Sarah Evans

by Bernice Barry

London, 1798. Born into poverty, illiterate, eighteen-year-old Sarah Evans has been raised to believe she has no rights at all. She and her childhood friend, Lucy Burnes, struggle daily to find food and shelter, drawing strength and comfort from their friendship.

When she is falsely accused and found guilty of theft, Sarah is sentenced to transportation,but, instead, she is secretly transferred to ColdbathFields, one of London's most notorious prisons, at the request its sadistic governor, Thomas Aris. Placed in his household, she becomes entangled in a web of sexual exploitation, crueltyand corruption, where powerful men rule and the law disregards women.

When Sarah is presented with an opportunity to regain her freedom, she seizes it. But even beyond the prison walls, she discovers she cannot escape Aris's control over herself and her children.

She can no longer turn to Lucy for support - her friend is a convict in New South Wales, her life's journey taking her down a path as hopeful as Sarah's is desperate. Instead, she finds kindness and protection among the network of women who, like her, are struggling to avoid starvation on the pitiless streets of London. At the lowest point of her life - accused of murder and facing the death penalty - these strong women don'tlet her down.

And Sarah is a force in her own right. Drawn into a circle of political rebels, she is introduced to the concepts of justice and equality. Despite the brutal challenges that life throws at her, she learns her own value and begins to fight for her rights.

In the end, it is the power of thoughts and words that shapes Sarah Evans's life, not the hardship she has known. And it is friendship that teaches her the most important kind of liberty of mind.

Genres: Historical Fiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of my book friends know historical fiction is not usually my first choice, but when I do foray into times gone by, I love it when it strikes a chord. My goodness this book did just that.

I’m grateful to have the publisher send me this physical copy to read and review, thank you @echopublishing. The book is already en route to its next reader, a sure sign of success - I love the cyclical nature of a physical book's trajectory. To the author, oh my. I hope you are so proud of this story! I’m always in awe of how seamlessly a story is absorbed, I am aware of the blood, sweat and tears that goes on before it reaches my hand.

.. I wondered why God would make it so easy for men to build such a straight, honest looking thing to harbour all that’s crooked and dark and evil.

I am a Sydneysider, as the first few pages mention Windsor, and further progressing, Parramatta, this added an extra layer. I love envisioning the locales, and into Sarah Evan’s world I was completely transported. This was made possible by the exemplary work (and passion) in researching the facts of this real-life woman, the research into the proceedings of Sarah’s trial and visiting the areas in London where Bernice Barry laid out her story. The portrayal of societal norms of the times and the clarity of this time and place in my mind made possible with remarkable writing skill.

It is important to know that while this story does contain fact, the author has skillfully woven fiction into the narrative. Can historical fiction be a read full of heightened suspense, anticipation, and anxiety? Indeed, it can. This book was all of this and much more. I truly stayed up late to finish Sarah’s quest.

The contrast of beautiful maternal love and female kinship, and the bonds that tie us together by circumstance, to the tragic evil and appalling actions of those in positions of power to continually flaunt their evil was breathtaking. The generations produced by these dark men were pointed, characters crafted so magnificently that I was so entrenched in feeling the worst of the worst, I felt the depravity.

Ultimately this story of bravery, resilience and spirit overcame the negative feelings and horror which stirred inside of me, Sarah’s journey is inspiring, remarkable, and moving, just as the quality of this wonderful book. The author is a teacher, those who learn the craft from her are lucky ones indeed!

Perhaps it’s a foolish notion, but I think we leave something of ourselves behind us when we come and go, our memories left like peelings dropped by the wayside, dead skins of a day that’s done with.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in early 1800's London, the story follows the life of Sarah Evans. Wrongly accused of theft she is sentenced to transportation to Australia (a fate considered worse than death). However when she catches the eye of the imperious Governor Aris he spirits her away to be his housemaid. What follows is a life of physical and sexual abuse in a time when women had no rights, none more so than those in poverty.

Sarah Evans is a totally captivating and heart-wrenching story. Closely based on the real life circumstances of Sarah Evans with events and dialogue drawn from original documents and prison records.

