Sometimes I feel that my reviews are way too long, I've tried to kept it fairly short now but it looks like I suck at it. Today I will be reviewing a YA where the British serial killer who haunted the streets of London back in 1888, Jack the Ripper, plays an important part.
Serial killers is a theme that is semi-popular in YA novels at the moment.
Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves
Seventeen year old Arabella(Abbie) Sharp was forced to move to London and move in with her old grandmother after her mother passed away. The grandmother is a fine and old fashioned lady, and Abbie being used to living a though life on the streets in Ireland struggles to behave accordingly. As a proper punishment Abbie is sent to work as a volunteer at the Whitechapel Hospital. The patients at the hospital houses is mainly poor women and prostitutes, it sounds like a place that should learn a girl how to behave, right? Well unfortunately for grandmother Sharp Abbie loves her new work, but Abbie doesn't face any real difficulties until one of the patients is found murdered. Then Abbie's grandmother is the least of her worries.
I've been to London in 1888
The story is thrilling and the setting is painted in such av vivid way that one almost believes to have traveled back in time and actually been to London in 1888. Abbie(the MC) seems to be strongly influenced by the strong females from her time period and that is something I can like! She is determined and not easily scared.
A female doctor
A doctor, that is what Abbie wants to be and the health service is almost a character in its own right in this story. I loved reading about it and it made me sit down on my computer to investigate further into women practicing medicine at that time. Of the two Ripper-novels I've read this year this was by far my favorite. It seems to be the first book in a new series so I look forward to spending more time with Abbie, her friends and family.
Research
It is obvious that the author has spent a good amount of time studying both medical history and the case surrounding the mysterious murders back in the days. Well done! This was a nice historical read with a touch of the supernatural.
Source: Received via Netgalley for honest review.
Mari
Heard a lot about this book but never read it myself. Thanks for your review:)
ReplyDeleteYou should check it out, Elin :)
DeleteI also enjoyed this book, you can read my review HERE.
ReplyDeleteI will, Lisa :)
DeleteI need a great enjoyable historical fiction! This sounds like it might be it! :)
ReplyDeleteI did find this very much enjoyable, Nina. So a thumbs up from me :D
DeleteI would so want to know who the ripper truly was...I do wonder
ReplyDeleteSo do I, and I bet a great deal many others out there feel the same way about The Ripper-killings.
Delete