PositiveHistorical Novel Society... a fast-paced yet character-driven book; the characters are not deeply established, but the depth of feeling between them is nicely sketched. Neither Hannah nor Judith develops very much over the course of the story. Where the novel really shines is in the portrayals of two supporting characters: the keeper of the girls’ boarding house, Mrs. Hanson, and Mr. Boott, the owners’ agent, whose descriptions and motivations are given their due with some good writing ... a light, quick afternoon read. It succeeds at that. I did wonder what a story from Mrs. Hanson’s perspective would be like, but that is not this novel. Recommended for those looking for an inspirational novel, and those wanting a peek at the life of the mill girls who powered the U.S.’s industrialization. Anyone really seeking a novel about the territory where deep platonic female friendship crosses into love should look for another book.
