This is a compelling story based on the lives of Lady Duff Gordon and her maid, Sally. The powers of race, class and love clash between strong characters in the exotic Egyptian setting.
Sally learns that she is not a person to Lady Duff Gordon, but a possession. Gordon throws her to the wind when she falls in love with another servant and they have a child. Gordon does not accept it. She casts Sally out of her house, forces her to give up her child, and leaves her with no other options.
My heart ached as Sally struggles to overcome her status in life. I followed her thoughts through culture changes, oppression due to gender and class, struggles with health, and finding independence. The part that really hit me was her relationship with her child. Heartbreaking.
Gripping and beautifully written, I strongly recommend Pullinger’s novel to historical and classic literature lovers.
No comments:
Post a Comment