Rose Tremain is the consummate storyteller; every book she writes takes the reader on a different journey into the lives of fascinating characters . Historical detail from the periods are always meticulous and this tale is no exception. Abandoned at birth and rescued by a young policeman Lily begins her life at Coram house as a foundling. She is fostered to a farming family they cruelly forced into the labours of the foundling home under the watch of a violent group of sisters.. Lily’s life is told in such a manner that it feels as though we are within the realms of Dickens. The lives of the children and Lily’s subsequent journey into adulthood working as a wig maker are described in such a manner that you are pulled into her despair and need for revenge and to fight the system. From the start we know a crime has been committed at some point in Lily’s life but what happened and the subsequent outcome pull us to the denouement. Beautifully written and crafted to move us between past and present events , Rose Tremain has created a powerful lead character in Lily. A very satisfying and enjoyable read.

A dark Gothic tale full of imagery and hope and heartbreak.

In London, in the winter of 1850, baby Lily Mortimer is found abandoned at the gates of a park by a young police constable, who takes her to the London Foundling Hospital. As was the custom she is fostered out, to a farming family in rural Suffolk, where she is loved, and taught to sew. At the age of six she is returned to the hospital, to be sent out to work. Because of her sewing skills she finds herself at Belle Prettywood's Wig Emporium, where she finds favour. But Lily has a secret which will haunt her and determine her fate.

And so the scene is set for this slightly different tale from Rose Tremain. I haven’t read any of her books before, but I am a fan of historical fiction, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Let’s get one thing out of the way, though. Yes, there are definitely echoes of Sara Collins “Confessions of Frannie Langdon” in here, and it would be hard not to make comparisons, but actually, the story is quite different. Across the years, the policeman who found her keeps watch over Lily and when he meets her again, there is an instant attraction between them and it is this story which takes us forward. But some of the best bits are where Lily and her friend Bridget venture out into London.

It’s a moving tale, frustrating in parts, heart-breaking in others. I have to admit to skimming a few parts of the book, really just because I wanted to see where this was all going. Parts of the story are told in retrospect, which can be a bit frustrating, but slowly the tale is told. I was pleased to receive a NetGally ARC to review, but I’ll be purchasing the book for another read when it comes out.

This book will appeal to fans of Sara Collins, Laura Purcell and Stacey Halls. Definitely one to add to your book pile.

A sad tale: an historical novel, touching in many different ways. I cannot say what happens to Lily, without spoiling the novel, but this is a tale of woe, with moments where the pain is eased a little. Nonetheless what I can say is that this is great writing and I would recommend it highly, and well plotted, so that the reader keeps turning the page, wanting to know what happens to Lily..The characters are very well drawn, from Lily, to Belle and Sam. I found the book very moving.