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House of Silence
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dazzling world of America’s 19th century elite in this lush, page-turning saga…
Oak Park, Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin’s future—like that of every young woman—hinges upon her choice of husband. She delights her mother by becoming engaged to Gregory Gallagher, who is charismatic, politically ambitious, and publicly devoted. But Isabelle’s visions of a happy, profitable match come to a halt when she witnesses her fiancé commit a horrific crime—and no one believes her.
Gregory denies all, and Isabelle’s mother insists she marry as planned rather than drag them into scandal. Fearing for her life, Isabelle can think of only one escape: she feigns a mental breakdown that renders her mute, and is brought to Bellevue sanitarium. There she finds a friend in fellow patient Mary Todd Lincoln, committed after her husband’s assassination.
In this unlikely refuge, the women become allies, even as Isabelle maintains a veneer of madness for her own protection. But sooner or later, she must reclaim her voice. And if she uses it to expose the truth, Isabelle risks far more than she could ever imagine.
Weaving together a thread of finely tuned suspense with a fascinating setting and real-life figures, Sarah Barthel's debut is historical fiction at its most evocative and compelling.
Oak Park, Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin’s future—like that of every young woman—hinges upon her choice of husband. She delights her mother by becoming engaged to Gregory Gallagher, who is charismatic, politically ambitious, and publicly devoted. But Isabelle’s visions of a happy, profitable match come to a halt when she witnesses her fiancé commit a horrific crime—and no one believes her.
Gregory denies all, and Isabelle’s mother insists she marry as planned rather than drag them into scandal. Fearing for her life, Isabelle can think of only one escape: she feigns a mental breakdown that renders her mute, and is brought to Bellevue sanitarium. There she finds a friend in fellow patient Mary Todd Lincoln, committed after her husband’s assassination.
In this unlikely refuge, the women become allies, even as Isabelle maintains a veneer of madness for her own protection. But sooner or later, she must reclaim her voice. And if she uses it to expose the truth, Isabelle risks far more than she could ever imagine.
Weaving together a thread of finely tuned suspense with a fascinating setting and real-life figures, Sarah Barthel's debut is historical fiction at its most evocative and compelling.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 7, 2017
Historical romances are usually not my thing but I had to read this because of the setting. Part of the book takes place in Oak Park, Il. And I was raised in Chicago, and part takes place at Bellevue Sanitarium, which is in the town I live now. Very familiar with the place, though now the apartments are condos, still Mary Lincoln stayed here and if fact is in part of this book.
An easy read, womanly expectations in the late 1800's, few choices available, marriage the most sought after especially when the potential groom is very well off. So Isabelle believes, but her engaged groom is not all he appears to be and Isabelle, whom no one will believe is sent packing for a restful stay at Bellevue.
Much lighter than my usual fare but it had its moments, wished more had been included about the sanatorium, but the lead character was a feisty little thing and it was interesting enough to finish and find out how it turns out for her.
ARC from netgalley.
An easy read, womanly expectations in the late 1800's, few choices available, marriage the most sought after especially when the potential groom is very well off. So Isabelle believes, but her engaged groom is not all he appears to be and Isabelle, whom no one will believe is sent packing for a restful stay at Bellevue.
Much lighter than my usual fare but it had its moments, wished more had been included about the sanatorium, but the lead character was a feisty little thing and it was interesting enough to finish and find out how it turns out for her.
ARC from netgalley.
March 2, 2017
I received this in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, Sarah Barthel, and the publisher, Kensington, for this opportunity.
The synopsis of this sounded immediately intriguing: Isabelle Larkin fakes her own mental discord, and allows her admittance to a sanitarium, to escape marriage to a man she fears. In the historical period this was set, it was unheard of for females to take charge of their own futures. Yet Isabelle, through her exceptional and unusual actions, does just that.
This plot promised plenty of feminist vibes and I was pleased that that is what it delivered. I found many of the characters forward thinking and independent, eager to prove their own self-worth in a world that denied them that right.
This also acted as a running social commentary on the 1800's time period, it was set in. The historical aspects weren't as pronounced as I would have liked them to be, yet I appreciated the inclusion of the facts littered throughout the text.
For me, the most interesting character came in the form of Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. Following her husband's assassination she was assigned to the same sanitarium as the main character and they developed an unlikely alliance. I wanted her character to take a larger role in the plot and I was disappointed that the reader wasn't provided with more facts about her story.
My main grievance with the plot was with the ending, which was delivered too neatly and too perfectly for my tastes. It felt unnatural that each character's troubles were all reconciled at the same time. The romance that was included also felt surplus to the plot and I would have preferred our feisty protagonist to end the story without a man by her side. I personally prefer some angst and mystery to remain, rather than a neatly packaged conclusion that doesn't ring true but, in all, this was an interesting and sweet story.
The synopsis of this sounded immediately intriguing: Isabelle Larkin fakes her own mental discord, and allows her admittance to a sanitarium, to escape marriage to a man she fears. In the historical period this was set, it was unheard of for females to take charge of their own futures. Yet Isabelle, through her exceptional and unusual actions, does just that.
This plot promised plenty of feminist vibes and I was pleased that that is what it delivered. I found many of the characters forward thinking and independent, eager to prove their own self-worth in a world that denied them that right.
This also acted as a running social commentary on the 1800's time period, it was set in. The historical aspects weren't as pronounced as I would have liked them to be, yet I appreciated the inclusion of the facts littered throughout the text.
For me, the most interesting character came in the form of Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. Following her husband's assassination she was assigned to the same sanitarium as the main character and they developed an unlikely alliance. I wanted her character to take a larger role in the plot and I was disappointed that the reader wasn't provided with more facts about her story.
My main grievance with the plot was with the ending, which was delivered too neatly and too perfectly for my tastes. It felt unnatural that each character's troubles were all reconciled at the same time. The romance that was included also felt surplus to the plot and I would have preferred our feisty protagonist to end the story without a man by her side. I personally prefer some angst and mystery to remain, rather than a neatly packaged conclusion that doesn't ring true but, in all, this was an interesting and sweet story.
February 5, 2017
This is a pleasant read, more historical romance than historical fiction, with a little mystery thrown in. I wanted to read it because it is set at Bellevue Place located in Batavia, IL, now on the list of National Historic Places. It was built in 1853 in the Greek Revival style from local limestone and was originally a private academy. In 1867, the building and grounds were sold to Dr. Richard Patterson who then operated it as a private rest home and sanitarium for women. His most famous patient was Mary Todd Lincoln who was committed in the summer of 1875, the time of this story.
But this is not really a story about Mrs. Lincoln, although she does make an appearance. It is about Isabelle Larkin, a young woman from a well-to-do Oak Park, IL, family who claims she has witnessed her fiancé, Gregory Gallagher, commit a terrible crime. Neither her mother nor her doctor believe her story so she decides her only recourse is to pretend to be mad so they will commit her to Bellevue where she believes she will be safe and they cannot force her to marry Gregory. She no longer feels she can trust anyone and pretends she cannot speak.
