The Woman in the Wallpaper by Lora Jones
The Woman in the Wallpaper is Lora Jones debut novel. And what a debut it is. This beautifully written historical fiction novel is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Lora Jones has captured in exquisite detail both the unrest, dissent and dissatisfaction of the working class in France and the total disregard and obnoxious excess of the aristocracy and the Versailles monarchy. In my opinion this contributes a very realistic version of the two-tier system in pre–Revolution France in this book. This book is a visceral, visual feast for the senses. At times tense, creepy, realistic and poignant but always fascinating. I couldn’t put down The Woman in the Wallpaper.
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After an event changes their fathers’ circumstances as a prominent Stonemason, Sofi and Lara Thibault, accompanied by their mother, leave Marseille for work in the Oberst wallpaper factory in Jouy-en-Jouvant, where their aunt is employed as housekeeper. On arrival, both girls immediately strike up a friendship with the owner’s son Josef Oberst. Sofi begins work in the factory while the more reserved Lara is employed as a house maid. But all is not what it seems in this house marred by tragedy, the untimely death of the last Mrs. Oberst, Josef`s mother. After a series of creepy events Lara imagines her life is reflected in the personalized wallpaper in which the pattern depicts actual milestones of the previous lady. Josef is the one constant in both sisters’ lives but is he in love with Lara or Sofi? When Josef marries Hortense, she becomes the new lady of the house. An aristocrat raised in Versailles, used to the trappings of extreme wealth, she is a product of her environment. Skilled at games and manipulation, the new Lady Oberst is definitely an acquired taste to the honest, hardworking folk of the factory community and the household staff of Jouy-en-Jouvant, particularly Sofi.
As France builds towards Revolution, Sofi `s political views have become more radical while Lara quietly serves the Oberst family but a surprise visitor from her past could change things for her and unfortunately does. Hortense continues to live in the same careless manner but then the reality of the Revolution comes calling. The pressure, fear and paranoia now replace the smug oblivious manner of the French nobility. No one and nowhere is safe. Sofi pursues her beliefs, ignited by her rebel company, making a series of decisions that have far reaching, unimaginable consequences. Can Sofi live with what she has done?
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Lora Jones has woven a stunning tale with a twist in the end; readers are in for a real treat. The characters are perfectly crafted, each idiosyncrasy and personality trait sublime, evoking sympathy for some and disgust for others. The story is told from Sofi, Lara and Hortense point of views, each individual authentic voice really brings the characters to life, making each one so memorable, especially Hortense. It takes real skill to write characters with convincing flaws and strengths, making the reader care about them, and I really feel that Lora has done this very well throughout this book. The setting of both Jouy-en Jouvant, Paris and Marseille are vibrant and vivid. The wallpaper factory is loosely based on a real location. The flow of language reads effortlessly, and the combination of short and long chapters paces the story brilliantly and allows the tension to ebb and flow, keeping the reader captivated. The story is so rich in detail and emotion, I absolutely loved it. The Woman in the Wallpaper is my book of the year. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Lora Jones.
(c) Karen Slammon
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