An immersive historical novel following the women and patrons of a house for fallen women in 1840s London. Well researched and well written but fairly bland in plot and characterisation. The pacing lacks the tension of Halls' other novels. Not one for me.

The Household is an immersive historical novel set in 1847. A group of wealthy philanthropists (including Charles Dickens and Angela Burdett-Coutts) are funding a new model home for "fallen" women: unlike other, more punitive homes at the time, Urania Cottage aims to tempt women to goodness by providing for their needs and treating them with dignity and respect. The novel follows the stern but good-hearted matron Mrs Holdsworth, millionaire patroness Angela Burdett-Coutts, and several of the women, primarily Martha, who is searching for her missing sister while being unable to leave the house and Josephine, a pickpocket separated from her lover, Annie. Although the inmates are not prisoners, if they leave the house they will not be allowed back, forcing both Martha and Josephine to take increasingly desperate measures to reunite with their loved ones. Meanwhile, Angela is increasingly trapped in her own home by a stalker who has recently been released from jail after tormenting her for the past decade.

I was interested to learn, after reading the book, that Urania Cottage was a real philanthropic endeavour, which was a bright spot in an age which had little compassion for women it considered "fallen". I hope that The Household helps more people learn about it, since it's a fascinating story which should be told. It would be a great choice for people who enjoyed Hallie Rubenhold's biography of the canonical victims of Jack the Ripper (a fantastic work of social history for women who had fallen through the cracks of 1880s society) and wanted to read a fictional book on a similar subject but with a more optimistic tone.

I've seen other reviews complain that this book was slow paced and didn't hold their attention. I think that's a fair criticism: the narrative takes its time and is strongly character driven. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for a fast paced and tightly plotted mystery. Frustratingly, I felt that another round of plot/structure/pacing edits could have elevated it to a 5 star read. However, I still read it in 2-3 days and found the characterisation and sense of atmosphere place to be one of the novel's strengths. One of the things I enjoyed was how the author showed real generosity to the characters, making even the background characters feel fleshed out and important. That said, this did lead to several red herrings that made it seem like the plot might go in another direction (e.g. a potential love triangle between Josephine, Martha and another inmate) which then ended up being scrapped. I also felt that Martha's elder sister Mary was forgotten about once the focus shifted to the missing sister, Emily.

What The Household most reminded me of was the BBC show Call The Midwife: a woman-led period drama that wears its heart on its sleeve when it comes to issues of welfare and women's experiences. The tone is mostly cosy, although it's true enough to the setting not to shy away from moments of darkness. Like Call the Midwife, the philanthropists running Urania Cottage are made palatable to a modern audience: there is no mention of Dickens' callous treatment of his own wife, or of Angela Burdett-Coutts' devout religious beliefs. Still, overall, Stacey Halls treats her subjects with dignity and compassion: one of the strengths of the book is that it shows how, even when the women are physically provided for, the trauma of their pasts makes it difficult for them to trust and sometimes leads them to self-sabotage.

I will be adding reviews on Goodreads and Instagram closer to publication day.

A hugely satisfying and immersive historical novel, drawing on the atmosphere and themes of Dickens - and featuring Dickens as a supporting character! - but with a contemporary feminist eye for the detail of the lives of women In Victorian England, and the misogyny and double-standards which affected all women, in different ways depending on their class and relative wealth. At first, the narrative hops between the heads of so many different women, it takes a while to orient. However, by the end, as these threads are drawn tighter and tighter, this is exactly what makes the pay-off so pacy and pleasing. I hugely enjoyed it, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing it.

I loved this. Set in 1847 London - a group of wealthy individuals are funding a new home for young women coming out of prison. At Urania Cottage they will be trained in household skills after which they will have the opportunity to emigrate to the colonies. Angela Burdett-Coutts, known as the richest heiress in England, is one of the benefactors alongside author Charles Dickens, and she has just been made aware that the man who has stalked her for 10 years has been released early from prison. I love reading fiction that is based on real people and events and this is definitely one of my recent favourites, the author has clearly done extensive research and I’ve since read more about Angela Burdett-Coutts, fascinating woman.

