The Misbegotten By Katherine Webb

Although The Misbegotten is Katherine Webb’s fourth novel it is the first I’ve read and it certainly won’t be the last because her storytelling skills are enchanting. The Misbegotten is the story of four people; Starling an abandoned child who grows up as neither servant nor lady, Alice the determined young woman who takes her in, Jonathan the grandson of Alice’s benefactor and Rachel who meets Starling and Jonathan twelve years after Alice’s mysterious disappearance which has left both of them devastated. Rachel has married to escape the drudgery of her life as a governess.  Through her husband she meets the Alleyn family and is employed as a companion to Jonathan to read to him and encourage his return to health and society. Through Starling and Jonathan she learns Alice’s story and the part they have played in her strange disappearance. Gradually she begins to piece together the puzzle and she discovers that her husband also has secrets. This is engrossing storytelling reminiscent of Kate Morton or Daphne du Maurier. The plot is full of twists and surprises and the characters intensely interesting if not always likeable.  The story takes place in and around Bath in the same era as many of Jane Austen’s classic works though it features a great deal more murk and grime, a fantastic gothic thriller. I highly recommend it. Thanks so much to lovereading.co.uk for the opportunity to read this book before it is released in hardback, trade paperback and e-book in August. The Misbegotten is published by Orion.

Follow the link below to see my review along with the other reading panel members at lovereadinguk.
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/8937/The-Misbegotten-by-Katherine-Webb.html