The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy
Publication Date: January 26, 2016 Kensington Books eBook & Print; 384 Pages Genre: HistoricalFiction
In her enthralling, richly imagined new novel, Brandy Purdy, author of The Ripper’s Wife, creates a compelling portrait of the real, complex woman behind an unthinkable crime. Lizzie Borden should be one of the most fortunate young women in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her wealthy father could easily afford to provide his daughters with fashionable clothes, travel, and a rich, cultured life. Instead, haunted by the ghost of childhood poverty, he forces Lizzie and her sister, Emma, to live frugally, denying them the simplest modern conveniences. Suitors and socializing are discouraged, as her father views all gentleman callers as fortune hunters. Lonely and deeply unhappy, Lizzie stifles her frustration, dreaming of the freedom that will come with her eventual inheritance. But soon, even that chance of future independence seems about to be ripped away. And on a stifling August day in 1892, Lizzie’s long-simmering anger finally explodes… Vividly written and thought-provoking, The Secrets of Lizzie Borden explores the fascinating events behind a crime that continues to grip the public imagination—a story of how thwarted desires and desperate rage could turn a dutiful daughter into a notorious killer.
my thoughts:
Insightful view of one of America's most infamous characters. I grew up in New England. Grew up skipping rope to "Lizzie Borden took and axe, gave her mother 40 whacks...".. I've read many books about the infamous murders and have even visited the famous house in Fall River.
I love this telling of Lizzie's story. She has many demons which plague her existence from early childhood throughout her life. I know this is a fictionalized account. No one really knows what happened on that fateful day when Abby and Andrew were killed, but I truly like this version. This novel is gritty, gory and full of speculation. Very well written and well researched. Lizzie is a character you can actually like. Much different from other novels written about the Borden's. I hated Andrew, felt sorry for Abby, disliked Emma, but liked Lizzie. I felt sorry her as well. Living with Andrew was portrayed as being extremely difficult. He was verbally abusive towards her and mean as well as stingy.
Brandy Purdy has done a remarkable job of telling Lizzie's story. This book is written as a diary. We hear the events from Lizzie's point of view. We hear of how her life is less than fulfilling. How Andrew denied his children even basic comforts, because they 'cost too much'. Lizzie holds nothing back. I loved this book and encourage anyone with an interest in the Borden murders to read!!
Isn't the cover of this book just chilling? She looks guilty!
I give this book 4/5 stars
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | KOBO
About the Author
Brandy Purdy (Emily Purdy in the UK) is the author of the historical novels THE CONFESSION OF PIERS GAVESTON, THE BOLEYN WIFE (THE TUDOR WIFE), THE TUDOR THRONE (MARY & ELIZABETH), THE QUEEN'S PLEASURE (A COURT AFFAIR), THE QUEEN'S RIVALS (THE FALLEN QUEEN), THE BOLEYN BRIDE, and THE RIPPER'S WIFE. An ardent book lover since early childhood, she first became interested in history at the age of nine or ten years old when she read a book of ghost stories which contained a chapter about Anne Boleyn haunting the Tower of London. Visit her website at www.brandypurdy.com, you can also follow her on Facebook as Brandy Purdy aka Emily Purdy.Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, January 26 Review at Julz Reads Review at Unshelfish Wednesday, January 27 Review at Time 2 Read Review at 100 Pages a Day Thursday, January 28 Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Friday, January 29 Review at A Chick Who Reads Interview at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Monday, February 1 Review at A Bookish Affair Tuesday, February 2 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Wednesday, February 3 Review at Broken Teepee Thursday, February 4 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Friday, February 5 Review at The True Book Addict Monday, February 08 Review at Brooke Blogs Tuesday, February 09 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews Interview at Brooke Blogs Wednesday, February 10 Review at A Literary Vacation Thursday, February 11 Review A Book Geek Friday, February 12 Review at History From a Women'sPerspective
