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The Marsh House
Part ghost story, part novel of suspense, The Marsh House is the haunting second novel from the author of The Night of the Flood, where two women, separated by decades, are drawn together by one mysterious house on the North Norfolk coast.
December, 1962: Desperate to salvage something from a disastrous year, Malorie rents a remote house on the Norfolk coast for Christmas. But once there, the strained silence between her and her daughter Franny feels louder than ever. Digging for decorations in the attic, she comes across the notebooks of the teenaged Rosemary, who lived in the house years before. Though she knows she needs to focus on the present, Malorie finds herself inexorably drawn into the past...
July, 1930: Rosemary lives in the Marsh House with her austere father, surrounded by unspoken truths and rumours. So when the glamorous Lafferty family move to the village, she succumbs easily to their charm. Dazzled by the beautiful Hilda and her dashing brother, Franklin, Rosemary fails to see the danger that lurks beneath their bright façades...
As Malorie reads on, the boundaries between past and present begin to blur, in this haunting novel about family, obligation and deeply buried secrets.
December, 1962: Desperate to salvage something from a disastrous year, Malorie rents a remote house on the Norfolk coast for Christmas. But once there, the strained silence between her and her daughter Franny feels louder than ever. Digging for decorations in the attic, she comes across the notebooks of the teenaged Rosemary, who lived in the house years before. Though she knows she needs to focus on the present, Malorie finds herself inexorably drawn into the past...
July, 1930: Rosemary lives in the Marsh House with her austere father, surrounded by unspoken truths and rumours. So when the glamorous Lafferty family move to the village, she succumbs easily to their charm. Dazzled by the beautiful Hilda and her dashing brother, Franklin, Rosemary fails to see the danger that lurks beneath their bright façades...
As Malorie reads on, the boundaries between past and present begin to blur, in this haunting novel about family, obligation and deeply buried secrets.
322 pages, ebook
First published March 3, 2022
11 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Somerville
2 books17 followersZoë is a writer and English teacher. Her debut novel, The Night of the Flood, was published in September 2020 by Head of Zeus. It is inspired by her home county, Norfolk and the devastating flood of the 1950s. Her second novel, The Marsh House is set in the same austere seascape of the Norfolk coast and is about mothers, daughters and ghosts. It will be published in March, 2022, also by Head of Zeus.
Zoë has worked as an English teacher all over the world. This has included teaching English in Hagi, Japan, the Loire Atlantique, France and the Basque Country; several years in comprehensive schools in South London, Bath and Bristol; four years for the Hospital Education Rehabilitation Service in Somerset; and an international school in Washington, D.C. After completing a creative writing MA at Bath Spa University in 2016, she now combines writing and tutoring, and is settled in Bath with her family.
Zoë has worked as an English teacher all over the world. This has included teaching English in Hagi, Japan, the Loire Atlantique, France and the Basque Country; several years in comprehensive schools in South London, Bath and Bristol; four years for the Hospital Education Rehabilitation Service in Somerset; and an international school in Washington, D.C. After completing a creative writing MA at Bath Spa University in 2016, she now combines writing and tutoring, and is settled in Bath with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 3, 2022
Fell head over heels for/into this rich historical novel of suspense laced with elements of folklore. Its dual timeline follows Rosie, a naive girl living in the titular house in the 1930s, who becomes fatefully involved with the British Fascist scions of a local wealthy family; and, in the Big Freeze of 1962/3, Malorie, a young mother who comes to stay at the Marsh House and finds Rosie’s notebooks. The Norfolk setting, doubled narratives and themes of superstition and innocence (lost) put me in mind of The Brimstone Wedding, and Somerville’s storytelling has a similarly engrossing quality. Rosie’s tale, particularly, is gripping, and the village of Stiffkey (a real place) rises up from the pages in an intoxicating vision. The book is much less of a ghost story than I believed going in, but I didn’t much care in the end. I was sorry when it was all over, and will read more from Somerville.
I received an advance review copy of The Marsh House from the publisher through NetGalley.
TinyLetter | Linktree
I received an advance review copy of The Marsh House from the publisher through NetGalley.
