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The Maiden
Inspired by a real-life case and winner of the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award, Kate Foster's The Maiden is a remarkable story with a feminist revisionist twist, giving a voice to women otherwise silenced by history.
"In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me."
Edinburgh, October 1679. Lady Christian Nimmo is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt: Adulteress. Whore. Murderess.
Only a year before, Christian was leading a life of privilege and respectability. So, what led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? She wasn't the only woman in Forrester's life, and certainly not the only one who might have had cause to wish him dead . . .
"In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me."
Edinburgh, October 1679. Lady Christian Nimmo is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt: Adulteress. Whore. Murderess.
Only a year before, Christian was leading a life of privilege and respectability. So, what led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? She wasn't the only woman in Forrester's life, and certainly not the only one who might have had cause to wish him dead . . .
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2023
332 people are currently reading
13165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 849 reviews
May 8, 2024
This is a brilliantly written book, with well-drawn characters and a plot so filled with twists and turns that its outcome remains a mystery right up until the final page. Living just a stone's throw from Corstorphine, and having studied the murder of James Forrest during my time at university, I was a little frustrated that Foster chose to take so many creative liberties in recounting this famous story. But this novel really was fabulously entertaining, and so I'm giving it a full five stars.
February 16, 2023
Hugely compelling and completely unputdownable. Every time you think you know where the book's going, Kate Foster surprises you. The characterisation and the narrative voice are both so assured. Lady Christian is a fascinating character, but it's Violet who really stole the show for me.
June 20, 2024
Hoo boy, this was juicy.
Check out my Women's Prize Deep Dive on BookTube at Hello, Bookworm.📚🐛
"I would rather burn than die unloved."
I did not expect this book to be so thrilling! Foster does a masterful job of luring readers with a promise of revealing the truth.
Chapters oscillate between the months leading up to the murder and the days after the trial, and this structure never ceases to fascinate as Foster deftly reveals details in a carefully woven timelines, and often pairs them with revelatory newspaper articles.
The story is a reimagining of true events concerning a woman named Christian Nimmo, who was accused of murdering her lover and uncle in 1679 and faced death at the Maiden, a gruesome guillotine used for public execution.
Foster admits in the Author's Note that she takes many creative liberties with Lady Christian's story, but her take on the story is compelling, scintillating, and satisfying. Definitely recommend this one to fans of historical fiction!
Check out my Women's Prize Deep Dive on BookTube at Hello, Bookworm.📚🐛
"I would rather burn than die unloved."
I did not expect this book to be so thrilling! Foster does a masterful job of luring readers with a promise of revealing the truth.
Chapters oscillate between the months leading up to the murder and the days after the trial, and this structure never ceases to fascinate as Foster deftly reveals details in a carefully woven timelines, and often pairs them with revelatory newspaper articles.
The story is a reimagining of true events concerning a woman named Christian Nimmo, who was accused of murdering her lover and uncle in 1679 and faced death at the Maiden, a gruesome guillotine used for public execution.
Foster admits in the Author's Note that she takes many creative liberties with Lady Christian's story, but her take on the story is compelling, scintillating, and satisfying. Definitely recommend this one to fans of historical fiction!
June 7, 2023
"the courtroom smacked of morning breath and stale wig"
I love that line.
Lairds and Ladies, adultery and whores, murder and mystery, what's not to like?
An immersive bit of historical fiction (though very loosely based on an actual real life murder committed in 1679) with great characters - Violet was an absolute gem - and just the right amount of bodice ripping and intrigue, oh and as if that isn't enough, check out that cover, 'tis a thing of beauty.
5 shiny stars, a cracking debut novel from Kate Foster, I'm keen to see what she does next.
I love that line.
Lairds and Ladies, adultery and whores, murder and mystery, what's not to like?
An immersive bit of historical fiction (though very loosely based on an actual real life murder committed in 1679) with great characters - Violet was an absolute gem - and just the right amount of bodice ripping and intrigue, oh and as if that isn't enough, check out that cover, 'tis a thing of beauty.
5 shiny stars, a cracking debut novel from Kate Foster, I'm keen to see what she does next.
March 9, 2024
17th century Edinburgh comes to life in this outstanding work of historical fiction. Taking the real life murder of James Forrester as a starting point, Foster presents a fictional story of Christian Nimmo, the real life murderer who was executed for the crime by The Maiden (guillotine). Telling the story through the eyes of Christian and the fictional woman Violet allows us to experience what life was like for women at the time - ignored, disbelieved, abused and presented for the pleasure of men alone. Foster gives them a voice and imagines what may have led to Christian to murder her uncle. On top of all that, it's a cracking read, with plenty of twists and a compelling plot.
January 27, 2023
This book is absolutely INCREDIBLE, I was pulled in after the first page and honestly, this is one of those books that I didn’t want to end. The plot is as beautiful as the writing, with incredibly detailed characters that you can’t help but root for, and Kate did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing throughout as to who the murderess could have been. I absolutely cannot recommend this one enough, and now after reading this I have the strongest urge to go and visit Edinburgh because it sounds so absolutely magical.
Bonus points to Chloe to informing me that the maiden is actually what the guillotine was called in Scotland in the 16th century… my mind was absolutely blown. Talk about incredible book name!
Thank you to Chloe at Pan Macmillan for sending me a proof of this incredible read.
Bonus points to Chloe to informing me that the maiden is actually what the guillotine was called in Scotland in the 16th century… my mind was absolutely blown. Talk about incredible book name!
Thank you to Chloe at Pan Macmillan for sending me a proof of this incredible read.
August 17, 2023
Engaging historical story where the inequality between rich and poor, and men and women is stark. Of course I sympathised with the female characters and despised the main male character as his behaviour was despicable, including the manipulation and grooming of teenage girls. Bit too much humping😊
March 26, 2024
Women's Prize Longlist 2024
Historical fiction very loosely based on the true story of a murder and the guillotine the "Maiden". In this novel the victim, Lord James Forrester, is allegedly murdered by his lover and niece (by marriage) Lady Christian Nimmo. The novel is set in 1679.
This is a debut, although Foster is a long term journalist. There are some nicely written passages:
"Gossip runs through Edinburgh like its fleet-footed urchins. It starts in the coffee-house broadsides. Then rumours weave up the narrow closes to the firesides and bedchambers and out into the countryside and its grand homes. To parlours; across backgammon boards; and into the bottom of teacups."
but there was also somewhat overblown melodrama and overall I found this book a struggle. I grew weary of the Laird and his need to stick his wick in every female, although I appreciated the hints to the hypocrisy of the times and the church. The characters felt a little like caricatures and I found the novel really dragged. However, the most frustrating thing for me was that this is historical fiction, set in the 17th century and yet the characters in their habits, speech and even sometimes in attitude felt very modern. I note in an interview the author stated:
“The biggest tip I got was not to try to invent historical characters! Instead, make them modern characters who are just like us, with our wants and needs and desires. That way, the reader can identify with them, and they feel authentic. As for the dialogue, they speak in the same way as me and my friends and family. I found it easy to write some of the dialogue as it was like chatting to friends.”
but this did not gel for me. The fact that this took me two weeks to read is telling, I just kept putting it down and forcing myself to pick it up again. Overall, I didn't dislike this novel, I was simply disappointed by it and it would not make my short list - but as I have said before (and no doubt will say again) I am not a judge (thankfully).
