Book Review: Laura Blundy

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Laura Blundy     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Julie Myerson
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Historical   Noir
Riverhead, Oct 2000, $22.99, 272 pp.

In Victorian London, LAURA BLUNDY’s merchant father owned a successful store that allowed Laura to live in a beautiful house, wear expensive clothing, and have a decent education. When Laura was fifteen, her father died. She quickly found out that he owed more than owned. When her aunt passed away, the Church inherited everything and Laura was unceremoniously dumped on the street. She became a nanny to the children of many hard working mothers.

While walking, a carriage runs over Laura’s leg, leading to her hospitalization. Her surgeon Evan comes to care for his patient. However, in spite of his efforts to save her leg, Evan amputates the extremity. After the hospital discharges Laura, Evan begins taking her out and shows her a good time. They marry, but Laura fails to provide what Evan wants from her. She meets a street person and decides to leave Evan for him, but her spouse refuses to free her. Tragedy appears the only possible outcome.

LAURA BLUNDY is a surreal atmospheric historical story told in a non-sequential manner that adds to the foreboding feel of doom that haunts the plot. Readers have a rare opportunity to glimpse at the residents of the London slums during the reign of Victoria. In some ways, that look appears more dreadful than the frightening main story line because most novels have ignored the abject conditions preferring the aristocracy or rising middle class. Though nightmarish in many ways due to the lead character’s ability to manipulate events and people, Julie Myerson has written a period piece that will please historical fiction fans with a dark Dickens twist.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner