Is this the most complex book ever? No. But I enjoyed the characters, the development that there was and the story line in general. Plus I went on a deep google dive on the real life ship. That‘s a plus.
Is this the most complex book ever? No. But I enjoyed the characters, the development that there was and the story line in general. Plus I went on a deep google dive on the real life ship. That‘s a plus.
Thanks @Mrs_B for everything in my #fallingforfallswap package - I seriously ❤ everything! I'm most excited about the tagged book, and Heritage will be saved for next year's #readingtheamericas2023 challenge! (The chocolate won't last long either 🤣)
@Avanders @Librarybelle @BarbaraBB
This is a historical fiction novel based on the voyage of the convict ship Rajah, carrying 180 women sentenced with transportation to Australia for petty crimes. During their journey, one woman is stabbed. Kezia, the ship‘s matron, along with the captain, the doctor, and the minister (disliked!) must determine who the culprit is before their voyage is over. In real life and in the book, Kezia and about 20 of the women sewed the quilt pictured ⬇️
Excellent novel to bring me out of my reading rut. Essentially it‘s just about a bunch of women sewing on a sea voyage, but the author was clever enough to make even that story compelling, weaving back stories, interpersonal conflict, etc. throughout. Would definitely recommend! 8/10
This had all the elements of a great read; historically based, a strong cast of characters, & a murder mystery upon a ship, & yet it took me almost 6 days to read it. I did like the character of Kezia & her shy romance with the Captain was a welcome distraction from the unrelenting grimness of the rest of the story. It was OK but it didn't wow me. 3⭐
Thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin Michael Joseph UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
a really interesting read. The murder is cleverly done and leads you along more than one path though I did eventually figure it out. The plot is quite slow and it took me a while to get into it. The ending is well done and finished the book off perfectly. I liked the conclusion but would have been nice to learn what happened to them after they got off the ship. I did like the hint of romance between the Captain and Kezia #netgalley 3*