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Mad Miss Mimic
There are things I cannot say in any voice.
London, 1872. Seventeen-year-old heiress Leonora Somerville is preparing to be presented to upper-class society—again. She’s strikingly beautiful and going to be very rich, but Leo has a problem money can’t solve. A curious speech disorder causes her to stutter but allows her to imitate other people’s voices flawlessly. Servants and ladies alike call her “Mad Miss Mimic” behind her back…and watch as Leo unintentionally scares off one potential husband after another.
London is also a city gripped by opium fever. Leo’s brother-in-law, Dr. Dewhurst, and his new business partner, Francis Thornfax, are front-runners in the race to patent an injectable formula of the drug. Friendly, forthright, and devastatingly handsome, Thornfax seems immune to the gossip about Leo’s “madness.” But their courtship is endangered from the start. The mysterious Black Glove opium gang is setting off explosions across the city. The street urchins Dr. Dewhurst treats are dying of overdoses. And then there is Tom Rampling, the working-class boy Leo can’t seem to get off her mind.
As the violence closes in around her, Leo must find the links among the Black Glove’s attacks, Tom’s criminal past, the doctor’s dangerous cure, and Thornfax’s political ambitions. But first she must find her voice.
London, 1872. Seventeen-year-old heiress Leonora Somerville is preparing to be presented to upper-class society—again. She’s strikingly beautiful and going to be very rich, but Leo has a problem money can’t solve. A curious speech disorder causes her to stutter but allows her to imitate other people’s voices flawlessly. Servants and ladies alike call her “Mad Miss Mimic” behind her back…and watch as Leo unintentionally scares off one potential husband after another.
London is also a city gripped by opium fever. Leo’s brother-in-law, Dr. Dewhurst, and his new business partner, Francis Thornfax, are front-runners in the race to patent an injectable formula of the drug. Friendly, forthright, and devastatingly handsome, Thornfax seems immune to the gossip about Leo’s “madness.” But their courtship is endangered from the start. The mysterious Black Glove opium gang is setting off explosions across the city. The street urchins Dr. Dewhurst treats are dying of overdoses. And then there is Tom Rampling, the working-class boy Leo can’t seem to get off her mind.
As the violence closes in around her, Leo must find the links among the Black Glove’s attacks, Tom’s criminal past, the doctor’s dangerous cure, and Thornfax’s political ambitions. But first she must find her voice.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
21 people are currently reading
2098 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Henstra
7 books239 followersSARAH HENSTRA is the author of the instant national bestseller The Lost Tarot (Doubleday Canada, 2024) and The Red Word (Grove/ECW/Tramp), which won the 2018 Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction and was nominated for the Dublin International Literary Award. She is also author of the young adult novels Mad Miss Mimic (Penguin Teen, 2015), a CLA Best Book for Teens and a finalist for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, and We Contain Multitudes (Little, Brown/Penguin, 2019), which was the 2022 Vermont Reads program title and was nominated for the White Pine Award. Sarah holds a PhD in English and is a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada.
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February 6, 2017
This is the spoiler-free critique originally posted on Hey Ashers! You'll find the original review here!
Well, Ashers,
I didn't expect my very first ARC* review to be a ranty one, but here we are. I was mired in boredom for most of the book, and deeply pissed in the end. My feminist, pro-disability-(etc.)-in-YA heart can't take this book.
Because I'm so ready to put this book behind me, this review will be a (long-ish) spoiler-free, bulleted-list thing instead of a full-length critique. But it's crucial to point out the two aspects of this book that I found especially problematic, so at the end of the review I'll put up a big TINY SPOILERS AHEAD warning, and two additional bullet points addressing the source of my anger.
If you're interested in this book and care at all about feminism and disability in YA, please read those tiny spoilers.
*ARC: Advanced Reader Copy. As much as I didn't enjoy this book, I'd like to extend a hug to the publisher for sending me an ebook copy before its publication date in exchange for my honest review. Penguin Random House Canada is awesome, and I appreciate them letting me pick apart their book. (Sorry, guys.)
Starting with the positives:
--Our heroine, Leonora (a.k.a. Leo), possesses a significant stammer.
--Her stammer (and her other trait, the compulsive mimicry of other people) affects her identity and her life in a deeply judgmental and ableist society.
--The book has a strong opinion about the misogyny of upper class Victorian society, and I wholeheartedly agree with that opinion.
--The premise, the idea behind the characters' interrelationships, and the message at the story's heart are all genuinely neat.
Believe me, I wish I could list more positives.
Because I have quite a few flaws I'd like to highlight, I'm going to break down my list of negatives by category. (It's for my sake as well as yours.)
WRITING PROBLEMS
1) The book read like a promising draft in need of stylistic revisions. For example: almost everything that would have been more powerful when shown (for example, emotions shown through expressions, tone of voice, and body language) was actually told, and as straightforwardly as possible (such as stating "I was surprised," rather than being shown gasping, flinching, blinking, etc.). As another example: metaphors were described at length, and then explained at length, thus sapping their impact. Stylistic issues like these make for boring reading.
2) All books need to start with a hook, some interesting and engaging tidbit to grab the reader's attention. This book's first hook is ridiculously lazy: immediately before chapter one opens, we're presented a newspaper article that (briefly) describes the Major Exciting Event that happens in the book's climax. Chapter one then begins with Leo (our first-person narrator) narrating about how she was powerless during the events of and leading up to that climax, and how tragic her life now is post-climax. "Look," this hook is muttering, "look how huge this climax is going to be. Aren't you excited? Don't you want to read more?" No, I am not excited. You just ruined the climax by showing me what's going to happen both during and immediately after it.
CHARACTER PROBLEMS
1) Every character, from our heroine to her love interest to the villains, was one-dimensional at best, and a one-dimensional caricature at worst. I'd be hard-pressed to tell you anything about Leo's personality beyond the fact that she's naïve and her speech impediment has made her shy. She's . . . yeah, I can't think of any other defining characteristics. Oh, she's incapable of putting two and two together unless you drag out a chalkboard and walk her through the process; that's a trait she exhibits consistently. I was not engaged by any of the characters.
2) Due to everyone's flatness, and the way emotions are told rather than shown, I felt zero chemistry between Leo and her love interest. This was especially frustrating because quite a lot of time was devoted to the romance.
3) How and why, exactly, is Leo able to perfectly mimic a rich baritone voice? I ask because (a) it's not necessary for the plot, (b) this book isn't marketed as magical realism, yet there's clearly something unnatural going on here, and (c) hundreds of thousands of transguys and masculine-presenting genderqueer people want to know.
PLOT PROBLEMS
1) I can count on one hand the number of times Leo performs a plot-significant action (as opposed to passively hanging around as things conveniently happen around her), and still have fingers left over. Personally, I prefer my heroines be less passive, more engaged with the plot.
2) The pacing was unbearably slow, due to both her passivity and the sequence of events in the plot itself. All told, not a great deal happens in the book, and the events that do happen are (in my opinion) not portrayed in a particularly engaging or compelling way. I spent several days struggling to finish the book, and it's only about 250 pages long.
3) This book should not be compared to the stories of Sherlock Holmes, because it contains zero mystery. The villain's identity is shockingly obvious from the start, and Leo is as far from Sherlock-ish as humanly possible.
4) There's a significant, fundamental plot hole that greatly reduced my acceptance of the plot. (This could have been an easy fix in the editing process, unfortunately, so every time it reared its head—which was often—I had to engage in yet another gentle round of headdesking.)
WORLD PROBLEMS
1) The setting, like the characters, did not feel fleshed out or realistic. There were a few genuinely neat setting descriptions, but I never felt like the book was set in real, historical London. History nerd that I am, I found that disappointing.
2) There were too many (recurring, unaccountable) missteps regarding Victorian culture throughout the story. I had expected this book to provide at least a passably decent portrayal of Victorian society; why else would it have been compared to the Regency's Jane Austen, whose works were such careful observations of and commentary on her own society? And don't you dare tell me "because of the romance."
MESSAGE PROBLEMS
1) Although the book does point out the misogyny inherent in Victorian society, it hammers (loudly) on only a single key/aspect of that broad (multifaceted, pervasive) subject. I was disappointed that the book didn't even hint at any of the countless other ways that misogyny affected women's lives during that time. Even worse, this feminist message is comprehensively contradicted by some of the problematic aspects I'll be raging about soon.
2) The book's synopsis claims Leo learns to face down her fear and find her voice, but no. No, she doesn't. Sure, she pauses her narration of events to tell us that she suddenly overcame her fear (etc.), but her actions don't support that claim. She can tell me she learned any life lesson she liked, but I won't believe her unless I see that lesson affect her behavior/actions/life. As a result, the book's heart felt as flat as the characters themselves.
UNDERLYING MISOGYNY AND SIZEISM?
1) The way this book describes women really put me off. Almost everyone Leo sees is described as unattractive, but while Leo only briefly acknowledged the ugliness of the male characters, she lingered gleefully on the grotesque of appearances of the female characters, describing their grossness with an unnecessary attention to detail. Only one male character is given the same long-form inspection of his physical disgustingness, and that's only toward the end, after he's revealed to be morally bankrupt. Leo never showed any other sign of misogyny; I was left with the feeling that it was actually the book that was vaguely misogynistic, not Leo herself.
2) Leo/the book also loved to point out how "enormously fat" (direct quote!) people were, and how these people always seemed to be sweating through their clothes. And no, she didn't describe these people in any other way (hairstyle, eye color, etc.), even though the skinnier people were described in terms other than just their weight. I won't lie, this stuff pisses me off.
TWO INFURIATING THINGS
~TINY SPOILERS AHEAD~
And now, because I believe everyone should be aware of them before going into this book:
1) Leo experiences a serious, prolonged case of "the guy I love is gone, so that means my life is over forever, I should totally just waste away locked in my room until I die because I'm not even a real person without him." The only thing that convinces her otherwise is when the guy returns, and therefore her life is worth living again. This is an awful thing to tell women in general, and young women specifically: that they are worthless, and their lives are pointless, unless they're with the guy they love. I was horrified and disgusted by Leo's behavior, by her beloved aunt's (lack of) response, and by the book's apparent belief that this is all perfectly fine and normal and even romantic. It is not fine. It is not normal. It sure as hell is not romantic.
BUT EVEN WORSE, OH MY GOD:
2) Leo's lifelong speech impediment is magically cured toward the end, through the power of looove. Surely I don't need to tell you that this is a terrible thing for books to do. I'm pissed enough about it as it is; I can't imagine how much more deeply I would have been affected if I had a serious speech impediment, and finally got to see a protagonist share my exact struggle, only to find that they get to be made "normal" at the end because of bullshit nonsensical authorial interference. Why couldn't Leo just keep the impediment? Nothing of importance would have changed about the story's conclusion if she still stuttered. Removing someone's impediment (or disability, or chronic illness, or mental illness, etc.) as a "reward" at the end of the book is unspeakably awful.
To be honest, I probably would've given this book one or one and a half stars (my "very bad" rating), except for those two deeply problematic aspects. Only poorly written and infuriating books get awarded that elusive half-star rating.
