I can’t quite remember how I came across this particular book, but I do remember the synopsis did intrigue me. There was something about a historical murder mystery featuring Jack the Ripper that drew me in. Not knowing what to expect, I picked up a copy and began to read.
It was a slow read to start off with. The pace was slow but the narrative was well written. However, it took some time getting used to the constant shift between past and present. At first, this felt disjointed but after a while, it was barely noticeable. The story plodded along at a decidedly steadily slow pace for the most part. However, towards the middle, the tension began to rise and the pace quickened considerably. Disappointingly, this was not sustained and again, just before the closing pages, the pace dropped again to that steady plod. At times, the direction of the plot was unfathomable and started to verge on the point of ridiculous.
The mystery element threaded itself nicely throughout the narrative. As the story lapsed from time to time, attention would be brought back to the intrigue that was the figure of Jack the Ripper. The question that remained woven into the background was whether there was a link between Thomas and Jack the Ripper. This was what kept me reading, hungry for answers.
The book was definitely interesting in that it explored an alternative perspective on the Jack the Ripper murders, and how they had taken place. The ending was a perfect reflection on history, as Jack the Ripper’s identity was left open to interpretation. It was also fascinating to get in to a glimpse into the lives of the destitute women that ended up as victims and their perspectives on their lives.
None of the characters were particularly likeable in the least. Although, it was somewhat easy to sympathise with Susannah to an extent. It was more than understandable to see why Susannah felt she was trapped in a loveless marriage as well as within her own household. Her clashes with Mrs Wiggs further threatened her position in the house. For all her faults, Susannah was clever and was able to apply her knowledge to think on her feet when the situation needed it.
Throughout the book, there was a subtle commentary on gender inequality stitched into the pages that formed part of the Victorian era. There was a palatable fear that Susannah’s cries for help would fall on deaf ears simply because she was a woman. Escaping her husband seemed impossible, as in this time she would just be ‘returned’ to him.
Overall, this was an interesting historical read that took a different interpretation on Jack the Ripper murders. The element of intrigue had been woven throughout and the subtle commentary on gender inequality was fascinating to read about.
Happy Reading,
Saz
Bookish ruminations 