Historical fiction very loosely based on the true story of a murder and the guillotine the "Maiden". In this novel the victim, Lord James Forrester, is allegedly murdered by his lover and niece (by marriage) Lady Christian Nimmo. The novel is set in 1679.
This is a debut, although Foster is a long term journalist. There are some nicely written passages:
"Gossip runs through Edinburgh like its fleet-footed urchins. It starts in the coffee-house broadsides. Then rumours weave up the narrow closes to the firesides and bedchambers and out into the countryside and its grand homes. To parlours; across backgammon boards; and into the bottom of teacups."
but there was also somewhat overblown melodrama and overall I found this book a struggle. I grew weary of the Laird and his need to stick his wick in every female, although I appreciated the hints to the hypocrisy of the times and the church. The characters felt a little like caricatures and I found the novel really dragged. However, the most frustrating thing for me was that this is historical fiction, set in the 17th century and yet the characters in their habits, speech and even sometimes in attitude felt very modern. I note in an interview the author stated:
“The biggest tip I got was not to try to invent historical characters! Instead, make them modern characters who are just like us, with our wants and needs and desires. That way, the reader can identify with them, and they feel authentic. As for the dialogue, they speak in the same way as me and my friends and family. I found it easy to write some of the dialogue as it was like chatting to friends.”
but this did not gel for me. The fact that this took me two weeks to read is telling, I just kept putting it down and forcing myself to pick it up again. Overall, I didn't dislike this novel, I was simply disappointed by it and it would not make my short list - but as I have said before (and no doubt will say again) I am not a judge (thankfully).
March 18, 2023
I was so bored reading this, and really had to force myself to finish. The narration felt so disconnected to our MC’s feelings, I just couldn’t engage at all.
The reviews are really strong so far so I wouldn’t necessarily discount it just because of me, but I’m not seeing what everyone else is seeing unfortunately.
The reviews are really strong so far so I wouldn’t necessarily discount it just because of me, but I’m not seeing what everyone else is seeing unfortunately.
December 20, 2022
If I had to choose just one genre to read for the rest of my life it would be historical fiction. I love it but I love it even more when it has an Edinburgh setting. When I heard about The Maiden, a historical tale based not just in Edinburgh but in my neighbourhood, I knew I had to read this book.
I was not disappointed. The Maiden really is a wonderful read, evoking the sights, sounds and society of 17th century Edinburgh to perfection.
Based on a true story of the bloody murder of Lord James Forrester by his niece and lover Lady Christian Nimmo in 1679, the author spins a wonderful tale around the known facts of the case.
It opens with Christian held as a prisoner in the tolbooth of Edinburgh. In fact the very first line is the judge pronouncing her sentence of beheading - an opening that is sure to grab a reader's attention!
The story of the events leading to this point is told mostly between Christian and Violet, a working girl and a particular favourite of Lord James.
History does not like to dwell on the stories of women. So although we know the brief details of Christian through her part in the case, it was so interesting to see her represented as a more rounded, real human rather than just the murderess she was reported to be.
Descriptions of her life, upbringing and her relationship with her husband give an understanding of why she was vulnerable to the attentions of James and why she was willing to take a chance on a relationship with him despite the scandal it could attract.
As we learn more about James’ character through the eyes of the women, it becomes clear what a manipulative and selfish man he was. While Christian is risking everything to be with James, her discovery of his various affairs leaves her feeling betrayed and embarrassed providing a motive for why she eventually takes action against him,
The stories of working class women are even more absent from history. Therefore I loved the voice given to Violet in this book. I thought she was so well written. Working in a house of pleasure on Edinburgh’s High Street before she was selected by Lord James to stay for a period at Corstorphine Castle, she hadn’t had an easy life. She is still so young when she gets caught up with James Forrester but I loved her practical way of looking at her situation and her observations often added a touch of wry humour to the story.
Compelling writing and a gripping story set against a backdrop of locations I know so well, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I’m very much looking forward to hearing more from Kate.
Thank you so much to Pan McMillan and Kate Foster for a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was not disappointed. The Maiden really is a wonderful read, evoking the sights, sounds and society of 17th century Edinburgh to perfection.
Based on a true story of the bloody murder of Lord James Forrester by his niece and lover Lady Christian Nimmo in 1679, the author spins a wonderful tale around the known facts of the case.
It opens with Christian held as a prisoner in the tolbooth of Edinburgh. In fact the very first line is the judge pronouncing her sentence of beheading - an opening that is sure to grab a reader's attention!
The story of the events leading to this point is told mostly between Christian and Violet, a working girl and a particular favourite of Lord James.
History does not like to dwell on the stories of women. So although we know the brief details of Christian through her part in the case, it was so interesting to see her represented as a more rounded, real human rather than just the murderess she was reported to be.
Descriptions of her life, upbringing and her relationship with her husband give an understanding of why she was vulnerable to the attentions of James and why she was willing to take a chance on a relationship with him despite the scandal it could attract.
As we learn more about James’ character through the eyes of the women, it becomes clear what a manipulative and selfish man he was. While Christian is risking everything to be with James, her discovery of his various affairs leaves her feeling betrayed and embarrassed providing a motive for why she eventually takes action against him,
The stories of working class women are even more absent from history. Therefore I loved the voice given to Violet in this book. I thought she was so well written. Working in a house of pleasure on Edinburgh’s High Street before she was selected by Lord James to stay for a period at Corstorphine Castle, she hadn’t had an easy life. She is still so young when she gets caught up with James Forrester but I loved her practical way of looking at her situation and her observations often added a touch of wry humour to the story.
Compelling writing and a gripping story set against a backdrop of locations I know so well, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I’m very much looking forward to hearing more from Kate.
Thank you so much to Pan McMillan and Kate Foster for a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
5 star read. Beautifully written, well researched, great characters. A must read for historical true crime readers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 13, 2023
4.5 Stars
“this I have learned for myself: girls who are wronged can become vengeful women. And it matters not whether they are ladies or harlots or maids.”
Kate Foster’s spectacular debut was a haunting, poignant and utterly compulsive read that gripped me from the very first chapter and kept me in an emotional chokehold until the very last page!
Inspired by true historical events and told through the alternating POVs of two very different, but interconnected women (Christian and Violet), The Maiden tells the story of the murder of James Forrester— Uncle, Lover and Laird whose privileged station in life allowed him to doggedly pursue both women, who are powerless to his overtures (and deeply controlling nature.)