Bernice Barry brings her readers into a world filled with violence, corruption and ingrained poverty. It was a time of political upheaval and men championing social justice and equality were imprisoned.

Through Sarah Evans we are given a protagonist who is down trodden, beaten and raped but still finds her voice for women's rights and never gives up the hope of freedom.

Sarah Evans is a powerful story where women don't judge each other's actions but do whatever they can to help each other whether it be a morsel of food or a bed for the night.

If you read historical fiction, Sarah Evans is one book not to be missed.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
The author states that while researching she came across this real life character and her heart wrenching story and thought this needs to be told.
Sarah Evans the historical narrative was born.
Inspired by truth and mixed with fiction, this book is a good retelling.
1798, London and Sarah Evans is living in poverty.
Daily she has to scrounge for food and lodgings.
When she is falsely accused, she is sent to a corrupt jail.
The evil warden sets out to use her and treat her badly.
With the kindness of others, Sarah discovers hope, goodness and fights for her rights.
Rich in history, affluent in messages and flourishing in emotion.
At times I found the story a little messy but still I plodded along and there are parts that I liked and I was touched by her story.
Make sure you read the authors note at the end, it’s very insightful and informative.

[Renee Hermansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize until I read the pages at the back of the book that this was actually about a real person, Sarah Evans. The author researched the past and while adding pieces, wrote this story based on history. This made it even more exceptional to me.

I really enjoyed the book even though I nearly cried a few times. The cruelty against women and children in this time was atrocious. I felt so strongly attached to Sarah Evans. Her story was one of such strength and resilience. Her main objective always to protect and provide for her children, even though they were born in the worst circumstance. She was sexually assaulted over and over.

Corruption was rampant in this era and women especially in poverty did not stand a chance against any man.

Extremely well written and I would highly recommend this to any reader that likes to read about times past. Bernice Barry did an exceptional job putting Sarah Evans story to paper.

Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy to read and review.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks again to @echo_publishing for reaching out to me and offering me a copy to read and review before the published date - this was an absolute pleasure to read.

This is a story is a Historical Fiction and based off of a true story. I was instantly drawn in by Sarah’s character and her life, which was full of hardship, injustice, horrific abuse and loss, but that also speaks to the strength of women, the lengths we will go to, to keep our children safe and fighting for freedom and equality.

Thomas Aris made me sick to my stomach with all that he put Sarah through and I was filled with so much anger at the corruption and ill treatment within the jail and court systems.

Bernice and her writing, along with her meticulous research, made for such a vivid and unforgettable story.

This book release’s on the 3rd of September and if you are a fan of 19th century history, historical fiction and women’s fiction you will not want to miss out on this.

[Cass Moriarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a surprising treasure to discover Bernice Barry’s novel SARAH EVANS (Echo Publishing 2024). While I found the cover (and title) disappointingly banal, once I opened the pages I was immediately entranced by the beautiful literary prose, the complex characters and the compelling narrative, which pulled forward at a strapping pace until the tense and unsettling ending.

In this historical novel, Barry explores the life of Sarah Evans, a real person found only in snippets of prison records, signing her name with an X as she was illiterate. The story begins in 1798 when the destitute 18-year-old, struggling daily to find sustenance, shelter and a means to earn money, is caught stealing in the company of one of her best childhood friends. While she is sentenced to transportation to the colonies, she is instead transferred (in secret) into the hands of Thomas Aris, the cruel, arrogant and narcissistic governor of the notorious prison, Coldbath Fields, in London.

Throughout her life, what she thinks might be a small freedom soon obviously becomes a major detriment or punishment or trauma or torture. As a poor and uneducated woman, Sarah has very little agency in her life but is tossed from one situation to another as she tries to assert her innocence and gain her freedom.

