The Madwoman Upstairs

Happy Fourth of July!  There were a lot of people setting off fireworks in my neighborhood last night.  I am sure it will be louder tonight.  I had Doozy close to me on the bed.  He did not like all the loud booming going on outside (I do not think any of the animals liked it).  Do any of you have special plans for today?  I am cooking on the grill.  My mother and daughter asked for hot dogs (I am having chicken).  Pork and Beans (yuck), corn on the cob, and cherry pie are also on the menu. 

The Madwoman Upstairs is Catherine Lowell’s debut novel.  Samantha Wipple is the last living descendant of Patrick Bronte (and the Bronte family).  There are many rumors stating that she inherited unique family items, but they are just rumors.  In her father’s (Tristan Whipple) odd will, Samantha receives a bookmark.  Samantha heads off for a new life at Oxford University to get a degree in English Literature.  Samantha is assigned a bedroom in an old tower (where normally students do not live and only tourists visit).  There is an unusual portrait over the fireplace.  They say that everything happens for a reason and it is very true for Samantha.  When books from her childhood start showing up, they lead Samantha on a treasure hunt.   Samantha gets help from Professor Orville (her instructor) in figuring out the clues (as well as providing a little romance).  Someone else is after the prize.  Will Samantha be able to figure out the puzzle before the competition? 

I love the description of The Madwoman Upstairs, but the final product was not as enjoyable.  I found Samantha to be a complicated and immature (as well as obtuse) person (hard to like her).  The novel has long (pages) discussions on books especially books by the Bronte sisters (if you are suffering from insomnia this book will help).  The author provided great clues to figure out the mystery, but Samantha had trouble with them (it took her forever to figure them out).   I give The Madwoman Upstairs 2.5 out of 5 stars.  As you can tell, I really did not enjoy this novel.  I found it an odd book.  The premise was good (had potential), but I just did not like the final product.

You can follow Catherine Lowell on Goodreads (such a great site). I received a complimentary copy of The Madwoman Upstairs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.

May all of you have a fun filled (yet relaxing and safe--those fireworks can be dangerous) day!  I will return later with another book review!  There are some great books coming out this week (A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell is one of them).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader