Published by Simon & Schuster Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Format: ARC, Paperback
This was a gripping and chilling book set in both the Arctic and Victorian London. I was invested in the book and the characters and their plight from the very beginning. Told in two timelines, this is a riveting tale of sisters, revenge, greed, love, courage, and adventure.
Maude Horton received a letter from the British Admiralty informing her that sister Constance (Jack Aldridge) has died. No further details were provided. Maude’s sister Constance ran away from Victorian London and assumed the identity of Jack Aldridge, so she goes to sea as a boy onboard a ship. Maude goes on a quest to learn the truth, when she is given a copy of her sister’s journal from her time aboard the Makepeace in the Arctic, Maude knows that Constance/Jack’s death was no accident.
The book is told through the journal entries of Jack Aldridge and through the time in London when Maude is looking for answers. The journal entries describe what life was like onboard the ship, Jack’s experiences, and the things Jack witnessed. The journal entries were my favorite part of the book. There is a sense of danger throughout the journal entries. The Arctic is unforgiving, freezing, and stark. The sailors live a rough, harsh, cold life on board. Constance/Jack is at risk for being discovered as being female at any given time and survival was paramount.
I enjoyed both sisters’ bravery and courage. Both sisters went against the norms of their time. I also enjoyed Maude’s quest for the truth, her cleverness, and her determination and drive. This book has likeable and unlikeable characters which had me rooting for some and booing and hissing at others. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions which transported me to the past. Speaking of the past, this book does involve whaling, the killing of animals for food, and harsh treatment of animals which may be upsetting to some but were common during that time.
I found this book to be well written, gripping, and full of tension. This was my first book by Lizzie Pook, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Thank you to Alyssa diPierro, and Simone and Schuster who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.