Review: Victorian Imagination
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 25, 2013
The story is based upon a long forgotten and virtually unknown play, The Governess, by A.A. Trism, produced during the Victorian era. Rachael Eyre brings the story back to life to share with readers of the 21st century.As Ms. Eyre explains in the author's note, the original play was based upon "contemporary fears about domestics and the educated woman. The fact a household could harbour enemies within its walls inspired many a Victorian imagination."Ms. Eyre has thoroughly captured this sentiment in her novel. Arranged marriages for the privileged and abject poverty for the domestics force both into the vicious cycle of despair. Yet, both exhibit devious manipulations to their respective situations pitting both the possibly insane servants against their masters.The novel is extremely well written and was a delight to return to Victorian society.