136
Book · 2008
The Sealed Letter
Based on the real-life 1864 Codrington divorce scandal in Victorian England, the novel follows pioneering feminist and press founder Emily 'Fido' Faithfull as she is drawn into the marital collapse of her glamorous friend Helen. When the separation escalates into explosive courtroom accusations of adultery, Fido finds her loyalties tested and her own reputation imperiled by a confidential letter.
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Briskly written, deftly plotted and nicely ironic, The Sealed Letter falters only in the absolute gratuitousness of some of its period detail.
DJ Taylor on The Guardian Donoghue beautifully captures the dilemma of women in a society whose very foundation is shifting like sand under their feet. Her characters are impeccably drawn, the plot fast-paced and engrossing. Fido Faithfull is finally faithful to herself, while Helen is a chimera and a sprite, her most basic instincts corrupted. Highly recommended.
Ilysa Magnus on Historical Novel Society A thoroughly riveting courtroom drama… Juicy, vicious, elegant and thoughtful.
Cynthia MacDonald on The Globe and Mail
1 / 3
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