Thursday, February 6, 2025

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne - Emily Critchley

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is Emily Critchley's new novel.

I always look at the cover of a book before I turn the first pages. I really liked this cover, it has a distinct Gothic feel to it. The images and the colours and tones used beckoned to me.

The first part is set in 1938. Gillian Larking attends a girl's boarding school in England. Gillian is quite lonely and unhappy at the school. She’s unsure when the new girl, Violet Claybourne, is to be her roommate. Violet is a bit different, but the two end up quite happy together. Gillian is thrilled to be asked to spend the Christmas holidays with Violet's family. She can’t wait to meet her mother, father and two sisters.

And this is where the good stuff starts. A crumbling manor, an atmosphere that is confusing, and a family that’s not as Gillian had imagined. Still though, she’d be very happy to be part of the family.

Emily Greeley does a fantastic job with what came next. Her plotting is excellent! Lots of twists and turns. And her characters? Oh my gosh, I can’t even….! And just when I thought we were finished we’re brought into current day and that was such a surprise turn as well! Kudos to you Emily Critchley!

This is my first read of Emily Critchley, and it certainly won’t be the last.

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