She is treated kindly by Dr. Patterson and the staff but this life cannot go on forever and if word should get out that she is insane, she and her family will be ruined socially. Her only hope is to prove Gregory is guilty of the crime she saw him commit. But who can she trust to help her? Will it be Mrs. Lincoln who is staying in the room across the hall and has befriended her, but is often laid low by debilitating headaches? Will it be the young doctor who is Dr. Patterson's assistant and seems to have a bit of a crush on Isabelle? Will it be her childhood friend, Lucy, who is preoccupied with her desire to run off to marry the man she loves against her family's wishes?
This story illustrates what little power women had in the late 1800s, where this girl seemed to have just two choices--marry the man of her mother's choice or be committed. Her only value lay in her ability to attract a worthy husband. To be disgraced, then shunned by society, would be the worst possible fate.
The main reason this book did not receive a higher rating from me is that I couldn't help but compare it to The Ballroom which is another book set in an asylum and was one of my favorite reads from last year. The Ballroom is set in 1911 and the main character is thrown into the asylum against her will--it's a harsh place where the patients are strictly watched. That one has much more depth of feeling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an arc copy of this new book.
#Book-vipers-book-hunter: SILENCE
But this is not really a story about Mrs. Lincoln, although she does make an appearance. It is about Isabelle Larkin, a young woman from a well-to-do Oak Park, IL, family who claims she has witnessed her fiancé, Gregory Gallagher, commit a terrible crime. Neither her mother nor her doctor believe her story so she decides her only recourse is to pretend to be mad so they will commit her to Bellevue where she believes she will be safe and they cannot force her to marry Gregory. She no longer feels she can trust anyone and pretends she cannot speak.
She is treated kindly by Dr. Patterson and the staff but this life cannot go on forever and if word should get out that she is insane, she and her family will be ruined socially. Her only hope is to prove Gregory is guilty of the crime she saw him commit. But who can she trust to help her? Will it be Mrs. Lincoln who is staying in the room across the hall and has befriended her, but is often laid low by debilitating headaches? Will it be the young doctor who is Dr. Patterson's assistant and seems to have a bit of a crush on Isabelle? Will it be her childhood friend, Lucy, who is preoccupied with her desire to run off to marry the man she loves against her family's wishes?
This story illustrates what little power women had in the late 1800s, where this girl seemed to have just two choices--marry the man of her mother's choice or be committed. Her only value lay in her ability to attract a worthy husband. To be disgraced, then shunned by society, would be the worst possible fate.
The main reason this book did not receive a higher rating from me is that I couldn't help but compare it to The Ballroom which is another book set in an asylum and was one of my favorite reads from last year. The Ballroom is set in 1911 and the main character is thrown into the asylum against her will--it's a harsh place where the patients are strictly watched. That one has much more depth of feeling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an arc copy of this new book.
#Book-vipers-book-hunter: SILENCE
December 12, 2016
This historical romance winds its way through the American establishment of 1875, where society ruled, and where scandal was to be avoided at all costs. Marriage to suitable partners was of paramount importance and no young girl could avoid 'arranged' marriages without losing everything she ever wanted or dreamed of.
Dedicated and determined mothers saw their daughters to the altar, come hell or high water. There was not many escape routes for young woman and being admitted to a sanatorium was way beyond the normal scope of possibilities. Yet, Isabelle Larkin took the road less traveled to escape her marriage to Gregory Gallagher. She witnessed him murdering a young woman and could not convince her mother or anyone else of what she saw.
Hence began an adventure that would delight any reader of light romances in the historical romance genre.
Since the blurb described this novel as historical fiction, I was curious to read it, but found a light-weight historical romance instead.
Misleading information leads to a low rating.
Yet, for the right reader this might be an entertaining read. Serious historical fiction readers will find this story predictable, lacking, and disappointing.
Dedicated and determined mothers saw their daughters to the altar, come hell or high water. There was not many escape routes for young woman and being admitted to a sanatorium was way beyond the normal scope of possibilities. Yet, Isabelle Larkin took the road less traveled to escape her marriage to Gregory Gallagher. She witnessed him murdering a young woman and could not convince her mother or anyone else of what she saw.
Hence began an adventure that would delight any reader of light romances in the historical romance genre.
Since the blurb described this novel as historical fiction, I was curious to read it, but found a light-weight historical romance instead.
Misleading information leads to a low rating.
Yet, for the right reader this might be an entertaining read. Serious historical fiction readers will find this story predictable, lacking, and disappointing.
February 10, 2017
4 now this is badass stars
OK, let me start by saying that I'm really not a big fan of historical fiction, because the social obnexity totally gets on my nerves. But this book.
Oh oh oh this book!
I couldn't put this book down.
It's very rare that I find a female protagonist this good. Very very rare if you know me lol.
Izzy, or Isabelle, was a socialite who was engaged to the 19th century version of the "American Sweetheart". She knew that her marriage was of convenience- him for her contacts, and her for that lifestyle, and she had completely accepted it.
But then comes the twist. The man- her man- Gregory commits a hideous crime, and she was the sole witness to that crime, but no one believes her when she tells them what she had witnessed, and forces her to get married to him. To save herself, she fakes a mental breakdown, and sets on a journey to save herself, and other women from Gregory.
What do I think of this book?
I think it's brilliant. Her friendships, and her bonding with the people around her was fantastic. Each character was brilliantly written, and the plot was fast-paced. Just perfect.
The author is very talented, and I most definitely cannot wait to read more from her.
[ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
OK, let me start by saying that I'm really not a big fan of historical fiction, because the social obnexity totally gets on my nerves. But this book.
Oh oh oh this book!
I couldn't put this book down.
It's very rare that I find a female protagonist this good. Very very rare if you know me lol.
Izzy, or Isabelle, was a socialite who was engaged to the 19th century version of the "American Sweetheart". She knew that her marriage was of convenience- him for her contacts, and her for that lifestyle, and she had completely accepted it.
But then comes the twist. The man- her man- Gregory commits a hideous crime, and she was the sole witness to that crime, but no one believes her when she tells them what she had witnessed, and forces her to get married to him. To save herself, she fakes a mental breakdown, and sets on a journey to save herself, and other women from Gregory.
What do I think of this book?
I think it's brilliant. Her friendships, and her bonding with the people around her was fantastic. Each character was brilliantly written, and the plot was fast-paced. Just perfect.
The author is very talented, and I most definitely cannot wait to read more from her.
[ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
December 22, 2016
Isabelle Larkin has always done everything that society and her mother expect of her including accepting an engagement from Gregory Gallagher. After the engagement however Isabelle catches Gregory talking to a servant girl who claims to know him from his hometown. Gregory denies knowing the girl but when Isabelle again sees them together she can't help but want to know what is going on but as she watches the interaction she is in for the shock of her life when Gregory strangles the girl.
After witnessing such a horrible incident Isabelle tries to warn her mother of Gregory's true nature but due to Isabelle's condition after hiding the doctor and her mother believe she's imagining what she witnessed. With her mother still insisting that Isabelle carry on with her planned marriage Isabelle begins to play up her trauma and refuses to speak trying to get herself committed to Bellevue Sanitarium to gain protection from her murderous fiancee.
House of Silence is a historical thriller set in set in Oak Park, Illinois in the year 1875. While the events taking place with the main character Isabelle are fictional the book is also based upon some truth. Bellevue Sanitarium was a real facility in Oak Park in 1875 that was a home for troubled upper class women. Mary Lincoln was admitted to the facility after a trial with her son in which he had her committed. These events being mixed into a fictional tale made the book just that much more interesting while reading the story.
