Breaking Free

by Pauline Wilson

Annie finds herself incarcerated in Kew Lunatic Asylum in 1894. She finds an unlikely ally in the Matron of the asylum who is determined to help her break free from her nightmarish reality. But in the depths of her despair, will the man she loves be there to support her?
Breaking Free, is an emotional and powerful historical fiction novel.

273 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2023

About the author

Pauline lives in North East Victoria on the banks of the Murray River. She is a writer and family historian who loves learning and research. She writes historical fiction based on true stories of her ancestors. When she is not writing or researching she likes to read and take long walks.

Reviews

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Pauline for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Breaking Free is a honourable, heart wrenching and inspiring historical fiction set in the eerie Kew Lunatic Asylum.
A story of one woman’s determination, violation, persecution and honesty about the abuse that was far too common and frequent in mental institutions in the 1800’s.
Annie is nineteen years old, falling in love and dreams of more than helping her family with everyday life.
One day, due to confusion, Annie ends up caged in the Kew Lunatic Asylum.
Survival is difficult but she ends up forming a bond with the kind Matron Lansdowne.
Fighting for justice, being courageous and making friends, Annie endures the best way she can.
Will Annie be able to bear to be behind locked doors and just exist until she can leave and eventually return to society……
I really enjoyed reading Annie’s story that contains a sensitive subject matter that has been written with compassion and respect.
The times that are discussed throughout is important to highlight as these women should not have gone through this heartache, fear and degradation.
I love an engaging historical fiction narrative and one that’s based on fact mixed with fiction is even more rewarding.
A fine example of a meaningful and interesting storytelling and one that will have you wanting more.

[Taryn Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story! got this for my mum for Christmas as well and she loved it.

[Wendi Kruger · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like an easy-to-read book with intrigue, then go no further. ‘Breaking Free’ will open your eyes to the limitations faced by women during the late 1890s. It not only provides insight into the incarcerated life of women in a lunatic asylum, but offers a glimpse into the suffragette movement, particularly in Victoria, Australia, with those women who strove to work for women’s rights. The plight and misfortunes of Annie, her family, and the friendships she makes, will keep you intrigued. Making you wonder right up to the last moment whether she will choose the religious life or marry the man of her dreams.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the premise, but the execution didn't hit IMO. I wanted more and would have gladly devoured a book double the size for some more action and backstory (we never find out what happened in the hours between when she was dropped off at the boarding house and picked up by the police on the street). Too many unanswered questions and the resolutions we did get felt abrupt.