This book does have an interesting premise, and with significantly more editing it could be a fascinating and powerful story. The author clearly has some great ideas, and just needs more practice developing them and capturing them on paper. And, you know, a bit more of a feminist and non-ableist education. There's a chance that I'll be looking her work up again in, oh, six or seven years, after she's gained more experience and begun to settle into her craft.
But for now, I need to go curl up with a better book to cleanse me of my rage.
Love,
Liam
Well, Ashers,
I didn't expect my very first ARC* review to be a ranty one, but here we are. I was mired in boredom for most of the book, and deeply pissed in the end. My feminist, pro-disability-(etc.)-in-YA heart can't take this book.
Because I'm so ready to put this book behind me, this review will be a (long-ish) spoiler-free, bulleted-list thing instead of a full-length critique. But it's crucial to point out the two aspects of this book that I found especially problematic, so at the end of the review I'll put up a big TINY SPOILERS AHEAD warning, and two additional bullet points addressing the source of my anger.
If you're interested in this book and care at all about feminism and disability in YA, please read those tiny spoilers.
*ARC: Advanced Reader Copy. As much as I didn't enjoy this book, I'd like to extend a hug to the publisher for sending me an ebook copy before its publication date in exchange for my honest review. Penguin Random House Canada is awesome, and I appreciate them letting me pick apart their book. (Sorry, guys.)
Starting with the positives:
--Our heroine, Leonora (a.k.a. Leo), possesses a significant stammer.
--Her stammer (and her other trait, the compulsive mimicry of other people) affects her identity and her life in a deeply judgmental and ableist society.
--The book has a strong opinion about the misogyny of upper class Victorian society, and I wholeheartedly agree with that opinion.
--The premise, the idea behind the characters' interrelationships, and the message at the story's heart are all genuinely neat.
Believe me, I wish I could list more positives.
Because I have quite a few flaws I'd like to highlight, I'm going to break down my list of negatives by category. (It's for my sake as well as yours.)
WRITING PROBLEMS
1) The book read like a promising draft in need of stylistic revisions. For example: almost everything that would have been more powerful when shown (for example, emotions shown through expressions, tone of voice, and body language) was actually told, and as straightforwardly as possible (such as stating "I was surprised," rather than being shown gasping, flinching, blinking, etc.). As another example: metaphors were described at length, and then explained at length, thus sapping their impact. Stylistic issues like these make for boring reading.
2) All books need to start with a hook, some interesting and engaging tidbit to grab the reader's attention. This book's first hook is ridiculously lazy: immediately before chapter one opens, we're presented a newspaper article that (briefly) describes the Major Exciting Event that happens in the book's climax. Chapter one then begins with Leo (our first-person narrator) narrating about how she was powerless during the events of and leading up to that climax, and how tragic her life now is post-climax. "Look," this hook is muttering, "look how huge this climax is going to be. Aren't you excited? Don't you want to read more?" No, I am not excited. You just ruined the climax by showing me what's going to happen both during and immediately after it.
CHARACTER PROBLEMS
1) Every character, from our heroine to her love interest to the villains, was one-dimensional at best, and a one-dimensional caricature at worst. I'd be hard-pressed to tell you anything about Leo's personality beyond the fact that she's naïve and her speech impediment has made her shy. She's . . . yeah, I can't think of any other defining characteristics. Oh, she's incapable of putting two and two together unless you drag out a chalkboard and walk her through the process; that's a trait she exhibits consistently. I was not engaged by any of the characters.
2) Due to everyone's flatness, and the way emotions are told rather than shown, I felt zero chemistry between Leo and her love interest. This was especially frustrating because quite a lot of time was devoted to the romance.
3) How and why, exactly, is Leo able to perfectly mimic a rich baritone voice? I ask because (a) it's not necessary for the plot, (b) this book isn't marketed as magical realism, yet there's clearly something unnatural going on here, and (c) hundreds of thousands of transguys and masculine-presenting genderqueer people want to know.
PLOT PROBLEMS
1) I can count on one hand the number of times Leo performs a plot-significant action (as opposed to passively hanging around as things conveniently happen around her), and still have fingers left over. Personally, I prefer my heroines be less passive, more engaged with the plot.
2) The pacing was unbearably slow, due to both her passivity and the sequence of events in the plot itself. All told, not a great deal happens in the book, and the events that do happen are (in my opinion) not portrayed in a particularly engaging or compelling way. I spent several days struggling to finish the book, and it's only about 250 pages long.
3) This book should not be compared to the stories of Sherlock Holmes, because it contains zero mystery. The villain's identity is shockingly obvious from the start, and Leo is as far from Sherlock-ish as humanly possible.
4) There's a significant, fundamental plot hole that greatly reduced my acceptance of the plot. (This could have been an easy fix in the editing process, unfortunately, so every time it reared its head—which was often—I had to engage in yet another gentle round of headdesking.)
WORLD PROBLEMS
1) The setting, like the characters, did not feel fleshed out or realistic. There were a few genuinely neat setting descriptions, but I never felt like the book was set in real, historical London. History nerd that I am, I found that disappointing.
2) There were too many (recurring, unaccountable) missteps regarding Victorian culture throughout the story. I had expected this book to provide at least a passably decent portrayal of Victorian society; why else would it have been compared to the Regency's Jane Austen, whose works were such careful observations of and commentary on her own society? And don't you dare tell me "because of the romance."
MESSAGE PROBLEMS
1) Although the book does point out the misogyny inherent in Victorian society, it hammers (loudly) on only a single key/aspect of that broad (multifaceted, pervasive) subject. I was disappointed that the book didn't even hint at any of the countless other ways that misogyny affected women's lives during that time. Even worse, this feminist message is comprehensively contradicted by some of the problematic aspects I'll be raging about soon.
2) The book's synopsis claims Leo learns to face down her fear and find her voice, but no. No, she doesn't. Sure, she pauses her narration of events to tell us that she suddenly overcame her fear (etc.), but her actions don't support that claim. She can tell me she learned any life lesson she liked, but I won't believe her unless I see that lesson affect her behavior/actions/life. As a result, the book's heart felt as flat as the characters themselves.
UNDERLYING MISOGYNY AND SIZEISM?
1) The way this book describes women really put me off. Almost everyone Leo sees is described as unattractive, but while Leo only briefly acknowledged the ugliness of the male characters, she lingered gleefully on the grotesque of appearances of the female characters, describing their grossness with an unnecessary attention to detail. Only one male character is given the same long-form inspection of his physical disgustingness, and that's only toward the end, after he's revealed to be morally bankrupt. Leo never showed any other sign of misogyny; I was left with the feeling that it was actually the book that was vaguely misogynistic, not Leo herself.
2) Leo/the book also loved to point out how "enormously fat" (direct quote!) people were, and how these people always seemed to be sweating through their clothes. And no, she didn't describe these people in any other way (hairstyle, eye color, etc.), even though the skinnier people were described in terms other than just their weight. I won't lie, this stuff pisses me off.
TWO INFURIATING THINGS
~TINY SPOILERS AHEAD~
And now, because I believe everyone should be aware of them before going into this book:
1) Leo experiences a serious, prolonged case of "the guy I love is gone, so that means my life is over forever, I should totally just waste away locked in my room until I die because I'm not even a real person without him." The only thing that convinces her otherwise is when the guy returns, and therefore her life is worth living again. This is an awful thing to tell women in general, and young women specifically: that they are worthless, and their lives are pointless, unless they're with the guy they love. I was horrified and disgusted by Leo's behavior, by her beloved aunt's (lack of) response, and by the book's apparent belief that this is all perfectly fine and normal and even romantic. It is not fine. It is not normal. It sure as hell is not romantic.
BUT EVEN WORSE, OH MY GOD:
2) Leo's lifelong speech impediment is magically cured toward the end, through the power of looove. Surely I don't need to tell you that this is a terrible thing for books to do. I'm pissed enough about it as it is; I can't imagine how much more deeply I would have been affected if I had a serious speech impediment, and finally got to see a protagonist share my exact struggle, only to find that they get to be made "normal" at the end because of bullshit nonsensical authorial interference. Why couldn't Leo just keep the impediment? Nothing of importance would have changed about the story's conclusion if she still stuttered. Removing someone's impediment (or disability, or chronic illness, or mental illness, etc.) as a "reward" at the end of the book is unspeakably awful.
To be honest, I probably would've given this book one or one and a half stars (my "very bad" rating), except for those two deeply problematic aspects. Only poorly written and infuriating books get awarded that elusive half-star rating.
This book does have an interesting premise, and with significantly more editing it could be a fascinating and powerful story. The author clearly has some great ideas, and just needs more practice developing them and capturing them on paper. And, you know, a bit more of a feminist and non-ableist education. There's a chance that I'll be looking her work up again in, oh, six or seven years, after she's gained more experience and begun to settle into her craft.
But for now, I need to go curl up with a better book to cleanse me of my rage.
Love,
Liam
January 4, 2017
I had fun reading this Victorian mystery. The main character's selective mutism/mimicking was a very interesting trait. I have never read about a character with that affliction before so it was pretty cool.
The publisher describes this as a cross between a Jane Austen Novel and a Sherlock one. While I would not agree with that description, I can see where the intent to create that vibe came from.
The mystery in the novel captured my attention but it was a very light and simple mystery. No nail biting here.
The romance in the story was sweet too, although it did feel a little silly near the end.
I found the subject of casual drug use in Victorian England very interesting. I don't know why I am always interested so much in vices of times past, but nevertheless I quite liked that part of the story. I also liked how the author wrote more about the subject at the end of the book.
Overall I found this to be a fun read with a light mystery and an intriguing main character. 3.5/5
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Borrow
Check out more of my reviews here
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2017
*I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
To sum this up real quickly, this books wasn't completely terrible, but it wasn't terribly good either.
Predictable from the start and rather cliche, this book promises romance and mystery, yet does a pretty poor job at both.
Took a while to get through and toward the end I was just waiting for it to be over.
To sum this up real quickly, this books wasn't completely terrible, but it wasn't terribly good either.
Predictable from the start and rather cliche, this book promises romance and mystery, yet does a pretty poor job at both.
Took a while to get through and toward the end I was just waiting for it to be over.
May 10, 2016
An enjoyable read about Leonora Sommerville, a 17-year old girl who suffers from stuttering and the ability to mimic other people's voices unintentionally. Set in London 1872, Leonora comes from a well to do family who are embarrassed by her affliction and would rather she not speak. Meanwhile, while trying to cope with her stuttering her sister Christabel is set on procuring a wealthy husband to take off her hands so long as Leonora doesn't scare them off. In the midst of Leonora's troubles a series of explosions are happening around London by the hand of a villain named The Black Glove that affects her brother-in-law's trade. This was a nicely written novel that kept my interest and didn't waver as the plot went along.
April 11, 2015
Mad Miss Mimic is a fantastic book for anyone who enjoys a Victorian-era mystery with an intriguing female lead! Is the plot predictable? Entirely. Do I care? Not a whit! Henstra's narrative is so engaging and well-paced that I was never bored, and Leo is a fun, easily relatable character. An excellent debut novel!
April 10, 2019
This was my second book by Sarah Henstra. It was something completely different, both in themes and also setting, from The red word, the other book by her that I've read.