It’s an incredibly emotional and, at times painful read, but the insight into both Christian and Violet’s struggles (and lives) had me invested every step of the way—I genuinely loved every exquisitely detailed second!
The writing was gorgeously evocative and soo atmospheric, with well researched and detailed descriptions that I found utterly transportive. I have to admit, the prison scenes were probably the most suspenseful (and heartbreaking) for me, as I genuinely grew to love Christian and dreaded the slow and unrelenting countdown to her fate.
Growing up in an upper class family with all the trappings of wealth and privilege afforded her, I honestly wasn’t expecting to love Christian as much as I did—her loneliness and yearning to be loved (and considered as beautiful and valuable as her younger sister) really tugged at my heartstrings.
Violet was also an endearingly fascinating character (who I found just slightly more compelling for her bold, tenacious and unrelentingly honest opinions.)
Swept up from the gutters as a child by Mrs Fiddes and trained in the art of sex and seduction, Violet hasn’t had the easiest of lives. But I was in awe of her grit and determination, and can’t fault her for wanting to find a way out regardless of the cost.
Though this is based on the true case of Christian Nimmo, not much is actually known about her or what really transpired between her and James beyond what was shared during the trial. Like most of history, women and their stories tend to remain invisible (or get lost in time) but I’d like to think that Foster’s portrayal was at least a little true—if only to make people contemplate the very real humans behind the story.
If you love gripping and deeply moving historical fiction centred around female stories then I definitely recommend checking this out—it’s absolutely marvellous!
A huge thank you to Chloe over at Pan Macmillan/ Mantle for the finished copy (and for including me on the upcoming blog tour.)
“this I have learned for myself: girls who are wronged can become vengeful women. And it matters not whether they are ladies or harlots or maids.”
Kate Foster’s spectacular debut was a haunting, poignant and utterly compulsive read that gripped me from the very first chapter and kept me in an emotional chokehold until the very last page!
Inspired by true historical events and told through the alternating POVs of two very different, but interconnected women (Christian and Violet), The Maiden tells the story of the murder of James Forrester— Uncle, Lover and Laird whose privileged station in life allowed him to doggedly pursue both women, who are powerless to his overtures (and deeply controlling nature.)
It’s an incredibly emotional and, at times painful read, but the insight into both Christian and Violet’s struggles (and lives) had me invested every step of the way—I genuinely loved every exquisitely detailed second!
The writing was gorgeously evocative and soo atmospheric, with well researched and detailed descriptions that I found utterly transportive. I have to admit, the prison scenes were probably the most suspenseful (and heartbreaking) for me, as I genuinely grew to love Christian and dreaded the slow and unrelenting countdown to her fate.
Growing up in an upper class family with all the trappings of wealth and privilege afforded her, I honestly wasn’t expecting to love Christian as much as I did—her loneliness and yearning to be loved (and considered as beautiful and valuable as her younger sister) really tugged at my heartstrings.
Violet was also an endearingly fascinating character (who I found just slightly more compelling for her bold, tenacious and unrelentingly honest opinions.)
Swept up from the gutters as a child by Mrs Fiddes and trained in the art of sex and seduction, Violet hasn’t had the easiest of lives. But I was in awe of her grit and determination, and can’t fault her for wanting to find a way out regardless of the cost.
Though this is based on the true case of Christian Nimmo, not much is actually known about her or what really transpired between her and James beyond what was shared during the trial. Like most of history, women and their stories tend to remain invisible (or get lost in time) but I’d like to think that Foster’s portrayal was at least a little true—if only to make people contemplate the very real humans behind the story.
If you love gripping and deeply moving historical fiction centred around female stories then I definitely recommend checking this out—it’s absolutely marvellous!
A huge thank you to Chloe over at Pan Macmillan/ Mantle for the finished copy (and for including me on the upcoming blog tour.)
April 27, 2024
Long listed Women's prize.
A soft mystery, long on sex and short on mystery with a background of coming of age in 1600 Scotland. read recently on a trip to Edinburgh and enjoyed it most for its sense of place. A very good travel read that didn't quite live up to its hype. A mystery that begins with the trial for the crime and circles back to background of the characters. Wanted more of a mystery. Felt there were just too few characters so the wonder of who did it was quite limited. The why became the question rather than the who. I had hoped for more.
A soft mystery, long on sex and short on mystery with a background of coming of age in 1600 Scotland. read recently on a trip to Edinburgh and enjoyed it most for its sense of place. A very good travel read that didn't quite live up to its hype. A mystery that begins with the trial for the crime and circles back to background of the characters. Wanted more of a mystery. Felt there were just too few characters so the wonder of who did it was quite limited. The why became the question rather than the who. I had hoped for more.
April 18, 2023
Words can be worse than weapons.
They burn. Cut deep. Burrow under the skin. They can be damning.
Adulteress. Whore. Murderess.
The year is 1679, Edinburgh.
Lady Christian Nimmo stands accused of a crime most heinous; she is charged with the murder of her lover, the great James Forrester - the news of her most scandalous arrest and trial are splashed all over the broadsheets that leave little room for any doubt whatsoever…
But how on earth could this series of events transpire to begin with, seeing as it was just a short year ago that Lady Christian was a pillar of the community, a lady of respectability so why would she be foolish enough to risk losing everything, even her life, and was she even capable of such an act?
Well, dear reader, Lady Christian wasn’t the only woman in James Forrester’s bedchamber wishing him ill will.
For there was another who believed his tall tales that perhaps she was truly special. Someone who could not have been more different to Lady Christian, and a most dangerous game begins when Violet is adamant she will not go back to her life of depravity after a glimpse of luxury and she will stop at nothing to ensure a better future yet perhaps she is nothing more than another oddity, to be ridiculed for thinking she could ever be more than what she was born into.
Will the truth ever really be told, or will the Maiden claim another life?
Evocative, seductive, salacious and haunting, inspired by a true life case, The Maiden is Historical Fiction at its finest.
They burn. Cut deep. Burrow under the skin. They can be damning.
Adulteress. Whore. Murderess.
The year is 1679, Edinburgh.
Lady Christian Nimmo stands accused of a crime most heinous; she is charged with the murder of her lover, the great James Forrester - the news of her most scandalous arrest and trial are splashed all over the broadsheets that leave little room for any doubt whatsoever…
But how on earth could this series of events transpire to begin with, seeing as it was just a short year ago that Lady Christian was a pillar of the community, a lady of respectability so why would she be foolish enough to risk losing everything, even her life, and was she even capable of such an act?
Well, dear reader, Lady Christian wasn’t the only woman in James Forrester’s bedchamber wishing him ill will.
For there was another who believed his tall tales that perhaps she was truly special. Someone who could not have been more different to Lady Christian, and a most dangerous game begins when Violet is adamant she will not go back to her life of depravity after a glimpse of luxury and she will stop at nothing to ensure a better future yet perhaps she is nothing more than another oddity, to be ridiculed for thinking she could ever be more than what she was born into.
