The Trial of Lotta Rae: The unputdownable historical novel of 2022
£7.90£8.50 (-7%)
A Times Best New Historical Fiction pick, perfect for fans of The Familiars and The Binding.
‘KEEPS THE READER HOOKED TO THE END’ – THE TIMES
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Halloween night, 1906. Lotta Rae is assaulted by a wealthy gentleman and bravely takes him to trial alongside her barrister, William.
But the verdict is devastating, the consequences unimaginable. When Lotta discovers she has been betrayed, she vows to deliver her own justice.
Twelve years later, William and Lotta meet again: this night, their final reckoning.
The day in court is done. But tonight he will hear her testimony.
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‘A masterclass in storytelling’ – Donal Ryan
‘Utterly absorbing and vividly realised’ – Irish Independent
‘An enthralling drama’ – Best
‘A sweeping, heart-breaking quest for justice’ – Fiona Looney
‘A tale told with such ominous beauty. Lotta will stay with me forever’ – Chas Newkey-Burden
‘Weaves historical fact with an engaging and page-turning plot’ – Sinead Moriarty
‘This is a sit-down-and-do-not-get-up-until-you’ve-finished read’ – Belfast Telegraph
‘A brilliant tale’ – Sunday Business Post
‘A gripping story of injustice, intrigue and revenge set at the turn of the 20th century’ – Irish Times
‘Beautifully executed and thought provoking’ – Ruth Hogan
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Additional information
| Publisher | Welbeck (19 Jan. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 400 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1787397815 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1787397811 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 3 x 20 cm |
by PJ
Wow, wow, WOW!! This book was just what I needed to get me out of a “book slump” with three duds going onto my DNF pile.
I prayed for a book that would keep me hooked…and then I opened this little beauty! #siobhanmacgowan
The story of Lotta Rae makes any woman cry, angry, sad and in awe of what our female ancestors had to put up with from men and the wealthy.The law always ruled for the wealthy, more so if it was a wealthy man! No matter what cruel, despicable acts he committed; the law would always rule in his favour.
Young defenceless women of working class, who were victims of such brutality, stood no chance in a court of law against the wealthy or well-connected.
This was a beautifully written tale of life before, during and after WW1. Heartstrings pulled and Kleenex used, I now need to lie down in a darkened room to pull myself together…
by Alyssia Cooke
This is one of those books that is both heart breaking and absolutely enthralling and I found myself absolutely caught by it from beginning to end. The writing was vivid and beautifully done, the time period and place were captured perfectly and the events of the novel built up in such a way that I did not see some of the hammers falling until they dropped.
This is a historic tale of the imbalance between the genders and how the power held by men can be used in brutal and unjust manners. It’s beautiful, tragic and haunting. One violent act spills over and ruins multiple lives over decades, each one a cascading pin that rebounds to the next. And yet, the actual trial is over and done with very quickly. But that one act and the miscarriage of justice turns into something far wider and deeper.
This is a dark book in many ways, but it doesn’t revel in the misery. It explores the misogyny and power imbalances of the time in both a personal and wider societal framework, touching on a number of lives in the process. Amazingly, each and every one of them come to life through the pages. It touches on some important moments in history; the suffragette movement and World War I being the key contenders. These are woven into the fictional narrative with skill and dexterity, highlighting the impact on the characters lives.
It twists and turns, capturing the choices both bad and good that can make or destroy lives. It’s thoughtful and contemplative at points, deeply tragic and sad at others. And yet it is a masterpiece of writing that is both compelling and haunting. It is certainly a novel that will stay in my mind for some time to come.
by Tubes
I do like this book. It is a keeper.
I feel I must warn you that the events described, fictional and real, are relentlessly dark, sobering and depressing.
Grim.
It must be one of the most miserable novels I have read. Yet, I was hooked.
There is so much of the human nature and emotion within this novel – love, anger, anguish, revenge, hope, loss, abuse of power.
So, do not expect to be uplifted but expect a well constructed, well considered story, with references to British history, the writing of which is high quality.
This is not chewing for the soul.
by dyslexia diva
It was well written but it was a poor reflection on society in the past. ????
by Rebekka Murray
I used this book for my book club read and it was outstanding, great reviews from all readers
by Mr Crow and Sleepy Lamb
This is not my usual choice of book, but it’s good to read books that are not your usual fair, and it came highly recommended.
I started to listen on audible, as I usually do these days, and soon found myself continuing the story on the kindle in the evening, only to go back to audible the next day. ( Its clever the way it sinks together.)
It was one of those truly “unputdownable” books!
The issues that are dealt with are difficult and heart-breaking. It’s a book that makes you think deeply on how women and other minorities are treated in the world, then and today.
For me, it made me reflect on how far we have come, and how much, much further we have to go, especially when you think of the world as a whole. It also encourages you to reflect on personal resilience and, to some extent, guilt.
It has a strong historical context. I’ve become increasingly more interested in history over the years, and this seemed to be very well researched. It was absolutely fascinating to read about the suffragettes and the challenges they faced.
The character, Lotta, stays with you long after you have finished the book. She is the most wonderful creation and I think that, for me, is the most best recommendation for the story
by Caron B.
This had the potential. It was nicely written with a villain, a maiden fair, injustice, rich and poor. A good mix of ingredients to make a good read. But I found myself skip reading (never a good sign), the last few chapters.
by thenunn
Brilliant !! I’m not going to do a synopsis..I will say the characters are strong they will have you loving hating crying and maybe a laugh and a smile too. Wonderfully told story , I couldn’t put it down ,read it in a day lol.