I enjoyed the Victorian setting and I found reading about the opium treatments very interesting. The mystery wasn't very surprising but still enjoyable.
Leonora definitely had a character arc and changed for the better throughout the story, something I truly liked.
Overall it was a nice read.
I enjoyed the Victorian setting and I found reading about the opium treatments very interesting. The mystery wasn't very surprising but still enjoyable.
Leonora definitely had a character arc and changed for the better throughout the story, something I truly liked.
Overall it was a nice read.
March 6, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
It is not often that I read a book and come away feeling enlightened and entertained at the same time. Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra is an historical fiction that packs quite a punch. It encompasses a step back in time, while providing its readers with a thrilling mystery and a slow burning romance. The main character, Leo, is relatable, quirky and full of spunk, making this book one of my favourite reads of 2016!
Historical fiction is not typically a genre that I gravitate to, but there is something quite intriguing about the concept of this mysterious Black Glove society and its connection to an underground drug trade. It is kind of like Breaking Bad in the late 1800s. Henstra has woven a complex story that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats as this story of terror and secrecy unfolds. It is hard to put this one down!
As the synopsis indicates, Leo is from quite a wealthy background and she is seeking a suitor at the desperation of her sister who wants to marry her off. Unfortunately, Leo’s speech disorder is very intimidating for many in the book. However, Tom, who is one of the assistants to her brother-in-law, slowly becomes a forbidden love interest for Leo. Due to their different classes in society, both characters try to deny their feelings for one another. It is such a beautiful part of the story that really shows the importance of being true to one’s self.
Leo has to be one of the most interesting characters that I have come across in YA. The time period in which the story is written makes a stuttering disorder quite a scandalous thing that many in Leo’s family try to hide. Despite the hardships she has to face due to her disability, Leo perseveres and it is so wonderful to see her unafraid and willing to fight for herself.
If you are looking for a unique and interesting read, I highly suggest Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra. The historical elements of this book add to the flavour of the story and create an interesting back drop for a mystery. I look forward to reading more of Henstra’s work!
It is not often that I read a book and come away feeling enlightened and entertained at the same time. Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra is an historical fiction that packs quite a punch. It encompasses a step back in time, while providing its readers with a thrilling mystery and a slow burning romance. The main character, Leo, is relatable, quirky and full of spunk, making this book one of my favourite reads of 2016!
Historical fiction is not typically a genre that I gravitate to, but there is something quite intriguing about the concept of this mysterious Black Glove society and its connection to an underground drug trade. It is kind of like Breaking Bad in the late 1800s. Henstra has woven a complex story that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats as this story of terror and secrecy unfolds. It is hard to put this one down!
As the synopsis indicates, Leo is from quite a wealthy background and she is seeking a suitor at the desperation of her sister who wants to marry her off. Unfortunately, Leo’s speech disorder is very intimidating for many in the book. However, Tom, who is one of the assistants to her brother-in-law, slowly becomes a forbidden love interest for Leo. Due to their different classes in society, both characters try to deny their feelings for one another. It is such a beautiful part of the story that really shows the importance of being true to one’s self.
Leo has to be one of the most interesting characters that I have come across in YA. The time period in which the story is written makes a stuttering disorder quite a scandalous thing that many in Leo’s family try to hide. Despite the hardships she has to face due to her disability, Leo perseveres and it is so wonderful to see her unafraid and willing to fight for herself.
If you are looking for a unique and interesting read, I highly suggest Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra. The historical elements of this book add to the flavour of the story and create an interesting back drop for a mystery. I look forward to reading more of Henstra’s work!
June 6, 2015
Part historical fiction, thriller and love story, this book is a page-turner! Henstra's plot is tight, her characters intriguing and her setting's and period's details are well-researched and fascinating. What fun this book was to read!
November 7, 2017
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Leo is the proper young lady of an affluent 1870s family who lives with her married sister, Christabel. She's also Mad Miss Mimic who when stressed randomly mimics another people's voice flawlessly. It's embarrassing and liberating... especially when she draws the eye of popular Mr. Thornfax, the son of a lord who is fabulously wealthy and her brother-in-law's business partner. When the Black Glove start terrorizing the city Leo and Mad Miss Mimic come upon Tom, who seems to know more than he's saying... Will she reveal the mastermind, and who will capture her heart?
I love me a good historical romance. I actually quite loved the premise, Leo, Mr Thornfax and Tom and thought the setup was particularly well done. Leo doesn't start out as some bluestocking rich girl being forced to marry against her will. No, she's on board with her sister's plan to get married and become independent. What she is though is a curious and brave girl who due to her affliction has to face some tough spots at times. This isn't her first romance either - she's had many a failed one. I just loved how you got this sense of Leo through the opening situations she's in. She doesn't always have the answers but she's not afraid of going out and finding them.
Leo was excellent from start, to growth, to finish, but Mr Thornfax and Tom were equally well developed. I quite loved Mr Thornfax. I think in her situation Leo would be quite susceptible which is why Thornfax courted her the way he did. I just loved how things were not as they appeared. Tom too was just as good at drawing us in. I don't know that I ever mistook either man for a role other than the one he was meant to play but it was quite well done how the author kept us on our toes as each man went about his story acting out his part. We would follow Leo around as she tried to separate truth from illusion.
The storycraft and writing though were quite superior. I loved how Leo's thoughts lead to action in a brilliant way. There was an immediacy that worked quite well, especially after 50% once Leo made up her mind to know the truth.
And it wasn't the same setup over and over, but it fit in each situation.
I wasn't disappointed by the ending either. It was right in line with the rest of the story. The writing was strong on form and details that made the world very real feeling. The villain was very good and you don't dislike Leo for being deceived, she wasn't stupid!! (Which is quite a change from most heroines...) I quite highly recommend this book to everyone, even modern lovers will take a shine to this historical novel. I seriously could read this again - which is a rarity for me!
BOTTOM LINE: Action, intrigue, history and romance + excellent storycraft = a winner!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
Leo is the proper young lady of an affluent 1870s family who lives with her married sister, Christabel. She's also Mad Miss Mimic who when stressed randomly mimics another people's voice flawlessly. It's embarrassing and liberating... especially when she draws the eye of popular Mr. Thornfax, the son of a lord who is fabulously wealthy and her brother-in-law's business partner. When the Black Glove start terrorizing the city Leo and Mad Miss Mimic come upon Tom, who seems to know more than he's saying... Will she reveal the mastermind, and who will capture her heart?
I love me a good historical romance. I actually quite loved the premise, Leo, Mr Thornfax and Tom and thought the setup was particularly well done. Leo doesn't start out as some bluestocking rich girl being forced to marry against her will. No, she's on board with her sister's plan to get married and become independent. What she is though is a curious and brave girl who due to her affliction has to face some tough spots at times. This isn't her first romance either - she's had many a failed one. I just loved how you got this sense of Leo through the opening situations she's in. She doesn't always have the answers but she's not afraid of going out and finding them.
Leo was excellent from start, to growth, to finish, but Mr Thornfax and Tom were equally well developed. I quite loved Mr Thornfax. I think in her situation Leo would be quite susceptible which is why Thornfax courted her the way he did. I just loved how things were not as they appeared. Tom too was just as good at drawing us in. I don't know that I ever mistook either man for a role other than the one he was meant to play but it was quite well done how the author kept us on our toes as each man went about his story acting out his part. We would follow Leo around as she tried to separate truth from illusion.
The storycraft and writing though were quite superior. I loved how Leo's thoughts lead to action in a brilliant way. There was an immediacy that worked quite well, especially after 50% once Leo made up her mind to know the truth.
"Discover all the facts before you make up your mind. Tossing my book onto the bed... I found a long over-jacket and shawl I had not worn often. ... Carrying my sturdiest boots I stole through the kitchens to the side door. From the hook I scooped Mrs. Fayerweather’s forgotten bonnet, ... I wrote a hasty note to Bess, telling her that I was going alone to call on neighbours..."
And it wasn't the same setup over and over, but it fit in each situation.
“Now then,” I addressed myself, whispering behind my scarf. The resolve that had pushed me to abandon my bedchamber this morning now took on a clearer shape. I wanted to discover the facts. I wanted to do what was right. But most of all I wanted to be less afraid. ..."
I wasn't disappointed by the ending either. It was right in line with the rest of the story. The writing was strong on form and details that made the world very real feeling. The villain was very good and you don't dislike Leo for being deceived, she wasn't stupid!! (Which is quite a change from most heroines...) I quite highly recommend this book to everyone, even modern lovers will take a shine to this historical novel. I seriously could read this again - which is a rarity for me!
BOTTOM LINE: Action, intrigue, history and romance + excellent storycraft = a winner!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
April 22, 2015
"Mad Miss Mimic" which I won through Goodreads Giveaways combines murder, mystery and romance and opens in Hastings House, London in 1872. Leonora Somerville is a beautiful and rich seventeen year old with a stuttering disorder that she loses when she imitates other people's voices. An adversity that society frowns on, she's been nicknamed "Mad Miss Mimic" until Francis Thornfax, her brother-in-law's partner begins to court her.
Infatuated by the handsome son of Lord Rosbury, Leo soon discovers that there is something disturbing underlying Thornfax and her brother-in-law's business dealings. With the help of Tom Rampling a young man with a criminal past she unconsciously begins an investigation that will uncover a sinister connection between the Black Glove opium gang terrorizing London, her brother-in-law, her betrothed and the man she loves.
Sarah Henstra sets the stage for this exciting and unique historical romance in London where parliament has been petitioned to ban opium. In retaliation the Black Glove gang has been bombing buildings, killing innocent and unsuspecting citizens. With clever dexterity she builds an atmosphere that's dark and foreboding broken only by Leo's amusing mimicry of people she knows as well as her venture into romance. The plot is fast-paced and filled with surprising twists as murder stalks Dr. Dewhurst's patients, and mystery abounds with every explosion in the city.
The plot is well-written and highly entertaining as Leo ignores the staid rules of the upper class and abandons decorum not only in her search for the truth but in giving her heart. Like most women in 18th century English society Leo views marriage to Francis Thornfax as a path to independence, freedom from vicious gossip and judgement, but it's with Tom Rampling, a man beneath her social position that she finds love. As the story progresses and events unfold Leo struggles with her conscience versus caution as she grapples with a vindictive sister, her brother-in-law's sinister cure and Thornfax's shady dealings.
The characters with their flaws, faults and strengths are realistic, complex and unforgettable. Leo Somerville plagued by stammering and a reliance on mimicry when speech fails her, is sensitive insecure and lonely. She's flattered and blinded by Thornfax's pursuit, sensing society's acceptance of their liaison while yearning for a love that's considered forbidden. Francis Thornfax masks his intimidating, cruel and predatory nature behind charm, confidence and good-hearted affability. In contrast Tom Rampling a servant in Dr. Dewhurst's employee is conscientious, kind-hearted, and intelligent. Mechanically-minded, Tom is clever, curious and serious as well as smitten by Leo's spirit and determination. These characters and many more add to the drama, passion and energy of a novel that's a page- turner from beginning to end.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Mad Miss Mimic" and highly recommend it.
