review: The Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon
This is the story of Evelyn Gifford. A story of her trials and triumphs as a lawyer post-WWI, a story about learning who she is and what she wants, but mostly a story about breaking free from binds that tie.
A brilliant story with a brilliant heroine…this morose story comes to life as we witness Evelyn’s progression from a humble and meek lawyer who’s constantly waylaid by her family and society, into a beautiful and confidant woman.
I love the historical aspect of this book. Post WWI was an interesting time period in London and the author did a fantastic job of creating a believable story about the ever real plight of women’s beginnings into law. Evelyn is the perfect epitome of a woman transitioning from her societal role as a woman into a male dominated profession. She is smart and determined, but growing up in her brothers shadow she was always overlooked. She was placated but never taken serious. Yet, this does not stop her or persuade her to give into societal pressures.
The intriguing mystery and bits of romance rounded out the story. They were interwoven beautifully giving substance and making this not just a story about woman’s rights, but a story about one woman.
However, as great as the story is I do have a couple complaints. The story is pretty dreary and I am not much on bleak books. Also, while I understand and can almost agree with the ending I can’t say that I am perfectly happy about it. I just wanted a little more for Evelyn.
I give this book 4 STACKS
See you in the STACKS,
Stacy
Not my type of book but it sounds interesting. Thanks for the review
@Cari – I like historical fiction, but this is literary (high-brow) historical fiction and not normaly my thing. Shannan made me read it.