TinyLetter | Linktree
May 4, 2022
This is a really excellent ghost story/thriller set in 1962, with flashbacks to the period of the 1930s when the BUF were making emphatic strides and Oswald Mosley seemed an increasingly relevant force on the European political stage. The period detail is immaculately done and set largely at a remote spot on the Norfolk Coast, the story is wonderfully atmospheric. You can smell the salt marsh and sea fogs and feel the increasing winter isolation there as the landscape becomes snowbound. The relationship between the mother and young daughter at the centre of the story is teased out with great skill and a strong emotional charge. The author cites a number of inspirations in her closing notes, but the plot struck me as hugely original despite that. 339 pages and I devoured it in a day. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2023
Oftentimes books are described as 'atmospheric', yet some are more deserving of the adjective than others. "The Marsh House" oozed atmosphere. I could feel the damp and the cold. I could hear the skitterings of the resident rodents... smell the salty tang of the sea.
The dual time-lines worked efficiently here with the older timeline in the form of journal entries written by Rosemary. This made the shift from one timeline to another very easy to follow.
The book was permeated with a feeling of creepy melancholy. Malorie especially was a deeply depressed woman who was struggling in various aspects of her life. She had difficulty bonding with her daughter and feels she has failed in her role of mother. Also, her husband was unfaithful and both her parents have recently died.
Rosemary was a pitiable character. Lonely, even in her marriage, she felt unloved and alone. Her story also spoke to the gender inequality of her time.
The character of Janey, the old woman who lived across the lane from The Marsh House was unique. She was a midwife, a 'healer', with a witch-like manner. She lent the narrative its elements of the supernatural and was the thread that bound the two timelines.
There were some practical aspects of the novel that I personally felt were a bit off. There were several mentions of the light from the candles on the Christmas tree. They were left burning when Malorie was not in the room, and in one instance not even in the house. This would not have been done in real life as it would have presented a serious fire hazard - especially in such a remote location. Also, when Malorie and Franny got in the car to head back to London they left the Christmas tree standing in the house. She had cooked a huge turkey for Christmas, but there was not mention of them eating it after that day. I thought that peculiar... Little things like this pester me. I know, I know, it's fiction... but still...
The story itself was quite an enjoyable read, despite my few quibbles. It spoke to the age old conundrum of mothers and daughters and the damage that family secrets can impose. It alluded to historical topics such as the British Facist Blackshirts in the 1930s, and the old-time folk healers of times past who were often viewed with superstition.
Were the people Malorie saw ghosts? flights of fancy? or apparitions brought about by the Luminal drug she was taking? You be the judge...
I can confidently recommend this novel to those who enjoy discovering family secrets and like a good ghost story. It reminded be somewhat of the work of Laura Purcell. This is my first read by this author, but I would avidly read another of her works.
The dual time-lines worked efficiently here with the older timeline in the form of journal entries written by Rosemary. This made the shift from one timeline to another very easy to follow.
The book was permeated with a feeling of creepy melancholy. Malorie especially was a deeply depressed woman who was struggling in various aspects of her life. She had difficulty bonding with her daughter and feels she has failed in her role of mother. Also, her husband was unfaithful and both her parents have recently died.
Rosemary was a pitiable character. Lonely, even in her marriage, she felt unloved and alone. Her story also spoke to the gender inequality of her time.
The character of Janey, the old woman who lived across the lane from The Marsh House was unique. She was a midwife, a 'healer', with a witch-like manner. She lent the narrative its elements of the supernatural and was the thread that bound the two timelines.
There were some practical aspects of the novel that I personally felt were a bit off. There were several mentions of the light from the candles on the Christmas tree. They were left burning when Malorie was not in the room, and in one instance not even in the house. This would not have been done in real life as it would have presented a serious fire hazard - especially in such a remote location. Also, when Malorie and Franny got in the car to head back to London they left the Christmas tree standing in the house. She had cooked a huge turkey for Christmas, but there was not mention of them eating it after that day. I thought that peculiar... Little things like this pester me. I know, I know, it's fiction... but still...
The story itself was quite an enjoyable read, despite my few quibbles. It spoke to the age old conundrum of mothers and daughters and the damage that family secrets can impose. It alluded to historical topics such as the British Facist Blackshirts in the 1930s, and the old-time folk healers of times past who were often viewed with superstition.
Were the people Malorie saw ghosts? flights of fancy? or apparitions brought about by the Luminal drug she was taking? You be the judge...
I can confidently recommend this novel to those who enjoy discovering family secrets and like a good ghost story. It reminded be somewhat of the work of Laura Purcell. This is my first read by this author, but I would avidly read another of her works.