Will the truth ever really be told, or will the Maiden claim another life?
Evocative, seductive, salacious and haunting, inspired by a true life case, The Maiden is Historical Fiction at its finest.
August 1, 2023
an absolutely phenomenal historical speculative fiction novel about the execution of a woman who killed her cheating lord husband in ireland. christian knows her husband is a cheating bastard, but when he gets violet, a local prostitute, pregnant, all hell breaks loose. the two women desire the same horrible man, and one loses her life in the process.
absolutely beautifully written, masterfully crafted, and brutal in the best way.
absolutely beautifully written, masterfully crafted, and brutal in the best way.
May 8, 2023
This book was a mixed bag. I enjoyed the suspense and the angle the author took into explaining the motives behind this true life murder. The different narrative voices were distinct and rich, though it may have been interesting to have had the voice of Oriana included too.
But for me the story was too meandering, the prose not very natural in style at times, and the book just too long. It felt repetitive at times and I couldn't connect to the characters, but throughout just felt distant from it all. Therefore, I just wasn't invested in the story or the fates of the characters enough.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
But for me the story was too meandering, the prose not very natural in style at times, and the book just too long. It felt repetitive at times and I couldn't connect to the characters, but throughout just felt distant from it all. Therefore, I just wasn't invested in the story or the fates of the characters enough.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
December 31, 2022
“The Maiden” is an incredible book, based on a real-life case from the end of the 17th Century in Scotland in which a woman named Lady Christian Nimmo was convicted of the murder of her lover and uncle (by marriage), James Forrester. When the author couldn’t find anything out about the real-life Lady Christian, other than that she was an “adulterous murderess”, she decided to write the story of Christian’s life, from the point of view of various women in James Forrester’s life.
What the author creates is a compelling, evocative story told in turn by Lady Christian and by Violet, a prostitute favoured by James. The women are fascinating and the way in which they reveal James’ true character, and the events that lead up to his death, is nuanced and perfectly paced.
I love that these women – one of whom is real but something of a footnote in the history of her own life, and the other based on countless women whose history was never recorded – have been given such a strong and convincing voice in this novel. I was totally gripped by this story, and can’t wait to read more by this author. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.
What the author creates is a compelling, evocative story told in turn by Lady Christian and by Violet, a prostitute favoured by James. The women are fascinating and the way in which they reveal James’ true character, and the events that lead up to his death, is nuanced and perfectly paced.
I love that these women – one of whom is real but something of a footnote in the history of her own life, and the other based on countless women whose history was never recorded – have been given such a strong and convincing voice in this novel. I was totally gripped by this story, and can’t wait to read more by this author. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.
August 3, 2023
What a wonderful debut! I actually listened to the audiobook, which was beautifully narrated by two perfect choices, and hearing their lovely Scottish accents really added to the authenticity and atmosphere - the beauty of audiobooks with great narrators! The author grew up in the same area in which the events in the book took place, and the author has written a credible tale based on factual events. Highly recommended!
April 26, 2024
This was a very pleasant surprise. Very happy this was on the women's prize longlist. It is simply a very good historical fiction with strong feminist themes.
April 11, 2025
Hoy vengo con la reseña de un thriller histórico que me atrapó desde la primera página y que demuestra la cantidad de historias fascinantes, y muchas veces silenciadas, que han ocurrido a lo largo del tiempo. “La doncella”, de Kate Foster, es una novela basada en hechos reales que nos traslada a la Escocia del siglo XVII, concretamente a Edimburgo, donde una mujer fue acusada de asesinar a su amante, que además era su tío político.
La protagonista es Lady Christian Nimmo. Cuando comienza la historia, está encarcelada, esperando su juicio por asesinato. Desde ese encierro vamos conociendo su vida a través de sus propios recuerdos. Poco a poco descubrimos su infancia, su matrimonio, su entorno y, sobre todo, su relación con James Forrester, un hombre poderoso, controlador y muy consciente del dominio que ejercía sobre ella. Lo interesante es que el libro no gira en torno al crimen en sí, sino a todo lo que lo precede: los abusos, las imposiciones sociales, el deseo de libertad y esa mezcla de amor, culpa, deseo y desesperación que la empujan a actuar.
Kate Foster no escribe esta historia para victimizar ni para glorificar a su protagonista. Lo que hace es mucho más valioso: le da voz. Una voz que durante siglos fue silenciada o reducida a un escándalo. Aquí, Christian se convierte en una mujer completa, con contradicciones, con fuerza, con heridas. Su relato está lleno de emoción contenida y de una sinceridad que duele.
La ambientación es magnífica. Edimburgo se siente húmedo, gris, opresivo. Cada escena está impregnada de una atmósfera cargada de juicio, miedo y represión. Y aunque no es una novela de ritmo vertiginoso, la tensión emocional se mantiene constante. Vas leyendo con el corazón encogido, deseando que alguien la escuche, que alguien la entienda.
La prosa de Foster es elegante y precisa. Tiene un estilo sobrio pero lleno de fuerza, que te envuelve sin necesidad de adornos. La historia está contada con respeto, con inteligencia y con una sensibilidad feminista que atraviesa cada página.
Y no puedo cerrar esta reseña sin mencionar lo preciosa que es la edición, cuidada hasta el mínimo detalle, con una portada que capta perfectamente el tono de la novela.
La protagonista es Lady Christian Nimmo. Cuando comienza la historia, está encarcelada, esperando su juicio por asesinato. Desde ese encierro vamos conociendo su vida a través de sus propios recuerdos. Poco a poco descubrimos su infancia, su matrimonio, su entorno y, sobre todo, su relación con James Forrester, un hombre poderoso, controlador y muy consciente del dominio que ejercía sobre ella. Lo interesante es que el libro no gira en torno al crimen en sí, sino a todo lo que lo precede: los abusos, las imposiciones sociales, el deseo de libertad y esa mezcla de amor, culpa, deseo y desesperación que la empujan a actuar.
Kate Foster no escribe esta historia para victimizar ni para glorificar a su protagonista. Lo que hace es mucho más valioso: le da voz. Una voz que durante siglos fue silenciada o reducida a un escándalo. Aquí, Christian se convierte en una mujer completa, con contradicciones, con fuerza, con heridas. Su relato está lleno de emoción contenida y de una sinceridad que duele.
La ambientación es magnífica. Edimburgo se siente húmedo, gris, opresivo. Cada escena está impregnada de una atmósfera cargada de juicio, miedo y represión. Y aunque no es una novela de ritmo vertiginoso, la tensión emocional se mantiene constante. Vas leyendo con el corazón encogido, deseando que alguien la escuche, que alguien la entienda.
La prosa de Foster es elegante y precisa. Tiene un estilo sobrio pero lleno de fuerza, que te envuelve sin necesidad de adornos. La historia está contada con respeto, con inteligencia y con una sensibilidad feminista que atraviesa cada página.
