See What I Have Done
Based on the true story of
Lizzie Borden who stood trial for the murder of her father and stepmother, 'See
What I Have Done' is a compelling and well crafted novel.
The use of language is
experimental in places, and the structure fragmented as Sarah Schmidt takes the
reader backwards and forwards in time and in and out of different points of
view. This complexity accentuates a story in which there is still much unsolved
mystery.
It is not known whether
Lizzie Borden did kill her parents or not, and in the novel we are presented
with a mosaic of different scenarios. Things that might and could have
happened. Reasons why they might have come about. Dark motives at the heart of
a fractured family.
The writing is very
accomplished and recreates authentically the claustrophobia of the Borden
household. Father, stepmother and two adult daughters are living in close
proximity to each other with all the tension and awkwardness that creates.
This book is not always an
easy read. The visceral and sharply evocative descriptions of decay and death
are so realistic that they assault the senses. But the quality of the writing
and the execution of the plot are masterly and the overall read is well worth
it.
A recommended read for
anyone who craves the unusual, and for anyone who is familiar with the real
life story of Lizzie Borden and intrigued to enter a fictionalised version of
her world.
Thanks very much to the
publishers for a review copy of this book.
You can find out more here.
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