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Sheila Deeth
, June 05, 2019
(view all comments by Sheila Deeth)
The House of Closed Doors depicts a very modern problem, endured in the world of small town Illinois in 1870. Nell, knowing little of how the human body works, falls pregnant and refuses to reveal the father’s name. Her stepfather insists the child should be hidden away – preferably Nell should also be hidden away – and the baby will eventually be adopted. But Nell soon starts learning, not just about human bodies, but also about the lives of other struggling women. A fascinating story ensues, imbued with history, social conscience, and even mystery. It’s an enthralling blend. Victorian manners, the rules and regulations – even about clothes – in a house for “poor” people, the assumptions about women and the treatment of those who are “different,” even the voices of the characters are beautifully portrayed.
The novel stands alone, but promises more to come in the rest the series – it’s a series I’d love to find time to read; this novel took me convincingly to a different time and offers readers a well-drawn window through which to view the present day.
Disclosure: I got this on a deal and I loved it.
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