The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: January 26, 2016

Number of pages: 384

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

In her enthralling, richly imagined new novel, Brandy Purdy, author of The Ripper’s Wife, creates a compelling portrait of the real, complex woman behind an unthinkable crime. Lizzie Borden should be one of the most fortunate young women in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her wealthy father could easily afford to provide his daughters with fashionable clothes, travel, and a rich, cultured life. Instead, haunted by the ghost of childhood poverty, he forces Lizzie and her sister, Emma, to live frugally, denying them the simplest modern conveniences. Suitors and socializing are discouraged, as her father views all gentleman callers as fortune hunters. Lonely and deeply unhappy, Lizzie stifles her frustration, dreaming of the freedom that will come with her eventual inheritance. But soon, even that chance of future independence seems about to be ripped away. And on a stifling August day in 1892, Lizzie’s long-simmering anger finally explodes… Vividly written and thought-provoking, The Secrets of Lizzie Borden explores the fascinating events behind a crime that continues to grip the public imagination—a story of how thwarted desires and desperate rage could turn a dutiful daughter into a notorious killer.

What did I think of this book:

I enjoy reading books by this author as she has a knack for telling us historical stories and making them more interesting, so when I was offered this book to read I was happy to say yes. Brandy Purdy does a very good job of protraying Lizzie Borden and all the dark things she went through in life. After reading about her childhood and young adult years you can kind of understand why she went a crazy and committed the murders. I can not imagine all that she had to endure although this book gives us a pretty good idea. Her father was so mean and crazy. There is such vivid description in this book you feel as if you can really feel the emotions that Lizzie felt. You felt as if you were right there alongside her throughout her sad life. It seems as if there was not much happiness in Lizzie's life and I felt bad for her. You could tell that the author did a lot of research to get this book just right. I would recommend this book if you are looking to learn a little more about a dark piece of history.