November 2, 2021
It might seem strange to other people, brought up in other ways, that I still clung to these beliefs and superstitions, even as the modern world was opening up for me. But time is different up there in a village like mine, on a forgotten bit of the coast, isolated from day trippers and city ways and the so-called march of progress. There are still people there who follow a different lore to those of commerce and man-made time. There are ways older than motor cars and electricity and telephones that persist, like the black layer of mud on the marsh, concealed beneath the top layer of rationality. I’m not saying those ways are better, but they are there, whether you like them or not.
The second novel from the author of “Night of the Flood” and like that book:
One with a strong sense of place on a small stretch of the North Norfolk coast (in this case the book is set in Stiffkey, just along from the Wells/Holkham setting of the first. Stiffkey may be better known to Booker fans as the inspiration for Rachel Cusk’s “Second Place” based on her own ex-house on the marshes there and to Farrow and Ball fans for the blue paint its cockles inspire – such cockles being included in the story)
One that has a storyline based around an extreme weather event – here the start of the terrible great freeze of 1962-3 as opposed to the 1953 floods
One that combines real world politics with a domestic tale – in this case the Fascist machinations of Oswald Mosley and his supporters (the Daily Mail comes off appropriately badly for its own support of fascism in England and abroad) in the early-mid 1930s, rather than the early Cold War Spy plane intrigues of the first. Interestingly politics in the second 1960s storyline (for example the Cuban crisis) form more of a backdrop to a character preoccupied by her own issues.
One that is something of a combination of genres - whereas the first book was a kind of romance/thriller, this is very firmly a ghost book but with strong (and acknowledged by the characters) Agatha Christie elements and one inspired by (and taking its title directly) from a children’s book (“When Marine Was There” - a 1960s book which was later transposed to Japan and adapted for a Studio Ghibli anime).
The book is effectively set a few days before Christmas in 1962 – Malorie has fled on something of a whim to a rented house on the North Norfolk marshes after the death of her elderly mother and the increasingly imminent disintegration of her marriage and family (her husband a charming philander, her daughter Fanny sharing Malorie’s nerves but not much in the way of a bond with her). From some of her mother’s last words and some papers she has not read it seems that the house has some kind of link to her late father (who predeceased her mother by years) – Malorie herself always sensing a barrier with her parents.
When she gets there she is beset by snow and a feeling of haunting, not assisted by a mysterious cottage/hovel nearby which seems occupied when she walks past but not when she approaches it. Franny finds a trunk in the loft and Malorie in it discovers some journals of a girl who seems to have lived in the house in the 1930 – Rosemary. At least according to the diaries she lived there with her father, her mother’s true whereabouts (dead or in a madhouse) being only hinted at to her.
Everything changes for Rosemary when a rich family move to the (real-life) Stiffkey Hall – the family although fictional drawing something from the rather abysmal political stance of Henry (“Tarka the Otter”) Williamson who lived in the adjoining farm. Rosemary - something of an outcast, whose main friend is the local midwife come healer (who lives in a nearby cottage/hovel) – falls for the charming but rather dissolute son of the family – but we sense from the diaries that something much more tragic lead to her writing them.
Although ostensibly a two part book – a third party point of view 1960s section, interspersed with written copes of the detailed first person journal from the 1930s, the 1930s sections actively bleed into the 1960s via noises, visions, objects and sightings (which commonly turn out to be reflections). And the two parts are threaded through with brief and slightly mystical musings from someone who we quickly ascertain is Rosemary’s healer friend from the 1930s but observing Malorie in the 1960s.
The book finishes with both stories reaching a climatic resolution.
Overall another enjoyable read – again as with her first novel, the familiar local colour is what really made the book for me.
My thanks to Head of Zeus, Apollo for an ARC via NetGalley
November 1, 2022
A very atmospheric ghost story. The setting was perfect for the tale with both timelines equally captivating (1930s & 1960s); in fact the 'past' characters were sometimes more vivid than the present ones. Perhaps the main character's behaviour seemed unbelievable at times, but it's fiction after all. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more Zoe Somerville.
April 2, 2024
Nedaudz vilšanās, laikam cerēju, ka grāmata būs vairāk mistika/ vēsturisks romāns, bet autore izvēlējās to veidot par ģimenes drāmu. Interesants bija 1930.gadu Lielbritānijas sabiedrības un politiskās dzīves raksturojums.
May 20, 2022
The Marsh House seeps in atmospheric brilliance. It has the uncanny ability to remind you just how boring your life is. The novel tackles relationship breakdowns from multiple angles. A mother and daughter. A house in the country. Creepy diary entries. Personally, living in a cold, damp property in the middle of winter is a dead cert no for me but the protagonist had a story to unfold.