This is a novel about corruption at the highest levels of government and bureaucracy, the tenuous and slippery rights of the poor and disenfranchised, the onerous burden on women to ‘shut up and take it’, the sacrifices a mother will make for her children, the chilling ways men sometimes choose to manipulate and abuse women for their own pleasure or profit, the strength of women’s friendships and how – over the years – they can find impossible ways to support and care for each other, and how one woman dreams of ‘liberty of mind’ in the fragile belief that it may be just as much a woman’s right as a man’s privilege.

With themes of justice, revenge, loyalty, sacrifice, family and domestic abuse, institutional abuse, friendship, guilt, forgiveness, hope, ambition, determination and passion, SARAH EVANS is an unforgettable historical tale that seems as real as if it happened yesterday. Barry is a beautiful writer and some of the phrases and language sing off the pages.

At its heart, this is a story about a mother and her children (and the strength and perseverance she will show in protecting them); a woman with a curious mind who, despite her impoverished and diminished circumstances, continues to pose questions of justice, freedom, chance, power, exploitation and optimism. The actual court transcripts included towards the end of the book are spare and telling and give even more weight to Sarah’s story (which Barry has researched and used as inspiration, while fictionalising much of her life). I was in a constant state of anxiety as Sarah forges bravely through the messiness of her life, courageously attempting to stand up for herself and her children and those she cares for, while being beset at every turn by the betrayal and abuse of the powerful.

Despite taking place over 200 years ago, this story felt as real and authentic to me as a modern tale, and Sarah’s trials and tribulations will stay with me, as the fates of her children will haunt me.

[Elise McCune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Evans by Bernice Barry is a historically rich novel set in 18th and 19th-century London, blending factual events with a fictional narrative. It tells the harrowing story of Sarah Evans, a young woman born into poverty, wrongfully accused of theft, and trapped in a system of exploitation and corruption. The novel vividly portrays Sarah's struggles, including her time in the infamous Coldbath Fields prison under the control of the sadistic governor Thomas Aris, and her journey towards reclaiming her freedom.

The novel offers a powerful exploration of themes like women's rights, the social and political inequalities of the time, and the cruelty faced by women in a patriarchal system. It draws readers into Sarah's grim reality through her perspective and that of others around her. Despite the darkness of the subject matter, the story is also one of resilience, friendship, and the search for justice. The depth of Barry's research is evident, and her writing has been praised for its vivid prose and emotional impact, reminiscent of Dickensian London.

The novel is a heart-wrenching portrayal of Sarah's experiences as she endures abuse, hardship, and loss, while still managing to grow as a person.

Sarah Evans, is a beautifully written, thoughtful, and character-driven novel.

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her notes at the conclusion of the novel, author Bernice Barry discusses the creation of this dynamic historical novel, attesting to the intensity of her research into this intriguing woman, who was only a “whisper on the pages of history”. That which accounted for the survival of 19th century Sarah Evans in a world set against her was surely her discovery of the “liberty of the mind”.
The reader is drawn to the journey of Sarah’s life - from a background of abject poverty to her harsh and abusive dealings with the men for whom she later worked, to her struggle to keep her children safe, to the injustice of the law that afforded women no rights, to her freedom and final years in New South Wales, Australia. Her personal growth towards her belief in the strength of women to free their minds is inspiring, even today when we may take these freedoms for granted. There is certainly a heavy dose of melodrama in Barry’s narrative, but considering the forces working against Sarah Evans and all women of the time, I accepted it.

[Lil April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Echo Publishing who sent an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

If Goodreads did half stars I would have said 3 and a half stars for this. Sarah Evans was an easy read with a flowing narrative style, even though it didn't stand out too much among the other Victorian novels I've read. The descriptions of 1800s London felt true, but also reminded me strongly of Stacey Halls' novels.

I like that it was based on a real historical figure (I also had to Google if Edward Despard was a real person because I thought I recognised his name from Poldark - he was real). I also enjoyed the themes of human rights, rights for the poor and women's rights, but I felt like I wanted the plot to be a bit more exciting and to feel more connected to Sarah. However, this is a debut so I'm sure Barry will improve as she goes along.