Briefly, as the girls are gradually moved into Urania Cottage they are taught by housekeeper Mrs Holdsworth but there are rules, a lot of rules, and despite the massive improvement in their lives not all of them stay and Angela, in particular, finds this difficult to handle alongside her constant worry about her stalker.

I can’t say more for fear of spoilers but there plenty going on from start to finish. A medium paced read, very well written and character driven with some strong women including Mrs Holdsworth, who I loved, Martha and of course Angela. An eye opening Victorian drama inspired by real people and events I found it a very compelling read, the conditions and treatment received by poor women at this time were terrible but this book shows it’s not just the poor who didn’t receive appropriate justice. Fabulous book.

I really loved this historical fiction novel, it was so well written, the characters were well developed - had flawed and complex lives but were loveable too (most characters not all!!). The plot was good, the writing descriptive and kept you wanting to turn the page! I just would have liked more of an ending or comeuppance for a certain someone rather than (actually I won’t finish that as it will give things away!)
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.

The Household by Stacey Halls is the first book from the author that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I will be reading more from this author.
The story set in 1847 in a real-life place called Urania Cottage. Where Charles Dickens co funded it with the wealthy Angela Burdett Coutts. Where ‘fallen women’ or women that just lost their way when they are released from Prison and sent there to learn to cook and clean and learn to play instruments. When completed, it is understood that they will be sent overseas to the colonies to start a new life. But the women that stayed there were not left to their own devices and they were scrutinized 24/7. So, it was stifling for some and their time there, didn’t always go to plan.
This is a great read and insight to what happened in those times. The hardships that women had to endure more than men. And I wasn’t aware of Charles Dickens charitable endeavours and after reading this work of fiction based on facts, I had to find out more. The only negative thing about this story was although it did tied up the loose ends of the story. It did leave me a bit confused. 4 stars from me.

"The Household" by Stacey Halls is a captivating historical fiction novel set in London, in 1847. The story revolves around the mysterious Urania Cottage, a refuge for fallen women co-founded by Charles Dickens and heiress Angela Burdett-Coutts. The novel intricately weaves together real historical events and figures with fictional elements, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Halls's attention to detail and meticulous research shine through in the novel, as she brings to life the complexities of the characters and the challenges they face. The narrative unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged, delving into themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the price of freedom. The exploration of Dickens's philanthropic endeavours and the societal norms of the time adds depth to the story, making it both educational and entertaining.
One of the strengths of the novel is the diverse and nuanced characters that Halls creates. From the residents of Urania Cottage to Angela Burdett-Coutts herself, each character is fleshed out and multi-dimensional. The interactions and collisions between these characters drive the narrative forward, adding layers of complexity to the plot.
However, despite the engaging storyline and detailed historical background, I found it challenging to connect with the characters on a deeper level. While the characters are well-developed, I struggled to fully immerse myself in their stories and emotions. As a reader, I found it difficult to truly empathize with their struggles and triumphs, which slightly detracted from my overall reading experience.
Overall, "The Household" is a well-written and meticulously researched historical fiction novel that beautifully brings to life a lesser-known aspect of Victorian London. While the characters and plot are engaging, my inability to deeply connect with the characters impacted my enjoyment of the book. Despite this, I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction and are interested in learning more about the lives of women in 19th-century London.

Thank you to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Stacey Halls has done it again with another riveting trip into the past, this time we visit and get to know the residents of Urania Cottage and their mysterious benefactor.

I was unfamiliar with the history of the fallen women of Urania Cottage and their links to CHARLES DICKENS. This book has certainly made me want to read more about the topic.

The rich characterisation and description of the surroundings really made you feel like you were there and were personally getting to know these individuals and their struggles and triumphs.