The story within the pages of House of Silence is one that really shows what life would be like for a young woman in the late 1800's. Women were expected to look and behave a certain way and had very little rights of their own so Isabelle being controlled by her mother and what is expected of her is true to the times. Even after witnessing such a horrific event she can't find anyone to believe such a thing of her upstanding fiancee so goes to extremes to escape which was certainly intriguing to see if she would ever be safe.
Overall, wonderful historical fiction that also has a bit of real people an situations mixed into the story to set the time and place for the book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
After witnessing such a horrible incident Isabelle tries to warn her mother of Gregory's true nature but due to Isabelle's condition after hiding the doctor and her mother believe she's imagining what she witnessed. With her mother still insisting that Isabelle carry on with her planned marriage Isabelle begins to play up her trauma and refuses to speak trying to get herself committed to Bellevue Sanitarium to gain protection from her murderous fiancee.
House of Silence is a historical thriller set in set in Oak Park, Illinois in the year 1875. While the events taking place with the main character Isabelle are fictional the book is also based upon some truth. Bellevue Sanitarium was a real facility in Oak Park in 1875 that was a home for troubled upper class women. Mary Lincoln was admitted to the facility after a trial with her son in which he had her committed. These events being mixed into a fictional tale made the book just that much more interesting while reading the story.
The story within the pages of House of Silence is one that really shows what life would be like for a young woman in the late 1800's. Women were expected to look and behave a certain way and had very little rights of their own so Isabelle being controlled by her mother and what is expected of her is true to the times. Even after witnessing such a horrific event she can't find anyone to believe such a thing of her upstanding fiancee so goes to extremes to escape which was certainly intriguing to see if she would ever be safe.
Overall, wonderful historical fiction that also has a bit of real people an situations mixed into the story to set the time and place for the book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 28, 2016
95/222 pages read, and DNFed.
Feels : Annoyance and disappointment.
Characters : Flat. Irritating. Helpless. Our heroine is supposed to be calculating (she's about to make an advantageous political marriage BY HER CHOICE), but then her only recourse is to pretend to be "insane" when confronted with the situation she finds herself in? Ok. I can deal with that, to a point (let's just ignore how the fact that she's PRETENDING is going to cast doubt on all the other people who are genuinely mentally disturbed and need help). After ensuring her own "safety" in a rest home, however, our lovely little Isabelle remains just as helpless. Let's pretend to faint to get away from the annoying other women, shall we? Oh, and then look! It's a (very obvious) Prince Charming whose thighs she can't help but admire.
Description/Worldbuilding : For a historical novel, this book is painfully short on detail. I expect more research to be put into even a historical fiction book. At points I couldn't tell if they were in the 1870s or the 1910s. Granted, my degree is in English, not history, but the educated reader should be able to make a good guess on the decade of the book setting.
Feels : Annoyance and disappointment.
Characters : Flat. Irritating. Helpless. Our heroine is supposed to be calculating (she's about to make an advantageous political marriage BY HER CHOICE), but then her only recourse is to pretend to be "insane" when confronted with the situation she finds herself in? Ok. I can deal with that, to a point (let's just ignore how the fact that she's PRETENDING is going to cast doubt on all the other people who are genuinely mentally disturbed and need help). After ensuring her own "safety" in a rest home, however, our lovely little Isabelle remains just as helpless. Let's pretend to faint to get away from the annoying other women, shall we? Oh, and then look! It's a (very obvious) Prince Charming whose thighs she can't help but admire.
Description/Worldbuilding : For a historical novel, this book is painfully short on detail. I expect more research to be put into even a historical fiction book. At points I couldn't tell if they were in the 1870s or the 1910s. Granted, my degree is in English, not history, but the educated reader should be able to make a good guess on the decade of the book setting.
July 3, 2017
Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin, a young woman from a middle-upper class family, is engaged to Gregory Gallagher who has political aspirations which he hopes can be realized through connection with the Larkin family's circle. While not a love match, both Isabelle and Gregory are ambitious and in favour of their forthcoming marriage. Then Isabelle witnesses Gregory commit a murder. No one believes her account, least of all her mother. Isabelle will not recant her story and wishes to break off the engagement. Her mother, fearful of the potential loss in social standing, commits Isabelle to a sanitarium. At Bellevue Sanitarium, Isabelle is befriended by another patient: Mary Todd Lincoln.
Not being up on my American history, I did not know that Mary Todd Lincoln had mental health issues and had spent time in a sanitarium. Reading this book led me to additional research on this facility and the wife of Abraham Lincoln. Fascinating stuff. That being said, there really was no point in assigning Mrs. Lincoln a part in this novel. Her role in the story could have filled by another character just as easily and was, for me, a distraction from the actual story.
I shelved this book as historical fiction but it could have also been classified as historical romance or historical mystery. The book highlighted the importance of social class and the standing of women at that time but did not go into depth on either of these topics. It was a quick, light read although I did enjoy the time I spent with it.
My thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this copy.
Not being up on my American history, I did not know that Mary Todd Lincoln had mental health issues and had spent time in a sanitarium. Reading this book led me to additional research on this facility and the wife of Abraham Lincoln. Fascinating stuff. That being said, there really was no point in assigning Mrs. Lincoln a part in this novel. Her role in the story could have filled by another character just as easily and was, for me, a distraction from the actual story.
I shelved this book as historical fiction but it could have also been classified as historical romance or historical mystery. The book highlighted the importance of social class and the standing of women at that time but did not go into depth on either of these topics. It was a quick, light read although I did enjoy the time I spent with it.
My thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this copy.
January 9, 2017
Set in 1875 in Oak Park, Illinois, House of Silence is a mixture of historical fiction, romance, and suspense. The protagonist, Isabelle, is engaged to Gregory. A match of convenience, as Gregory has political aspirations and Isabelle is from a society family and believes the marriage to Gregory will provide her with the life she seeks. But then Isabelle witnesses Gregory committing a violent crime and in the aftermath, nobody believes her. Her mother insists that Isabelle goes ahead with the marriage leaving Isabelle with the only escape she can think of: she pretends to have a mental breakdown, becomes mute, and is admitted to Bellevue Sanitarium where she meets Abraham Lincoln's widow, Mary Todd Lincoln.
I found it interesting that the author combined a fictional crime story with actual historical facts. Bellevue was a sanitarium for upper-class women and did indeed house Mary Todd Lincoln in 1875.
I had hoped the book's focus would be on the staff and patients and their lives at Bellevue, but it is mainly Isabelle's coming-of-age story dealing with her caustic relationship with her mother and the mystery surrounding her fiancé Gregory. It's a short book and it was an enjoyable enough read, but I had hoped for a bit more substance. The characters and the plot remained a bit superficial to really get my teeth into this. But I think anybody who likes light historical romances with a dash of suspense would enjoy this.
I found it interesting that the author combined a fictional crime story with actual historical facts. Bellevue was a sanitarium for upper-class women and did indeed house Mary Todd Lincoln in 1875.