It’s December 1963 and Malorie escapes to the country with her daughter, Franny. Her life is changing far quicker than she could have ever anticipated. Her relationship with Franny’s father, Tony has broken down. Partly due to his multiple infidelities and Malorie’s trouble with bonding with her daughter. She’s unsure if she really wanted to be a mother, rather that it was what was expected of her. As mothers across the globe know – sometimes being a mother isn’t always what we expect. We lose a bit of ourselves along the way. Malorie seems to struggle with the idea that she has bred someone a little like herself – a lonely child. So, with the lack of support from Tony, she leaves for Marsh House, with only her daughter, their dog, a packed car, and a photograph her late father gave her.
Life isn’t always a home. Sometimes, however, we can find the ghosts of our past living in the walls, find it written on a blank page, an echo of hard times. We aren’t in control of our destinies. The only two things we can be sure of are – we are born, and we die, and everything else in between is for the taking. The ending of The Marsh House made me realise that we are rarely in control of what happens to us.
The Marsh House is hauntingly atmospheric, set alongside the Norfolk coast we are drawn into a woman discovering her strengths and weaknesses whilst she discovers her past. I can’t describe fully how much I loved this novel – it felt like poetic brilliance. It’s rare to have a book in this genre that is as fully immersive, compelling and body aching read like this. Somerville knows just how to lead her readers down a maze, blindfolded and panicky. Throw in the added element of the isolating impact of the weather and it delivers on the dread with ease.
There were secrets, lies, and a sense of creeping foreboding edging closer and closer into the reader’s peripheral vision. My goodness, I loved this book!
The Marsh House is clammy and atmospheric, it draws you in and keeps you gripped. A richly woven tapestry of unfolding relationships and escapism.
It’s December 1963 and Malorie escapes to the country with her daughter, Franny. Her life is changing far quicker than she could have ever anticipated. Her relationship with Franny’s father, Tony has broken down. Partly due to his multiple infidelities and Malorie’s trouble with bonding with her daughter. She’s unsure if she really wanted to be a mother, rather that it was what was expected of her. As mothers across the globe know – sometimes being a mother isn’t always what we expect. We lose a bit of ourselves along the way. Malorie seems to struggle with the idea that she has bred someone a little like herself – a lonely child. So, with the lack of support from Tony, she leaves for Marsh House, with only her daughter, their dog, a packed car, and a photograph her late father gave her.
Life isn’t always a home. Sometimes, however, we can find the ghosts of our past living in the walls, find it written on a blank page, an echo of hard times. We aren’t in control of our destinies. The only two things we can be sure of are – we are born, and we die, and everything else in between is for the taking. The ending of The Marsh House made me realise that we are rarely in control of what happens to us.
The Marsh House is hauntingly atmospheric, set alongside the Norfolk coast we are drawn into a woman discovering her strengths and weaknesses whilst she discovers her past. I can’t describe fully how much I loved this novel – it felt like poetic brilliance. It’s rare to have a book in this genre that is as fully immersive, compelling and body aching read like this. Somerville knows just how to lead her readers down a maze, blindfolded and panicky. Throw in the added element of the isolating impact of the weather and it delivers on the dread with ease.
There were secrets, lies, and a sense of creeping foreboding edging closer and closer into the reader’s peripheral vision. My goodness, I loved this book!
The Marsh House is clammy and atmospheric, it draws you in and keeps you gripped. A richly woven tapestry of unfolding relationships and escapism.
March 11, 2022
Initially the most obvious connection between the two women – Malorie and Rosemary – is the Marsh House of the title, a remote house close to marshland on the North Norfolk coast. By the time Malorie, along with her daughter Franny, arrives there it has become rather rundown and has all the features of an old, neglected building. ‘The house was quiet. Not silent, it was never completely silent: there was a constant undercurrent of creaks and whispers and rustles, as if it were being tossed about on the sea.’
The book features that oft-used narrative device: the secret journal. Although I recognise that discovery of a journal adds an air of mystery, I’m never quite sure about the choice of this over an additional first person narrative, finding it difficult to get past the artificiality of it. However I appreciate this is a reservation others may not share.
Writing from an unspecified place of confinement, Rosemary’s testimony unfolds bit by bit, gradually revealing the events that resulted in her finding herself in that situation. It’s a story of a vulnerable, naive young woman who, lacking the influence of a mother, finds herself taken advantage of in the most despicable way. It also explores the desire by some members of society to conceal things for the sake of appearances, the view of illegitimacy as a sign of moral turpitude or even a disease inherited from a degenerate mother. (Incidentally, I was puzzled by Rosemary’s lack of curiosity and inaction as regards her mother’s situation.)