The multiple perspectives through which the story was told kept you hooked and kept you reading on.

This was a slow burn and at times it felt a bit too slow. However it was certainly worth it in the end as each piece slotted perfectly together to provide a gasp inducing finale.

If you enjoyed Stacey Halls previous books then you’ll love this, I think this is her best one yet. Also, If you like historical fiction, stories with characters who have complex backgrounds and a story that builds intrigue and mystery then this is the book for you.

From the minute you open this book you are welcomed into the Household. The writing is so beautiful and the characters so real that you feel part of their lives from the very beginning. The danger of the rough streets of London with trouble around every corner especially for young girls feels tangible whilst at the same time swirling and dancing with high society and balls enjoyed by the privileged few is brought to live by the best storytelling. The characters just jump
off the page straight into your heart. The story takes us across London brilliantly weaving the stories of the girls of Urania Cottage with one of their benefactors. This is definitely now a firm favourite of mine.

Thank you SO much to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I absolutely loved this!! Such great characters and a great storyline.

My full review is to follow in a few days.....

An extraordinary story. I loved the mention of Charles Dickens, another favourite author, mixing fact with fiction. I really enjoyed reading The Household, though it’s probably not my favourite Stacey Halls novel. It was interesting in so much as it isn’t a part of history I knew about. Especially that Dickens set up the home for fallen women. An interesting, enjoyable read, highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Big fan of historical fiction. Loved the synopsis of this book and looked forward to reading it. However, I was disappointed. It was lacking and I can’t quite tell you what, it was a bit disjointed, and it’s ending chapters are the reason this got 3 stars instead of 2.

If Stacey Halls writes it, I'm going to read it. Easily one of my favourite historical fiction authors. Charles Dickens is a side character in this book which is crazy! It also features a real life place set up by Dickens, Urania Cottage. The book follows the lives of the girls inhabiting Urania Cottage, life hasn't always been kind to them so it was interesting to see if they'd turn their lives around or return to former lifestyles. I loved the strong female characters we had and I was so captivated by their stories. If y0u're craving an incredible piece of historical fiction with a sprinkle of real life facts, then this book is for you.

The Household was such a wonderful read. Angela and the girls are characters that will be hard to forget and the story such an original idea. Stacey Halls is a brilliant writer who’s written another great book.

As an avid reader of historical fiction/mystery set in this time period, I did find myself guessing the twist just before it happened. However, I think the average reader who doesn’t encounter books constantly with similar plot devices and themes wouldn’t work it out! I felt so much of the book happened in the second half which could have been shared a bit more equally into the first so I didn’t feel I was racing through the second half.

A wonderful book, fantastic characters and such an original story. Well Done Stacey Halls!

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4.5 stars ⭐️

I had not read any of this author’s previous work, so had no particular expectation. I was attracted by the synopsis though. However I found this book to be very slow, disjointed, lacking in character development, and much too long. Long descriptive passages of just about everything, failed to hold my interest.
Some other reviewers have commented that the last 25-30% of the book improves greatly. That may be so, but I prefer a book that holds my interest for 100% of the time.
This book was not for me, and was a DNF.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

The Household by Stacey Halls ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book from this author. Historical Fiction. Set in Dickensian London, Urania Cottage is a home for ‘fallen women’. Another cleverly plotted novel. The author writes great characters and really takes you back in time. I loved this book but I’ve loved all Stacey Halls novels

London, 1847. Thanks to Charles Dickens and a group of benefactors, Urania Cottage, a quiet house in the countryside outside London, is set to welcome its new residents, under the watchful eye of Mrs Holdsworth. The residents will all have one thing in common: they are what the Victorians referred to as ‘fallen women’. Offering refuge for prostitutes, petty thieves and the destitute, Urania Cottage will offer a second chance at life.

