The Secrets Of Blythswood Square by Sara Sheridan (Audiobook)

 

When Charlotte Nicholl's father dies she discovers that he has a highly valuable collection of erotic art and literature. Since her inheritance is half the value of the collection she has to figure out how to liquidate the items without bringing shame upon the family name. She also needs to work out who is the mystery beneficiary of the other half of the bequest.

Historical fiction isn't my first choice when deciding what to read, however, I'm not opposed to it, a couple of my favourite books would fall into the genre. Therefore, the opportunity to listen to an audiobook seemed ideal. 

The Secrets Of Blythswood Square by Sara Sheridan turned out to be an engrossing listen. The narrator, Cathleen McCarron, has a lovely Scottish accent which really helped you immerse yourself in a story set in Scotland. The audiobook is over 15 hours long and at times I felt the narration was a little slow so I increased the listening speed to 1.25 without it becoming too fast to enjoy.

I found the tale of women pushing the boundaries in Victorian society immensely interesting. The story focuses on two very different women. Charlotte is an only child and for years has lived alongside her widowed father, enjoying the trappings of wealth. There has never been any pressure on Charlotte to marry but once her father dies things change. It seems hilarious now that two hundred years ago it was scandalous for a woman to be single and live alone, even with live-in staff.

Ellory McHale is very different but faces similar prejudices. From a working-class background, Ellory works as a photographer's assistant. It is frowned upon when she decides to open her own photography studio. Once again the notion of a single woman setting up her own business, and being successful, is a scandal. The glimpse into the early days of photography is fascinating.

Alongside the storyline featuring the independence of women is the storyline involving erotic art and photography. It is obviously left to the imagination as to the nature of the paintings described. I am sure that some of them would seem fairly tame today, however others may still be classed as shocking. It is the descriptions of the titillating photographs that raise a wry smile. The idea that the sight of an ankle or a bare throat is outrageous seems laughable.

There are many secrets to uncover for both women as they forge their way in a society that would rather see them married and consigned to the drawing room. The different standards expected of men and women in Victorian society are enough to make your blood boil.

The Secrets Of Blythswood Square by Sara Sheridan will be published on 8th February 2024 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a review copy.