Who Would Like This Book:
If you love atmospheric Victorian gothic fiction with a deliciously dark edge, this book is tailor-made for you! The Corset weaves together mystery, supernatural intrigue, and social critique, all told through the voices of two compelling women from opposite ends of society. The story explores haunting questions of power, revenge, and the ties that bind - literally and figuratively. Fans of books like Alias Grace or those drawn to creepy, character-driven historical novels will be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pacing a little slow, especially in the first half, and a few felt the tone wasn't quite as spine-tingling as Purcell's previous novel, The Silent Companions. If you prefer stories that are more action-packed or straightforward in their structure - or if darker, grim historical realities weigh you down - this one may not be your cup of tea. Also, the narrative's ambiguity might leave readers who crave clear answers a bit frustrated.
About:
The Corset by Laura Purcell is a Victorian gothic thriller that follows two women from different societal backgrounds, Dorothea Truelove and Ruth Butterham. Dorothea, a wealthy heiress, visits female prisoners, including Ruth, who is awaiting trial for murder. Ruth, a teenage seamstress, believes she has the supernatural power to cause death through her needlework. As the two women's lives become intertwined, the story unfolds with elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural, leading to a startling ending that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of murder, abuse, self-harm, mental illness, and descriptions of harsh prison conditions.
From The Publisher:
'Laura is a masterful writer, her deliciously gothic stories so skilfully woven that you can't get them out of your head even if you wanted to' Stacey Halls, author of The Familiars
'The Corset is a contender for my Book of the Year. Beautifully written, intricately plotted, a masterpiece' Sarah Hilary
Is prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain?
Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. Ruth Butterham is young, poor and awaiting trial for murder.
When Dorothea's charitable work leads her to Oakgate Prison, she finds herself drawn to Ruth, a teenage seamstress - and self-confessed murderess - who nurses a dark and uncanny secret. A secret that is leading her straight to the gallows. As Ruth reveals her disturbing past to Dorothea, the fates of these two women entwine, and with every revelation, a new layer of doubt is cast...
Can Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer?
Laura Purcell's spine-chilling new novel, The Shape of Darkness, is out now!
Ratings (12)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (8) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (34):
Read It (12) | |
Want To Read (17) | |
Not Interested (5) |
2 comment(s)
A story set in the 19th century. We have two characters telling the story Ruth the poor seamstress accused of murdering her mistress and Dorothea the rich heiress who believes in phrenology, and is defying her father by helping ladies in prison. You hear Ruth’s stark reality of her life and Dorothea’s disbelief that her life was really like that. Ruth’s head indicates she is lying. Disbelief turns to belief but can she save Ruth?
Really enjoyed this - Gothic and has a dark undertone throughout and you never quite know where it is going but great characters and slow burning great literature.
What can you read after
The Corset?
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