A much anticipated read from the author of the runaway success The Lost Apothecary, this book had a lot to live up to. Getting straight to the point, though I hate to say so, it has been a disappointment. There are several reasons for it which we shall see as below.
The London Séance Society is set in 1873, with Sarah Penner sticking to the historical fiction genre – which she completely owned in her debut novel. The book here bases it’s theme around séances & communicating with the dead, in the process trying to uncover the mysteries behind their death. To start with, it is an intriguing subject with dark, gothic vibes which draws you in. But sadly, the interest dwindles away too quickly attributed to a very average execution of a potent idea.
For me, the whole story became too dark with a strong, almost repulsive under-tone which became exceedingly difficult to bear as the story progressed. Séance by itself a macabre theme, it was important to steer it into some sort of inquisitive & exciting flavour. That however was missing after the initial introduction to the topic.
The book tends to become repetitive towards the middle and gets to a point where I just wanted to get to the crux of it and done with. All sorts of silly elements start popping up.
Coming to the next big deterrent, there is an overflow of lust, queer intimacy and sleazy sequences which are a big put off. And not just one pair but two. The sequences feel forced and unnecessary. It certainly gets cheap at more than one point, and I wouldn’t expect this from the author of The Lost Apothecary. What a shame truly.
I would still have considered this a passable read if only the end had some fizz in it. Halfway down the road we already know Morley to be maligned. The final revelation was in itself quite predictable. And if not predictable – was certainly short on that chill and edgy feel you associate with a thriller.
To sum it up, The London Séance Society although entails an interesting subject, you are left wanting more of the Séance itself as it loses sight with all absurd distractions of lust, weak characterisation of the protagonists and some outlandish situations. The book will be enjoyed by those who like spiritualism, dark themes and a strong gothic vibe. It will be entertaining if you can keep logic aside. For me, probably due to high expectations from Sarah Penner, the book is found wanting.
Available on Amazon -> The London Séance Society