Infatuated by the handsome son of Lord Rosbury, Leo soon discovers that there is something disturbing underlying Thornfax and her brother-in-law's business dealings. With the help of Tom Rampling a young man with a criminal past she unconsciously begins an investigation that will uncover a sinister connection between the Black Glove opium gang terrorizing London, her brother-in-law, her betrothed and the man she loves.
Sarah Henstra sets the stage for this exciting and unique historical romance in London where parliament has been petitioned to ban opium. In retaliation the Black Glove gang has been bombing buildings, killing innocent and unsuspecting citizens. With clever dexterity she builds an atmosphere that's dark and foreboding broken only by Leo's amusing mimicry of people she knows as well as her venture into romance. The plot is fast-paced and filled with surprising twists as murder stalks Dr. Dewhurst's patients, and mystery abounds with every explosion in the city.
The plot is well-written and highly entertaining as Leo ignores the staid rules of the upper class and abandons decorum not only in her search for the truth but in giving her heart. Like most women in 18th century English society Leo views marriage to Francis Thornfax as a path to independence, freedom from vicious gossip and judgement, but it's with Tom Rampling, a man beneath her social position that she finds love. As the story progresses and events unfold Leo struggles with her conscience versus caution as she grapples with a vindictive sister, her brother-in-law's sinister cure and Thornfax's shady dealings.
The characters with their flaws, faults and strengths are realistic, complex and unforgettable. Leo Somerville plagued by stammering and a reliance on mimicry when speech fails her, is sensitive insecure and lonely. She's flattered and blinded by Thornfax's pursuit, sensing society's acceptance of their liaison while yearning for a love that's considered forbidden. Francis Thornfax masks his intimidating, cruel and predatory nature behind charm, confidence and good-hearted affability. In contrast Tom Rampling a servant in Dr. Dewhurst's employee is conscientious, kind-hearted, and intelligent. Mechanically-minded, Tom is clever, curious and serious as well as smitten by Leo's spirit and determination. These characters and many more add to the drama, passion and energy of a novel that's a page- turner from beginning to end.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Mad Miss Mimic" and highly recommend it.
December 16, 2016
Mad Miss Mimic was a fresh and interesting novel! With an addictive setting and unique characters, this story was a fun ride. The overall plot of this book was very intriguing and compelling, even though it was predictable at times.
The book started off on the slower side, so I had a hard time really connecting to the story at first. I also found the pacing of most of the book to be a little off. There were some slow moments throughout the book that were hard to push through. However, the exciting and fast-paced moments were such a joy to read!
The historical aspects of this book were so well written. It was easy to see that the author put a long of time and effort into researching the 18th century. I loved being in the historic setting and exploring the society, social norms, and medicine in the 18th century. The author really nailed that part of the book! I also loved the focus on drugs that the author weaved throughout the story. It was such an addictive and interesting thing to read about.
The characters in Mad Miss Mimic were a lot of fun! The main character, Leo, was such a unique and lovable character. I felt bad for Leo because she seemed very insecure and almost lonely in the beginning of the novel. It was so wonderful to see her grow stronger throughout the story. Her stammering and "Mimic" character were both very interesting to read about. I thought the "Mimic" side of Leo was a really unique spin that I have never seen in a novel before. The development of "Mimic" felt a tad bit too convenient by the end of the book, but it was still an interesting plotline.
Tom was another great character in this book! Tom was clever, kind, swoon-worthy, and passionate. Tom was a character that slowly grew on me throughout the book. I really enjoyed getting to know his character and seeing him interact with Leo.
The romance in this book was adorable! I thought it added a sweet and swoony aspect to this book, which I enjoyed.
As I mentioned earlier, there were some predictable outcomes in this book. However, there were also some things that happened that I wasn't expecting. The author did a great job at keeping me guessing with some of the plotlines in this novel. Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. I would recommend this to readers who like mystery novels set in a historical time period.
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The book started off on the slower side, so I had a hard time really connecting to the story at first. I also found the pacing of most of the book to be a little off. There were some slow moments throughout the book that were hard to push through. However, the exciting and fast-paced moments were such a joy to read!
The historical aspects of this book were so well written. It was easy to see that the author put a long of time and effort into researching the 18th century. I loved being in the historic setting and exploring the society, social norms, and medicine in the 18th century. The author really nailed that part of the book! I also loved the focus on drugs that the author weaved throughout the story. It was such an addictive and interesting thing to read about.
The characters in Mad Miss Mimic were a lot of fun! The main character, Leo, was such a unique and lovable character. I felt bad for Leo because she seemed very insecure and almost lonely in the beginning of the novel. It was so wonderful to see her grow stronger throughout the story. Her stammering and "Mimic" character were both very interesting to read about. I thought the "Mimic" side of Leo was a really unique spin that I have never seen in a novel before. The development of "Mimic" felt a tad bit too convenient by the end of the book, but it was still an interesting plotline.
Tom was another great character in this book! Tom was clever, kind, swoon-worthy, and passionate. Tom was a character that slowly grew on me throughout the book. I really enjoyed getting to know his character and seeing him interact with Leo.
The romance in this book was adorable! I thought it added a sweet and swoony aspect to this book, which I enjoyed.
As I mentioned earlier, there were some predictable outcomes in this book. However, there were also some things that happened that I wasn't expecting. The author did a great job at keeping me guessing with some of the plotlines in this novel. Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. I would recommend this to readers who like mystery novels set in a historical time period.
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
April 2, 2019
3.5
"Mad Miss Mimic" is an enjoyable reading that revolves around a Victorian mystery.
In the premise we read that in this book Jane Austen meets Arthur Conan Doyle. Ant that's can be entirely found in the novel and it captivated me.
Our main character is Leonora, a 17-year old girl who suffers from stuttering and she has the ability to mimic other people's voices unintentionally. This characteristic is pretty unique and I found it to be very interesting. Her sister, Christabel, is desperately trying to find a husband for Leo before she scare him off with her mimicry. And that's pretty much the Jane Austen part.
The Arthur Conan Doyle part is the one tied to the series of explosions that are happening around London by the hand of a gang named The Black Glove.
I enjoyed the plot and the writing style. Yet, I found the twists to be predictable.
"Mad Miss Mimic" is an enjoyable reading that revolves around a Victorian mystery.
In the premise we read that in this book Jane Austen meets Arthur Conan Doyle. Ant that's can be entirely found in the novel and it captivated me.
Our main character is Leonora, a 17-year old girl who suffers from stuttering and she has the ability to mimic other people's voices unintentionally. This characteristic is pretty unique and I found it to be very interesting. Her sister, Christabel, is desperately trying to find a husband for Leo before she scare him off with her mimicry. And that's pretty much the Jane Austen part.
The Arthur Conan Doyle part is the one tied to the series of explosions that are happening around London by the hand of a gang named The Black Glove.
I enjoyed the plot and the writing style. Yet, I found the twists to be predictable.
July 1, 2015
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Mad Miss Mimic sounds awfully similar to another historical romance I devoured and adored last year, A Mad Wicked Folly, and I was actually hoping for this one's outcome to be quite similar, too! In the end, I saw it as a definite historical book that dealt with politics in Victorian England, finding your love interest and finding yourself, especially from Leo's perspective, who stuttered when she spoke.
Cheers to Canadian authors! As Canada Day is tomorrow, I feel like this was a perfect debut to celebrate our authors, who are always there to standby their literature through our country's name. Mad Miss Mimic is a debut novel that I only had just discovered, and I'm very proud to say that I've enjoyed yet another historical novel, as that's usually the genre that I find it difficult to enjoy... or even find a good book out of the bunch that stands before me. I don't have much to say but positive things, so let's actually get started!
What I mentioned above is basically what this novel holds. It has a great premise that must've taken so much time to organize and make perfect. Henstra even noted in her Author's Note that she went to numerous libraries around Toronto to learn more about stuttering and all of the facts which came into Leo's character. The fact that many people in her life made fun of her for the way she spoke was awful, and this is a big part of the book that many people don't even realize. She's just an ordinary girl who's rich and has a disability which doesn't even affect her at all, basically. What is there to say? She's such an intelligent young woman who proved readers and her people wrong of her capability. Confident characters who have power and are able to do extraordinary things are actually the rulers.
The beginning scenes especially are what captivated me: Leo's sister did make some kind of sisterly relationship minimize and go to a minimum. Usually—usually, YA literature is filled with relationships that help readers relate, and are barely formed out of jealousy and hunger for power as well as bloodlust, but what Leo had with her servants or her sister is just plain sad. I can't even admit that I'm able to empathize at all, since times back then are all about wealth and what we have over everyone. These scenes, especially where Leo met her love interest (I won't spoil the name, I promise!) are what developed the whole story wonderfully.
Throughout the plot, I found that it was kind of boring at times, but it wasn't a big deal for me. I enjoyed the book throughout and that was a small disruption that sent a perfect rating down, but whatever, I guess. You can't always enjoy every single thing that a book has to give out, and that was mine. But really, the characters are what made me smile, especially Leo. Who doesn't want an imaginative girl filled with so many dreams and wishes to fulfill? That's our perfect example right here.
Romance and just about all of the awesome stuff that we try to discover in YA historical fiction is all packed in this book. Whether you're looking for romance, mystery or great characters, it has it all and I'm so excited to see Henstra's other work, because everyone wants it in their lives. Brace yourself, this is a fast paced read that's super rad, and will only take you a matter of time to go through. By the way, it's nothing like a pure Victorian magical read either, it's just its own concept and premise packed for readers in an enjoyable matter. Enjoy, my friends, you won't let this one go!
Mad Miss Mimic sounds awfully similar to another historical romance I devoured and adored last year, A Mad Wicked Folly, and I was actually hoping for this one's outcome to be quite similar, too! In the end, I saw it as a definite historical book that dealt with politics in Victorian England, finding your love interest and finding yourself, especially from Leo's perspective, who stuttered when she spoke.
Cheers to Canadian authors! As Canada Day is tomorrow, I feel like this was a perfect debut to celebrate our authors, who are always there to standby their literature through our country's name. Mad Miss Mimic is a debut novel that I only had just discovered, and I'm very proud to say that I've enjoyed yet another historical novel, as that's usually the genre that I find it difficult to enjoy... or even find a good book out of the bunch that stands before me. I don't have much to say but positive things, so let's actually get started!
"How had he come to Hastings? And where did he go at the end of each day when his work at surgery was done? Tom was right: I knew nothing. And I found that, yes, I was curious—very curious indeed."
What I mentioned above is basically what this novel holds. It has a great premise that must've taken so much time to organize and make perfect. Henstra even noted in her Author's Note that she went to numerous libraries around Toronto to learn more about stuttering and all of the facts which came into Leo's character. The fact that many people in her life made fun of her for the way she spoke was awful, and this is a big part of the book that many people don't even realize. She's just an ordinary girl who's rich and has a disability which doesn't even affect her at all, basically. What is there to say? She's such an intelligent young woman who proved readers and her people wrong of her capability. Confident characters who have power and are able to do extraordinary things are actually the rulers.
