The Animals at Lockwood Manor is not your typical WWII historical fiction novel, and I have read a lot of these types of books. First off, the promising - Jane Healey's writing is lyrical and haunting. This book is certainly a slow burn, but the writing style is beautiful.
The content of this book is not quite going to meet expectations if readers are looking for the fast-paced engagement of some WWII historical fiction novels. This aligns itself with more of a Victorian sensibility manor novel.
Protagonist Hetty Cartwright is installed at Lockwood Manor to oversee a natural history museum's collection during London's bombing raids. These taxidermied animals represent a prized collection, but they are also a bit odd. Things get odder when items start to go missing.
Part mystery, part love story, part gothic novel, this book will either mystify or delight readers.
The content of this book is not quite going to meet expectations if readers are looking for the fast-paced engagement of some WWII historical fiction novels. This aligns itself with more of a Victorian sensibility manor novel.
Protagonist Hetty Cartwright is installed at Lockwood Manor to oversee a natural history museum's collection during London's bombing raids. These taxidermied animals represent a prized collection, but they are also a bit odd. Things get odder when items start to go missing.
Part mystery, part love story, part gothic novel, this book will either mystify or delight readers.