Tarun Shanker

Spectacular book, based on real figure from the early 1700s, Elizabeth Wilkinson.

I'm not sure how to feel about it -- as a book, I loved it -- from Elizabeth's fighting spirit that never gives up, to her toughness, to the thought-provoking alternate stories about poverty and racism -- it's a powerful work, and it inspired me to learn more about the history behind the work.

That's where it gets a little sticky for me -- not much is known about Elizabeth Wilkinson, aside from her published boasts and a little bit about her career, including the fact that she didn't lose to Hannah Hyfield, and she did marry her promoter, Stokes. Interestingly, she seems to have been one of the most famous figures in boxing during her lifetime, eclipsing even Figg. I get where the bare bones of her life are sacrificed to write an engaging story that will resonate with American teenagers. However, there is no evidence on her racial background. There is no association with debtor's prison. And feelings about race in Britain were very different when her story took place -- so this feels quite manufactured to me in a way that does not respect the history it is based on, or even the location.

Is this an effective book? Yes! Is it a great platform to talk about race and gender? Also yes! Is it truly based on the life of Elizabeth Wilkinson? Nope. And that begs the question -- it is erasure when you fictionalize a life to the extent that this one is fictionalized? Or it it meant to be twist on a retelling, that honors her spirit above all?… (mehr)

This must be how girls go mad: It’s the only alternative to boredom.

These Vicious Masks was one of my most anticipated novels of 2016 and, while it wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was a fantastic read.

It is 1882 and young Evelyn is bored. Bored of society and balls and bored of Byronic bachelors being thrown in her path. What Evelyn needs is an adventure, though having her younger sister taken to London in the night by a strange man was not what she had in mind. With the help of the dashing Mr. Kent, the infuriating Mr. Braddock and her newfound powers, Evelyn will sacrifice everything to get her sister back safe.

As far as the characters go, Evelyn is everything a Victorian lady unfulfilled in her station should be- bold, determined and with a cutting tongue that she puts to good work. Mostly against her two potential love interests. I must say, I do hate love triangles. But in this case, at least it wasn’t overshadowing the whole story. There was no reducing Evelyn to something to be had and there was no major “pissing contest” among her suitors and I have to say, I’m glad for it.

Getting into the story was a bit of a struggle, as, for some reason, I was thrown by how quickly we were thrust into the action. I feel like there wasn’t enough time to get to know the characters, especially Rose. That being said, I didn’t find myself skipping over boring dialogue or waiting for something to happen. After the first few chapters, we are treated to revelation after revelation, stopping only for a brief trip to the theatre, though for all we learn, there is still so much unanswered about These Vicious Masks’ universe and I cannot wait to learn more.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and the universe it is set in has shown some great promise for the sequels. I can’t wait!… (mehr)