Malorie becomes obsessed with Rosemary’s story, seeking to find out more about the events described and what happened to Rosemary. It also provides a form of distraction from her more immediate worries. The inhabitants of the village seen strangely unwilling to talk about Rosemary and the past history of Marsh House but eventually Malorie finds the answers she is looking for. She discovers a closer connection than she might have imagined. Although I’m not sure it will come as complete surprise to many readers, the circumstances may well do.
A standout feature of the book is the description of the local landscape, especially the bleak and deserted marshland around Marsh House which give an underlying eerie quality to the story. Being set in winter, with heavy snow blocking the roads and preventing any means of escape, adds to the feeling of claustrophobia. Additional otherworldy elements contribute to the sense of unease: the deserted (or is it) cottage across the road, the telephone that rings but which only Malorie hears, the shadowy figure she believes she glimpses – ‘the dark shadow she kept seeing… as if there was something out there that was malign, that wanted to hurt them’. I was particularly struck by mention of a sampler hanging on the wall of one of the bedrooms depicting former inhabitants of the house which made me think of the M. R. James’ ghost story ‘The Mezzotint’. But are these things the product of Malorie’s mental turmoil caused by the breakdown of her marriage, her overuse of medication, her feverish imagination or something supernatural? The occasional sections by a third narrator perhaps give a clue.
The Marsh House is described by the publisher’s as ‘part ghost story, part novel of suspense’ and it certainly delivers both those elements. It’s full of atmosphere and an absorbing read.
The book features that oft-used narrative device: the secret journal. Although I recognise that discovery of a journal adds an air of mystery, I’m never quite sure about the choice of this over an additional first person narrative, finding it difficult to get past the artificiality of it. However I appreciate this is a reservation others may not share.
Writing from an unspecified place of confinement, Rosemary’s testimony unfolds bit by bit, gradually revealing the events that resulted in her finding herself in that situation. It’s a story of a vulnerable, naive young woman who, lacking the influence of a mother, finds herself taken advantage of in the most despicable way. It also explores the desire by some members of society to conceal things for the sake of appearances, the view of illegitimacy as a sign of moral turpitude or even a disease inherited from a degenerate mother. (Incidentally, I was puzzled by Rosemary’s lack of curiosity and inaction as regards her mother’s situation.)
Malorie becomes obsessed with Rosemary’s story, seeking to find out more about the events described and what happened to Rosemary. It also provides a form of distraction from her more immediate worries. The inhabitants of the village seen strangely unwilling to talk about Rosemary and the past history of Marsh House but eventually Malorie finds the answers she is looking for. She discovers a closer connection than she might have imagined. Although I’m not sure it will come as complete surprise to many readers, the circumstances may well do.
A standout feature of the book is the description of the local landscape, especially the bleak and deserted marshland around Marsh House which give an underlying eerie quality to the story. Being set in winter, with heavy snow blocking the roads and preventing any means of escape, adds to the feeling of claustrophobia. Additional otherworldy elements contribute to the sense of unease: the deserted (or is it) cottage across the road, the telephone that rings but which only Malorie hears, the shadowy figure she believes she glimpses – ‘the dark shadow she kept seeing… as if there was something out there that was malign, that wanted to hurt them’. I was particularly struck by mention of a sampler hanging on the wall of one of the bedrooms depicting former inhabitants of the house which made me think of the M. R. James’ ghost story ‘The Mezzotint’. But are these things the product of Malorie’s mental turmoil caused by the breakdown of her marriage, her overuse of medication, her feverish imagination or something supernatural? The occasional sections by a third narrator perhaps give a clue.
The Marsh House is described by the publisher’s as ‘part ghost story, part novel of suspense’ and it certainly delivers both those elements. It’s full of atmosphere and an absorbing read.
March 2, 2025
Overall, a story about the way society, and men, constantly fail women. Set in the 1960's, this follows a mother, Malorie, and her young daughter, who have travelled from London to a small Norfolk village, where she finds a book written by a woman, Rosemary, recounting her teenage years in the 1930s.
I really like Malorie, while her skills as a parent were questionable at best, I could see she was working with what she had, and was failed by the people around her. Rosemary, however, I struggled to believe she was from the 30s, as she seemed like a naiive girl from a much earlier period of time.
I really like Malorie, while her skills as a parent were questionable at best, I could see she was working with what she had, and was failed by the people around her. Rosemary, however, I struggled to believe she was from the 30s, as she seemed like a naiive girl from a much earlier period of time.
