I was sent this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – Thanks to Pan Macmilan for sending me a copy!
Title: The Doll Factory
Author: Elizabeth Macneal
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Publication Date: 2nd May 2019
Plot Overview:
The Doll Factory, the debut novel by Elizabeth Macneal, is an intoxicating story of art, obsession and possession.
London. 1850. The Great Exhibition is being erected in Hyde Park and among the crowd watching the spectacle two people meet. For Iris, an aspiring artist, it is the encounter of a moment – forgotten seconds later, but for Silas, a collector entranced by the strange and beautiful, that meeting marks a new beginning.
When Iris is asked to model for pre-Raphaelite artist Louis Frost, she agrees on the condition that he will also teach her to paint. Suddenly her world begins to expand, to become a place of art and love. But Silas has only thought of one thing since their meeting, and his obsession is darkening . . .
My Thoughts:
This book is one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read, and trust me, I’ve read plenty! It quite literally kept me reading into the early hours of the morning.
- Usually historical fiction isn’t my go to genre, although I do love studying History. Macneal portrays Victorian London in such a rich and interesting way, that I couldn’t help but be captivated by it. I believe it’s also portrayed in such a realistic manner – all the poverty, social class conflict as well as the societal constraints of the time.
- I love that the story is set in London, as I’ve lived there all my life, I was really familiar with the places that were mentioned in the book and it was cool to imagine them as they used to be. Even for a reader who isn’t familiar, Macneals lavish description will completely immerse you in Victorian London.
- Iris Whittle is a young woman who yearns to be a painter, as that is her greatest passion. However, her life is a far cry from the creative life of an artist, as she wiles away her days in Mrs Salters Doll Emporium with her twin sister Rose, miserable and unfulfilled. I really enjoyed reading through the perspective of Iris, she is so wilful and really comes into her own through the course of the story.
- Alongside Iris’s journey, we also meet Silas Reed, an eccentric and somewhat sinister collector of curiosities. He has spent his life searching and creating unusual artefacts for sale in his strange Soho shop. However he has a far darker interest in Iris, an obsession which grows deeper and more twisted as the story progresses…
- Interwoven through the story are a host of secondary characters, most striking of all: Albie, a young street urchin wishing for a better life for him and his older sister who has resorted to prostitution. Albie is such a mischievous and sweet character, any reader will enjoy his perspective.
- I also found Iris’ twin sister, Rose, a nice contrast, as she is more embittered and resigned to her lot in life, whereas Iris sees a way out – when she meets Louis – and is more of a fighter.
- I also enjoyed the emphasis on Art and specifically Pre Raphaelite Art, as it was cool seeing iconic painters like Millais and Rosetti come to life, albeit with some creative license I’m sure! Louis Frost – who sees Iris and sees her as his new muse – is a fictional member of the PRB, is the epitome of a dashing and elusive artist.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can see it being really popular on it’s release next year. It’s such a great Victorian thriller and is so well written, I can’t speak any more highly of it!
★★★★★ – 5 Star Rating
Does The Doll Factory sound like a book you would read? Do you enjoy historical fiction? Or are you all about contemporary novels? Would love to chat in the comments!
Until next time,
Rumaanah x
Rums the Reader 
Awesome review!! I might add this to my TBR 😊
Thank you!! I appreciate you always taking the time to read my posts and comment (: it means a lot! & I hope you enjoy when you get round to reading this book xx
This sounds really intriguing! Victorian London reminds me that I need to read the second book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series – have you read it? You might enjoy 🙂
Also, I love it when you recognise places in a book! The last time it happened to me was with The Girl With All The Gifts – it’s basically set in my back garden, haha!
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
It’s such a good story honestly, I think you’d really enjoy it! & I’ve never read the Stalking Jack the Ripper series but it sounds interesting, will have to check it out one day! Thank you for the suggestion xx
I’m going to add it to my goodreads so I don’t forget! I hope you enjoy the series if you read it! 🙂 Xx
I don’t often read thrillers but I feel like I should. A thriller in victorian london sounds amazing!
It can be a nice way to pass time and also a nice act of self care (: This book will definitely keep you turning the pages haha xx
This was a great review, it definitely sounds as if you really enjoyed this read! I really wish I could seem to find more time to read a good book, it just never seems to happen between working, gymming and blogging though 🤦🏻♀️
Maybe one day I’ll get around to reading this one, it seems worth the effort for sure 🙂
http://www.missblogsabit.com
Thank you so much, I really did enjoy this book! I’m glad it came across that way too haha, & life can get so hectic, I totally get what you mean, perhaps audio books might be easier for you? since you can be gymming and blogging at the same time 😊 xx
Some of my favourite books to read are horrors and thrillers, so this one definitely needs to added to my to read list 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it x
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk
I actually prefer historical fiction. It’s like going back and getting lost in another world. I don’t read that many thrillers but I usually enjoy them when I do. This sounds like such a great read x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
That’s so interesting (: Most people I know tend to go for contemporary novels but it’s nice to see someone who enjoys historical fiction xx
I love a good thriller and I’m actually quite a fan of historical fiction, I’m gonna check this one out!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Sounds like my type of book! I may buy this for my Kindle. Thanks for the recommendation!
This sounds super creepy but may Add it to my good reads to read shelf!!
It’s definitely quite creepy! perfect for halloween season haha xx
A great review. Historical fiction isn’t my thing really but I do love history – this review does make the book sound really interesting and I think I may give it a try! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Thank you! I think the plot itself is the best part and learning new things about the historic setting is a bonus xx
Such a great review! Now I’m definitely going to find this book and add it to my collection. Let me know if you have other suggestions for me to read. Always good to find new books💜💜💜
Thank you so much lovely! I hope you enjoy this book, whenever you get round to reading it. I post book reviews all the time so I hope you find some you like the sound of xx
This sounds fantastic, I’ll definitely check it out! You can’t beat a book that keeps you reading into the night! Thanks for the review!
This sounds like a great read! Anything that keeps you up like that is definitely worth a go. Definitely one I’m going to have to check out – thanks for the great review!
This sounds amazing, gonna add it to my wishlist now – thanks for sharing and making me aware of it. 💜✨
With love, Alisha Valerie x
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Great review! I’m adding this to my tbr!
It sounds so appealing, we have to look into it 🙂
Thanks for sharing, your review was really helpful
With love and light ☽
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com