Y no puedo cerrar esta reseña sin mencionar lo preciosa que es la edición, cuidada hasta el mínimo detalle, con una portada que capta perfectamente el tono de la novela.
November 24, 2023
4.5 stars.
This is a great piece of historical fiction and all the more admirable as this is the author’s debut work. The cast of female characters in this are so well developed and are all strong gutsy women. Lady Christian and Violet are the two main characters and we mostly hear from them. Violet being my favourite.
I thought I knew where this story was going but it was much more multi layered than I anticipated. It is is a character driven narrative told in the first person in alternate timelines and I thought it was well executed. (pun intended). Nobody knows all the details about this case but the author has chosen to give voice to the women in this story and developed it from there.
The maiden (a guillotine) was used for over 150 deaths and is the central point of the story.
I listened to this and the narrators did absolute justice to tie characters and story.
I highly recommend this for those that like historical fiction and character driven stories.
This is a great piece of historical fiction and all the more admirable as this is the author’s debut work. The cast of female characters in this are so well developed and are all strong gutsy women. Lady Christian and Violet are the two main characters and we mostly hear from them. Violet being my favourite.
I thought I knew where this story was going but it was much more multi layered than I anticipated. It is is a character driven narrative told in the first person in alternate timelines and I thought it was well executed. (pun intended). Nobody knows all the details about this case but the author has chosen to give voice to the women in this story and developed it from there.
The maiden (a guillotine) was used for over 150 deaths and is the central point of the story.
I listened to this and the narrators did absolute justice to tie characters and story.
I highly recommend this for those that like historical fiction and character driven stories.
April 16, 2024
3.5 stars. A naive well bred lady, a balshy harlot, a god fearing servant girl, a dodgy aunt and a cad. Women trapped by circumstance and class. The characters were interesting and well written but I felt like I had met their types before. Wanting to find out the circumstances of the murder was really my main incentive to continue this novel and ultimately I had to make it to the very end to find out. There were really no surprises it was just going to be a matter of who would take the fall and receive the punishment.
March 16, 2024
Longlisted for 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction
Every long list has its dud, and this book is it for me this year. I must have been reading a different book from everyone else because I don’t get why this book was even nominated.
I thought that the premise of this book was so compelling but it failed to say anything that hasn’t been said a million times before in much better ways in other historical fiction novels. It’s hard to make me not root for a woman who runs a man through with a sword (or is accused of doing so), but this book successfully accomplished that. Also, I’m a bit baffled at how a book with such a cool premise was made so goddamn boring.
My main issue with this book was the characters. Each of our three main characters, Christian, Violet, and James, struck one note throughout this narrative. Moreover, they felt like cardboard cutouts of the virginal maiden, the street-wise prostitute, and the predatory man, and they never deviated from the narrative lines they were given. It was exhausting to read variations of the same thing over and over again. I also found that the exploration of female desire was so poorly written.
The writing was also terrible because it relied so much on the melodrama of it all. I am kidding you not, Christian says “I would rather burn than die unloved” and the VERY NEXT PAGE James declares, with little irony, “I am the loneliest man alive.” Give me a break.
I also have no idea what the author was trying to say about Andrew Nimmo’s lack of desire for his wife. It seemed like he didn't physically desire her for some reason, but it was never explained. Perhaps he was gay, perhaps he didn't feel that way toward anyone, but since his lack of physical desire was framed as a huge issue in the narrative, it strikes me as either (1) homophobic or (2) ace-phobic. How that entire scenario was handled rubbed me the wrong way.
There were some decent reveals at the end, but they came too little, too late, and strained credibility. It also didn’t connect with the motives of characters earlier in the book. Also, the characters of Violet and Oriana were made up, and it made me roll my eyes to think that there was any historical accuracy whatsoever in the way the story shook out.
All told, it was interesting to learn more about this woman who had been erased from history, but this was not my kind of book at all and it will definitely be at the bottom of my own personal ranking of Women’s Prize nominees this year.
Every long list has its dud, and this book is it for me this year. I must have been reading a different book from everyone else because I don’t get why this book was even nominated.
I thought that the premise of this book was so compelling but it failed to say anything that hasn’t been said a million times before in much better ways in other historical fiction novels. It’s hard to make me not root for a woman who runs a man through with a sword (or is accused of doing so), but this book successfully accomplished that. Also, I’m a bit baffled at how a book with such a cool premise was made so goddamn boring.
My main issue with this book was the characters. Each of our three main characters, Christian, Violet, and James, struck one note throughout this narrative. Moreover, they felt like cardboard cutouts of the virginal maiden, the street-wise prostitute, and the predatory man, and they never deviated from the narrative lines they were given. It was exhausting to read variations of the same thing over and over again. I also found that the exploration of female desire was so poorly written.
The writing was also terrible because it relied so much on the melodrama of it all. I am kidding you not, Christian says “I would rather burn than die unloved” and the VERY NEXT PAGE James declares, with little irony, “I am the loneliest man alive.” Give me a break.
I also have no idea what the author was trying to say about Andrew Nimmo’s lack of desire for his wife. It seemed like he didn't physically desire her for some reason, but it was never explained. Perhaps he was gay, perhaps he didn't feel that way toward anyone, but since his lack of physical desire was framed as a huge issue in the narrative, it strikes me as either (1) homophobic or (2) ace-phobic. How that entire scenario was handled rubbed me the wrong way.
There were some decent reveals at the end, but they came too little, too late, and strained credibility. It also didn’t connect with the motives of characters earlier in the book. Also, the characters of Violet and Oriana were made up, and it made me roll my eyes to think that there was any historical accuracy whatsoever in the way the story shook out.
All told, it was interesting to learn more about this woman who had been erased from history, but this was not my kind of book at all and it will definitely be at the bottom of my own personal ranking of Women’s Prize nominees this year.
March 26, 2025
📝 Ficción histórica basada en un crimen real
📖 Autconclusivo
= 𝚜𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 =
🗣️ Lady Christian es arrestada y acusada del asesinato de su amante, James Forrester. La noticia de su encarcelamiento corre como la pólvora y la tildan de adúltera, meretriz, asesina...
Novela ambientada en ᴇᴅɪᴍʙᴜʀɢᴏ ᴇɴ ᴇʟ ᴀñᴏ 𝟣𝟨𝟩𝟫. Como todos sabemos, en esa época, 𝒔𝒊 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒋𝒆𝒓, 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒂 𝒍𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒊 𝒍𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒂 𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒔 𝒅𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒔. Los talentos que se premiaban en una mujer eran la 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚, 𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐲 𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐨.
Con esta premisa y la sinopsis, ya sabemos que 𝒍𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝒚 𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒃𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒍 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂. Su ᴛʀᴀᴍᴀ me ha parecido 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚 pese a tener pocos personajes. Narrada desde 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒅𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂, me he visto atrapada y succionada por el miedo que emitía el sistema de antaño en el que la justicia solo es una palabra sin mucho valor.