The beginning scenes especially are what captivated me: Leo's sister did make some kind of sisterly relationship minimize and go to a minimum. Usually—usually, YA literature is filled with relationships that help readers relate, and are barely formed out of jealousy and hunger for power as well as bloodlust, but what Leo had with her servants or her sister is just plain sad. I can't even admit that I'm able to empathize at all, since times back then are all about wealth and what we have over everyone. These scenes, especially where Leo met her love interest (I won't spoil the name, I promise!) are what developed the whole story wonderfully.
Throughout the plot, I found that it was kind of boring at times, but it wasn't a big deal for me. I enjoyed the book throughout and that was a small disruption that sent a perfect rating down, but whatever, I guess. You can't always enjoy every single thing that a book has to give out, and that was mine. But really, the characters are what made me smile, especially Leo. Who doesn't want an imaginative girl filled with so many dreams and wishes to fulfill? That's our perfect example right here.
Romance and just about all of the awesome stuff that we try to discover in YA historical fiction is all packed in this book. Whether you're looking for romance, mystery or great characters, it has it all and I'm so excited to see Henstra's other work, because everyone wants it in their lives. Brace yourself, this is a fast paced read that's super rad, and will only take you a matter of time to go through. By the way, it's nothing like a pure Victorian magical read either, it's just its own concept and premise packed for readers in an enjoyable matter. Enjoy, my friends, you won't let this one go!
Read
January 11, 2017This is how I would sum up my reading experience for this book in one GIF:
This book was simply not for me.. I DNF at 50% because I just couldn't continue which is a shame.
I love the Victorian era, and I never tire of books with this setting so I was excited to read this book! The beginning was intriguing as we learn more about Leo, our main character, and her stammer/the way she mimics others around her. That was the only interesting thing about her though? She felt incredibly flat to me which made it hard to connect with her. The other characters didn't help because I couldn't relate to any of them or root for their stories. Being set in this era, which at times felt well researched, but at times it didn't feel as realistic as I know it could've been.
Nothing really happens in the first half of this book. I don't even feel like I get to know these characters as well as I should have. The plot (just within the first half) is very predictable. I got confused a lot through the writing. Nothing seemed to capture my attention so I decided to not continue reading.. Which disappoints me, but I have to immediately connect with at least the world and that wasn't the case for this book.
Just wasn't for me.
This book was simply not for me.. I DNF at 50% because I just couldn't continue which is a shame.
I love the Victorian era, and I never tire of books with this setting so I was excited to read this book! The beginning was intriguing as we learn more about Leo, our main character, and her stammer/the way she mimics others around her. That was the only interesting thing about her though? She felt incredibly flat to me which made it hard to connect with her. The other characters didn't help because I couldn't relate to any of them or root for their stories. Being set in this era, which at times felt well researched, but at times it didn't feel as realistic as I know it could've been.
Nothing really happens in the first half of this book. I don't even feel like I get to know these characters as well as I should have. The plot (just within the first half) is very predictable. I got confused a lot through the writing. Nothing seemed to capture my attention so I decided to not continue reading.. Which disappoints me, but I have to immediately connect with at least the world and that wasn't the case for this book.
Just wasn't for me.
November 21, 2016
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and how immersive into the story it was. However, there was something very abstract about the plot’s explanation in-story. It’s not that it was difficult to understand what was going on, it was that the writing (as lovely as it was) became so verbose at times that it wouldn’t get to the point.
Aside from that, as much as I liked Leo and her “Mimic,” she says at the beginning that she can’t control “Mimic” (since it’s not like this is supposed to be a second personality or anything, merely the name that her sister has given to the way Leo sometimes copies others’ voices and ways of speech through no fault of her own, reportedly) but by the end of the story she seems to somehow have obtained quite the ability to master it. “Mimic” comes out just when Leo needs it to, and isn’t that incredibly convenient.
Overall, good story though, I was a fan of Tom the most, the love story aspect was not overdone or sappy but sweet and rather appropriate to the times in the novel.
It would have been great to get more from the side of the Black Glove and its activities, however. I really wanted to read more of that thrill.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and how immersive into the story it was. However, there was something very abstract about the plot’s explanation in-story. It’s not that it was difficult to understand what was going on, it was that the writing (as lovely as it was) became so verbose at times that it wouldn’t get to the point.
Aside from that, as much as I liked Leo and her “Mimic,” she says at the beginning that she can’t control “Mimic” (since it’s not like this is supposed to be a second personality or anything, merely the name that her sister has given to the way Leo sometimes copies others’ voices and ways of speech through no fault of her own, reportedly) but by the end of the story she seems to somehow have obtained quite the ability to master it. “Mimic” comes out just when Leo needs it to, and isn’t that incredibly convenient.
Overall, good story though, I was a fan of Tom the most, the love story aspect was not overdone or sappy but sweet and rather appropriate to the times in the novel.
It would have been great to get more from the side of the Black Glove and its activities, however. I really wanted to read more of that thrill.
March 17, 2019
I'll be honest: I have a stutter, and I am a speech pathologist. When I was looking through the books by authors at Adelaide Writers Week this year I read this blurb, saw the main character has a mysterious speech impediment, and was immediately intrigued.
I haven't read many books with protagonists who have a stammer, and I was taken aback at how gratifying it was to have some of my own experiences described on the page. I know the author did extensive research, and spoke to both speech pathologists and people who stutter in the process of writing the book, and it shows.
However, this is more than just a story about being a stutterer.
Leonora Somerville is a young lady of an affluent 1870s family. She's living in London in a big house with her married older sister. She's beautiful, but her mutism/mimicry has scared away most potential husbands.
That is, until the wealthy suitor, Mr Thornfax. He's attractive, rich, has half the town swooning over him, and happens to be her brother-in-law's new business partner. He doesn't seem to mind Leo's speech difficulties too much...
But the city is in the midst of opium fever, terrorist attacks are spreading fear, and something doesn't seem quite right about her brother-in-law's medical practice. Oh, and she can't stop thinking about her run in with the (good-looking, good-with-kids, loveable) medical apprentice, Tom.
Ultimately, she has to find out the truth, then find her own voice.
Intrigue, drama, romance, history, a female lead who grows bold and brave.
I loved this novel.
I haven't read many books with protagonists who have a stammer, and I was taken aback at how gratifying it was to have some of my own experiences described on the page. I know the author did extensive research, and spoke to both speech pathologists and people who stutter in the process of writing the book, and it shows.
However, this is more than just a story about being a stutterer.
Leonora Somerville is a young lady of an affluent 1870s family. She's living in London in a big house with her married older sister. She's beautiful, but her mutism/mimicry has scared away most potential husbands.
That is, until the wealthy suitor, Mr Thornfax. He's attractive, rich, has half the town swooning over him, and happens to be her brother-in-law's new business partner. He doesn't seem to mind Leo's speech difficulties too much...
But the city is in the midst of opium fever, terrorist attacks are spreading fear, and something doesn't seem quite right about her brother-in-law's medical practice. Oh, and she can't stop thinking about her run in with the (good-looking, good-with-kids, loveable) medical apprentice, Tom.
Ultimately, she has to find out the truth, then find her own voice.
Intrigue, drama, romance, history, a female lead who grows bold and brave.
I loved this novel.
dnf
September 21, 2017Pages read: 17
The voice isn't clicking for me, and I'm bored. The voice feels off in a way I can't really put my finger on, but I don't think I'm going to love this one, so I'm moving on.
The voice isn't clicking for me, and I'm bored. The voice feels off in a way I can't really put my finger on, but I don't think I'm going to love this one, so I'm moving on.
May 1, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I loved this book!! I was obsessed with the title/cover before I started it, and I devoured the whole thing.
Shout out to the author (Sarah Henstra) for being Canadian! And teaching at Ryerson (which is where I got my publishing certificate). She teaches courses on Gothic horror stories and fairy tales and I'm like two seconds away from trying to take one of her classes because I'm fascinated by both those things!
What I liked:
-the setting: for one, I love London. I also love the Victorian era. It was a win-win!
-the characters. Leo was insecure and sensitive, but was also smart and able to think for herself (practically unheard of in Victorian times!). I found her mimicry fascinating, though admittedly there's no medical explanation of it (but it wasn't jarring or confusing within the context of the story, so I didn't question it).
And, even though I didn't trust him from the very beginning, I kinda liked Francis Thornfax (up until that part that I'm not going to spoil, but you'll know it when you read it). He had a classic Austen hero-villain quality to him (like George Wickham in Pride and Prejudice except more charming). And of course I liked Tom Rampling (with a name like Tom Rampling, how could you not like him?). I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but he grew on me.
OH, and Christa! I had a love-hate relationship with Leo's sister where I both felt sorry for her but also wanted to smack her. I imagine that's how Leo herself felt though, so she was well written.
-the writing (and overall plot) was compelling and drew me in. I liked that the vessel was called Heroine and I loved the author's note at the end that gave some historical background. She clearly did her research, and, even if she invented or tweaked a few things, it was still believable.
Plus the fact that the whole mystery revolved around drugs was pretty great. Unique and interesting.
-the ending. I was a little worried that she was going to go in one direction and, even though I would have respected her for it, I would have cried. But then she went the more traditional/predictable route, and I still almost cried but this time out of happiness!
Obviously I still have a mad amount of respect for her, but I'm just glad it worked out the way it did.
What I didn't like:
-I can't really think of anything I didn't like.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is: if I sat down and pulled the book apart, I'd maybe find something wrong with it. But I'm not going to do that, so it was pretty near flawless for me.
If you like spunky Victorian heroines (which I do), I highly recommend this one.
I loved this book!! I was obsessed with the title/cover before I started it, and I devoured the whole thing.
Shout out to the author (Sarah Henstra) for being Canadian! And teaching at Ryerson (which is where I got my publishing certificate). She teaches courses on Gothic horror stories and fairy tales and I'm like two seconds away from trying to take one of her classes because I'm fascinated by both those things!
What I liked:
-the setting: for one, I love London. I also love the Victorian era. It was a win-win!
-the characters. Leo was insecure and sensitive, but was also smart and able to think for herself (practically unheard of in Victorian times!). I found her mimicry fascinating, though admittedly there's no medical explanation of it (but it wasn't jarring or confusing within the context of the story, so I didn't question it).
And, even though I didn't trust him from the very beginning, I kinda liked Francis Thornfax (up until that part that I'm not going to spoil, but you'll know it when you read it). He had a classic Austen hero-villain quality to him (like George Wickham in Pride and Prejudice except more charming). And of course I liked Tom Rampling (with a name like Tom Rampling, how could you not like him?). I wasn't sure what to make of him at first, but he grew on me.
OH, and Christa! I had a love-hate relationship with Leo's sister where I both felt sorry for her but also wanted to smack her. I imagine that's how Leo herself felt though, so she was well written.
-the writing (and overall plot) was compelling and drew me in. I liked that the vessel was called Heroine and I loved the author's note at the end that gave some historical background. She clearly did her research, and, even if she invented or tweaked a few things, it was still believable.
Plus the fact that the whole mystery revolved around drugs was pretty great. Unique and interesting.
-the ending. I was a little worried that she was going to go in one direction and, even though I would have respected her for it, I would have cried. But then she went the more traditional/predictable route, and I still almost cried but this time out of happiness!
