The Poison Thread

The Poison Thread by Laura  Purcell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story of Ruth, a poor young girl essentially sold into apprenticeship to a milliner, is told--by Ruth--to a wealthy young woman, Dorothea, who believes it is her duty to visit the inhabitants of Oakgate Prison. Ruth is in the prison awaiting her day in court; she has been accused of murder, and tells Dorothea that she has killed multiple times--through her talents as a seamstress. Dorothea knows that cannot be true, but isn't quite sure if Ruth is lying, or insane. Dorothea seeks to uncover the truth, as well as use the "science" of phrenology to discover whether or not Ruth can be saved--both physically and morally. As the tale unfolds, the reader discovers that Dorothea has an even greater stake in Ruth's story, and the truth could set them both "free."
I found Ruth to be a fascinating character. The story begins with Ruth's burgeoning efforts at sewing. She discovers she is naturally adept and takes on a larger role in helping her mother complete her commissions in order to earn money for their family. As she continues honing her skill, Ruth begins to suspect her talent may have a more sinister side. When Ruth's life takes several tragic turns, Ruth uses her skills to exact the only revenge open to her as an abused apprentice to an apparently unhinged milliner. The reader sees Ruth develop and follows her journey. All of Ruth's motivations, actions, and decisions feel organic.
Dorothea is not quite as sympathetic as Ruth, especially at the beginning of the book, when the reader is comparing Ruth's family's struggle to keep food on the table to Dorothea's complaints about inviting people she does not like to her 25th birthday party. That dichotomy, however, serves to show just how different the two characters lives actually are. As Dorothea's part of the story unfolds, her language and sense of urgency as she describes the struggles she is facing closely resemble the feelings and thoughts of Ruth. The reader sees that Dorothea truly believes she is facing grim circumstances.
As the book moves towards its conclusion, facts are slowly hinted at and then revealed that call into question Ruth's beliefs about her powers, and Dorothea's beliefs about the seriousness of her fate.
The plot and pacing of this book was great. The book got a bit slower in the beginning when Dorothea was the narrator, but that served to show just how different she was from Ruth. Dorothea came across as a bit spoiled, sheltered, and naive. By the end of the book, however, that view was definitely challenged.
The book was well-researched and the setting and descriptions served to transport the reader back in time. From the living conditions of the genteel poor to the daily routine of the apprentices, everything was immersive. The smells, sights, sounds, and textures were evocative and tangible.
I really could find nothing about this book that I didn't like or that I would change. I truly enjoyed reading it all the way through to the conclusion. I would recommend it to anyone how enjoys historical novels, literary fiction, magical realism, and mystery.


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