from society.

Mystery also weaves its way through this story as we find out about the mysterious Richard Dunn and his relationship with Angela Burdett-Coutts; why does he stalk her? Alongside the mysterious past of each of the young ladies that we meet and Martha’s efforts to find her sister Emily, this keeps you reading, alongside the love of the characters.

Some may not think this is a pacy read, but I was absolutely hooked as I read it, because I was fascinated by the history and the characters. As well as the writing being beautiful and engaging, which also kept me turning the pages and finding out more about the women of this story.

The Foundling by Stacey Halls

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

It has been far too long since I read ‘Mrs England‘ – in fact it has been over two years – which means that ‘The Foundling’ has probably been on the tbr pile for almost as long. (I really do need to get it under control.)

But, after seeing one of my Bookstagram buddies having a real Stacey Halls phase, I thought it was about time I picked ‘The Foundling’ up. And what a lovely read it is. I think I had been putting it off, as historical fiction is not always my top choice of genre, but that attitude has slowly been changing over the last couple of years, as it is a genre that seems to be getting so much better.

‘The Foundling’ focuses on the Foundling Hospital in London and the experiences of those who were forced to leave children there, and those who adpoted children from there. This is a fascinating study of relationships: those between families and those between different social classes. And, of course, how wealth can bring freedom to many, and poverty can bring restrictions to so many others.

You are swept away to London in 1754 from the moment you start reading this book; it has been 6 years since Clara left her daughter at the Foundling Hospital, and now she is returning to collect her after saving what she believes is the fee to buy her daughter’s freedom. In a cruel twist of fate, Clara’s daughter has gone, apparently taken by Clara herself just days after she left her there. So where is Clara’s daughter now, and how will she ever see her again?

After this, I will definitely be returning to the books of Stacey Hall very soon. This is historical fiction that is well-researched, well-plotted and does not rely solely on lots of description to create an atmosphere of the time. It feels a little like time travel in a book, and I really enjoy that.

Mrs England by Stacey Halls

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

For ‘The Tasting Notes Book Club‘ this month, the book is ‘Mrs England’ by Stacey Halls. Now, when this was revealed, there was a lot of excitment amongst the bookclubbers. I was excited too, as always, however I am late to the Stacey Halls party. And, it certainly, looks like I have been missing out.

I was utterly absorbed in this book. It reads like a modern classic and is so atmospheric. I mean, a lonely house, linked to a mill on the Yorkshire Dales, is atmospheric on its own – but throw in a family that needs a nanny and goodness knows how many secrets, and you have a page-turner.

I don’t like to give spoilers, so I will go too much into the story other than to say there is a wonderful mystery woven into the tale and things are not quite as they seem. We are also given some fantastically strong female leads, which is always a joy to read.

For me, ‘Mrs England’ reminds me of Du Maurier, and I would certainly be intrigued to try more novels from Stacey Halls.