It’s been a little while since I read this particular book and I confess that I like to write my reviews whilst everything is still fresh in my mind and I still have that raw emotion, one way or the other, that the book left me with.  As it happens, in spite of the length of time that has elapsed I still have a very clear idea of how this book made me feel because it was one of those overpowering feelings that made me feel like this book was especially for me.  I loved the writing, so beautiful and evocative, the setting so gothic and full of potential for shadows and creepiness and the period in which this is set which, to be blunt, really appeals to me.  This is definitely my type of book and I was keen to pick it up as often as possible.

This is a story of loneliness and not fitting in and how this can turn to obsession when the slightest comfort or attention is bestowed.

The year is 1864 and Ivy is sent from her family home to a boarding school for young ladies.  As a farmer’s daughter she doesn’t really fit in, although the Seminary is a little down at heel to say the least.  Ivy is something of an outcast and quite unhappy, a feeling that is made worse by the recent loss of her sister.  When a new teacher (Emily Blanc no less) is appointed all the girls are excited to meet her but this quickly turns to disappointment when she fails to meet their exacting standards and she is quickly scorned.  Except for Ivy, who becomes attached quite quickly to this new addition to the teaching staff.

I’m not going to go into any more detail about the plot.  As I mentioned above this quickly spirals into something a little more menacing.  The girls become increasingly hysterical about odd goings on at the school, seeming to work each other into a frenzy.  They imagine ghosts and dark menaces and although most of this is based on flimsy here-says the students are all being whipped up into a fervour that spells trouble.

This is a book of smoke and mirrors.  ‘What ifs’ and ‘maybes’.  And, frankly you have to keep reading to find out what’s going on.  There is a mystery and also something of a tragedy (or two) but the real winning element for me is the gothic atmosphere which really builds up the tension and leaves you jumping at your own shadow.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this, the story is perhaps a little fantastical, one of those plots that borders on magical realism although at the same time it would be easy enough to imagine those elements were simply mildly suggestive.  And the writing is lovely, very easy to get along with and perfectly paced.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4 of 5 stars