Grace Hammer : a Novel of the Victorian Underworld

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Grace Hammer : a Novel of the Victorian Underworld

by Sara Stockbridge (Goodreads Author)

3.2 of 5 stars 3.20 · rating details · 148 ratings · 49 reviews

Whitechapel, 1888. Grace Hammer and her children live comfortably in Bell Lane, their home a little oasis in the squalor of London’s East End. They make their living picking the pockets of wealthy strangers foolish enough to venture there. But Grace’s history is about to catch up with her. Out in the countryside Mr. Blunt rocks in his chair, vowing furious retribution. He...more

Hardcover, 280 pages

Published September 8th 2009 by W. W. Norton & Company (first published January 1st 2009)

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Nov 09, 2012 Sherry Chiger rated it 2 of 5 stars

I so wanted to love this book. Then, about half of the through, I would have been happy simply liking this book. The premise is fabulous: a loving mom and successful pickpocket in Victorian London finds her past, in the form of a thief she stole from, threatening her present. And the style of the writing, at least in the beginning, is a fun and meaty blend of Victorian narrative intrusion and contemporary economy. But then we get into lots of telling and very little showing. The tone wavers (and...more

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May 02, 2011 Särah Nour rated it 2 of 5 stars

I had the privilege of attending a reading with the lovely Sara Stockbridge of her new book, Grace Hammer, while in a London bar the summer of last year. It was only when I Googled her after returning to the States did I discover how famous she is. Turns out she was a famed actress and fashion model, as well as the muse of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, and now she has “acclaimed author” to add to her resume.

Personally, though, I found Grace Hammer to be an entertaining but less than subst...more I had the privilege of attending a reading with the lovely Sara Stockbridge of her new book, Grace Hammer, while in a London bar the summer of last year. It was only when I Googled her after returning to the States did I discover how famous she is. Turns out she was a famed actress and fashion model, as well as the muse of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, and now she has “acclaimed author” to add to her resume.

Personally, though, I found Grace Hammer to be an entertaining but less than substantial read. While the mystery and suspense keep the pages turning, it lacks meat on its bones, as well as depth and dimension.

Grace Hammer takes place in the cutthroat underground of Victorian England, populated by bandits, harlots and conspirators. The title character and her four children make a living as thieves, picking the pockets of rich strangers. Grace is a plucky woman who is likened to a magpie, a bird with a fancy for shiny items that it robs from humans to store in its nest. While we’re expected to believe she is a seasoned and cunning thief, she has an implausible weakness for worthless men (hence her four children of different fathers), and despite the fact that she has a vengeful thug on her tail, makes no effort to conceal her identity around town, thereby making herself vulnerable. After one too many less than sensible endeavors, I gave up believing she was the female Sherlock Holmes.

If there’s one thing Grace’s children inherited for her, it’s their lack of dimension. Charlie is the eldest brother who dotes on his younger siblings. Billy and Jake are street-smart looters who know their way around London’s underground. Daisy is the innocent little blonde, blue-eyed girl who loves stuffed animals and pretty dresses. Incredibly, despite being lower-class and lacking education, they are healthy, handsome and well-read; in short, they are ideal, thereby as bland and soulless as Twilight vampires.

One can easily tell from Stockbridge’s writing style that she is a Charles Dickens fan, and she has his strengths as well as his weaknesses. While Dickens is an eloquent writer who never fails to entertain, his books are populated by stock characters, such as Oliver Twist, the quintessential innocent child, not unlike Daisy Hammer; and Fagin, the villainous thief who embodies a child’s nightmare, not unlike Stockbridge’s villains, the greedy Mr. Blunt and the witchlike Emmeline Spragg, who, judging from the descriptions, seems to bear a striking resemblance to Snow White’s evil stepmother in disguise.

The most compelling thing about Grace Hammer is the writing style, which fluidly carries the web of deceit and betrayal woven around our vapid but nonetheless enjoyable heroine. The entertainment factor is not lacking, so I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a fun period piece, though ye be warned of an anticlimactic ending.
(less)

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Oct 31, 2009 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, historical

(This is one of those times that I wish I could hide portions of a review behind a spoiler cut.)

Set in the Whitechapel area of 1888**, Grace Hammer is a taut, fast paced novel filled with suspense and mystery.

I won't go into what the book is about, the synopsis at the top of the page does an excellent job of it. Instead I'll just jump right into my (rather muddled) thoughts about it.