Uno de los puntos fuertes de la novela es su 𝚊𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚒ó𝚗 𝚐ó𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊 𝚢 𝚘𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚊 conseguida a través de las descripciones justas. Estas evocan incluso al olfato haciendo ascos de la basura que se tiraba por las ventanas de las casas en esa época mientras una neblina recorre los estrechos y oscuros callejones hasta llegar a las plazas donde se ejecutaban a los condenados.
Tenemos un crimen pero la gente está más interesada en ver una ejecución o juzgar a alguien por su status que de seguir las pruebas. Es por ella que como 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙡é𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙖 𝙘𝙧í𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙙𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞ó𝙣 𝙮 𝙖𝙡𝙜ú𝙣 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙧𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙤.
Aunque la trama puede ser un poco predecible, se disfruta enormemente aunque 𝗻𝗼 𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶ó𝗻 𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶ó𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲. Hay muchos capítulos que se limitan a desarrollar los conflictos internos de las protagonistas para sumergirnos más en la atmósfera de la Escocia pasada.
Ideal para los que disfrutan de novelas históricas 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙮 𝙪𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖.
Fue nominada en el 2024 al "Women's Prize for Fiction". Un premio que se da en Reino Unido anualmente a una escritora de cualquier nacionalidad por la mejor novela escrita en inglés.
También ganó el Bloody Scotland Crime debut of the year (2023) y fue finalista para el CWA (Crime Writing Association) New Blood Dagger 2024
4,25⭐️
📖 Autconclusivo
= 𝚜𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 =
🗣️ Lady Christian es arrestada y acusada del asesinato de su amante, James Forrester. La noticia de su encarcelamiento corre como la pólvora y la tildan de adúltera, meretriz, asesina...
Novela ambientada en ᴇᴅɪᴍʙᴜʀɢᴏ ᴇɴ ᴇʟ ᴀñᴏ 𝟣𝟨𝟩𝟫. Como todos sabemos, en esa época, 𝒔𝒊 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒋𝒆𝒓, 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒂 𝒍𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒊 𝒍𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒂 𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒔 𝒅𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒔. Los talentos que se premiaban en una mujer eran la 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚, 𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐲 𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐨.
Con esta premisa y la sinopsis, ya sabemos que 𝒍𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝒚 𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒃𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒍 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂. Su ᴛʀᴀᴍᴀ me ha parecido 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚 pese a tener pocos personajes. Narrada desde 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒅𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂, me he visto atrapada y succionada por el miedo que emitía el sistema de antaño en el que la justicia solo es una palabra sin mucho valor.
Uno de los puntos fuertes de la novela es su 𝚊𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚒ó𝚗 𝚐ó𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊 𝚢 𝚘𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚊 conseguida a través de las descripciones justas. Estas evocan incluso al olfato haciendo ascos de la basura que se tiraba por las ventanas de las casas en esa época mientras una neblina recorre los estrechos y oscuros callejones hasta llegar a las plazas donde se ejecutaban a los condenados.
Tenemos un crimen pero la gente está más interesada en ver una ejecución o juzgar a alguien por su status que de seguir las pruebas. Es por ella que como 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙡é𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙖 𝙘𝙧í𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙙𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞ó𝙣 𝙮 𝙖𝙡𝙜ú𝙣 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙧𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙤.
Aunque la trama puede ser un poco predecible, se disfruta enormemente aunque 𝗻𝗼 𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶ó𝗻 𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶ó𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲. Hay muchos capítulos que se limitan a desarrollar los conflictos internos de las protagonistas para sumergirnos más en la atmósfera de la Escocia pasada.
Ideal para los que disfrutan de novelas históricas 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙮 𝙪𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖.
Fue nominada en el 2024 al "Women's Prize for Fiction". Un premio que se da en Reino Unido anualmente a una escritora de cualquier nacionalidad por la mejor novela escrita en inglés.
También ganó el Bloody Scotland Crime debut of the year (2023) y fue finalista para el CWA (Crime Writing Association) New Blood Dagger 2024
4,25⭐️
March 30, 2025
El título de esta novela guarda un significado más lúgubre de lo que aparenta.
A mí, los relatos plagados de drama, conflicto emocional y polémica en un marco histórico trepidante me colman de excitación y curiosidad. LA DONCELLA es ese tipo de cebo al que no puedo resistirme. ¿Qué promete?
- misterio intenso y morboso
- ambiente opresivo
- una mujer sentenciada a muerte por el asesinato de su amante
- ¿es culpable? ¿acaso importa?
Con esa cubierta medio exótica medio siniestra, la novela parece invitarnos a descubrir los secretos detrás de esa bella estampa de mujer y la algo más terrible figura de un artilugio a semejanza de la guillotina, usado en Escocia para ejecutar a criminales entre 1564 y y 1710.
Usa el anzuelo de un escándalo que tan buen resultado causa en cualquier época. Corre el año 1679 en Edimburgo cuando salta la noticia de que una noble dama va a ser ejecutada en plaza pública por su horrendo crimen: haber asesinado a su amante y, además, ¡tío!
A lo largo de una ristra de capítulos que alternan perspectivas de distintos personajes y tiempos que se columpian entre diversos pasados y el presente, la trama juega al misterio con la mente lectora, empujándola a comprender, a escandalizarse, a dudar de la culpabilidad, a achacarla a una o a otra causa, a juzgar con severidad o a lamentarse por tanto y tan desagradable infortunio.
Sin duda, es una historia de mujeres. Hay muchas, nobles y siervas, decentes y extraviadas. Todas sujetas al yugo de su posición. Todas con su gramo de fortuna y desgracia. Entre ellas, un hombre de proporciones titánicas por su poder, su carisma, su virilidad, su rol en la sociedad patriarcal y puritana de Edimburgo, fustigándolas como un domador de caballos. ¿Es un sinvergüenza o es un hombre libre injustamente traicionado?
He disfrutado de cada palabra de la narración. Es bella, poética, honesta e intrigante. Combina el lóbrego contexto de la época y la reflexión personal de lady Christian y la no menos seductora Violet, los dos caballos que lanzan esta carrera hacia el patíbulo. Por supuesto, exhibe un tono fatalista, como no puede ser de otro modo con este tema tan mortífero. Me ha gustado la yuxtaposición de personalidades entre Christian y Violet. La primera, sumisa, inexperta y esperanzada. En el lado opuesto, Violet, abandonada, usada, superviviente. Su voces en contraste: intimista versus descarnada.
La doble perspectiva y alternancia de tiempos crea un mosaico cada vez más amenazante y enredado de los destinos de dos mujeres y un hombre en disputa. Con el vértice masculino uniendo sus ángulos, estas mujeres van a orbitarse mutuamente en un nudo corredizo cada vez más apretado hasta desembocar en la tragedia con la que comienza la historia: el asesinato de un noble.
