True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late? On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving. With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or … year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.
At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?
Also Look for:
White City by Grace Hitchcock (March 2019)
Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma (June 2019)
Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (August 2019)
Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear (March 2020)
The Gray Chamber is the latest release in the True Colors series. While not the most gripping and suspenseful book I’ve ever read, Grace Hitchcock still manages to weave a compelling tale that will have you turning pages as fast as you can.
I loved Edyth. I loved her eccentricities, how she was true to herself. All this, as well as her camaraderie with Bane, made it easy for me to root for their relationship. But Bane’s sudden interest did have me furrowing my brow a bit. Although I suppose that once Bane realized what had been right in front of him, it was in his character to want to act on it. Bane struck me as a go-getter.
I liked how Hitchcock explored the horrors of the asylum without going into too much graphic detail and making the novel too dark. While The Gray Chamber isn’t a lighthearted read, it wasn’t overly dark either. I also liked how she explored how the asylum’s treatment affected the patients.
The suspense surrounding Edyth’s stay and the hope of her escape makes the novel suspenseful. I was hooked from the beginning of the novel, but from the moment Edyth was taken to the asylum, I couldn’t stop reading. I pushed through so I could get to the ending and discover how she was going to get free.
All in all, this was a wonderful, well-written novel perfect for a rainy day.
This is the most intense, riveting novel I’ve read so far in this multi-author “True Colors” series by Barbour! I could hardly put it down for wanting to find out what would happen next. The main characters are so well defined I really felt as if I knew them and the descriptions of the asylum made me feel as if I were there, suffering along with Edyth, Poppy, Nellie, and the others. There is intrigue and incredible drama throughout.
Edyth Foster is an orphan; her parents died when she was a teen. Before their death, Edyth’s father had begun her fencing lessons that continue to date, and she loves it. She is also in love with her fencing master, Bane, and has been for several years, showing no interest for any other single man. Her father’s brother, Boris, has cared for her since her parent’s death. He lives with her in the home she inherited, and in a few short months, she will have full control of her inheritance. At that time, she plans to pay for an apartment for Uncle Boris, his new wife, and his wife’s daughter Lavinia, just returned from four years in Paris.
At the party given to welcome Lavinia, Boris has invited three men she hasn’t seen before. They are doctors at the well-known Blackwell’s Island where the lunatic asylum is located. A huge influx of women being sent there has sent the men to a facility at a different location. They claim the women are treated well there, but Edyth will soon find out differently.
When Lavinia helps Edyth dress like the young lady she is, Raoul “Bane” Banebridge sees her true beauty, and wonders why it took him so long to realize she is a young woman as well as his best friend – and he wants to marry her, a dream come true. They begin to date seriously, until the day she is to meet Bane and she doesn’t show up. Her uncle comes up with one tale after another regarding her whereabouts, but it isn’t until a local attorney divulges the truth when drunk that he finds the truth. Uncle Boris’ wife found a clause in the will that gives him a way to take the entire fortune. All he had to do was find doctors willing to claim her insane and get her committed to Blackwell’s Island.
The asylum is beyond Edyth’s worst nightmare. The poor food and beatings endured by the patients are horrible enough. The worst is the Gray Chamber, where indescribable treatments take place that steal the women’s memories and the essence of who they are. The loss of Bane is almost unbearable. Edyth tried to escape, had almost swum back to the mainland, and was captured again. From Poppy, she learns a whole new relationship with the Lord. From Nellie Bly, she gains hope of getting off the island for good. Until she is threatened with the chamber.
Greed and betrayal are terrible things when let loose on those who love us. Love, and the power of God are even stronger forces, however, and He can bring good out of even the worst circumstances for those who love Him. Some of the scenes are truly difficult to read, as are many truths of our history. The suspense of discovering the depth of betrayal and whether Edyth can get out before it’s too late, ultimately her entire future, make it a fabulous read. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written Christian novels that highlight spiritual growth and love despite some of the worst circumstances one can be subjected to.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary ARC of this novel; a review was not required.
I loved the feistiness of Edyth ! I’m appalled that things like this actually happened. It was a page turner which I really enjoyed! Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
Epic and heart wrenching:
What an amazing book! The writing style was great, with the story flowing well and it drew me in right from the very beginning. It was disturbing and difficult to read at times due to the injustice and sad subject matter; yet I wanted to keep going in order to see how things turned out. There is plenty of angst and it wrenches your emotions but it is also a story about trusting and relying on God during hardships.The treatment of women and the mentally ill (actual and falsely accused) was shocking and deplorable. It made me count my blessings and appreciate anew all that has been bestowed upon me!
I enjoyed reading about spunky and quirky Edyth and the love and dedication bestowed upon her by Blane. All in all an enlightening and enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
New York, year 1887.
Edith Foster is a 25 yo woman, orphan, wealth, creative, proud and independent.
She loves her uncle, but not her new wife, the only relatives alive, but he’s jelaous and declares Edith mad. What a awful person!
The story could be a nowadays story.
The book is inspired by a true article of Nellie Blyu, that tells the life, atrocity treatments of nurses and doctors to the innocent patients of the sylum on Blackwell’s Island. Poor people!
Very nice book, fast to read, good characters.
This historical fiction was filled with suspense which kept me turning pages. I absolutely loved the development of the wonderful relationship between the hero and heroine. This romance is not straight forward but it is definitely swoon worthy! Hitchcock creates these unique and memorable characters and puts them in this gripping storyline. The heroine is strong, resourceful and not at all what society would expect. I would want her in my corner. I appreciated the faith lessons learned during such incredibly difficult circumstances, such a great reminder of the true value of trusting God. I don’t want to forget to mention the fantastic use of humor throughout this engaging story. Hitchcock is a talented writer and as I finished this book I knew that it had been time well spent. I will be watching for her next novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.