The Lodger by Louisa Treger

 

Image from Amazon.co.uk

This is the debut novel by Louisa Treger and after reading Louisa’s second novel first, I was excited to read this reprinted edition. Again I was gifted this copy and as always I love a book that is gifted, especially when the author writes a message inside the cover page. It makes the whole experience of reading a novel that much more personal, and makes you realise that the writer themselves has poured their heart and soul into the novel. I am glad to say in spite of the added extra touch I found the story to be absolutely lovely.

Dorothy Richardson is border at a house in Bloomsbury London, is barely making a living working for a dentist and is certain her life isn’t mounting to much. Jane, her childhood friend invites her to stay for the weekend at her home. When Dorothy arrives she meets Jane’s husband H.G. Wells, known as Bertie. At first Dorothy can’t quite believe Bertie’s advances even when he tells her that he and Jane have an agreement. Dorothy isn’t sure of this but soon finds that she’s drawn to Bertie in ways she can’t quite fathom. As their affair blossoms Dorothy meets a new border, Veronica Leslie-Jones at the house in Bloomsbury. Veronica is young, captivating, involved with the Suffragette movement and Dorothy finds herself torn between new feelings blossoming for Veronica and her feelings for Bertie. Dorothy’s life is in turmoil and so she turns to writing, but what shall she do about Bertie and Veronica?

Even though this is historical fiction, Louisa has weaved a story from the lives of these people adding much creative flair from her research. The story doesn’t stagnate, it doesn’t get bogged down in tedious detail, it gives you what you need for the story to move, it glides seamlessly from one point to the next. The writing flows wonderfully and the thoughts and emotions of Dorothy are portrayed beautifully.

What I’ve come to like about Louisa’s novels is that they take their inspiration from historical people that we may know very little of, and uses this as a backdrop for creating a much more enjoyable account of perhaps their lives. Events often happen, but Louisa puts her signature stamp on the story. This leaves me wanting to seek out further factual information on these characters. There are only two novels that that have been published of Louisa’s that I’ve read, but I’m eager to read her next story.