Wildthorn

This book was an easy read and I enjoyed that the events of the present were broken up by chapters exploring the past. It was a really good format for this kind of book. The premise was interesting enough to grab my attention and the events in the book were enough to keep it. The book felt very much like a first novel, which it was, and that lack of skill was noticeable in parts. However, for young LGBT readers, who are not old enough for Sarah Waters but love historical fiction, this is a great book for them to read.

Wildthorn is not an ideal choice for those in search of happy fun times all the way through, but definitely an interesting topic not much touched on in teen literature. The first half of the novel switches between Louisa's experiences in the mental institution and her memories of her life and how she ended up there. Louisa is very sympathetic for a modern audience. The portrayal of the mental institution clearly reveals the horridness of that setup. Troublesome women truly were shunted off into these institutions and they could do nothing to escape. Most poignant is the impossibility of proving one's sanity. How do you convince people that you are not crazy when they keep calling you by a name that is not your own?

The lesbian angle was interesting too. Finding LGBT fiction for teens can be difficult; I took a course on young adult resources and in the week on this topic, we had no books about lesbians. This book fills a gap in teen literature and does quite a good job of it. Eagland does not shy away from the topic, nor does she overdo it. The story manages to be sweet and serious, a solid, slightly more deep than average teen read. It also has a beautiful cover!

Recommended if you like Sarah Waters, since this seems much like a teen version of Fingersmith.

Who put me here? That is the question that Louisa Cosgrove keeps thinking of as she is held captive in Wildthorn Hall, an insane asylum. They take her clothes and her name, calling her Lucy Childs instead.
Louisa doesn't understand. She isn't crazy! She knows who she is! She is Louisa Cosgrove, an independant young woman with a head on her shoulders.Which is exactly why her mother always seemed disappointed.... And her father seemed so happy.
Take an amazingly twisty ride right alongside Louisa as she fights for her freedom and life. An amazingly accurate and deep tale with interesting turns awaiting in every chapter