I had hoped the book's focus would be on the staff and patients and their lives at Bellevue, but it is mainly Isabelle's coming-of-age story dealing with her caustic relationship with her mother and the mystery surrounding her fiancé Gregory. It's a short book and it was an enjoyable enough read, but I had hoped for a bit more substance. The characters and the plot remained a bit superficial to really get my teeth into this. But I think anybody who likes light historical romances with a dash of suspense would enjoy this.
December 18, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book took place back in 1875 when prestige, reputation and marrying well were of the utmost importance for young women. It was not unheard of for marriages to be arranged according to societal ranking and convenience. Love was not always the number one reason for a marriage to happen.
Gregory and Isabelle formed a match based on ambitions and connections with a bit of fondness but not love. Days after their engagement party where they announced to anyone and everyone of importance what their intentions were, Isabelle witnessed Gregory commit a horrible and unthinkable crime. In her effort to end their relationship and see justice served, she confessed everything she saw to her mother. When she did not believe her and insisted the union happen as planned before their reputations were ruined, Isabelle knew that nobody was going to believe her. In order to escape the impending nuptials and for her own safety she decided to play the part that her mother and doctor were convinced of and ended up getting places in Bellevue Sanitarium.
The best way for me to describe this book is that it was very simplistic in nature. It was not rich in detail and history like what I have come to expect in historical fiction. It was lighter and fluffier for a lack of better words. I would say it was a little on the romantic side. This might make the book more appealing to readers who aren't normally fans of historical fiction. I myself am a huge fan of historical fiction so I found it left me craving a little bit more than it gave me. However, it was still entertaining although somewhat predictable and I was able to finish it quickly. It provided me with a small taste of history that I would love to explore more thoroughly.
** I received an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book took place back in 1875 when prestige, reputation and marrying well were of the utmost importance for young women. It was not unheard of for marriages to be arranged according to societal ranking and convenience. Love was not always the number one reason for a marriage to happen.
Gregory and Isabelle formed a match based on ambitions and connections with a bit of fondness but not love. Days after their engagement party where they announced to anyone and everyone of importance what their intentions were, Isabelle witnessed Gregory commit a horrible and unthinkable crime. In her effort to end their relationship and see justice served, she confessed everything she saw to her mother. When she did not believe her and insisted the union happen as planned before their reputations were ruined, Isabelle knew that nobody was going to believe her. In order to escape the impending nuptials and for her own safety she decided to play the part that her mother and doctor were convinced of and ended up getting places in Bellevue Sanitarium.
The best way for me to describe this book is that it was very simplistic in nature. It was not rich in detail and history like what I have come to expect in historical fiction. It was lighter and fluffier for a lack of better words. I would say it was a little on the romantic side. This might make the book more appealing to readers who aren't normally fans of historical fiction. I myself am a huge fan of historical fiction so I found it left me craving a little bit more than it gave me. However, it was still entertaining although somewhat predictable and I was able to finish it quickly. It provided me with a small taste of history that I would love to explore more thoroughly.
December 6, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of "House of Silence" by Sarah Barthel. I found this book intriguing in the description and expectations of women in 1875. Sarah Barthel introduces to complex characters and situations. In this era, young upper class women are expected to marry wealthy men, often chosen by their mothers. It appears that some of these mothers care less about love and happiness of their daughters,than what the marriage will appear in the eyes of society. Sarah Barthel introduces us to Isabelle and Lucy. Lucy is in love with a man, and her mother won't approve because the man's father had a criminal record. Isabelle witnesses a horrific crime that her intended commits, and her mother accuses her of lying. Fearful for her life, Isabelle feigns a nervous breakdown and voluntarily stops speaking and is placed in a sanitarium for troubled women. Isabelle feels secure among the residents and even gets to meet Mary Todd Lincoln. I would highly recommend this novel especially for those that appreciate historical fiction with a touch of suspense.
June 15, 2017
"House of Silence" is an extremely intriguing and fascinating book. The plot is intricately woven and the description in it is very good but not overdone. I don't always like historical fiction because they don't always feel true to the times. However, this seemed very authentic and well researched. I highly recommend this book. It has plenty of action and is very well written.
October 3, 2018
Awesome Book. I Love Historical Fiction. I had never read nothing by this author. I will be reading more by Her. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2016
House of Silence by Sarah Barthel is cross-genre between historical fiction and thriller. The story is about Isabelle, a young woman about to get married to a charming bachelor, Gregory. Her fiancé is the kind of man that all women wanted and everyone especially Isabelle’s mother believed that she couldn’t have found a better suitor. However, after the engagement, Isabelle witnesses Gregory commit a horrible crime. She is left confused and scared for her life and makes the decision to go to the sanitarium for her safety. To achieve this, she decides to go mute and convince everyone of her insanity.
This book is set in 1875 and I think that the author did a great job in portraying the time period. I liked the description of the clothing, the corsets and long skirts that swept the floor. The horses and carriages and social norms made me get lost in the 19th century and in the lives of the characters. The importance of belonging to right social circles was also emphasized and some of the practices such as condemning women who lost their virginity before marriage were brought up in the book. What stood out even more is how issues such as mental illness were treated during that time. Being admitted to a sanitarium was enough to ruin a woman’s reputation and hence destroy her whole life. This illustrates just how brave Isabelle was to decide to go to the sanitarium despite the risks.
I liked the Isabelle as the main character. She was so strong-willed. There were dire ramifications to her actions but she still went through with her charade of insanity to avoid getting married. She also went after Gregory despite the dangers. Women in the book are portrayed as being quite submissive but not this heroine. Her best friend, Lucy, was another endearing character especially due to her defiance to her parents,the arranged marriage and also her support of Isabelle who everyone else was shunning. Other notable characters included, Samuel and Mrs. Lincoln.
Despite Gregory being the obvious villain in the story, the most unlikable character was Isabelle’s mother. The woman was so concerned with reputation and making the right connections in life that she put everyone else ahead of her daughter. This conflict added to the tension in the story but still, that woman was despicable! However, I was intrigued by this angle and kept wondering how the relationship between mother and daughter would survive.
I really liked how the author mixed reality with fiction in this book. Bellevue sanitarium in Batavia, where Isabelle was admitted, actually existed at that time. The proprietors of the place are also characters in this book. Mrs. Lincoln who is also a key support character in the book spent time in the sanitarium during that period.
The book has some interesting support characters including Mary Lincoln. I just wish we saw more them at the sanitarium. They were only mentioned briefly through their interactions with Isabelle. I wanted to know more about them and the conditions that brought them to Bellevue. I do understand that this is Isabelle’s story but those women really did seem interesting so it would have been nice to have their characters developed just a little bit more.
House of Silence by Sarah Barthel is a well-paced book that is quite easy to read. There are a number of twists as Isabelle’s fate hanged precariously. This added to the mystery and tension in the story. The issue of the importance of a woman’s reputation was at the background of this narrative and I found it quite interesting especially given the time period. The book has a great mix of characters with some being likeable and others quite unlikable like Isabelle’s mother but most of them were definitely memorable. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and mystery novels.
