The Hangman in the Mirror - Kate Cayley

by 7:35 PM 1 comments
"A strong-willed 16-year-old girl fights for survival in 18th-century North America. "
Francoise Laurent has never had an easy life. The only surviving child of a destitute washerwoman and wayward soldier, she must rely only on herself to get by. When her parents die suddenly from the smallpox ravishing New France, Francoise sees it as a chance to escape the life she thought she was trapped in.
Seizing her newfound opportunity, Francoise takes a job as an aide to the wife of a wealthy fur trader. The poverty-ridden world she knew transforms into a strange new world full of privilege and fine things -- and of never having to beg for food. But Francoise's relationships with the other servants in Madame Pommereau's house are tenuous, and Madame Pommereau isn't an easy woman to work for. When Francoise is caught stealing a pair of her mistress's beautiful gloves, she faces a future even worse than she could have imagined: thrown in jail, she is sentenced to death by hanging. Once again, Francoise is left to her own devices to survive . . . Is she cunning enough to convince the prisoner in the cell beside her to become the hangman and marry her, which, by law, is the only thing that could save her life?"

This story was interesting to say the least, however it did not keep my attention as much as it should have. The concept of the story is great, I just felt my attention would wander.

Francoise Laurent, 15 year-old daughter of a washer woman and a former soldier, has hard a very hard life. After her parents die, she becomes a maid to a wealthy wife. Her life becomes a lot better than before, having nice clothes and delicious meals. However one rash decision changes her fates for the worse. Sentenced to death by hanging, she tries to convince her cell neighbour to become the hangman, so she can marry him and wiggle her way out of her punishment.

The main character, Francoise, annoyed me. I found myself wondering what was possibly going through her mind to say and do certain things. Her cell mate, Jean, however I loved. This red-headed boy, who has already had a few encounters with Francoise, seems to just be trying to find his place in the world.

Although this story did not quite catch my attention the first time around, I feel that if I was try reading it again in some time, I might have a different opinion. Readers who love history and a love twist should love this book and definitely give it a read!

Claire <3

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1 comment:

  1. HI Claire, I'm your newest follower. I love reading too and always on the lookout for new reads. Esmeralda @ sciencesosexy.blogspot.com

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