The Somnambulist by Essie Fox

This was a stunning Victorian read, the cover of course is what drew me to it, as it really is so beautiful. I also got my copy from a library! Yes, a library, those places that smell of books, the gorgeous real paper feel of the pages between my fingers! Oh after reading a Kindle for so long this was such a relief. I urge you all to check out your local library, there is something about leaving with a pile of books you can't wait to read and knowing it has cost you absolutely nothing!!!

Anyway, this novel is a Victorian story, it is a wonderful homage to the genre. The protagonist, Phoebe is a  beautiful but sheltered young woman, at the age of 17 her life is about to change. With her Aunt Cissy, a beautiful opera singer living with her and her mother, the Hallelujah Army supporter and all-around zealous do-gooder (with pretty terrible results, as you will soon see) Maud. All of her life Phoebe has wished that Cissy was her mother, as she is stifled by her own mother's zealous religious outlook.

When Phoebe first visited Wilton's Music Hall, she thought it was the most wonderful place she had ever been. On her second trip, at the age of 17, she is beginning to see that there might be another side to it all, but little does she know that this trip will change her life forever.

I am desperately trying not to give too much away! It is a twisting and dark story of family, life, judgement and secrets. I have to say after reading this novel, that some secrets are best left buried!

My final comments are these: It was not the most mysterious novel, I did pretty much guess how it was going to end by the middle, but it was interesting and involving. There was one scene that I felt was a little unnecessary, that without it the novel would not have lost any of it's mystery and magnificence. But, do read it, if only to have this gorgeous cover hanging around for a while!