The Household

  Never say never? It seems this adage comes true at least once in our lives.
Stacey Halls has written some of my favourite Historical Fiction novels. Beautifully written, ‘populated' with characters that stay with you. Therefore, I was delighted to be approved for an ARC of her latest novel The Household. Alas, we were simply NOT meant to be.
The story is based on true events and, without a doubt, the vast majority of readers will find it interesting, moving even. To me? It was utter boredom on pages. A heiress with money to waste chooses to ‘'create'' a ‘'household'' for fallen girls instead of a hospital or an orphanage. The ‘'girls' feel as if they have been locked up - never mind that most of them have recently arrived from prison - screaming ingratitude towards Angela with every sentence. Her keeper desperately tries to resemble Mrs. Danvers and poor Angela (the only character who is remotely interesting) tries to escape her stalker while pining for a man 30 years her senior.
Not impressed.
I am sorry to say that the toils, woes and troubles of prostitutes did not attract my sympathy or my interest. In addition, Mrs Holdsworth was irritating to the core. Certain parts of the plot ‘'felt'' fake and cheap. For example, the remarks about colonization from a girl who can't write her own name seem to serve a gimmick urge to satisfy a portion of the so called ‘'modern'' audience. And don't even get me started on the atrocious dialogue. 
Yes, well, I doubt these people even KNOW how to read...
The atmosphere is excellent, and the sense of setting is beautiful. And that's just about it. Unfortunately, this novel was not for me but I have no doubt it will appeal to the majority of today's readers.
And that says a lot about today's readers.
Many thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.