March 17, 2022
This is my first book from this author but it won’t be my last, that’s for sure! We have a good dual timeline POV where half the chapters take place in the 60’s and the rest are in the 30’s, and it centres around The Marsh House who was inhabited by both Rosemary (in the 30’s) and then rented by Malorie and her daughter (in the 60’s). Malorie decides to rent the house one Christmas after the death of her mother and she stumbles across notebooks from Rosemary that details her life in the house and the events occurring in the village at that time. Malorie becomes engrossed in the notebooks and asks the local villagers about Rosemary but none of them are willing to talk about her or what happened in the Marsh House so Malorie sets out to find out what really happened back then and how it’s all connected now.
This hauntingly brilliant book is set on the beautiful coastline of Norfolk and the pages are filled with love, longing, superstition and innocence. This is one of those true atmospheric reads that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book and put it back on your shelf. Although both Rosemary’s and Malorie’s stories were nicely resolved in this book I do want there to be another book because I’m not quite ready to let go of this one just yet.
A definite contender for my list of favourite reads this year. Thank you to Head of Zeus / Apollo for sending me a copy to read and having me on the blog tour.
This hauntingly brilliant book is set on the beautiful coastline of Norfolk and the pages are filled with love, longing, superstition and innocence. This is one of those true atmospheric reads that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book and put it back on your shelf. Although both Rosemary’s and Malorie’s stories were nicely resolved in this book I do want there to be another book because I’m not quite ready to let go of this one just yet.
A definite contender for my list of favourite reads this year. Thank you to Head of Zeus / Apollo for sending me a copy to read and having me on the blog tour.
February 6, 2025
Скучные истории женщин в трех поколениях, страдающих неврозом пополам с шизофренией.
February 11, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author. The book is set in 2 time periods and centres around one house, and 2 main characters - Marjorie (in the 60's) and Rosemary (1930s). I enjoyed Rosemary's story more than Marjorie, who I found it difficult to connect to and frankly ended up not really caring about her story. Rosemary on the other hand was a more developed character with a stronger storyline and could have carried the book without the unwelcome interjection of Marjorie. It's may well be just a personal preference and many readers will love the 1960s storyline. For me, the dual stories felt like they were written by two different authors. Probably 2.5 stars but went with the 3, as 2 would be too harsh. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
December 26, 2023
Ну, сцена с мышьяком впечатляет
March 3, 2022
Zoë Somerville’s second novel, The Marsh House, switches between two timelines, both set against the backdrop of the eponymous house built in the North Norfolk coast.
The novel’s “present” is December 1962. Still nursing her wounds following a painful marriage breakdown, Malorie decides to spend Christmas with her little daughter Franny at a remote house in Norfolk. She chooses her destination on a whim, solely because, judging from a photo given to her before her mother’s death, it seems that the building has some mysterious connection with her parents’ past. In the old attic, Malorie discovers notebooks in which Rosemary, a woman who had lived at the house over three decades before, relates her tragic story. The second plot timeline is, in fact, provided by the content of these notebooks, which describe a local tragedy which unfolded in the politically charged period between the two great wars. As Malorie becomes more and more engrossed with Rosemary’s tale, she increasingly feels that she is being haunted by its protagonists.
The Marsh House borrows many Gothic and horror tropes, with the most obvious being the setting – a rundown mansion at the verge of the Norfolk marshes, redolent of Michelle Paver’s Wakenhyrst. As in the best supernatural tales, the novel plays on the element of doubt – are the Malorie’s visions otherworldly in nature, or simply the creation of an overworked, troubled, altered mind? The fluidity between past and present sometimes makes this more of a timeslip novel (that, and the Christmas context reminded me at times of Alison Littlewood’s Mistletoe.)
Atmospheric and creepy as The Marsh House is, I ultimately felt that it works best as a piece of vividly conceived historical fiction which can be read and enjoyed even without the supernatural trappings. This is a novel which looks into unsavoury aspects of the inter-war years, particularly the rise of pro-Nazi sentiment in Britain. Without any facile condemnations, Somerville depicts families falling under the spell of a hateful ideology and the cruel consequences of this, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world which is turning its back on the rural wisdom of its elders.
3.5*
https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...