This book is set in 1875 and I think that the author did a great job in portraying the time period. I liked the description of the clothing, the corsets and long skirts that swept the floor. The horses and carriages and social norms made me get lost in the 19th century and in the lives of the characters. The importance of belonging to right social circles was also emphasized and some of the practices such as condemning women who lost their virginity before marriage were brought up in the book. What stood out even more is how issues such as mental illness were treated during that time. Being admitted to a sanitarium was enough to ruin a woman’s reputation and hence destroy her whole life. This illustrates just how brave Isabelle was to decide to go to the sanitarium despite the risks.
I liked the Isabelle as the main character. She was so strong-willed. There were dire ramifications to her actions but she still went through with her charade of insanity to avoid getting married. She also went after Gregory despite the dangers. Women in the book are portrayed as being quite submissive but not this heroine. Her best friend, Lucy, was another endearing character especially due to her defiance to her parents,the arranged marriage and also her support of Isabelle who everyone else was shunning. Other notable characters included, Samuel and Mrs. Lincoln.
Despite Gregory being the obvious villain in the story, the most unlikable character was Isabelle’s mother. The woman was so concerned with reputation and making the right connections in life that she put everyone else ahead of her daughter. This conflict added to the tension in the story but still, that woman was despicable! However, I was intrigued by this angle and kept wondering how the relationship between mother and daughter would survive.
I really liked how the author mixed reality with fiction in this book. Bellevue sanitarium in Batavia, where Isabelle was admitted, actually existed at that time. The proprietors of the place are also characters in this book. Mrs. Lincoln who is also a key support character in the book spent time in the sanitarium during that period.
The book has some interesting support characters including Mary Lincoln. I just wish we saw more them at the sanitarium. They were only mentioned briefly through their interactions with Isabelle. I wanted to know more about them and the conditions that brought them to Bellevue. I do understand that this is Isabelle’s story but those women really did seem interesting so it would have been nice to have their characters developed just a little bit more.
House of Silence by Sarah Barthel is a well-paced book that is quite easy to read. There are a number of twists as Isabelle’s fate hanged precariously. This added to the mystery and tension in the story. The issue of the importance of a woman’s reputation was at the background of this narrative and I found it quite interesting especially given the time period. The book has a great mix of characters with some being likeable and others quite unlikable like Isabelle’s mother but most of them were definitely memorable. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and mystery novels.
March 5, 2017
This historical Novel was a page turner for me. The story created by Ms. Barthel gave me an insight into the life and times of women in the era of Mrs. Lincoln and the life of women infirmed in sanitariums in that era.
March 4, 2017
I really wanted to like this book but couldn't. The characters weren't developed, the story wasn't written well, and I have no idea why Mary Lincoln was included as a character because ever her character wasn't developed and she was a real person! This book has no depth and no substance and I truly regret picking it up.
January 5, 2017
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I don’t know a great deal about life for the upper echelons of society in the US during the decades immediately following the Civil War, although I’ve gathered bits and pieces from reading about those heiresses who travelled to Britain and elsewhere in search of Old World, usually titled, husbands. This book’s blurb, therefore, caught my attention, particularly with its setting of a sanitarium – of the type reserved for those with diseases of the mind more than the body. The involvement of real historical figures playing secondary roles in the plot only really came to my notice after I started reading, and then got to know them through the book’s heroine.
Isabelle Larkin is excited to be getting engaged to the eligible bachelor, and rising political star, Gregory Gallagher, although she is saddened that her best friend will not be sharing her happy day – since she plans to elope with a man both girls’ mothers disapprove of due to his father’s actions during the war. During the party, Isabelle witnesses Gregory arguing with an unknown servant woman, and later the same woman approaches Isabelle, claiming to have information about Gregory’s past. Before the women can meet up, however, Isabelle sees Gregory kill his nemesis. She tries to get help, but is overcome by the exertion; when she comes to, everyone around her believes Gregory to be the hero who saved Isabelle from assault by a stranger but was unable to save that same villain’s first victim.
No one gives any credit to Isabelle’s alternative version of events, and her mother insists she go ahead with the wedding. Isabelle’s only way of escape, it seems, is to pretend to be so mad that Gregory will never want to marry her. Isabelle’s mother, horrified by her daughter’s behaviour, ships her quietly off to a highly recommended sanitarium, whose doctors have dealt with far more challenging cases successfully in the past. There Isabelle is befriended by a number of the staff as well as several of her fellow inmates, including the widow of the assassinated President, sent to the institution by her one surviving son.
Mary Lincoln enjoys a number of privileges denied to more ordinary patients and is able to take Isabelle out on excursions with her, leading to Isabelle’s discovery that Gregory is searching for her: with the aim, she thinks, of silencing her for good, but also enabling her to dig out more information regarding the past Gregory is trying to conceal.
I loved the various intertwining plots: the mystery of Gregory’s past, the suspense of whether he will find Isabelle and how she will ever convince others to believe her story, the parallel stories concerning Isabelle’s best friend and the backgrounds of the other patients. Isabelle even finds herself a more deserving suitor, albeit one unlikely to win her mother’s approval. All in all, a most excellent book by an author I’d love to read more from.
I don’t know a great deal about life for the upper echelons of society in the US during the decades immediately following the Civil War, although I’ve gathered bits and pieces from reading about those heiresses who travelled to Britain and elsewhere in search of Old World, usually titled, husbands. This book’s blurb, therefore, caught my attention, particularly with its setting of a sanitarium – of the type reserved for those with diseases of the mind more than the body. The involvement of real historical figures playing secondary roles in the plot only really came to my notice after I started reading, and then got to know them through the book’s heroine.
Isabelle Larkin is excited to be getting engaged to the eligible bachelor, and rising political star, Gregory Gallagher, although she is saddened that her best friend will not be sharing her happy day – since she plans to elope with a man both girls’ mothers disapprove of due to his father’s actions during the war. During the party, Isabelle witnesses Gregory arguing with an unknown servant woman, and later the same woman approaches Isabelle, claiming to have information about Gregory’s past. Before the women can meet up, however, Isabelle sees Gregory kill his nemesis. She tries to get help, but is overcome by the exertion; when she comes to, everyone around her believes Gregory to be the hero who saved Isabelle from assault by a stranger but was unable to save that same villain’s first victim.
No one gives any credit to Isabelle’s alternative version of events, and her mother insists she go ahead with the wedding. Isabelle’s only way of escape, it seems, is to pretend to be so mad that Gregory will never want to marry her. Isabelle’s mother, horrified by her daughter’s behaviour, ships her quietly off to a highly recommended sanitarium, whose doctors have dealt with far more challenging cases successfully in the past. There Isabelle is befriended by a number of the staff as well as several of her fellow inmates, including the widow of the assassinated President, sent to the institution by her one surviving son.
Mary Lincoln enjoys a number of privileges denied to more ordinary patients and is able to take Isabelle out on excursions with her, leading to Isabelle’s discovery that Gregory is searching for her: with the aim, she thinks, of silencing her for good, but also enabling her to dig out more information regarding the past Gregory is trying to conceal.
I loved the various intertwining plots: the mystery of Gregory’s past, the suspense of whether he will find Isabelle and how she will ever convince others to believe her story, the parallel stories concerning Isabelle’s best friend and the backgrounds of the other patients. Isabelle even finds herself a more deserving suitor, albeit one unlikely to win her mother’s approval. All in all, a most excellent book by an author I’d love to read more from.
December 27, 2016
GNAB I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Sarah Barthel, and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, for sharing your work with me.
House of Silence is an excellent novel, set in Illinois in 1875. This is fiction, but set around historical facts that are well documented. Isabelle Larkin is a 21 year old society girl who recently went through the isolation of mourning at the loss of her treasured father, and her mother is not handling widowhood well. Isabelle is steered into a practical commitment to marry Gregory Gallagher, a very attractive young man, orphaned, with political ambitions, and her world seems balanced except for the misery of her best friend Lucy, who is not allowed to marry the man she loves because his father is in prison. Isabelle is sure marrying for more practical reasons is preferable to the possible pain of a love match.
And this is where this tale differs from your average bodice ripper. Isabelle sees her fiancee murder a serving girl. No one will believe her, especially her mother, who is counting on the social alliance with Gregory. Isabelle tries many ways of getting her mother to see she cannot marry Gallagher, to no avail. As a last resort, she pretends muteness, and her mother secretly commits her to Bellevue Sanitarium in Batavia, Illinois, near the home of her Aunt Clara with the hopes that Isabelle will come to her sense before the wedding.
Life in an 1870's Sanatorium for the wealthy bears no resemblance to that inhabited by the poor in large communities. That said, this novel outlines that life, the restrictions and treatments. We see the needs of different women, with different problems. I found this very interesting, as was the eventual commitment of Mary Todd Lincoln. A good book. A great cover!
pub date Dec 27, 2016
Kensington
House of Silence is an excellent novel, set in Illinois in 1875. This is fiction, but set around historical facts that are well documented. Isabelle Larkin is a 21 year old society girl who recently went through the isolation of mourning at the loss of her treasured father, and her mother is not handling widowhood well. Isabelle is steered into a practical commitment to marry Gregory Gallagher, a very attractive young man, orphaned, with political ambitions, and her world seems balanced except for the misery of her best friend Lucy, who is not allowed to marry the man she loves because his father is in prison. Isabelle is sure marrying for more practical reasons is preferable to the possible pain of a love match.
And this is where this tale differs from your average bodice ripper. Isabelle sees her fiancee murder a serving girl. No one will believe her, especially her mother, who is counting on the social alliance with Gregory. Isabelle tries many ways of getting her mother to see she cannot marry Gallagher, to no avail. As a last resort, she pretends muteness, and her mother secretly commits her to Bellevue Sanitarium in Batavia, Illinois, near the home of her Aunt Clara with the hopes that Isabelle will come to her sense before the wedding.
Life in an 1870's Sanatorium for the wealthy bears no resemblance to that inhabited by the poor in large communities. That said, this novel outlines that life, the restrictions and treatments. We see the needs of different women, with different problems. I found this very interesting, as was the eventual commitment of Mary Todd Lincoln. A good book. A great cover!
pub date Dec 27, 2016
Kensington
December 29, 2016
House of Silence is historical fiction mixed with mystery and real characters and places of the day. The author did a good job of blending all into an enjoyable read. Barthel does a very good job of describing the society of the day (1875) when women were married based on advantageous connections rather than love, and mental illness was enough to ruin a person and their family forever in society. Her main characters are deep and well-developed, and there is enough intrigue to keep the reader turning page after page.
Young Isabelle Larkin is engaged to marry Gregory Gallagher, a handsome man with a bright future in politics. Her mother is ecstatic with the match, and Isabelle, liking Gregory well enough, looks forward to the comfortable life Gregory can provide her. That is, until she learns that Gregory lied about where he was born and raised, and witnesses him commit a crime. Horrified, Isabelle wants nothing more to do with him, and tells her mother what happened. Mother doesn't believe her, or more likely is willing to overlook it so that the advantageous marriage occurs as planned and advances her own social standing. Desperate, Isabelle decides to act unbalanced, thinking that Gregory will dismiss her and move on. Instead, she finds herself committed to a sanitarium. Gregory is not going away, and Isabelle soon is, legitimately, in fear for her life. To tell more would diminish the enjoyment of discovery for other readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me an e-ARC of this enjoyable book in exchange for an honest review.
Young Isabelle Larkin is engaged to marry Gregory Gallagher, a handsome man with a bright future in politics. Her mother is ecstatic with the match, and Isabelle, liking Gregory well enough, looks forward to the comfortable life Gregory can provide her. That is, until she learns that Gregory lied about where he was born and raised, and witnesses him commit a crime. Horrified, Isabelle wants nothing more to do with him, and tells her mother what happened. Mother doesn't believe her, or more likely is willing to overlook it so that the advantageous marriage occurs as planned and advances her own social standing. Desperate, Isabelle decides to act unbalanced, thinking that Gregory will dismiss her and move on. Instead, she finds herself committed to a sanitarium. Gregory is not going away, and Isabelle soon is, legitimately, in fear for her life. To tell more would diminish the enjoyment of discovery for other readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me an e-ARC of this enjoyable book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2016
A woman’s lot was not a happy one in 1875!
When Isabelle Larkin becomes formally engaged to Gregory Gallagher, the man she always imagined marrying, she thinks they will create a wonderful life together in Oak Park, Illinois in 1875. But Isabelle witnesses something that causes her to fake a mental illness so that she can take refuge at Bellevue Sanatorium, a home for upper-class troubled women, despite the stigma that is placed on this at that time because it could ruin a young woman’s life. At the sanatorium, she befriends Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of the late president, and together they help each other cope with their respective ailments and work to obtain their freedom from the sanatorium.
The book shows how important the opinion of others was at that time and how a daughter had very little choice in determining anything in her life, whether it be wedding plans, dresses or what she says and does in public. Her reputation in society was as important as her virtue and had to be protected at ALL COSTS. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip back to a time that I am very grateful I did not live in because I would have been in trouble all the time! The book is well written and the author has done her research about the customs of the time and about life in Bellevue.
Saphira
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
When Isabelle Larkin becomes formally engaged to Gregory Gallagher, the man she always imagined marrying, she thinks they will create a wonderful life together in Oak Park, Illinois in 1875. But Isabelle witnesses something that causes her to fake a mental illness so that she can take refuge at Bellevue Sanatorium, a home for upper-class troubled women, despite the stigma that is placed on this at that time because it could ruin a young woman’s life. At the sanatorium, she befriends Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of the late president, and together they help each other cope with their respective ailments and work to obtain their freedom from the sanatorium.
The book shows how important the opinion of others was at that time and how a daughter had very little choice in determining anything in her life, whether it be wedding plans, dresses or what she says and does in public. Her reputation in society was as important as her virtue and had to be protected at ALL COSTS. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip back to a time that I am very grateful I did not live in because I would have been in trouble all the time! The book is well written and the author has done her research about the customs of the time and about life in Bellevue.
