Throughout history, monarchies and elite nobility have been constant sources of collective study and fascination. In this novel we follow a young girl as she learns of the complex inner workings and power struggles taking place within her aristocratic family. Her grandfather recognizes a burgeoning curiosity and intellect within her and takes a special interest in her education.
One frightful night she is yanked from her family’s estate, given a new identity, and sent away to a remote boarding school in the United States. With no contact or explanation for this abrupt departure, she accepts this fate and settles into her new identity and tutelage. Secrets, wealth, politics, and mystery surround her as she comes of age estranged from her clan and the only place she called home.
Despite the story’s potential, the plot was at times sluggish and in many ways felt vague and incomplete. I’m hoping there is more to come in this tale to fill in the areas that were missing.
I highly recommend this novel for fans of chunksters full of erudite historical references, secret societies, and old family intrigue.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Letters from the Dead for my unbiased evaluation. 4 stars