I really liked this book. It's darkish, and had sort of a Gothic feel to it. And while the main character and her...more

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Aug 22, 2010 Nicole Romine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, historical-fiction, strong-women

I adored the heroine, Grace Hammer, for her intelligence and courage. Ms. Hammer, however, was the only thing I really enjoyed about this novel. The writing was clunky, inelegant, and overly complex. The writing was so poor I had to force myself through the first 50 pages to give myself time to commit to the plot. Speaking of the plot, it develops much too quickly. No sooner do you think “aha – an interesting plot development” and the drama has already played itself out within a paragraph or two...more

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Sep 25, 2009 Roberta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sara Stockbridge writes in a definite style that took me a bit to get used to, but once I did, I didn't want to put Grace Hammer down. This is a story of a Victorian woman who learns how to steal to earn her way in the world. By taking great risks and then being careful, she manages to live in the squalor of London's Whitechapel in a comfortable house with her four children.
An old enemy resurfaces and hunts her down, a Mr. Blunt, from whom she stole a ruby necklace of great worth. The characters...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Cecilia rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: over-rated-drivle

What can I say about a book that is seriously lacking? There was no character development, and the suspense that one expects to find is dull. Our heroine in this story, Grace Hammer, NEVER meets with ill fortune during the course of the actual story, save for a page or two that details ONE event that occurred. There is no true climax as Grace never faces the one person threatening her life the most. The climax that one expects to find after all the build-up never happens and we are just let down...more

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Feb 15, 2010 Nicole rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-finish

I got this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers. It took me a while to get around to reviewing it, however, because it took some time to read it... and even then, I ended up not finishing it. Whether it's a bad time for me to be reading this particular book, or whether it's because I'm on a paranormal kick (and this is not a paranormal), or whether it's because of the odd present/past tense style of writing, I just couldn't get into it.

The basic premise was good, or at least what I saw of...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Debby rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was flailing about when I picked up this book. I had started and put down a couple others before, not being in the mood for them. I started this one reluctantly and kept at it, I think, out of distaste for the writing style. Perverse, huh? Throughout, the "oi, guv'nah" style bugged the heck out of me, but the story caught up with me. I enjoyed it. (Okay, just bumped up one more star.) It was escapist. I couldn't bring myself to sit down and read the book of an evening, but it worked for a long...more

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May 11, 2012 Ciska rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

The author
Sara Stockbridge (born Sarah Jane Stockbridge on 14 November 1965 in Woking, Surrey, England)is an English model, actress and author who achieved a certain level of high fashion notoriety in the mid to late 1980s as the muse of designer Vivenne Westwood. She has a son and a daughter from previous relationships. Currently she resides in London where she keeps busy with her band Rooster.

The synopsis
Whitechapel, 1888. Grace Hammer and her children live comfortably in Bell Lane, their home...more The author
Sara Stockbridge (born Sarah Jane Stockbridge on 14 November 1965 in Woking, Surrey, England)is an English model, actress and author who achieved a certain level of high fashion notoriety in the mid to late 1980s as the muse of designer Vivenne Westwood. She has a son and a daughter from previous relationships. Currently she resides in London where she keeps busy with her band Rooster.

The synopsis
Whitechapel, 1888. Grace Hammer and her children live comfortably in Bell Lane, their home a little oasis in the squalor of London’s East End. They make their living picking the pockets of wealthy strangers foolish enough to venture there. But Grace’s history is about to catch up with her. Out in the countryside Mr. Blunt rocks in his chair, vowing furious retribution. He has never forgotten his scarlet treasure, or the coquettish young woman who stole it from him.

The review
I saw this book in the bookstore and read the synopsis. I was really enthusiastic, Oliver Twist and Jack the Ripper in one book and a female protagonist. As soon as I found an excuse to stuff it in a challenge I grabbed it.
So I will start with the characters. The author managed to clearly personalize the characters. Grace is a very strong willed woman. She is trying to survive with her children in a way that she thinks is acceptable. She did not learn her daughter to steal for example. She also spending the money for entertainment for her children and food and clothes for them all. The children all have clear characters too though one action of Jake kind of surprised me, I did not see that one coming.
Mr. Blunt stars out as a scary little man but grows out to be an evil spirit fed by hate for Grace, you really get shivers down your spine the way he is described. Same with some other characters.
The story is a different thing though. I had a struggle reading it. The one sentence is written from the POV from Grace and the next sentence is written about her. It jumps up and down like that and it really takes a bit to get into it. As soon as you pick up a pace it will get easier to go trough it but every time you have to get in it again. This was irritating me enough that I considered giving the book only two stars. Still the story itself was entertaining enough. The atmosphere was clear and the characters where good. So three stars. But be careful if you want to pick up this book, read the first pages in the bookstore and see if you can deal with that style cause if you can not it will disappoint you.(less)

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Jan 01, 2010 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

"Have you ever been completely ambivalent about a book, to the point where you are not certain what you want to write? That is rather how I feel about Grace Hammer. I did not hate it, but I did not absolutely love it either. There were definitely some charming points about the story, and I am glad that I read the novel, but I am struggling to find the words to describe this book and my feelings about it. [return]When Ms. Stockbridge uses the caption � A Story of the Victorian Underground� , she...more

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Dec 17, 2009 Katherine rated it 3 of 5 stars

There are a few books which I can say that the negatives and the positives are in almost complete balance. Grace Hammer: A Novel of the Victorian Underworld is, for better or worse, one of those books.