Obviously I still have a mad amount of respect for her, but I'm just glad it worked out the way it did.
What I didn't like:
-I can't really think of anything I didn't like.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is: if I sat down and pulled the book apart, I'd maybe find something wrong with it. But I'm not going to do that, so it was pretty near flawless for me.
If you like spunky Victorian heroines (which I do), I highly recommend this one.
July 31, 2016
First off, one of the best books I read this year.
Mad Miss Mimic is amazing. It is amazingly researched, the author really painted a vivid story with really great imagery. IWhen I first heard about this story, it struck me as different then the majority of the teen books out there and that’s why I wanted to read it. I really liked Leo’s journey.
I think everyone should read this and they will enjoy it!
Spoilers below:
Leo, by the end of the book she has finally gotten control of her mimicry and stuttering.
The book had such a twist in it, the entire book I thought Tom was so evil, that he was the mastermind behind everything but he was really good and trying to save everyone. That was a twist that I didn’t see coming. At the start of the book Leo has no control of her voice, by the end of her book she has mastered the art of mimicry and uses it to her advantage and no longer stutters. The boat naming of Heroine was also really smart (as they are manufacturing a drug like it). The entire plot of the story is amazing and the characters seem so real and I just loved this book. I thought the Lord that was courting Leo was actually good until it was revealed he wasn’t, that was a twist I didn’t see at all! I just thought he was courting her because of her brother-in law and it would be easier to do business if they were a family, it made sense. Then when I found out he just wanted to marry her because she was seen as crazy (Mad Miss Mimic) and she would either keep quiet in public or when she spoke everyone would assume she had gone mad. I just think this book is amazing and so different and just the best for being different.
Mad Miss Mimic is amazing. It is amazingly researched, the author really painted a vivid story with really great imagery. IWhen I first heard about this story, it struck me as different then the majority of the teen books out there and that’s why I wanted to read it. I really liked Leo’s journey.
I think everyone should read this and they will enjoy it!
Spoilers below:
Leo, by the end of the book she has finally gotten control of her mimicry and stuttering.
The book had such a twist in it, the entire book I thought Tom was so evil, that he was the mastermind behind everything but he was really good and trying to save everyone. That was a twist that I didn’t see coming. At the start of the book Leo has no control of her voice, by the end of her book she has mastered the art of mimicry and uses it to her advantage and no longer stutters. The boat naming of Heroine was also really smart (as they are manufacturing a drug like it). The entire plot of the story is amazing and the characters seem so real and I just loved this book. I thought the Lord that was courting Leo was actually good until it was revealed he wasn’t, that was a twist I didn’t see at all! I just thought he was courting her because of her brother-in law and it would be easier to do business if they were a family, it made sense. Then when I found out he just wanted to marry her because she was seen as crazy (Mad Miss Mimic) and she would either keep quiet in public or when she spoke everyone would assume she had gone mad. I just think this book is amazing and so different and just the best for being different.
April 29, 2015
Firstly, thank you to Goodreads and Penguin Canada for this advance copy. I always love a free book. This novel is set in Victorian times and is both a mystery and a romance. The main character, Leonora, suffers from stuttering and further, when under stress, mimics the words and voices of others. The mystery itself, which unfortunately unfolded in a predictable fashion, made me at times think I was reading an Anne Perry book. I do like this time period.
I wish though that I could have enjoyed this book more. Beyond the predictability there were some problems that I couldn't get past. The first was the familiarity with which the characters interacted with one another, especially those characters who were only newly acquainted. In Victorian times? I think not. The second was the.... I was going to say blurring of class lines, but rather than being blurred they were completely ignored. Characters were unrealistically jumping between stations during their lives without any eyebrows being raised. Further, people of different classes were comfortably interacting. Again, no. I must add that the big romantic moment was embarrassingly cringeworthy. My biggest problem by far, however, was with the mimicking itself. At first I thought that it must be a symptom of some sort of dissociative disorder brought on by early trauma. Nope. Just a gimmick. Even the author, in her note at the end, says only that it could be possible, not that it's a documented medical or psychological problem. Not only was it gimmicky and rather silly, it was wholly unnecessary to the novel itself. It would have been a much better book without it.
I wish though that I could have enjoyed this book more. Beyond the predictability there were some problems that I couldn't get past. The first was the familiarity with which the characters interacted with one another, especially those characters who were only newly acquainted. In Victorian times? I think not. The second was the.... I was going to say blurring of class lines, but rather than being blurred they were completely ignored. Characters were unrealistically jumping between stations during their lives without any eyebrows being raised. Further, people of different classes were comfortably interacting. Again, no. I must add that the big romantic moment was embarrassingly cringeworthy. My biggest problem by far, however, was with the mimicking itself. At first I thought that it must be a symptom of some sort of dissociative disorder brought on by early trauma. Nope. Just a gimmick. Even the author, in her note at the end, says only that it could be possible, not that it's a documented medical or psychological problem. Not only was it gimmicky and rather silly, it was wholly unnecessary to the novel itself. It would have been a much better book without it.
March 15, 2017
*Thank you very much to NetGalley for the chance to read Mad Miss Mimic.*
Mad Miss Mimic is the story of Leonora Somerville, an upper-class girl with a speech impediment that has made it hard for her to find a suitor. Lenora has a stutter, but she also mimics other people's voices. I loved Leonora as character and she was really interesting to read about. I did feel that this story took a little while for me to be pulled in, but when I was, it was an enjoyable Victorian mystery full of romance and heart. Leo meets Mr. Thornfax, a handsome man who is very interested in her. With some explosions in London by the "black glove", Leo notices that some things in her life are not making sense. She is determined to find the clues to solve these mysteries, with some help from a street boy named Tom. She learns that not everything is always what it seems. At times, I will say that this book did have some slow moments. Even still, I was interested in the story. I felt this truly was such a refreshing book. I loved the historical fiction aspect so much!! It was very clear the author was well-researched on the setting, society and plot! It was all well-thought out and the details really made me feel like I was back in the Victorian era. You feel as if you are part of the story! I absolutely loved the character development of Leonora and I loved seeing her grow into being truly herself. I think she is a character many readers will be able to relate to and you really root for her the whole time. Overall, I think readers will enjoy this story, especially if you like mysteries and historical fiction!
Mad Miss Mimic is the story of Leonora Somerville, an upper-class girl with a speech impediment that has made it hard for her to find a suitor. Lenora has a stutter, but she also mimics other people's voices. I loved Leonora as character and she was really interesting to read about. I did feel that this story took a little while for me to be pulled in, but when I was, it was an enjoyable Victorian mystery full of romance and heart. Leo meets Mr. Thornfax, a handsome man who is very interested in her. With some explosions in London by the "black glove", Leo notices that some things in her life are not making sense. She is determined to find the clues to solve these mysteries, with some help from a street boy named Tom. She learns that not everything is always what it seems. At times, I will say that this book did have some slow moments. Even still, I was interested in the story. I felt this truly was such a refreshing book. I loved the historical fiction aspect so much!! It was very clear the author was well-researched on the setting, society and plot! It was all well-thought out and the details really made me feel like I was back in the Victorian era. You feel as if you are part of the story! I absolutely loved the character development of Leonora and I loved seeing her grow into being truly herself. I think she is a character many readers will be able to relate to and you really root for her the whole time. Overall, I think readers will enjoy this story, especially if you like mysteries and historical fiction!
August 5, 2015
Leonora Somerville is an upperclass lady on the outside but a stutter yet talent for mimicry renders her incapable of attaining a proper suitor. That is, until Mr. Thornfax comes along.
A wealthy businessman and heir of a lord, Mr. Thornfax is all Leonora's uptight sister could have hoped for.
Meanwhile a gang of opium supporters called the black glove are setting off explosions all over London. What Leonora learns doesn't add up. With the help of a street boy she sets off to get the facts straight, even if it's not what she wants to hear.
Within the first few chapters you become enthralled by London England and the mysterious opium politics of 1872.
Mad miss mimic is one of the best characters I've read about in a while. Leonora and her double personality mimic make for a perfect mix of class, unpredictability and bravery.
February 22, 2017
I was initially excited about the heroine, who has a speech impediment and can perfectly mimic others' voices. However, the bulk of the book was rather...dull and a majority of the information seems to just be dumped into the reader's lap. Even the tension of the mystery didn't reach more than simmer for me. An interesting character idea that seemed to flounder with excess of exposition and slow pacing.
November 25, 2016
I was expecting more from this book. The idea of it was great. I was intrigued by the main character's speech problem, but found that it ended up not being a huge part of the story like I expected it to be. The last half of the book was a bit slow and I found nyself skipping paragraphs.
May 19, 2015
Really enjoyed this debut novel- overall, a well-done historical YA. Perfect for readers who enjoyed Y.S. Lee's The Agency series.
March 21, 2017
Just finished this today & I thought it was a fun, quick read. I really enjoy reading books set in the 1800's & Leo's speech impediment aspect of the story was interesting and unique.
July 10, 2015
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There are things I cannot say in any voice.
I was born Leonora Emmaline Somerville, but I am not at all sure that is still who I am.
Seventeen-year-old Leonora Emmaline Somerville is known by many names, though few are her own. Stumbletongue. Gargle. Crippletongue. Mutemouth. And, of course, the eponymous Mad Miss Mimic. Born with a speech impediment that makes speaking without a stammer a virtual impossibility, Leonora involuntarily developed an alternate persona that allows her to perfectly mimic another’s voice, inflection and mannerisms. This ability, which allows her to use another’s voice when her own has failed her, is an object of comfort to herself, shame to her sister and equal parts curiosity and horror to polite society at large. Most importantly of all, however, it appears to be an impediment to her future. Despite an abundance of beauty and the promise of a large inheritance, after one social season in town and no engagement to speak of, it seems as though no suitor will be able to look past Miss Somverille’s rather unique abilities. Enter Mr. Francis Thornfax. A merchant seaman and business partner to her brother-in-law, Daniel Dewhurst, Mr. Thornfax is handsome, refined, and seemingly unconcerned with Leonora’s mimicry and speech disorder. His subsequent attentions are both flattering and tantalizing as they hold within them the promise of marriage and the coinciding independence and status Leonora has long desired. If only she were not so preoccupied with the skilled hands and sharp mind of Daniel’s physician assistant, the inventive and enigmatic Tom Rampling. As the battle for her heart begins, another is being waged on the streets of London and in the halls of parliament as devastating attacks by the mysterious Black Glove gang escalate and the debate regarding the importation of opium into England continues. Leonora will need to harness the strength and power of her voice if she is to navigate the tumultuous waters of political corruption, substance abuse, familial discord and romantic entanglements that threaten to drown her, lest she be silenced, once and for all.
So there it is, my secret, my scandal: Mad Miss Mimic. The name is apt enough, for it comes on me like a madness at times, so that I say things I don’t truly understand, or would never say if I could stop myself. But here is another secret, even more scandalous: Mimic is my secret joy. She emerges like a bubble bursting in the head, a glimmering behind the eyes. She floats up from the belly to the tongue. She is a latch opening in my heart. The words pour out of me freely without the slightest thought or effort. The shame comes only afterward – When I realize whom I have hurt or frightened, who has been shocked or disgusted by my performance. Who will never look at me the same way again.
