Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra is an historical fiction that packs quite a punch. It encompasses a step back in time, while providing its readers with a thrilling mystery and a slow burning romance. The main character, Leo, is relatable, quirky and full of spunk, making this book one of my favourite reads of 2016!
Title: Mad Miss MimicAuthor: Sarah Henstra
Publisher: Razorbill Canada
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 3, 2017
Rating:
Jane Austen meets Arthur Conan Doyle in a historical fiction debut for fans of Ruta Sepetys and Elizabeth Wein.
Born into an affluent family, Leo outwardly seems like a typical daughter of English privilege in the 1870s: she lives with her wealthy married sister Christabel, and lacks for neither dresses nor trinkets. But Leo has a crippling speech impediment that makes it difficult for her to speak but curiously allows her to mimic other people's voices flawlessly. Servants and ladies alike call her "Mad Miss Mimic" behind her back... and watch as she unintentionally scares off every potential suitor. Only the impossibly handsome Mr. Thornfax seems interested in Leo...but why? And does he have a connection to the mysterious Black Glove group that has London in its terrifying grasp? Trapped in a city under siege by terror attacks and gripped by opium fever, where doctors (including her brother-in-law) race to patent an injectable formula, Leo must search for truth in increasingly dangerous situations - but to do so, she must first find her voice.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra
Historical fiction is not typically a genre that I gravitate to, but there is something quite intriguing about the concept of this mysterious Black Glove society and its connection to an underground drug trade. It is kind of like Breaking Bad in the late 1800s. Henstra has woven a complex story that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats as this story of terror and secrecy unfolds. It is hard to put this one down!
❀ Forbidden Love
As the synopsis indicates, Leo is from quite a wealthy background and she is seeking a suitor at the desperation of her sister who wants to marry her off. Unfortunately, Leo’s speech disorder is very intimidating for many in the book. However, Tom, who is one of the assistants to her brother-in-law, slowly becomes a forbidden love interest for Leo. Due to their different classes in society, both characters try to deny their feelings for one another. It is such a beautiful part of the story that really shows the importance of being true to one’s self.
❀ Interesting Characters
Leo has to be one of the most interesting characters that I have come across in YA. The time period in which the story is written makes a stuttering disorder quite a scandalous thing that many in Leo’s family try to hide. Despite the hardships she has to face due to her disability, Leo perseveres and it is so wonderful to see her unafraid and willing to fight for herself.
❀ Historical Elements are interesting
Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra is a book that I highly suggest. The historical elements of this book add to the flavour of the story and create an interesting back drop for a mystery. I look forward to reading more of Henstra’s work!
Book Quotes: Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra
So there it is, my secret, my scandal: Mad Miss Mimic. The name is apt enough, for it comes on me like a madness at times, so that I say things that I don’t truly understand, or would never say if I could stop myself.
About Sarah Henstra
My novel The Red Word is available March 2018 from Grove Atlantic (US) and ECW (Canada), and in 2019 from Tramp Press (UK). Mad Miss Mimic was published by Penguin Canada in 2015. We Contain Multitudes is coming in 2019 from Penguin (Canada) and Little, Brown (US). I'm also an English professor and I teach courses in Fairy Tales & Fantasy and Gothic Horror.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I have been waffling with this one. I want to read it, then I am not sure I will like it because it is historical, then I see a review and I want to try it out for myself again. I think I need to just try it for myself, and see what it is all about. It does sound really good.
This is how I felt when I first came across this book. The historical elements were actually interesting to me in this one. 🙂
This sounds like a fun book! I’m surprised it has so few reviews on GoodReads.
I know, right?! It is kind of a hidden gem. I hope that more people give it a try because it is such an enjoyable book. 🙂
What an insanely gorgeous cover! Very colorful!
Leo, Black Glove all of this sounds so promising and full of complicated goodness. Great review — I never would have thought about picking this up otherwise.
I hope that you enjoy it if you do give it a try! 🙂
This sounds great! I never even heard of this book before your review, so I’ll call myself lucky to hear good things about it right away.
This book sounds amazing! I don’t always turn to historical fiction either but I’m glad you liked it!
Great review. I love the title of this one! And I’m always drawn to an unconventional heroine.
That is the perfect description for Leo! <3
Thanks fro the informative review.
Marilyn
This review is amazing. I may even have to add this book to my TBR pile. Lovely!
I love historical fiction with some mystery and a bit of romance!
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