Saphira
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
November 11, 2016
House of Silence was a riveting novel that held my interest throughout. Isabella Larkin was a young woman who had it all. She was engaged to be married to a handsome gentleman and they were headed towards a political future. All that changes when she witnesses him committing a terrible crime. When she tries to tell her mother what she has witnessed she is told she is hallucinating. Her mother is too wrapped up in her own image to really hear what her daughter is saying. The only way Isabella feels she can escape is to stop speaking in the hopes she will end up in an asylum. She fakes being mute in order to be protected from her fiance. The story is fascinating as she learns the truth about her fiance and goes about to prove her innocence. While she does this, she makes an interesting friend, Mary Lincoln, the widow of Abraham Lincoln. That really added to the story. I have always deeply admired Abraham Lincoln so this was a real treat. The characters in the book where really well though out. I really loved the sidebar romance between Lucy and Patrick. I was so pleased with the ending. I was also rooting for Isabella to finally find real love and was so pleased when that happened.
House of Silence is a great book that will not disappoint. Very well written.
House of Silence is a great book that will not disappoint. Very well written.
January 31, 2017
Well written story that takes you back to that era when wealthy women just needed to look good and say the "right things. Meaning, say just what their husband's or father's wanted them to say.. Many women were institutionalized when they did not think or act how they were "supposed" to act. Case in point, Mary Todd Lincoln, the former first lady and wife of much loved President Abraham Lincoln was even institutionalized by her son when she was acting up as she got older. She suffered many, many losses throughout her life but did not handle her grief in a way that was acceptable--so her son wanted to keep her out of the public eye. That is a very sad testament to the way women were viewed in society.. This book portrays the times in a very poignant in real way.. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and I would recommend the book to anyone who wants to read a unique story that features Mary Todd Lincoln in a cameo of sorts.
Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read and give an honest review of this book.
Amazon
Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read and give an honest review of this book.
Amazon
December 20, 2016
*Source* NetGalley/Publisher
*Genre* Historical Fiction
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
House of Silence, by author Sarah Barthel, is a historical fiction mystery novel set in the year 1875. 20-year old Isabelle Larkin is engaged to someone who she believes she will spend the rest of her life with. Coming off the loss of her father, the person she most respected, Isabelle is finally able to move forward. Her mother couldn't be happier for Isabelle knowing that Gregory will be her stepping stone into a world that she's been destined for. But, things are never that simple.
*FULL REVIEW @ GIZMOS REVIEWS
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Historical Fiction
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
House of Silence, by author Sarah Barthel, is a historical fiction mystery novel set in the year 1875. 20-year old Isabelle Larkin is engaged to someone who she believes she will spend the rest of her life with. Coming off the loss of her father, the person she most respected, Isabelle is finally able to move forward. Her mother couldn't be happier for Isabelle knowing that Gregory will be her stepping stone into a world that she's been destined for. But, things are never that simple.
*FULL REVIEW @ GIZMOS REVIEWS
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
January 2, 2017
3.5 stars
This was light, romantic suspense with a historical setting. Gothic-ish. A mystery of sorts. Quick reading and entertaining. I'm always interested in books related to mental health and how it was treated historically, so I enjoyed this one. Having Mrs Lincoln as a side character/storyline was fun too. During this time period "keeping up appearances" was key, and often took precedence when it shouldn't, as we see here.
My critique would be that it felt a little incomplete. Maybe it will be the first of a series? It seems like it would be plausible for this or for a sequel for sure.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for a digital ARC to read and review**
This was light, romantic suspense with a historical setting. Gothic-ish. A mystery of sorts. Quick reading and entertaining. I'm always interested in books related to mental health and how it was treated historically, so I enjoyed this one. Having Mrs Lincoln as a side character/storyline was fun too. During this time period "keeping up appearances" was key, and often took precedence when it shouldn't, as we see here.
My critique would be that it felt a little incomplete. Maybe it will be the first of a series? It seems like it would be plausible for this or for a sequel for sure.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for a digital ARC to read and review**
November 12, 2016
I was given an opportunity to read this e galley in exchange for my unbiased review. I devoured Sarah Barthel's House of Silence in one sitting. It was one of those novels you just can't put down. Set in Illinois post-Civil War, a young girl witnesses her fiancé in an act of violence. When her mother will not allow her out of the engagement, she goes to great lengths to escape her fiancé. Along the way, she befriends former First Lady Mary Linvoln. Love, violence, and mystery make this an unforgettable read.
December 21, 2016
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Kensington Books.
The premise for this novel had so much potential. That is the main reason I'm so disappointed that the author barely skimmed over all the intriguing subject material and ended up with a novel with no tension, no menace, no bite. In fact, the tone is so light that the novel makes it sound as if the main character has simply gone away to a country house for a short stay instead of someone fabricating symptoms so she will remain in the safety of a sanitarium to evade a dangerous situation. I found myself so confused by the lightness of the tone with regard to the subject matter that I actually investigated the book to see if it was classified as a middle school rated novel. No, it's just so shallow you feel you've picked up something a 12 year old might like.
Authors need to be so careful with the words and phrases they use when they attempt to write a novel set in a specific historical period. This novel is set in 1875. Somehow I doubt people talked about wearing a particular color of dress because it popped against the color of the curtains and walls of a room, nor is it likely they described someone as leaving a paper trail behind their activities. I am reading an advanced readers copy of this book, maybe those things will have been edited out before the book is made available for sale, I certainly do hope so. But what will not be edited out is the lost opportunity to give readers a serious, in-depth view of what it was like for women to be confined to an institution such as Bellevue, often for the remainder of their lives, simply because they had no control over their own lives and no one to advocate for them. The story of the sufferings of Mary Todd Lincoln is fascinating to read about, but not in this book.
If you are in the mood for a light reading experience which features a heroine who makes the wrong decision each time an opportunity presents itself, then you just might enjoy reading this.
The premise for this novel had so much potential. That is the main reason I'm so disappointed that the author barely skimmed over all the intriguing subject material and ended up with a novel with no tension, no menace, no bite. In fact, the tone is so light that the novel makes it sound as if the main character has simply gone away to a country house for a short stay instead of someone fabricating symptoms so she will remain in the safety of a sanitarium to evade a dangerous situation. I found myself so confused by the lightness of the tone with regard to the subject matter that I actually investigated the book to see if it was classified as a middle school rated novel. No, it's just so shallow you feel you've picked up something a 12 year old might like.
Authors need to be so careful with the words and phrases they use when they attempt to write a novel set in a specific historical period. This novel is set in 1875. Somehow I doubt people talked about wearing a particular color of dress because it popped against the color of the curtains and walls of a room, nor is it likely they described someone as leaving a paper trail behind their activities. I am reading an advanced readers copy of this book, maybe those things will have been edited out before the book is made available for sale, I certainly do hope so. But what will not be edited out is the lost opportunity to give readers a serious, in-depth view of what it was like for women to be confined to an institution such as Bellevue, often for the remainder of their lives, simply because they had no control over their own lives and no one to advocate for them. The story of the sufferings of Mary Todd Lincoln is fascinating to read about, but not in this book.
If you are in the mood for a light reading experience which features a heroine who makes the wrong decision each time an opportunity presents itself, then you just might enjoy reading this.
March 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you!
In House of Silence, Isabelle is a typical girl at the end of the 1800's wanting to enter a good marriage and start her life. Instead, she witnesses her fiance commit a horrible crime and she is afraid for her own safety. Isabelle begins fighting back by acting crazy enough to be sent to Bellevue Sanitarium. Once there, she tries to figure out how to fight for her freedom and a life that she wants to live.