The novel’s “present” is December 1962. Still nursing her wounds following a painful marriage breakdown, Malorie decides to spend Christmas with her little daughter Franny at a remote house in Norfolk. She chooses her destination on a whim, solely because, judging from a photo given to her before her mother’s death, it seems that the building has some mysterious connection with her parents’ past. In the old attic, Malorie discovers notebooks in which Rosemary, a woman who had lived at the house over three decades before, relates her tragic story. The second plot timeline is, in fact, provided by the content of these notebooks, which describe a local tragedy which unfolded in the politically charged period between the two great wars. As Malorie becomes more and more engrossed with Rosemary’s tale, she increasingly feels that she is being haunted by its protagonists.
The Marsh House borrows many Gothic and horror tropes, with the most obvious being the setting – a rundown mansion at the verge of the Norfolk marshes, redolent of Michelle Paver’s Wakenhyrst. As in the best supernatural tales, the novel plays on the element of doubt – are the Malorie’s visions otherworldly in nature, or simply the creation of an overworked, troubled, altered mind? The fluidity between past and present sometimes makes this more of a timeslip novel (that, and the Christmas context reminded me at times of Alison Littlewood’s Mistletoe.)
Atmospheric and creepy as The Marsh House is, I ultimately felt that it works best as a piece of vividly conceived historical fiction which can be read and enjoyed even without the supernatural trappings. This is a novel which looks into unsavoury aspects of the inter-war years, particularly the rise of pro-Nazi sentiment in Britain. Without any facile condemnations, Somerville depicts families falling under the spell of a hateful ideology and the cruel consequences of this, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world which is turning its back on the rural wisdom of its elders.
3.5*
https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...
July 3, 2022
December, 1962 Malorie and her daughter Franny go to Stiffkey in Norfolk to stay in a small house on the marsh. The house has some significance to Malorie has a photograph of the house given to her by her late father. It's nearly Christmas and it has started to snow so Malorie is quite isolated. She finds in the house some old journals belonging to someone called Rosemary and Malorie begins to read.
I loved this book. It has so many tropes that I enjoy. Firstly the isolated setting, a cottage in the middle of nowhere with its creaking, shadows and secrets.
This book is so atmospheric. The descriptions of the marshes give a bleak feel with the mist rolling in and not a lot to see for miles around. The story just oozes creepy and does have a ghostly feel to it.
Dual timeline again is something I enjoy very much. As Malorie reads the journals the story of Rosemary unfolds and this I found very interesting and wanted to know what was going to happen. It's not hard to guess a connection but one little twists I didn't see coming.
I loved this story. It's full of creepy atmosphere with its dual timeline and does have a little bit of witchy going on too.
I loved this book. It has so many tropes that I enjoy. Firstly the isolated setting, a cottage in the middle of nowhere with its creaking, shadows and secrets.
This book is so atmospheric. The descriptions of the marshes give a bleak feel with the mist rolling in and not a lot to see for miles around. The story just oozes creepy and does have a ghostly feel to it.
Dual timeline again is something I enjoy very much. As Malorie reads the journals the story of Rosemary unfolds and this I found very interesting and wanted to know what was going to happen. It's not hard to guess a connection but one little twists I didn't see coming.
I loved this story. It's full of creepy atmosphere with its dual timeline and does have a little bit of witchy going on too.
March 11, 2022
“No-one had lived in the house for years afore they arrived last winter. Not since all that fuss in thirty-four… I weren’t surprised to see her though. Oh, no, it was her all right. We’d been waiting for her.”
OMG. This book! I expected it to be good after hearing so much praise for Zoe Somerville’s debut novel, but I was unprepared for the chilling gothic masterpiece that lurked between these pages. I inhaled this book in one sitting, staying up until 3am in a desperate need for answers. It was totally worth it and I have no doubt that this will make it into my top books of the year when December rolls around.
December 1962. Malorie has rented a remote house on the Norfolk coast hoping to create a magical and memorable Christmas for her daughter Franny after a difficult year. Known as The Marsh House, its eerie atmosphere looms over them from the moment they cross the threshold. While looking for Christmas decorations in the attic they come across an old suitcase filled with papers and notebooks. Upon closer inspection, Malorie discovers that the notebooks are the diaries of Rosemary Wright, a teenage girl who lived at the house thirty years earlier. Curiosity taking over, Malorie begins to read and becomes fixated on the mysterious past of this young girl. But what secrets are waiting to be uncovered inside Rosemary’s diaries?
"I knew she’d found something and what she’d be looking for. She wanted evidence. Proof. Facts. As if it would all be there for her and she could lay it all out and it would make sense. But it’s never as simple as that. The graves are elsewhere. The bones are dust. It's not graves that tell you a history, a story of a life. That's much harder to find, but if you know where to look, you can find it. It will reveal itself."
