Review: The Doll Factory
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Set in 1850 London, Iris and her twin sister Rose, who is scarred by smallpox are working long long hours for the spiteful owner of a doll shop. Sewing beads and trimmings onto dolls clothes made by much poorer locals, and painting dolls faces to be like their intended owners, many of these deceased young girls.
Iris then meets Louis, an artist and a member of the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, she agrees to model for him as long as he agrees to teach her to paint.
Another character, Silas Reed is obsessed with taxidermy. He is often brought ‘Road Kill’ by a young urchin, and when he is brought conjoined puppies he is thrilled.
He is introduced to Iris by the young urchin and Silas is attracted to her slightly misshapen collarbone and becomes obsessed with her.
Elizabeth Macneal has written an incredibly evocative gothic tale of Victorian London at a time of advances in both technology, art and new ideals, but still dealing with the abject poverty and squalor for those less fortunate.
The absolutely chilling, gruesome portrayal of Silas’ damaged mind is so well done it gives you the shivers, and you will want to read it with all the lights on...marvellously creepy.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
#TheDollFactory #NetGalley
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