AUTHOR: Dawn Ius
PUBLISHER: Simon Pulse
PUBLISHING DATE: April 10, 2018
FROM GOODREADS: Seventeen-year-old Lizzie Borden has never been kissed. Polite but painfully shy, Lizzie prefers to stay in the kitchen, where she can dream of becoming a chef and escape her reality. With tyrannical parents who force her to work at the family’s B&B and her blackout episodes—a medical condition that has plagued her since her first menstrual cycle—Lizzie longs for a life of freedom, the time and space to just figure out who she is and what she wants.
Enter the effervescent, unpredictable Bridget Sullivan. Bridget has joined the B&B’s staff as the new maid, and Lizzie is instantly drawn to her artistic style and free spirit—even her Star Wars obsession is kind of cute. The two of them forge bonds that quickly turn into something that’s maybe more than friendship.
But when her parents try to restrain Lizzie from living the life she wants, it sparks something in her that she can’t quite figure out. Her blackout episodes start getting worse, her instincts less and less reliable. Lizzie is angry, certainly, but she also feels like she’s going mad…''
MY THOUGHTS: Anyone who has followed my blog for any length of time knows I have a small obsession with Lizzie Borden. So when I saw a new YA book coming out about her, I knew I'd have to grab it. A lot of us already know the tale of Lizzie and this one is basically the same. However, it's an updated version and Ius added some modern flair. For example, Lizzie wants nothing more desperately to be the next Emeril Lagasse and is always cooking and creating new dishes for her father and step-father's bed and breakfast. Also, while the relationship with her sister Em is explored, it isn't as much in the forefront as some of the other retellings I've read.
It's no real secret that many believe Lizzie went on in her life to have relationships with other women. And I know a lot of people were excited to see Ius openly explore Lizzie this. However, there is a twist involved and to be honest, I saw it coming early on in the book which was kind of a letdown. Also, considering we know Lizzie's parents end up dead (if I spoiled this, I'm sorry but I figure everyone who wants to read this book knows the song and the tale), it takes FOREVER for this to happen. Then once it does, it all resolves itself in the next 3 chapters.
Lizzie Borden clearly suffered from abuse and mental health issues. I don't doubt for a minute that she killed her parents but I think were it to occur now, she would be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Ius follows a lot of the actual facts of the incident, while also adding her own spin which makes it an entertaining read for a new generation.
RATING: 3 Paws
This sounds like fun! Interesting that he spent so little time on the aftermath. Sometimes its that portion of stories that I liked the most. To be honest, I don't know a lot about Lizzie Borden. I'm going to have to start reading more on her. Sounds like a fun book! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYea, I wish it would have focused some more on what happened afterward. That being said, it was a decent read and I did enjoy it.
DeleteLizzie Borden is one of my favorite things to read about. I don't know why, but I love it. And I love any movies and books about it.
ReplyDeleteI always picture Lizzie as Christina Ricci because of when she played Lizzie.
I cannot wait to read this one!
Another Lizzie fan! Yay! Like you, I always picture Christina Ricci. She did such a good job with the role and I wish Lifetime had not canceled the series. Have you read The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy? It's probably my favorite.
DeleteI don't think that I have read any Lizzie Borden retellings. I wonder why? I think I would start with another one when I am ready to read about Lizzie.
ReplyDeleteStart with The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy. It's my fave.
DeleteI don't think I've ever read Lizzie Borden story, although I feel like I have one on my shelf. I need to find it!
ReplyDeleteYes you do. That way you can tell me the name of it and I can see if I've already read it :)
DeleteThe Lizzie Borden case fascinates me and after reading a NF book about the trial, I'm not so sure she did it. Still, it was one book and I'm no expert! I'm still looking for the perfect Lizzie novel to read as I've tried a couple and DNFed them!
ReplyDeleteI really should read a NF one. I haven't yet and it just makes sense huh?
DeleteI don't know enough about the whole thing, only that she killed her parents, I must admit. I didn't realise she was abused. I'm sorry the update of this story didn't quite work out :(
ReplyDeleteYea but it wasn't a total waste of a read. I enjoyed parts of it and with the subject matter, I always knew I'd pick it up.
Deleteyes, Lizzie Borden is a topic or person to easily obsessed about! So much potential for great stories! Glad you found this one it unique and enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely unique. In fact, it was really odd to read about it in modern times.
DeleteGlad you still enjoyed it though it took forever to get to the good stuff at the end. ;)
ReplyDeleteYea, it wasn't the best retelling I read but for a library book, I wasn't out anything.
DeleteI've been seeing this one around a lot! Not a big Lizzie enthusiast but it definitely sounds like a cool retelling especially for people even less acquainted with the Lizzie story. I'm not a big crime or horror reader but I am currently watching the true crime doc series The Staircase on Netflix and it's so interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've heard such good things about that series. I must check it out!
DeleteI'm so nervous about Lizzie Borden YA books after See What I Have Done... I may have to snag this one from the library at some point. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI never could get through that one but haven't given up 100% though. I think there are better ones out there.
DeleteI'm also fascinated with LB but don't think I've read any novels - did Cherie Priest write a book about her?? Or did I just make that up?
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
Yes! You are right and I completely forgot. She wrote Maplecroft, which I absolutely loved, and it's sequel Chapelwood, which I haven't read yet. They are sort of Lizze meets Lovecraft.
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