Constance and Maude are sisters in early Victorian London, brought even closer when their parents die and they have to move in with their grandfather. He’s a successful apothecary owner and the two grow up helping him behind the counter. Though Maude has come to find contentment in the stability of their lives, Constance yearns for adventure. Not just a whirlwind romance or to find a respectable position. She wants to see the world, so she signs up as a cabin boy (in disguise) on the Makepeace, a ship sent to rescue the missing Franklin Expedition.
Years later, when it is confirmed that Constance did not survive, Maude is secretly given her sister’s journal by a sympathetic representative within the Admiralty. Between this man’s stories about one Edison Stowe and entries in Constance’s secret diary, Maude knows something untoward happened on their voyage. She determines to discover the truth and expose Stowe.
It is an unusual thing, Edison Stowe’s face. As if it is made of two parts that were never really meant to go together. A mouth, held in a stiff smile and eyes that belong somewhere else entirely. She is struck by his reptilian coldness. As if, since returning from the Arctic, he has never truly thawed. ~Pg. 204
Although it’s a novel, author Lizzie Pook has built a fictional stage in real world history. Franklin’s 1845 Expedition really did disappear (their ships Erebus and Terror were only located a couple of years ago). Lady Jane Franklin really did insist that the Admiralty send rescue missions to find her husband and the crew.
The author’s set pieces are detailed. For example, Stowe, back on land, has started a guided tour company that attends public executions. It’s so specific and ghoulish. Yet, Constance braved worse in the Arctic, so Maude steels herself for the task if it means avenging her sister.
If I had any criticism, it’s that it takes more than 100 pages for the pieces to be set up and the action to really get going. I’m all for a slow burn, but I nearly gave up on this one. I’m glad I forged ahead and I encourage other readers to do the same.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster for the review copy.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (January 16, 2024)
Language: English
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1982180544