Y transitar ese arduo camino ha sido amargo pero altamente interesante. Menudo recorrido hacen estas mujeres por la vida y por la maduración. Una gran novela por su juego del misterio, su ambientación oscurantista y las desdichas tan profundas que incitan a la reflexión. ¿Cuántas clases de culpabilidad hay?
A mí, los relatos plagados de drama, conflicto emocional y polémica en un marco histórico trepidante me colman de excitación y curiosidad. LA DONCELLA es ese tipo de cebo al que no puedo resistirme. ¿Qué promete?
- misterio intenso y morboso
- ambiente opresivo
- una mujer sentenciada a muerte por el asesinato de su amante
- ¿es culpable? ¿acaso importa?
Con esa cubierta medio exótica medio siniestra, la novela parece invitarnos a descubrir los secretos detrás de esa bella estampa de mujer y la algo más terrible figura de un artilugio a semejanza de la guillotina, usado en Escocia para ejecutar a criminales entre 1564 y y 1710.
Usa el anzuelo de un escándalo que tan buen resultado causa en cualquier época. Corre el año 1679 en Edimburgo cuando salta la noticia de que una noble dama va a ser ejecutada en plaza pública por su horrendo crimen: haber asesinado a su amante y, además, ¡tío!
A lo largo de una ristra de capítulos que alternan perspectivas de distintos personajes y tiempos que se columpian entre diversos pasados y el presente, la trama juega al misterio con la mente lectora, empujándola a comprender, a escandalizarse, a dudar de la culpabilidad, a achacarla a una o a otra causa, a juzgar con severidad o a lamentarse por tanto y tan desagradable infortunio.
Sin duda, es una historia de mujeres. Hay muchas, nobles y siervas, decentes y extraviadas. Todas sujetas al yugo de su posición. Todas con su gramo de fortuna y desgracia. Entre ellas, un hombre de proporciones titánicas por su poder, su carisma, su virilidad, su rol en la sociedad patriarcal y puritana de Edimburgo, fustigándolas como un domador de caballos. ¿Es un sinvergüenza o es un hombre libre injustamente traicionado?
He disfrutado de cada palabra de la narración. Es bella, poética, honesta e intrigante. Combina el lóbrego contexto de la época y la reflexión personal de lady Christian y la no menos seductora Violet, los dos caballos que lanzan esta carrera hacia el patíbulo. Por supuesto, exhibe un tono fatalista, como no puede ser de otro modo con este tema tan mortífero. Me ha gustado la yuxtaposición de personalidades entre Christian y Violet. La primera, sumisa, inexperta y esperanzada. En el lado opuesto, Violet, abandonada, usada, superviviente. Su voces en contraste: intimista versus descarnada.
La doble perspectiva y alternancia de tiempos crea un mosaico cada vez más amenazante y enredado de los destinos de dos mujeres y un hombre en disputa. Con el vértice masculino uniendo sus ángulos, estas mujeres van a orbitarse mutuamente en un nudo corredizo cada vez más apretado hasta desembocar en la tragedia con la que comienza la historia: el asesinato de un noble.
Y transitar ese arduo camino ha sido amargo pero altamente interesante. Menudo recorrido hacen estas mujeres por la vida y por la maduración. Una gran novela por su juego del misterio, su ambientación oscurantista y las desdichas tan profundas que incitan a la reflexión. ¿Cuántas clases de culpabilidad hay?
December 6, 2025
Я не знаю, чи підходить тут визначення "сподобався роман", але захопливо читалося, зачепило, я до самого закінчення сумнівалася, хто ж вбивця, а наприкінці стало так сумно навіть...
Яким жорстоким було життя жінок у Шотландії 17-го століття. Феміністична складова роману превалює.
Авторка чудово передала атмосферу цієї країни тих часів, побут, вразив опис жахливої машини для страти Дівицю, яка зараз знаходиться в Національному музеї Шотландії... А ще всі ці стільці привселюдного покаяння у церкві, вудила
На події, що відбувається у романі (на самому початку - вбито заможного Джеймса Форрестера) ми дивимося очима двох жінок, яких звинувачують у злочині, по черзі переходимо від моментів їхнього життя від одної до другої...
Поступово вимальовувалися картини дитинства, дорослішання і врешті-решт того, якими вони взагалі стали, на що сподівалися та чи не марними були ці їхні надії та сподівання - авторка цікаво описує характери кожної. У романі є й інші жіночі персонажі і розкривається взагалі тема жінок у суспільстві того часу, обов'язки жінки у ролі дружини тощо.
Роздумів щодо описів чоловічих персонажів також вистачає 🤔
В основу письменниця поклала справжню історію вбивства, яке відбулося у далекому 17- му столітті в Шотландії і відповідно страту на цій "Дівиці", але переосмислила її на свій лад, намагалася зазирнути у життя Крістіан (з добропорядної, не дуже заможної , але доволі відомої родини у своєму містечку) та Вайолет (повії), показує суспільні забобони, відсутність права голосу і захисту жінок (вразила сцена розмови Крістіан з адвокатом)...
Загалом цікава історична белетристика, як дебютний роман, заслуговує уваги, мені здається. Присутні сцени сексу.
Яким жорстоким було життя жінок у Шотландії 17-го століття. Феміністична складова роману превалює.
Авторка чудово передала атмосферу цієї країни тих часів, побут, вразив опис жахливої машини для страти Дівицю, яка зараз знаходиться в Національному музеї Шотландії... А ще всі ці стільці привселюдного покаяння у церкві, вудила
На події, що відбувається у романі (на самому початку - вбито заможного Джеймса Форрестера) ми дивимося очима двох жінок, яких звинувачують у злочині, по черзі переходимо від моментів їхнього життя від одної до другої...
Поступово вимальовувалися картини дитинства, дорослішання і врешті-решт того, якими вони взагалі стали, на що сподівалися та чи не марними були ці їхні надії та сподівання - авторка цікаво описує характери кожної. У романі є й інші жіночі персонажі і розкривається взагалі тема жінок у суспільстві того часу, обов'язки жінки у ролі дружини тощо.
Роздумів щодо описів чоловічих персонажів також вистачає 🤔
В основу письменниця поклала справжню історію вбивства, яке відбулося у далекому 17- му столітті в Шотландії і відповідно страту на цій "Дівиці", але переосмислила її на свій лад, намагалася зазирнути у життя Крістіан (з добропорядної, не дуже заможної , але доволі відомої родини у своєму містечку) та Вайолет (повії), показує суспільні забобони, відсутність права голосу і захисту жінок (вразила сцена розмови Крістіан з адвокатом)...
Загалом цікава історична белетристика, як дебютний роман, заслуговує уваги, мені здається. Присутні сцени сексу.
December 5, 2025
This piece of historical fiction is based around a single true event: Christian Nimmo is arrested, tried, and beheaded for the murder of James Forrester, her lover and uncle (by marriage, as the novel makes very, very clear).