I chose this book because it is historical fiction and because of the local connection to the suburbs of Chicago. It turns out it's more of a historical romance, but I still enjoyed it! The character of Isabelle is interesting and I really wanted to know what would happen to her and if she would find a way to put herself in a place of safety and build a life for herself. I enjoyed the Mary Lincoln connection since I had no idea she lived in a sanitarium in Illinois. I wish that we learned a little more about the other characters at the sanitarium and got to see them work to restore their lives. It also sounded like Dr. Patterson was a really good guy from the author's note and I wish we learned a little more about his motivations and his practice. Gregory is a bit strange with his combination of violent tendencies but extreme concern about whether Isabelle likes him. Samuel is very one dimensional and obvious, but in a romance novel what else do you expect? I like that this book is turning attention to a time and place I don't normally see in fiction so it was a refreshing change of pace. I didn't rate it higher because I was hoping for more historical fiction than romance, but it was a good story and I enjoyed the light read.
In House of Silence, Isabelle is a typical girl at the end of the 1800's wanting to enter a good marriage and start her life. Instead, she witnesses her fiance commit a horrible crime and she is afraid for her own safety. Isabelle begins fighting back by acting crazy enough to be sent to Bellevue Sanitarium. Once there, she tries to figure out how to fight for her freedom and a life that she wants to live.
I chose this book because it is historical fiction and because of the local connection to the suburbs of Chicago. It turns out it's more of a historical romance, but I still enjoyed it! The character of Isabelle is interesting and I really wanted to know what would happen to her and if she would find a way to put herself in a place of safety and build a life for herself. I enjoyed the Mary Lincoln connection since I had no idea she lived in a sanitarium in Illinois. I wish that we learned a little more about the other characters at the sanitarium and got to see them work to restore their lives. It also sounded like Dr. Patterson was a really good guy from the author's note and I wish we learned a little more about his motivations and his practice. Gregory is a bit strange with his combination of violent tendencies but extreme concern about whether Isabelle likes him. Samuel is very one dimensional and obvious, but in a romance novel what else do you expect? I like that this book is turning attention to a time and place I don't normally see in fiction so it was a refreshing change of pace. I didn't rate it higher because I was hoping for more historical fiction than romance, but it was a good story and I enjoyed the light read.
December 28, 2023
2.5 Stars
After witnessing her fiancé, Gregory, murder a woman, and having nobody believe her, Isabelle Larkin stops speaking. This is a conscious decision, because why speak if nobody believes you? And when she refuses to speak for a period of time, her mother and her doctor feel there is no other choice than to send her off to Bellevue Sanitarium. Isabelle is glad to get away, as it means she won’t see Gregory; however, if anyone were to find out, Isabelle’s reputation would be ruined.
While at Bellevue, Isabelle acquaints herself with the other patients who have various issues and befriends the staff. And then the former first lady of the USA, Mary Todd Lincoln, takes up residence. It is Mrs. Lincoln to whom Isabelle confides.
This book was well written, and the characters fleshed out, however, I don’t feel like there was enough substance in the middle of the book. After Isabella witnessed the murder, the book seemed to drag as she did her day-to-day tasks at Bellevue, and went on carriage rides with Mrs. Lincoln, until we finally reached the climax, which I did enjoy. I would have been more invested had anything happened to Isabelle throughout the middle of the book. As it was, there was one small incident that was barely a blip. It happened so fast, I wasn’t even sure if it was real or Isabelle’s imagination.
I did enjoy learning a little more about Mary Todd Lincoln though. I had no clue that after the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, she was sent to a sanitarium due to her behaviors that her son found troubling.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re a big fan of historical novels.
After witnessing her fiancé, Gregory, murder a woman, and having nobody believe her, Isabelle Larkin stops speaking. This is a conscious decision, because why speak if nobody believes you? And when she refuses to speak for a period of time, her mother and her doctor feel there is no other choice than to send her off to Bellevue Sanitarium. Isabelle is glad to get away, as it means she won’t see Gregory; however, if anyone were to find out, Isabelle’s reputation would be ruined.
While at Bellevue, Isabelle acquaints herself with the other patients who have various issues and befriends the staff. And then the former first lady of the USA, Mary Todd Lincoln, takes up residence. It is Mrs. Lincoln to whom Isabelle confides.
This book was well written, and the characters fleshed out, however, I don’t feel like there was enough substance in the middle of the book. After Isabella witnessed the murder, the book seemed to drag as she did her day-to-day tasks at Bellevue, and went on carriage rides with Mrs. Lincoln, until we finally reached the climax, which I did enjoy. I would have been more invested had anything happened to Isabelle throughout the middle of the book. As it was, there was one small incident that was barely a blip. It happened so fast, I wasn’t even sure if it was real or Isabelle’s imagination.
I did enjoy learning a little more about Mary Todd Lincoln though. I had no clue that after the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, she was sent to a sanitarium due to her behaviors that her son found troubling.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re a big fan of historical novels.
February 16, 2017
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley for an honest review. All that follows is my opinion from what I've read. There has been no compensation for the reveiw.
I was first drawn to the cover of The House of Silence. I love the turn of the century and of course, bustles. Add in a mystery, Mary Todd Lincoln, and an asylum . . . needless to say, I was hooked to read.
Let me start off that I felt the blurb was just a little bit misleading. Just a tad. Mrs. Lincoln is in the book, there is the case of the fiance' and his crime, and Isabelle does go to an asylum. However, the book blurb made me feel like I was going to read something that was more in the Historical Fiction and mystery genre. But, really, the book is more of a Historical Romance. That isn't to say it was a bad book . . . just that I was misled for a moment there.
I was beginning to wonder how I was able to go through the book. Historical Fictions tend to keep me grounded in reality and I'm not able to connect with the character or story. In the case of House of Silence, I was able to read the book fast and be pulled into the story.
The romance was decent, the mystery was lacking a tad (though there were some awesome action parts with Isabelle going against the female grain of the time period), and the friendship between Mary Todd and Isabelle was nice. Isabelle really grew independent because of it.
For a debut, it wasn't bad. I would have liked more action or suspense and I would have liked it if the villain was just a bit more villainous, but all in all the book was good.
I was first drawn to the cover of The House of Silence. I love the turn of the century and of course, bustles. Add in a mystery, Mary Todd Lincoln, and an asylum . . . needless to say, I was hooked to read.
Let me start off that I felt the blurb was just a little bit misleading. Just a tad. Mrs. Lincoln is in the book, there is the case of the fiance' and his crime, and Isabelle does go to an asylum. However, the book blurb made me feel like I was going to read something that was more in the Historical Fiction and mystery genre. But, really, the book is more of a Historical Romance. That isn't to say it was a bad book . . . just that I was misled for a moment there.
I was beginning to wonder how I was able to go through the book. Historical Fictions tend to keep me grounded in reality and I'm not able to connect with the character or story. In the case of House of Silence, I was able to read the book fast and be pulled into the story.
The romance was decent, the mystery was lacking a tad (though there were some awesome action parts with Isabelle going against the female grain of the time period), and the friendship between Mary Todd and Isabelle was nice. Isabelle really grew independent because of it.
For a debut, it wasn't bad. I would have liked more action or suspense and I would have liked it if the villain was just a bit more villainous, but all in all the book was good.
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