If there’s one thing over twenty years of extensive reading experience has taught me, it’s what I do (and don’t) search for in the novels I read. So, when I was approached by Penguin Canada and offered the opportunity to read and review Sarah Henstra’s 2015 historical fiction debut, Mad Miss Mimic, about an intelligent, spirited heroine with a speech impediment set during the Victorian era, I knew it was the book for me. The fact that this novel also allowed me a rare opportunity to celebrate Canadian literature was a delightful and unexpected bonus. It was therefore with eager anticipation and high hopes that I began Mad Miss Mimic and I was happily not disappointed. Smart, sophisticated, and unerringly satisfying, Mad Miss Mimic reminds readers that there is no age limit on an exceptional story.
I wasn’t suited to this. I couldn’t possibly bring it off. At best I was a fool in motley, a jester with his bag of amusements, speaking nonsense. At worst I was a madwoman. What I could never hope to be was a lady. My extravagant gown, the paint and powder – I felt as if the mask were slipping, leaving me stripped bare, naked and defenceless as a babe.
Much like a great number of women during the Victorian era, Leonora Somerville is a girl trapped and silenced by forces largely beyond her control, though her circumstances are admittedly a little more curious than most. Perhaps what makes our protagonist most interesting are the dichotomous forces that exist within her. Leonora is shy, sensitive and modest, eager to direct attention away from herself and her unique ability. Mimic, however, is vastly different. When Leonora dons the mantle of her alternate persona, however involuntary though this action may be, she is a girl transformed. Mimic is confident, outgoing and self-assured, allowing Leonora a voice when she would otherwise have none and the ability to express herself in a wholly uninhibited manner. These two opposing identities and Leonora’s keen awareness of them allow for an endlessly interesting and complex character study, as our protagonist can be perceived as everything from manipulative and cunning to bright and adaptable. No matter the interpretation, however, there is absolutely no doubt that Sarah Henstra has created a compelling, complicated character with whom one can’t help but sympathize and cheer for.
Perhaps Mr. Thornfax would give me anything I wanted, I considered. But I hadn’t the faintest idea what that might be. I glanced at his broad hand resting on his knee and caught myself comparing it to Tom Rampling’s pale, quick-fingered hand. It made me feel disloyal, but then I could not decide whether the guilt was for Tom or for Mr. Thornfax. Self-consciousness knifed a gulf between Mimic, winning and pliant, and the shrinking, uncomfortable girl who hid within.
Handsome, confident and gregarious, Francis Thornfax gives every appearance of being the perfect gentlemen and suitor, whose interest appeals to the part of Leonora that wishes to be seen, heard, and accepted not in spite of her speech impediment and mimicry, but because of it. In fact, Thornfax is seemingly unconcerned with the parts of Leonora’s self that have long labeled her a social outcast and object of mockery. His attentions are flattering and the promise of a potential marriage holds within it the largest measure of independence a woman could hope for during the period in question. Perhaps most importantly of all, a union with Thornfax would mean an escape from her sister’s cruel, dictatorial rule and the suffocating confinement at Hastings House. Despite all this, however, Leonora can’t help but find herself attracted to the reticent Tom Rampling, whose ambiguous intentions, quick mind and sensitive touch far exceed the allure of the protection and freedom that a husband in good standing could potentially provide. With head and heart in conflict, Leonora’s decision is further complicated as new information is revealed about both men, who are often anything but what they seem. Some readers may balk at the implication of a love triangle, as Leonora’s attentions are initially split between both Francis and Tom. That said, there’s no cause for concern as there is little, if any, doubt as to with whom Leonora’s true affections lie. While I couldn’t help but wish for greater development in both relationships, particularly that between Leonora and Tom, ultimately the novel’s romance left me smiling and satisfied as I turned the final page. In addition to Leonora’s romantic interests, the secondary cast is further complemented by a number of other compelling characters including (but not limited to) Leonora’s supportive and empowered Aunt Emmaline, a former stage actress, and Leonora’s flamboyant and often meddlesome cousin, Archibald Mavety, a journalist in desperate search of his next big story.
“The lines are all blurred,” I said, in a perfect imitation of Archie. Then I switched back to Leonora’s voice. “‘Tis the same for me, I suppose: a series of overlapping roles.”
“But which one is you? Which is the true Miss Somerville?”
I laughed and saw my cousin wince a little: there was no humour in the brittle, weary sound. I looked down at Harlequin in my lap, stroked his checkered belly, and scraped my fingernail over the enamelled teardrop on his cheek. As near as I could tell, the true Miss Somerville no longer existed.
At a relatively brief 272 pages, Mad Miss Mimic makes the most of every single syllable as Sarah Henstra expertly blends history, mystery, and romance to form a winning combination that promises to entice readers with a vast array of interests. The author’s narrative voice is rich and elegant, managing to recall the style and refinement of classic Victorian literature while simultaneously remaining accessible and easy to understand for a younger, contemporary audience. From the opulence of Hastings House and the Royal Opera to the destitution and depravity of the Seven Dials district, Henstra brings the period to life with evocative detail. There are moments when the plot borders on predictable and Leonora’s condition strains credulity with little-to-no explanation as to its origins or limitations but this is no way detracts from the reader’s enjoyment of the story as Leonora hurtles headfirst through an endless, tangled web of corruption, conspiracy and conflict. While selfishly I wish the novel were a touch longer to allow the author the opportunity to build up a greater level of tension, as it stands Mad Miss Mimic acts as a wonderful introduction to the historical fiction genre, thanks to the novel’s relative brevity, impeccable research and Henstra’s deft hand and creative concept.
Aunt Emmaline says your story determines who you are. Well, I suppose I am now come to the end of mine. It is remarkable how the human body will knit itself back together, no matter how tattered the human heart.
Whether enjoyed on a crisp fall evening with a warm cup of tea or while kicking one’s heels up at the beach on a balmy summer afternoon, Sarah Henstra’s irresistible 2015 debut is a rip-roaring adventure that historical fiction enthusiasts will not want to miss. Fans of Sharon Biggs Waller’s A Mad, Wicked Folly in particular are sure to enjoy this thrilling, romantic, and inventive romp through Victorian London in which the complexity of the plot, the creativity of the concept, and the thoroughly loveable protagonist all coalescence to create an exciting, engaging story that readers can happily devour in a matter of hours. While I question whether or not Mad Miss Mimic will leave a distinct, lasting impression, I delighted in this wholly unique reading experience, and would not hesitate to recommend it to fellow historical fiction fans.
Please Note: All quotations included in this review have been taken from an advance reader copy and therefore might be subject to change.
There are things I cannot say in any voice.
I was born Leonora Emmaline Somerville, but I am not at all sure that is still who I am.
Seventeen-year-old Leonora Emmaline Somerville is known by many names, though few are her own. Stumbletongue. Gargle. Crippletongue. Mutemouth. And, of course, the eponymous Mad Miss Mimic. Born with a speech impediment that makes speaking without a stammer a virtual impossibility, Leonora involuntarily developed an alternate persona that allows her to perfectly mimic another’s voice, inflection and mannerisms. This ability, which allows her to use another’s voice when her own has failed her, is an object of comfort to herself, shame to her sister and equal parts curiosity and horror to polite society at large. Most importantly of all, however, it appears to be an impediment to her future. Despite an abundance of beauty and the promise of a large inheritance, after one social season in town and no engagement to speak of, it seems as though no suitor will be able to look past Miss Somverille’s rather unique abilities. Enter Mr. Francis Thornfax. A merchant seaman and business partner to her brother-in-law, Daniel Dewhurst, Mr. Thornfax is handsome, refined, and seemingly unconcerned with Leonora’s mimicry and speech disorder. His subsequent attentions are both flattering and tantalizing as they hold within them the promise of marriage and the coinciding independence and status Leonora has long desired. If only she were not so preoccupied with the skilled hands and sharp mind of Daniel’s physician assistant, the inventive and enigmatic Tom Rampling. As the battle for her heart begins, another is being waged on the streets of London and in the halls of parliament as devastating attacks by the mysterious Black Glove gang escalate and the debate regarding the importation of opium into England continues. Leonora will need to harness the strength and power of her voice if she is to navigate the tumultuous waters of political corruption, substance abuse, familial discord and romantic entanglements that threaten to drown her, lest she be silenced, once and for all.
So there it is, my secret, my scandal: Mad Miss Mimic. The name is apt enough, for it comes on me like a madness at times, so that I say things I don’t truly understand, or would never say if I could stop myself. But here is another secret, even more scandalous: Mimic is my secret joy. She emerges like a bubble bursting in the head, a glimmering behind the eyes. She floats up from the belly to the tongue. She is a latch opening in my heart. The words pour out of me freely without the slightest thought or effort. The shame comes only afterward – When I realize whom I have hurt or frightened, who has been shocked or disgusted by my performance. Who will never look at me the same way again.
If there’s one thing over twenty years of extensive reading experience has taught me, it’s what I do (and don’t) search for in the novels I read. So, when I was approached by Penguin Canada and offered the opportunity to read and review Sarah Henstra’s 2015 historical fiction debut, Mad Miss Mimic, about an intelligent, spirited heroine with a speech impediment set during the Victorian era, I knew it was the book for me. The fact that this novel also allowed me a rare opportunity to celebrate Canadian literature was a delightful and unexpected bonus. It was therefore with eager anticipation and high hopes that I began Mad Miss Mimic and I was happily not disappointed. Smart, sophisticated, and unerringly satisfying, Mad Miss Mimic reminds readers that there is no age limit on an exceptional story.
I wasn’t suited to this. I couldn’t possibly bring it off. At best I was a fool in motley, a jester with his bag of amusements, speaking nonsense. At worst I was a madwoman. What I could never hope to be was a lady. My extravagant gown, the paint and powder – I felt as if the mask were slipping, leaving me stripped bare, naked and defenceless as a babe.
Much like a great number of women during the Victorian era, Leonora Somerville is a girl trapped and silenced by forces largely beyond her control, though her circumstances are admittedly a little more curious than most. Perhaps what makes our protagonist most interesting are the dichotomous forces that exist within her. Leonora is shy, sensitive and modest, eager to direct attention away from herself and her unique ability. Mimic, however, is vastly different. When Leonora dons the mantle of her alternate persona, however involuntary though this action may be, she is a girl transformed. Mimic is confident, outgoing and self-assured, allowing Leonora a voice when she would otherwise have none and the ability to express herself in a wholly uninhibited manner. These two opposing identities and Leonora’s keen awareness of them allow for an endlessly interesting and complex character study, as our protagonist can be perceived as everything from manipulative and cunning to bright and adaptable. No matter the interpretation, however, there is absolutely no doubt that Sarah Henstra has created a compelling, complicated character with whom one can’t help but sympathize and cheer for.
Perhaps Mr. Thornfax would give me anything I wanted, I considered. But I hadn’t the faintest idea what that might be. I glanced at his broad hand resting on his knee and caught myself comparing it to Tom Rampling’s pale, quick-fingered hand. It made me feel disloyal, but then I could not decide whether the guilt was for Tom or for Mr. Thornfax. Self-consciousness knifed a gulf between Mimic, winning and pliant, and the shrinking, uncomfortable girl who hid within.
