I absolutely loved The Darlings of the Asylum.
It’s got the most intriguing premise, fit for any classic gothic novel. A woman is locked in a Victorian asylum. Neither she nor the reader knows quite why. She was a headstrong young woman who wanted to be an artist, but her family — financially on their uppers — wanted her to marry someone well off.
What’s going on? Is it purely abusive control of a wayward woman? Is there something more going on? Is the doctor malevolent or benevolent? How on earth is she going to get out? And how far is she prepared to go to gain her freedom?
The story is revealed one tantalising piece at a time. It’s a very tangled web indeed, and absolutely gripping and dramatic. Read it!
On reflection, there is one aspect of the story that I didn’t like, but I can’t reveal it without spoilers. It’s what made me cut it down to just 4 stars. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this novel for anyone interested in the themes and the gothic novel tradition.
My thanks to Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
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