At times the narration did annoy me because it felt a little coy and on the nose but overall Sarah was a likeable character and I wanted the best for her, especially with how hard her life was. Overall, a solid debut.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Evans is one of those beautifully crafted historical novels that quietly sweeps you off your feet.

The book follows Sarah, a woman whose grit, intelligence and determination were often overlooked in the world she lived in. Barry blends meticulous research with warm, engaging storytelling, giving us a portrait of a woman who is both ordinary and extraordinary. What I loved most was how human Sarah felt — flawed, hopeful, resilient, and constantly pushing against the limitations placed on her.

The historical detail is rich without feeling heavy. You feel the isolation, the harshness of early England and Australian life, and the small moments of joy that make the struggle worthwhile. Barry also captures the inner thoughts, the quiet conflicts, and the choices Sarah makes to create a life she can call her own.

This is not a fast-paced story, but it is a deeply rewarding one. It’s the kind of book that lingers, particularly if you enjoy stories about women who shaped their world in quiet but powerful ways.
Happy Reading 🩷📚🩷

[Emma Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this mysterious and emotional historical fiction, we follow Sarah Evans through the trials that fate thrusts into her path. Or more accurately, when a man makes a decision that changes the course of her life irreparably by “saving” her from being transported to Australia.

The author displays injustice and inequality in many ways with some powerful messages throughout. While the pacing was a tad slow for my taste in moments, the writing quality more than made up for this. The atmosphere and more unpleasant moments described in enough detail to create an emotional response, but not so much as to be unnecessarily graphic. The author’s note at the end about the inspiration for the story really added to my enjoyment of the book as well. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.

[Lleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel seamlessly blended fact and fiction in retelling the story of Sarah Evans, to explore the theme of liberty, the challenges faced by women in early 19th century London, juxtaposed against the opportunities available to women of the same background in the early colonial days of New South Wales.

I was quickly engaged with Sarah's personal journey and her desire to protect her children. The settings and characters came alive with beautiful descriptive writing, while the lively pace made the book difficult to put down (I finished in two days).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would strongly recommend to others who enjoy historical fiction, told from a woman's perspective. I am looking forward to the next offering from Bernice Barry. 

[Jill N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Evans jumped from the pages of history and fell into this wonderfully written book by Bernice Barry. Originally, I chose this book as research into the lives of people who had landed in Australia during the early 1800's. I soon discovered that the story centred around Sarah's struggles in London before she landed in Sydney, but I was not disappointed. The author gave me a thorough understanding of reasons that so many females had been transported to Australia as convicts. The dismal picture in London was vividly described as Sarah and her friends went about their daily tasks and helping one another get through another day.

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Evan’s does not come from much nor have much. Her life exists on what she can sell. Aged 18 she comes before the court and despite escaping transportation to The Colony she thought she was lucky. A governor and a crooked man comes along with what begins the spiralling life in the 1800’s until before the Old Bailey. A story that takes you on a journey not only in England but also Windsor. A delightful story that has been made from
Factual turned into Fiction.
Thank you to Echo and Historical Novels for the opportunity to read this book.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A re-creation of the life of Sarah who was born in poverty in London. In 1813 a child is found dead in the river and she is arrested for murder. Time shifts tell her story as she struggles to survive as a poor illiterate woman in tough times. She works hard to find some agency and freedom. This debut novel by Barry (based on a real person) has been well researched and is definitely worth reading.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fact that this was based on a real person, who had courage and worked hard despite all the troubles that life put in front of her. Gosh I am glad I was not born in her time, when the decks are stacked so hard against you. I enjoyed the detail of life at that time, even though there was so much corruption and evil.

[Kim Hill]

Such a beautifully written book!
I hadn't read a book in ages and so it was very enjoyable going back to reading again with this book!
The descriptions of people and places were so illuminating you actually felt like you were there in this time period!
Well done Bernice and I look forward to your next book!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - an exciting and detailed story which captures the lives of women in London in the 1800s so well.
Very enjoyable read

[Sel Rou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written true account (from court records) of how woman had no say or means of defence if accused of a crime, but shows the strength and resilience of all woman who went before us.