The Secrets of Lizzie Borden
by Brandy Purdy
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
eBook & Print: 384 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Blurb
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 Review
Any time author Brandy Purdy has a new novel coming out, I
jump at the chance to get a review copy prior to the release date of the book.
I heard about her newest novel, “The Secrets of Lizzie Borden”, and was excited
when asked to review it for my blog. Ms. Purdy is an excellent historical
fiction author, and she has a natural talent when it comes to combining the
facts gained from her meticulous research, and adding her own spin to the
story. As a reader I never find myself bogged down with lists of facts or
unnecessary descriptions, and I find it easy to become lost in her unique
writing style, as well as her intriguing characters.
I knew very little about Lizzie Borden prior to reading this
novel. I think I had watched a documentary about female murderers, and she was
one of the women featured. Lizzie Borden
may have come from a wealthy family, but one thing that she had in common with
many other murderers or serial killers was a deeply troubled childhood. She was
forced to live her life almost as an outcast due to her father’s issues. She
grew up different from other females her age, and was not allowed to socialize
like a normal female. She spent her childhood and young adult years depressed
and isolated, continuously looking towards what she hoped would be a bright
future when she receives her inheritance. However, we all know that’s not how
the story turned out, and it is interesting to see the author’s take on what
really caused Lizzie Borden to commit such a heinous act. Although Lizzie is a
murderer, I was still able to connect with her and to feel her isolation and
sadness as I read this novel. The author shows that there was a lot more going
on in Lizzie Borden’s story than what you see in the historical accounts of her
crime.
“The Secrets of Lizzie Borden” was a little slow moving at
first, and it did take me a couple of chapters to really get into the story. I
would definitely recommend sticking it out if you feel like it is dragging at
the start, because once you get into the meat of the story, you won’t be able
to put it down! Overall, I enjoyed this novel, and I give it a FOUR out of FIVE
stars.
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
Thursday, January 28
Review at One Book
Shy of a Full Shelf
Wednesday, February 10
Review at A Literary Vacation
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Review at History From a Women’s Perspective
Review at A Literary Vacation
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Review at History From a Women’s Perspective
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