Synopsis: They strip her naked, of everything—undo her whalebone corset, hook by hook. Locked away in Wildthorn Hall—a madhouse—they take her identity. She is now called Lucy Childs. She has no one; she has nothing. But, she is still seventeen—still Louisa Cosgrove, isn't she? Who has done this unthinkable deed? Louisa must free herself, in more ways than one, and muster up the courage to be her true self, all the while solving her own twisted mystery and falling into an unconventional love . . .
Originally published in the UK, this well-paced, provocative romance pushes on boundaries—both literal and figurative—and, do beware: it will bind you, too.
Type: Historical Fiction (age 12 and up)
Quick Take: Recommend - First let me say this book is original (nice). I don't read YA often, in fact I tend to shy away from it but I'm happy I gave this one a chance. It doesn't read like YA, and the subject matter is adult in nature.
Louisa is sent to live with a relative after her father dies, only to discover that she's been dropped off at an insane asylum. Everyone there tells her that her name is Lucy. We follow Louisa as she learns to navigate the rules, pushing boundaries to reach her family (she's sure this is all a mistake) and find a way to get home to her mother.
This was a great book for me to read on the Nook (only my second time using it). It's fast paced, I walked around Sydney with my Nook... catching a few minutes here and there to read a chapter or two. If you are looking for something new (unique), compelling yet easy to read over a weekend this is a great choice!
I should probably give this book 4 stars but there are a few things that I struggled to believe.... we all know I get hung up when imagination is required!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Source: Personal Copy (Nook)