Genre: Historical
Description:
The harshness of 19th century life for women as seen through the eyes of a young bride. Margery Blake is nothing but a pawn in family affairs and her marriage is seen as a good match. Margery has no power, no voice, no control over her own life and endures her husband’s rights to her body in order to produce an heir. Margery soon learns ‘husband’ is merely another title for owner, beater, brute, bully, evil. Yet, she finds friendships in the most unlikeliest places.
Margery’s only power is to write her thoughts in a secret diary.
Karen’s Magic Review
Oh my goodness, this book! If you are a fan of Downton Abby, Pride and Prejudice, and all those wonderful costume dramas – this book is not that! Well, it is, but what was life really like for a woman who has no rights and is owned by her husband?
The story is written in diary form by Margery, a young girl on the cusp of life with her hopes and aspirations in tact. Questions that are often asked and never answered are in this book. Those answers are not always pretty.
When girls get married, who tells them about what to expect on their wedding night? What happens behind closed doors? Is it as wonderful as they dream?
Well, the stark answer is no, not in this case. Margery’s parents choose what they think is a suitable husband for her. A man that comes with a title, a good family, money, and a beautiful house complete with staff. What more could a girl want?
Margery doesn’t know what love between a man and women is; she doesn’t understand the feelings that come between them. She sees it with her sister but cannot imagine what it actually feels like. My heart bled for her as stark reality shatters her dreams.
This is a startling realistic story that highlights things history doesn’t. It’s an absorbing tale as we see Margery grow and challenge the society she lives in.
Once I had started reading, I couldn’t stop. The ending was not what I expected either. I thought I knew and anticipated it but the author added twists I didn’t see coming.
The ending hung over me for days. Not just the ending, the entire book, so well told and thought provoking. It’s the kind that stays with you, and as a reader it’s what you want.
I hope you give it a go, and if you do, I would love to hear your comments.
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Karen J. Mossman 
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