A Pearl for my Mistress is a sensual and tense historical novel set in England in 1934. Old ways and ideas are changing rapidly as the world itself begins to turn on it’s head.
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely piece of LGBTQ historical fiction and felt a slight homage to Sarah Waters, although the writing is completely different. The settings and description of the era and liquid and dreamy and I really felt as if I was there with Hester, a young maid girl, and Lucy, a daughter in an aristocratic family, fighting the social ideals of relationships, money and power.
Hester comes down from a small northern town with high hopes of exciting times in the big smoke of London. Finding a job with the Fitzmartin family she is drawn to the unmarried daughter who is reckless and wild, compared to her rigid family. As they grow closer and closer, both of them realise that there is no going back to the way they used to be before they met.
Tackling issues such as class, same-sex relationships and social ideals, this didn’t feel like your classic historical novel. I was swept up in the romance and the story and while I didn’t feel it was life-changing, it was a very pleasant way to escape for a few hours.
Would definitely recommend for reading groups and friends who like historical fiction.
About the Author
Annabel Fielding is a novelist, a history geek and an international woman of mystery.
She has long since pledged her allegiance to travel, tea and books. On her blog you will find travel posts, lesser-known facts, some photography and (mostly) historical fiction-related book reviews. To check out her blog click here.
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Thank you to Annabel & HQ Digital for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for reading!
