London, 1850. Iris dreams of becoming a painter, but she works in a doll-making shop, painting faces on porcelain dolls. A Pre-Raphaelite painter, Louis Frost, spots her and asks her to model, and she agrees in order to be taught, though she must keep it secret from her sister Rose. Meanwhile Albie, a taxidermist's assistant who collects oddities, becomes fixated on Iris, and Silas Reed, a lonely collector, develops a dangerous obsession. As the Great Exhibition approaches, Elizabeth Macneal's debut tightens into a suspenseful story about ambition and desire in Victorian London.
Readers who like atmospheric historical novels with a dark edge and a strong female lead will find it absorbing. The details of art, taxidermy and Victorian life add texture.
Balanced in tone; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2019
- Language
- EN
