The Defiance of Frances Dickinson

by Wendy Parkins

A woman who braved public disgrace to expose a brutal marriage.

1838, England: When eighteen-year-old heiress Frances Dickinson impulsively marries Lieutenant John Geils, she soon discovers there is much about her husband she did not know. A cruel and violent man, John keeps Frances in isolation on his family's estate in Scotland, while spending her fortune and preying upon their maids.

Frances yearns to break free from her marriage but the law is not on her side. Only when John's abuse escalates can she set in motion a daring plan to secure her freedom.

A story of gaslighting, control and one woman's fight, The Defiance of Frances Dickinson is the true story behind one of the most sensational divorce trials of the nineteenth century.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2024

Reviews

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated what this book tried to do: bringing to light modern-day issues in a historical setting.
I found that with the chopping between styles of prose, it was hard to get into a good flow. If the author had stuck to a letters only way of telling the story, it would have been more cohesive.
it was refreshing to read something written in the style of an older era.

[Lisa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling. Interesting story, true story. I appreciated that the author’s note at the end clarified in detail which letters and documents were actual historical documents and which were fabricated (using available information). Only gave it four stars because I was reading the Advanced Reading copy and it definitely needed that last edit.

[Great Escape Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Review...

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson is not an easy book to review – not when stories of gaslighting and cruelty by husbands towards their wives are not just stories from the past but are ever present. It seems depressing that not only has behaviour not changed, but the law’s handling of domestic abuse has also been so slow to develop. In 1838 England, wealthy 18-year-old Frances Dickinson marries, full of the promise of her exciting new life. But the reality is her husband is cruel and violent, spending her money and keeping her from her family while carrying on with the servants. Frances is determined to save herself and her daughters from this marriage and she uses the law to make her escape. Even though divorce is allowed, it is not easy for her to bring any action against her husband. The fact that she can do this only because of her money, position in society and family support is a poignant reminder of how little things have changed.

This true story is told from a variety viewpoints and in a range of ways – from diary entries, letters, witness statements. The characters (and the various parts of the English and Scottish countryside they find themselves in) are vividly brought to life as we follow Frances’ rollercoaster ride of promise, hope, heartbreak and ultimately incredible determination to change her life for the better.

Review by Andi @ Great Escape Books

[Scatterbooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson by Wendy Parkins is inspired by a shocking true story of abuse in the nineteenth century. The things Frances endured and how she managed to get free will stay with me for a long time.

Eighteen year old France Dickinson has no idea what she’s getting herself in for when she marries Lieutenant John Geils. Once she realizes just how abusive he can be keeping her isolated on his Scottish estate she feels trapped. There’s very little a woman can do to escape a bad marriage in the nineteenth century. It isn’t until John’s abuse escalates to a shocking degree that she’s able to seek a divorce. But to do so she must endure having to trial published almost word for word in the newspapers.

What I found fascinating about this story is how closely the author followed the truth of what happened to write the book. In her author’s note Parkins details how much of peoples’ real testimonies she included in the book. It’s also interesting to note how much opinions differed on a certain situation depending on who they were aligned with.

I enjoyed this story and am glad I read it. It’s such an important story because abuse like this can still happen in marriages today. Frances’ story is an important one.

Highly recommended for all historical fiction and true story lovers.

Many thanks to Affirm Press for sending me a review copy.

[Book My Imagination · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a fiction book, it is based on a true story.

It's 1838, and Frances Dickinson has married Lieutenant John Neil's at the age of 18.
He is older, worldlier, and unknown to her at the time, a very cruel and violent man.
Over a short period of time, Frances learns all about her husband's cruelty, though she does not know why he is cruel.
The book goes between Frances, her mother, John, and others involved within their lives.
Frances's life showcases how easy it can be to live within a household of violence and cruelty.
But Frances does what so many could not. She engages a family lawyer to start divorce proceedings.
Unfortunately, Frances has to prove the cruelty she has suffered, and here lies the problem.
Our world has not changed that much in almost 200 yrs.
She is made to feel small, her truths are questioned, and ultimately, even though she has been granted a divorce, the judge sided with her husband.
In a book that is hard at times to read, the themes of gaslighting, cruelty, and control are heightened by the knowledge that we are no further ahead.
The author's afterword is very in-depth as well, which is great to see in a book based on a true story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

180 years ago, women were at the mercy of their fathers or husbands. This book is inspired by a horrifying true story of cruelty and violence experienced by an educated and privileged woman who somehow managed to extract herself from her desperately unhappy marriage. The male dominant society norms and laws are cringeworthy compared to today. And yet, even in recent times many women still suffer from abuse, gaslighting and control. A poignant reminder that women must strive for freedom and cherish love and equality within relationships. A sobering read for sure.

[Tilly Moate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I barely have the words to describe how amazing of a story this was. The word usage, the pacing, the pure emotion of it all will drive me insane for months to come. I was hooked from page one, and even though I struggled to understand some of the law and societal aspects of it, I pushed through so I could learn more. Wendy did such an amazing job with Frances' story, and all others who got a moment to shine with their own chapters, and I will be reading from her again the moment I have the chance to.

[Fiona Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson examines the shocking impact of sustained spousal abuse - physical, mental, emotional, conveyed through letters and diary entries. It's beautifully written; language in the vein of the Austen novels the lead character (Fanny) admires, with figurative descriptions of the beauty of nature and brooding settings in Scotland and England. It kept me up till the wee hours!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a ride on particularly nasty subject. John Giel reminded me of the Dirty John story. I very much liked the writing style but it was a depressing and uncomfortable read. It seems nothing much has changed since the 1840’s in regard to how men treat women and that’s a difficult thing to contemplate.

[Anna Rigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. Although it was sometimes hard to keep reading due to the horrific abuse Frances suffered at the hands of her cruel husband, it was absolutely worth pushing through. The elegant writing style, reminiscent of a Dickens novel, made it a deeply enjoyable read.

[Caroline Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parkin is a wonderful writer and brought the character of Frances Dickinson alive on the page. This book hasn't been covered much in Aotearoa media and I'm perplexed as to why—many people would love this if only they knew about it.
Recommend!

[Lakinloveslit · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF! I usually love books like this but I couldn’t get into this one at all sadly

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting fictionalised account of a very brave woman who had the means to fight her horrible husband and win.

[Lea Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliantly composed historical fiction highlighting issues faced in those times, some of which are still known today under different names. Based on a true story and very well researched.

[Suzanne Glew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling book set in 1838 England, beautifully written.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional examination of women in abusive marriage in 19th century. Extensively researched as described by author. Also great compelling story telling. The first book in ages no sense of duty to finish or page counting.