Mad Richard by Lesley Krueger

Final Rating: 3.2/5

The many contrasts and shades of Richard Dadd, Charlotte Brontë and Charles Dickens

  I admit it took me several attempts in the beginning to keep reading this tale of the certain degrees of separation of 19th-century geniuses in art and literature. There were numerous different themes and unfortunate confusing streaky timelines of presented lives and trials that it lost me more than once. The writing was simply eccentrically beautiful overall though and the chapters of Charlotte Brontë definitely kept me turning the pages until the end. Those superbly researched passages along with the creative cameos of artistic and literary “lionesses and players” have me now desiring to revisit every classic mentioned of the era. Only one or two slightly distracting Americanism sprang out in other chapters (or descriptive panels depending of which character the pages were following) and the final sections seemed sadly rushed blotting out the delicate comparisons and associations of personalities that were explored in the opening of this book.

  Perhaps this is one of those too finely crafted novels that will fully amuse and enchant a certain audience. I really wanted to be a captivated member of that set but I think like any memorable work of art it’s the history and the stories surrounding the central subject we remember best as we walk away. That may be not an intended message but I will certainly be recalling the intriguing tidbits of the 19th century that were shared in Mad Richard and really hope Ms. Krueger may consider dedicating an entire novel to the background corner figures briefly featured in this work. Her distinct vintage elegance of the pen clearly displayed in Mad Richard would be something special to see again and wait for.

*I would like to thank ECW Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Mad Richard

Title Released: March 14, 2017