Handsome, confident and gregarious, Francis Thornfax gives every appearance of being the perfect gentlemen and suitor, whose interest appeals to the part of Leonora that wishes to be seen, heard, and accepted not in spite of her speech impediment and mimicry, but because of it. In fact, Thornfax is seemingly unconcerned with the parts of Leonora’s self that have long labeled her a social outcast and object of mockery. His attentions are flattering and the promise of a potential marriage holds within it the largest measure of independence a woman could hope for during the period in question. Perhaps most importantly of all, a union with Thornfax would mean an escape from her sister’s cruel, dictatorial rule and the suffocating confinement at Hastings House. Despite all this, however, Leonora can’t help but find herself attracted to the reticent Tom Rampling, whose ambiguous intentions, quick mind and sensitive touch far exceed the allure of the protection and freedom that a husband in good standing could potentially provide. With head and heart in conflict, Leonora’s decision is further complicated as new information is revealed about both men, who are often anything but what they seem. Some readers may balk at the implication of a love triangle, as Leonora’s attentions are initially split between both Francis and Tom. That said, there’s no cause for concern as there is little, if any, doubt as to with whom Leonora’s true affections lie. While I couldn’t help but wish for greater development in both relationships, particularly that between Leonora and Tom, ultimately the novel’s romance left me smiling and satisfied as I turned the final page. In addition to Leonora’s romantic interests, the secondary cast is further complemented by a number of other compelling characters including (but not limited to) Leonora’s supportive and empowered Aunt Emmaline, a former stage actress, and Leonora’s flamboyant and often meddlesome cousin, Archibald Mavety, a journalist in desperate search of his next big story.
“The lines are all blurred,” I said, in a perfect imitation of Archie. Then I switched back to Leonora’s voice. “‘Tis the same for me, I suppose: a series of overlapping roles.”
“But which one is you? Which is the true Miss Somerville?”
I laughed and saw my cousin wince a little: there was no humour in the brittle, weary sound. I looked down at Harlequin in my lap, stroked his checkered belly, and scraped my fingernail over the enamelled teardrop on his cheek. As near as I could tell, the true Miss Somerville no longer existed.
At a relatively brief 272 pages, Mad Miss Mimic makes the most of every single syllable as Sarah Henstra expertly blends history, mystery, and romance to form a winning combination that promises to entice readers with a vast array of interests. The author’s narrative voice is rich and elegant, managing to recall the style and refinement of classic Victorian literature while simultaneously remaining accessible and easy to understand for a younger, contemporary audience. From the opulence of Hastings House and the Royal Opera to the destitution and depravity of the Seven Dials district, Henstra brings the period to life with evocative detail. There are moments when the plot borders on predictable and Leonora’s condition strains credulity with little-to-no explanation as to its origins or limitations but this is no way detracts from the reader’s enjoyment of the story as Leonora hurtles headfirst through an endless, tangled web of corruption, conspiracy and conflict. While selfishly I wish the novel were a touch longer to allow the author the opportunity to build up a greater level of tension, as it stands Mad Miss Mimic acts as a wonderful introduction to the historical fiction genre, thanks to the novel’s relative brevity, impeccable research and Henstra’s deft hand and creative concept.
Aunt Emmaline says your story determines who you are. Well, I suppose I am now come to the end of mine. It is remarkable how the human body will knit itself back together, no matter how tattered the human heart.
Whether enjoyed on a crisp fall evening with a warm cup of tea or while kicking one’s heels up at the beach on a balmy summer afternoon, Sarah Henstra’s irresistible 2015 debut is a rip-roaring adventure that historical fiction enthusiasts will not want to miss. Fans of Sharon Biggs Waller’s A Mad, Wicked Folly in particular are sure to enjoy this thrilling, romantic, and inventive romp through Victorian London in which the complexity of the plot, the creativity of the concept, and the thoroughly loveable protagonist all coalescence to create an exciting, engaging story that readers can happily devour in a matter of hours. While I question whether or not Mad Miss Mimic will leave a distinct, lasting impression, I delighted in this wholly unique reading experience, and would not hesitate to recommend it to fellow historical fiction fans.
Please Note: All quotations included in this review have been taken from an advance reader copy and therefore might be subject to change.
May 24, 2017
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
I was under the assumption this book was categorized as YA Historical Fiction, but I personally think it's better suited for Middle Grade readers. The plot, while undoubtedly interesting, somewhat lacks depth and the character growth (particularly in supporting characters) is fairly minimal for Young Adult fiction. However, this book was certainly a fun, clean, engaging read and I would definitely recommend it to Middle Grade readers.
Pros:
Leonora's struggle with a severe speech impediment provides a unique basis for the plot of Mad Miss Mimic. Her ability to perfectly mimic voices she has heard also adds an original element to the story. At the end of the book, the author reveals some of her reference material and explains what in this book was factual and what was made up for the story. I am impressed with how well Sarah Henstra wove those two categories together--it created a realistic historical fiction/mystery that I am certain younger readers especially will enjoy.
The ending of this story was fantastic! I couldn't put the book down once I passed halfway point. If you enjoy an ending that keeps you on your toes, you will surely enjoy Mad Miss Mimic. The author does an excellent job of misdirecting your attention, which is (of course) a must for a good mystery. :)
Cons:
Honestly, this would have been a pretty solid 4 star rating if I hadn't been expecting a book aimed at YA readers. Although the story was certainly fascinating, the last quarter of the book took a comparatively large leap and I was expecting a more steady growth. It's like...the main character suddenly underwent a huge character strengthening--but there wasn't any real reason for the change. I feel this leap is acceptable for a 250 page Middle Grade mystery, but I would expect more development from YA.
* * *
Basically, I enjoyed this book! I love historical fiction and mystery novels, so this combination really tickled my "reading bone." It was a delightful, entertaining, easy read and I would easily recommend it to Middle Grade readers (of all ages!). As long as you realize this book is aimed at a youngish age group, I have no doubt you will enjoy this excellent work of historical fiction. :)
I was under the assumption this book was categorized as YA Historical Fiction, but I personally think it's better suited for Middle Grade readers. The plot, while undoubtedly interesting, somewhat lacks depth and the character growth (particularly in supporting characters) is fairly minimal for Young Adult fiction. However, this book was certainly a fun, clean, engaging read and I would definitely recommend it to Middle Grade readers.
Pros:
Leonora's struggle with a severe speech impediment provides a unique basis for the plot of Mad Miss Mimic. Her ability to perfectly mimic voices she has heard also adds an original element to the story. At the end of the book, the author reveals some of her reference material and explains what in this book was factual and what was made up for the story. I am impressed with how well Sarah Henstra wove those two categories together--it created a realistic historical fiction/mystery that I am certain younger readers especially will enjoy.
The ending of this story was fantastic! I couldn't put the book down once I passed halfway point. If you enjoy an ending that keeps you on your toes, you will surely enjoy Mad Miss Mimic. The author does an excellent job of misdirecting your attention, which is (of course) a must for a good mystery. :)
Cons:
Honestly, this would have been a pretty solid 4 star rating if I hadn't been expecting a book aimed at YA readers. Although the story was certainly fascinating, the last quarter of the book took a comparatively large leap and I was expecting a more steady growth. It's like...the main character suddenly underwent a huge character strengthening--but there wasn't any real reason for the change. I feel this leap is acceptable for a 250 page Middle Grade mystery, but I would expect more development from YA.
* * *
Basically, I enjoyed this book! I love historical fiction and mystery novels, so this combination really tickled my "reading bone." It was a delightful, entertaining, easy read and I would easily recommend it to Middle Grade readers (of all ages!). As long as you realize this book is aimed at a youngish age group, I have no doubt you will enjoy this excellent work of historical fiction. :)
February 3, 2020
Just...blah. The narration was un-dynamic (which isn't an official adjective, I know, but accurate nonetheless), the plot was unexciting (also highly predictable), & the characters were flatter than cardboard.
Two specific gripes:
1) Leo's mimicry was too pat & convenient. She says repeatedly that she can't control it, yet sometimes she does; she moans ad nauseam about how inconvenient & mismatched it is for every social interaction when it occurs, yet somehow it's always bringing to light some mysterious overheard factoid or recollecting a dead person who matters to the undercurrents of that particular scene. Whut? It was all too perfect. Author should've either kept the stutter & ditched the mimicry, or made the mimicry controllable by Leo as a way to avoid using her own voice, ever. You can't have it both ways.
2) WTF did Leo live with her sister? The aunt is a well-off dowager countess with two homes, plenty of money, an independent nature, *and* she's fond of Leo (as well as her mimicry). Leo loves the estate & her aunt, & also feels more at home on the estate than in London. Furthermore, the aunt says she doesn't want Leo to marry too young or without due consideration. She approves any/all of the major financial & familial decisions. She's made Leo her heiress to the estate, ffs! So...why? In RL someone as fortunate as that would never have put up with Christabel's bullshit & abusive behavior. Sheer plot convenience is the only explanation for such a tissue-thin setup. *FAIL HORN*
I read through the first 60%, then skipped to the last couple chapters. But close enough; I'm counting it finished. 😑 I love the concept (& the cover is equally eye-catching), but the execution... nope. It reminded me of FALLEN GRACE by Mary Hooper -- a cool idea, but hampered by cramming an adult plot into a tired YA configuration.
Two specific gripes:
1) Leo's mimicry was too pat & convenient. She says repeatedly that she can't control it, yet sometimes she does; she moans ad nauseam about how inconvenient & mismatched it is for every social interaction when it occurs, yet somehow it's always bringing to light some mysterious overheard factoid or recollecting a dead person who matters to the undercurrents of that particular scene. Whut? It was all too perfect. Author should've either kept the stutter & ditched the mimicry, or made the mimicry controllable by Leo as a way to avoid using her own voice, ever. You can't have it both ways.
2) WTF did Leo live with her sister? The aunt is a well-off dowager countess with two homes, plenty of money, an independent nature, *and* she's fond of Leo (as well as her mimicry). Leo loves the estate & her aunt, & also feels more at home on the estate than in London. Furthermore, the aunt says she doesn't want Leo to marry too young or without due consideration. She approves any/all of the major financial & familial decisions. She's made Leo her heiress to the estate, ffs! So...why? In RL someone as fortunate as that would never have put up with Christabel's bullshit & abusive behavior. Sheer plot convenience is the only explanation for such a tissue-thin setup. *FAIL HORN*
I read through the first 60%, then skipped to the last couple chapters. But close enough; I'm counting it finished. 😑 I love the concept (& the cover is equally eye-catching), but the execution... nope. It reminded me of FALLEN GRACE by Mary Hooper -- a cool idea, but hampered by cramming an adult plot into a tired YA configuration.
July 11, 2018
I think I have come to the conclusion that perhaps, regency fiction is just not for me. I wanted to like it...I enjoy the premise of it but considering it needed roughly 150 pages to set the scene before the action really picked up, I just can't love it. Cute ending but very predictable. It did give those "happily ever after" vibes that make you feel good kind of miss for me.
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