Sara Stockbridge's writing reminds me, in some ways, of Victorian writers . . . full of complex sentences, an intimate narrator, and lengthy, blow-by-blow scenic descriptions. The problem is, however, that the complex sentences are often needlessly so and, although complex they are not always well...more There are a few books which I can say that the negatives and the positives are in almost complete balance. Grace Hammer: A Novel of the Victorian Underworld is, for better or worse, one of those books.

Sara Stockbridge's writing reminds me, in some ways, of Victorian writers . . . full of complex sentences, an intimate narrator, and lengthy, blow-by-blow scenic descriptions. The problem is, however, that the complex sentences are often needlessly so and, although complex they are not always well-written; the intimate narrator is an interesting but not always welcome (or well-understood voice#, and the description, though accurate, is something Victorian writers employed because they knew they had captivated audiences. Stockbridge, with her lengthy descriptions beginning before even the plot has started, does not have that guarantee. Had I not been reading this to review it, I'm not sure if I would have kept reading past that first description because Stockbridge had not yet hooked me.

I am glad, however, that I did finish the book because there were some really unique aspects to Grace Hammer. Stockbridge writes from a completely fresh angle. This is not the typical Victorian story of a well-to-do aristocrat (or perhaps more hackneyed, the poor girl who doesn't know she's actually an aristocrat.) Grace Hammer is the meat and bones of Victorian society, part of a social class that though infrequently written about in fiction is just as fascinating as those most written about. Furthermore, Stockbridge's creation of characters who, though working class are well-read, fits in nicely with recent historical and literary studies into 19th century working-class scenes of reading. Stockbridge's facts are both accurate and insightful, offering a delightful way to learn for the first time #or to be reminded again# that much of the Victorian working class considered books to be treasures that shaped their very foundations. Stockbridge also manages to subtly weave other critical Victorian popular culture references into her work, including #but not limited to# Jack the Ripper. In that respect, this book is a gem to both those who know nothing about Victorian cultures and those who secretly wish they'd been born a few centuries earlier.

To conclude, Sara Stockbridge is not the best writer that I've ever encountered. Nor am I sure if I will ever read this book again. Yet with an avid interest in the historical and literary facets of Victorian culture, I am glad this book fell into my lap, for it is indeed well-researched. And for any who, like myself, remember history (and other random facts) better through the guise of fiction, Grace Hammer: A Novel of the Victorian Underworld is a delightful spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down. (less)

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Oct 02, 2011 Lydia Presley rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fiction, historic-fiction

Original review posted here

I was less than impressed with this book, which makes me very sad because it had the potential for great fun. A strong, female lead, the Victorian time-period and London as the perfect setting.. everything should have added up to a fantastic little story about pickpockets and knaves.

I think the combination of Stockbridge’s writing as well as the lack-luster character and world building really just turned me off on the story and I had to force myself to finish it. I kep...more

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May 18, 2013 JP rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. Knowing it was a first-time author writing in a historical setting, I was prepared for a lot of cliches. I was instead treated to an enjoyable mystery tale - long enough to engage, but short enough to read on an overnight business trip. Stockbridge avoids over-specifying the characters, which leaves some depth and mystique to them. I was especially impressed by her ability to make several criminal characters seem likable and innocent.

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May 15, 2010 Renee rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I can't remember the last time I ran into a novel that had this issue...everything happened way too fast. No sooner had one character mentioned the need to do something or see someone than, lo and behold, there was individual walking down the street. If it is an event that had to occur, well...the entire thing is written in handy-dandy chunks, so rest assured that the next chunk of text would include the event.

This really was a detriment to a novel, which otherwise I am sure I would have liked

...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Rob Atkinson rated it 2 of 5 stars

After perusing the reviews on this site, I'll have to add my voice to that of the 'ambivalent' crowd; the titular character is a fairly well drawn and compelling heroine, but the novel's plotting is sometimes farfetched and is almost cartoonish at times. Those hoping for more than a tiny cameo by Jack the Ripper -- the book is set in 1888, in East End London's demi-monde, for pete's sake -- will also be disappointed. Despite all this, I was carried along by the story easily enough, but ultimatel...more

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Sep 27, 2009 Joanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Although it was a little hard to "get into" this book, I stayed with it and was glad I did. Set in Victorian England, in a very impoverished section of London, this is the story of a single mother who's past catches up to her. Grace is a kind hearted person who resorts to thievery to support her children. A victim from her past catches up to her and the suspense begins. It's a good book that leaves you wanting to hear more about Grace and her family.

