The Maiden, by Kate Foster - Jenny
Set in October 1679, Edinburgh, The Maiden is an historical fiction novel based on the true life story of Lady Christian Nimmo, who was charged with the murder of her lover James Forrester.
Just a year before, Lady Christian was the picture of respectability. Now the news of her arrest and the scandalous trial is splashed across the broadsides with sensational headlines.
Throughout the novel we go back in time to before his murder to find out why she would risk everything, and if she was really capable of murder. It turns out that Lady Christian was not the only woman in Forrester’s life and certainly not the only one with cause to wish him dead...
Whilst I didn’t fall in love with this book it certainly marks Kate Foster as one to watch. Foster has a beautiful writing style and has created some great characters whilst sticking to the historical accuracy of the time period. The story unfolds from 2 different perspectives: Lady Christian Nimmo and Miss Violet Blyth. The two women are the opposite of each other but are both significant figures in James Forrester’s life. The two narratives are broken up with excerpts from the broadside newspapers, meaning you see the case from all angles.
This book gives a voice to not only Lady Christian but to other women of the time period who were marginalised, mistreated, and now forgotten. The blame for “scandalous” behaviour is placed solely on the female characters, whilst the men cover up their misdeeds with charm and money.
However, I did not fully connect with this story. It’s difficult for me to put my finger on why but I felt that there was something missing from the narration, especially in the chapters from Lady Christian’s perspective. It was also incredibly graphic in certain parts, which I felt was unnecessary and didn’t really add to the story - it felt like they were there for shock value only.
All in all a middle of the road read for me personally but I predict this will be one of the biggest historical fiction releases of 2023.
Jenny @budgetbooklover