Meanwhile, a few miles away in a Piccadilly mansion, millionairess Angela Burdett-Coutts, one of the benefactors of Urania Cottage, makes a discovery that leaves her cold. Her stalker of ten years has been released from prison, and she knows it's only a matter of time before their nightmarish game resumes once more.

The women's worlds will collide in ways they could never have expected, and they will discover that freedom always comes at a price . . .

Stacey Hall’s novels are always eagerly anticipated and this one is engaging, absorbing and fascinating, with an added richness and depth. It is possibly her best writing yet. Inspired by real events and historical figures, I was completely immersed in this story which offers insight into an incredibly enlightened social project, as well as the dark underbelly of Victorian life and the limited choices for survival (thieving and prostitution) facing women who fall into destitution.

It shows how Victorian society was a man’s world in every sense, despite a female queen, and even the women of the wealthier classes were generally patronised, mostly indulged, and had limited options and protections, even in the face of horrific and outrageous stalking.

Stacey Hall’s trademark is to weave historical facts with a strong and dramatic storyline, and populate it with well-drawn, believable and convincing characters with whom the reader quickly becomes invested and cares for. Strong women characters is another of Hall’s trademarks, and there are many in this novel, including Mrs Holdsworth and Martha. I was absolutely fascinated by Angela Burdett-Coutts, and disappeared off down a Google rabbit hole to find out more about her.

This novel has drama, suspense and intrigue, and as the plot unfolds there are plenty of twists to keep the reader’s interest - one really unexpected one which I did not see coming at all. It paints a vivid picture of Dickensian London, and is clearly based on considerable research which never once bogs down the plot or impedes the narrative flow. It is a treat for lovers of historical fiction, and a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to the publisher, Bonnier Books/Manilla Press, for the Netgalley e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a novel based on Urania Cottage a second chance home for women “fallen women” founded by Charles Dickens and other benefactors. I wasn’t aware of this cottage until I read this novel and apparently Dickens was instrumental in choosing the inmates.
It is a tale of how the very different worlds of the inmates and one of the rich benefactors collide. I was really looking forward to this book as I have read and enjoyed Stacey Halls other books. However, I found this one hard to get into and at times confusing. In particular I found the character Angela Burdett-Coutts annoying. Having said that the final quarter of the book where everything began to make sense was the best part for me.

The Household was an excellent read, with a somewhat hurried ending. The characters are well-created and believable, from the fallen girls ( Martha and Josephine, especially) to Angela and Mrs Holdsworth. The life in the house is fascinating, with great detail and mystery. Angela has a stalker who has been blighting her life for 10 years. Martha, Josephine and the other girls are learning skills needed before being transported to Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and all the twists and turns, following Martha’s and Josephine’s journeys and how they intersect with the life of Angela and The House. I was disappointed only by the ending of the various plot threads, which felt a bit hurried. Overall, a very engaging book

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book with no obligation to review.

This is an interesting and quite enjoyable read, made more interesting by the fact that Urania House was real and was, just as in the book, set up by Charles Dickens and Angela Burdett Coutts. Many of the characters such as Josephine, Martha, Angela and the tireless Mrs Holdsworth are well drawn and vivid.

The book would be an excellent and informative read for anyone who does not appreciate how terrible life was for women in general and particularly poor, single women in the past - it took very little to be deemed a "fallen woman" for example and to be sent to jail. There was no presumption against short jail sentences in those days! Once a woman had "lost her character" in any way, the only option was life on the street as a sex worker or a pickpocket. With no contraception for women, married woman had their own problems and even the very rich were not exempt from society's attitudes towards women - Angela is being stalked by a dangerous man but the men in authority such as her solicitor, do not take her seriously.

I did enjoy the book but not as much as I expected to. It is detailed and authentic but not very exciting and there is no tension anywhere. I don't mean this in a bad way but it reminded me a bit of a serial in a magazine - it interests you at the time, but if you didnt get to read all the parts, you wouldn't really mind and what you did read, you would soon forget.