Falling Angels

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View books by Tracy Chevalier.

Historical fiction that educates as well as entertains - Rated
The story of Maude Coleman, Lavinia Waterhouse and their families is told in the first person by each character involved so it reads very much like a diary. I like how the reader gets to see everyone's perspectives on a situation instead of hearing a story from just one angle. We hear the traditional and modern views of the time...in a changing world where the women's suffrage movement is getting more and more forceful leading (in this story) to the Hyde Park demonstration.

As someone who enjoys walking around old Victorian cemeteries it was lovely to have this one brought to life with the people who visited and worked there. I found the details of mourning etiquette during the Victorian period and the early 1900's fascinating: How long is acceptable to mourn, what to wear and what to do with it after the mourning period is over, and the views of the time on cremation and who should be buried where in the cemetery.

A sensitive and fascinating read.

thought provoking! - Rated
I couldn't put this book down!
It was a tale of many characters, with the mood varying from humour to great sadness. The chapter concerning the rally, and the aftermath, had affected me the most.
It was very thought provoking and the stories stayed with me for ages afterwards.