THE REST OF THE REVIEW DISAPPEARED. THANK YOU GOODREADS AND DUCK-DUCK GO.
It certainly wasn’t something I did.
I’m on vacation, so I may or may not try to recreate it.
I ended up at 3.5. I was reluctant to give it a 4 star rating, but The Maiden is too good to round down to a 3 star, so 4 it is.
THE REST OF THE REVIEW DISAPPEARED. THANK YOU GOODREADS AND DUCK-DUCK GO.
It certainly wasn’t something I did.
I’m on vacation, so I may or may not try to recreate it.
I ended up at 3.5. I was reluctant to give it a 4 star rating, but The Maiden is too good to round down to a 3 star, so 4 it is.
November 12, 2022
The Maiden by Kate Foster immediately grabbed my attention by dramatically opening with Lady Christian Nimmo being sentenced to death for the murder of her lover/uncle James Forrester. Foster adds to the tension by exploring Christian’s past and her present. The latter left me on tenterhooks as I wondered whether Christian would escape her fate. Even better, Foster explores Christian’s relationship with James (the husband of her mother’s sister) and we begin to realize that this seemingly handsome and charming laird has a dark side as Violet, James’s mistress/servant, knows only too well.
Violet was my favourite character. I loved her wit, her determination to survive and her ability to see through James’s façade from the very beginning. Violet resolves to make the best of her life despite her circumstances, and I loved seeing her scheme to get the better of James and the situations he places her in for his amusement.
Through Violet, we see how manipulative James is and while Christian is no helpless damsel, we realize that her privileged upbringing, family dynamics and troubled marriage leave her especially vulnerable to James’s intentions.
One of the things that struck me about The Maiden was how young Violet and Christian are and how quickly their circumstances force them to grow up. In Christian’s case I felt for her as, despite her closeness to her sister Johanna, her life has been spent very much in her shadow. Marriage was her chance to come into her own, but her hopes were quickly dashed. This coupled with the limitations on what women are allowed to talk about even with their family members encourages Christian to start an affair with James or rather conclude what James's had been engineering for years. Of course, while men can cheat, it’s a different matter for women and it was interesting to see how Christian’s privilege shielded her until, of course, it didn’t.
What I loved about The Maiden was that it was very much Christian, Violet and Oriana’s story, even though their lives are all shaped by James's destructive influences. Despite all the trouble he causes, James never dominates their narratives and to me, this felt like poetic justice considering how he sees women as his personal playthings. I also loved the friendship between Violet and Oriana and Christian’s relationship with her sister. These were bright moments in a dark but gripping story. Overall, I really enjoyed The Maiden and can’t wait to read Kate Foster’s next book.
Violet was my favourite character. I loved her wit, her determination to survive and her ability to see through James’s façade from the very beginning. Violet resolves to make the best of her life despite her circumstances, and I loved seeing her scheme to get the better of James and the situations he places her in for his amusement.
Through Violet, we see how manipulative James is and while Christian is no helpless damsel, we realize that her privileged upbringing, family dynamics and troubled marriage leave her especially vulnerable to James’s intentions.
One of the things that struck me about The Maiden was how young Violet and Christian are and how quickly their circumstances force them to grow up. In Christian’s case I felt for her as, despite her closeness to her sister Johanna, her life has been spent very much in her shadow. Marriage was her chance to come into her own, but her hopes were quickly dashed. This coupled with the limitations on what women are allowed to talk about even with their family members encourages Christian to start an affair with James or rather conclude what James's had been engineering for years. Of course, while men can cheat, it’s a different matter for women and it was interesting to see how Christian’s privilege shielded her until, of course, it didn’t.
What I loved about The Maiden was that it was very much Christian, Violet and Oriana’s story, even though their lives are all shaped by James's destructive influences. Despite all the trouble he causes, James never dominates their narratives and to me, this felt like poetic justice considering how he sees women as his personal playthings. I also loved the friendship between Violet and Oriana and Christian’s relationship with her sister. These were bright moments in a dark but gripping story. Overall, I really enjoyed The Maiden and can’t wait to read Kate Foster’s next book.
May 2, 2023
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy.
Inspired by a murder and subsequent trial that took place in Edinburgh in 1679, this story gives voice to the two women at the heart of it, one of whom was found guilty and beheaded for the deed. The murdered man was James Forrester, the accused is his niece by marriage Lady Christian Nimmo and the third person is Violet, a prostitute kept and used by Forrester as he used many other women.
The tale unfolds in the alternating voices of Christian and Violet, and we are drawn in by their stories and kept guessing about which one of them committed the murder. But far more pertinent than the whodunnit aspect is the age-old sorry tale of women being groomed, exploited, lied to and used by a man in a position of power. Christian is noble-born, Forrester’s niece by marriage, while Violet is an orphan taken into a brothel at a young age by a madam who presents herself as a benefactress. But both are just prey to Forrester, and the growing synergy between the two women is done very deftly - starting out as rivals for the attention of a rich customer (Violet) or the provider of the intimacy missing in her marriage (Christian), the two women are brought together by the growing realisation that they are both his playthings, two sides of the same coin.
The atmosphere of a dog-eat-dog Edinburgh is masterfully painted. This is a dirty, smelly, cutthroat, visceral gutter of a town where cunning and power games will get you far. The contrast between sanctimonious clergy, the nobles with their ‘there-by-grace-of-god’ attitude and the poor, exploited or criminal underdogs is stark. And the two women at the heart of the story are all too real in their naivety, strength and ultimate dignity. This is very well worth a read.
Inspired by a murder and subsequent trial that took place in Edinburgh in 1679, this story gives voice to the two women at the heart of it, one of whom was found guilty and beheaded for the deed. The murdered man was James Forrester, the accused is his niece by marriage Lady Christian Nimmo and the third person is Violet, a prostitute kept and used by Forrester as he used many other women.
The tale unfolds in the alternating voices of Christian and Violet, and we are drawn in by their stories and kept guessing about which one of them committed the murder. But far more pertinent than the whodunnit aspect is the age-old sorry tale of women being groomed, exploited, lied to and used by a man in a position of power. Christian is noble-born, Forrester’s niece by marriage, while Violet is an orphan taken into a brothel at a young age by a madam who presents herself as a benefactress. But both are just prey to Forrester, and the growing synergy between the two women is done very deftly - starting out as rivals for the attention of a rich customer (Violet) or the provider of the intimacy missing in her marriage (Christian), the two women are brought together by the growing realisation that they are both his playthings, two sides of the same coin.
The atmosphere of a dog-eat-dog Edinburgh is masterfully painted. This is a dirty, smelly, cutthroat, visceral gutter of a town where cunning and power games will get you far. The contrast between sanctimonious clergy, the nobles with their ‘there-by-grace-of-god’ attitude and the poor, exploited or criminal underdogs is stark. And the two women at the heart of the story are all too real in their naivety, strength and ultimate dignity. This is very well worth a read.
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