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Dec 19, 2009 Katrina rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was a mildly entertaining read set in the Victorian crime underground, Grace Hammer is a great character yet the author did not really give much plot for Grace to romp in. You keep waiting for the book to take off but it's mostly stuck in neutral. And unfortunately,(spoilery ahead) the author brings in Jack the Ripper and his heinous murders. How banal! Jack the Ripper, is so ovah, dahling.

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Dec 24, 2009 Coki rated it 4 of 5 stars

Plucked this off the New Books shelf and it was great! Set against Jack the Ripper's East End London, filled with colorful characters but more importantly a lovely main character -- a wholesome criminal if one exists. Convoluted plot line which got kinda speedy at the end there but overall very enjoyable - good counterpoint to all those Holmes stories!

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Mar 27, 2012 Enka-Candler Library rated it 3 of 5 stars

Grace is a savy woman living in 1800's Whitechapel. She's raising her children in the family business, which happens to be theft. A long-ago enemy has come back to get his revenge and she must deal with this as several of her "friends" are being found savagely murdered by a guy named "Jack". Not bad, just not that spectacular either.
--Leisa

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Oct 26, 2009 Luke Womick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay all, I rarely give the full five star, and this is one deserves it. Ms. Stockbridge recreates East End in the late 19th with such care and skill. Seriously, you could be from Kansas and read this book and understand the location, feel and tone of this crazy world.

Also, big, big ups to Ms. Stockbridge for crafty a brilliantly complicated, flawed and lovely heroine. It's as if Grace Hammer is a Dickens heroine that he never got to write about. Buy it today. This is perfect for a book club, to...more

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Nov 15, 2009 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I began this at half-one in the morning and had finished it by lunchtime. I love it - I think it's going to be this year's present for my hard to buy for sister and a couple of boy pals as well. Can't believe I missed it coming out and only found it by chance in the library...

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Nov 09, 2011 Carolyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Delightful read. Victorian London, grimy, gritty streets - Dickensonian ambiance, but with a twist: the major successful criminals are women. Can't help but cheer for the heroine: pickpocket, mother, and woman who loves life - Grace Hammer.

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Mar 30, 2013 Precious Garnett rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 09, 2009 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

A great read, a fantastic sense of place (not just London but in time), fully drawn and believable characters, a brooding gothic atmosphere of menace..Sara we are all waiting for your next one

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Feb 22, 2011 RUSA CODES rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-list-2010

This was a Reading List Short List honor title in the Historical Fiction category for 2010. For the complete list, go to http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/aw...

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Sep 19, 2010 Gena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

If you're a fan of Dickens, you'll love this seedy story of a strong woman with questionable morals trying to make a living in the underbelly of Victorian London!

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Nov 11, 2009 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites

This book is all about who you know, and being in the right place at the right time. Or, the wrong place, depending on your point of view. This was one of the most fun historical fiction novels that I have read to date, bringing to the table a wonderful combination of suspense and quirkiness. I highly recommend it.

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Nov 19, 2009 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: british, historical-fiction, victorian, 2009

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this vivid, bawdy and suspenseful romp, populated with colorful characters and scenes. There's a lot of dark subject matter here, it being the East End of London in 1888 and all--there's poverty, crime, general meanness, your requisite gin-swilling, toothless prostitutes getting their throats cut--but it's by no means a downer. It actually has a snappy, upbeat kind of energy. Although it doesn't have the same ultra-impressive, epic hugeness, this did remind me strongl...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Steve Shilstone rated it 4 of 5 stars

While Jack the Ripper did his thing in Whitechapel, a single mom thief lived out her unrelated, but dangerously eventful life in the same environs.

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Nov 15, 2009 Angie Taylor rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book had a lot of potential, but just didn't make it. The author is clearly influenced by Charles Dickens not only in content, but in the details of characters and their unique qualities. She is even able to make a really bad guy as bad as they come. However, the book fell totally short of giving the reader any feeling of sympathy for the characters, which I think Dickens does masterfully. Thought it was going to be a fun one, but it disappointed.

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About Sara Stockbridge

Sara first came to anyone's attention in the 1980's as the muse of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. She cut her modelling career short in 1992 to pursue her dream of being an actress. While her acting career hasn't exactly set the world alight she has been lucky enough to appear in some great things. You can currently catch her in Gaspar (Irreversible) Noe's ENTER THE VOID - generally behaving...more

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