REVIEW
This is such a rich, imaginative and realistic character-focused 17th century story that transported me back to a distant time when women had little influence or freedom. The first thing that grabbed me of In the Margins was the cover. It is a true window to the soul of the book—as vividly stunning and complex as the story itself with its multi-dimensional characters caught in complicated situations trying to find their way through a maze of social, political and religious trials. There are some unique surprises and twists along the way so this journey to the past is quite an eye-opener.
The story is set in England in 1647 during a difficult period of civil unrest. Compliance to Puritanism is essential. Attendance to church is recorded. There is no religious freedom to choose your faith and to practice Catholicism means individuals can be sent to gaol and forced to pay heavy fines to be set free. This is what happened to Alice, mother of the lead female character Frances Wolfreston. Through her experience (as told through her daughter’s viewpoint) we learn how horrible the situation is for those who do not attend church. The punishment of gaol is bad enough but the conditions there are deplorable. Yet there is much more to Alice’s tale of woe than first imagined. The author carefully unfolds the plot so we don’t get the whole picture right away.
Then there is Frances herself. She is the rector’s wife with a variety of responsibilities. I felt very connected to her as I watched her movements, listened to her thoughts and heard her conversations with others. She is a person with a big heart and adores her mother who has been responsible for her love and collection of books and given her wise advice about how to treat and care for others. Frances has a mission to free her mother from gaol and the story very much centres on this but it also shows how instrumental Frances is in helping many women and children of her parish to expand their horizons—especially in the area of reading and books. For many reasons, Frances also holds a number of secrets from her husband but her movements are always for the good of those less fortunate or who have been punished unfairly.
There are many wonderful literary lines quoted throughout the story that act as a guide for Frances and even Alice and are a reflection of what is happening. Shakespeare’s work is often mentioned and quoted. These two women’s love of literature is clearly apparent and established and I loved how it is beautifully woven into their lives.
I was quite impressed by the author’s advanced skill, intelligently presented plot and mastery of setting and words of the age. The novel is well researched and the information magnificently utilised in this fictional account of a real woman of the past who made a significant contribution to the lives of those around her. Her influence is admirable in acquiring opportunities for many to learn to read who would not have had the opportunity.
There are numerous poetic descriptions in this novel that I could list. A couple that soar about her mother are ‘her face shining with memory.’ And ‘the more she forgives, the more I hurt.’ These are moving, powerful thoughts.
In the Margins shows the power of literature and how it can sustain, encourage, illuminate, inspire and set us free during great periods of stress, darkness, shadow and despair. The 1600s saw much oppression brought on by tragedies, political rulings and viewpoints of the time. I was completely immersed in this beautifully written story of one woman’s determination to bring about change. She sought freedom for women particularly and wanted their suppressed voices to be heard. Her love for her family kept her moving forward against the tide. The phrase ‘people don’t want change. It threatens their way of life,’ does not deter Frances. Also her love of books along with the people she cares about, motivate her to accomplish the unexpected. This is a stunning debut that I certainly won’t forget. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for a review copy.