The Marsh House is literary gothic fiction at its best. The perfect combination of lyrical prose, page turning plot, chilling atmosphere and gripping tension, this haunting tale had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Creepily claustrophobic and almost dreamlike in places, there is a sense of the otherworldly about it. The snow storm adds to the sense of isolation and increases the fear when strange and inexplicable occurrences begin to make Marlorie question her own sanity.
Zoe Somerivlle is a gifted storyteller and the style of this book was spot on for me. I loved the short, cryptic chapters from an unknown narrator who is watching Malorie and Franny and Rosemary’s diary was an inspired choice that brought Rosemary alive and allowed us to connect with her. Just like Malorie I was enthralled and desperate to know what happened next in her story. The story moves between the two timelines smoothly, punctuated by the short chapters from the mysterious narrator that sent shivers down my spine each time they appeared. There was no chance of me putting this book down until I had all the answers.
Malorie and Rosemary are great narrators who capture the imagination and hold you in the palm of their hand as the story unfolds. They are fascinating, flawed and real, a whole world of heartbreak, fear, regret and guilt to be found in these women. And their internal conflict and pain is told so vividly that I could feel it in my own soul. From the start we know Malorie believes there to be a connection between her father and Marsh House so I spent the book looking for clues and trying to guess how he might be connected. I had my theories, one of which was correct, but what I loved is how the author creates just enough doubt to make you second guess and not feel sure until the moment just before the big reveal, adding to the mystery and suspense.
"There was something rotten that had been hiding in front of her and it was revealing itself."
Mesmerising, chilling and immersive, this is a clear your schedule and read it in one sitting kind of book. An easy five stars from me, I can’t recommend it highly enough. I will be reading Zoe’s first book as soon as possible and am excited to watch this talented author’s star undoubtedly rise.
OMG. This book! I expected it to be good after hearing so much praise for Zoe Somerville’s debut novel, but I was unprepared for the chilling gothic masterpiece that lurked between these pages. I inhaled this book in one sitting, staying up until 3am in a desperate need for answers. It was totally worth it and I have no doubt that this will make it into my top books of the year when December rolls around.
December 1962. Malorie has rented a remote house on the Norfolk coast hoping to create a magical and memorable Christmas for her daughter Franny after a difficult year. Known as The Marsh House, its eerie atmosphere looms over them from the moment they cross the threshold. While looking for Christmas decorations in the attic they come across an old suitcase filled with papers and notebooks. Upon closer inspection, Malorie discovers that the notebooks are the diaries of Rosemary Wright, a teenage girl who lived at the house thirty years earlier. Curiosity taking over, Malorie begins to read and becomes fixated on the mysterious past of this young girl. But what secrets are waiting to be uncovered inside Rosemary’s diaries?
"I knew she’d found something and what she’d be looking for. She wanted evidence. Proof. Facts. As if it would all be there for her and she could lay it all out and it would make sense. But it’s never as simple as that. The graves are elsewhere. The bones are dust. It's not graves that tell you a history, a story of a life. That's much harder to find, but if you know where to look, you can find it. It will reveal itself."
The Marsh House is literary gothic fiction at its best. The perfect combination of lyrical prose, page turning plot, chilling atmosphere and gripping tension, this haunting tale had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Creepily claustrophobic and almost dreamlike in places, there is a sense of the otherworldly about it. The snow storm adds to the sense of isolation and increases the fear when strange and inexplicable occurrences begin to make Marlorie question her own sanity.
Zoe Somerivlle is a gifted storyteller and the style of this book was spot on for me. I loved the short, cryptic chapters from an unknown narrator who is watching Malorie and Franny and Rosemary’s diary was an inspired choice that brought Rosemary alive and allowed us to connect with her. Just like Malorie I was enthralled and desperate to know what happened next in her story. The story moves between the two timelines smoothly, punctuated by the short chapters from the mysterious narrator that sent shivers down my spine each time they appeared. There was no chance of me putting this book down until I had all the answers.
Malorie and Rosemary are great narrators who capture the imagination and hold you in the palm of their hand as the story unfolds. They are fascinating, flawed and real, a whole world of heartbreak, fear, regret and guilt to be found in these women. And their internal conflict and pain is told so vividly that I could feel it in my own soul. From the start we know Malorie believes there to be a connection between her father and Marsh House so I spent the book looking for clues and trying to guess how he might be connected. I had my theories, one of which was correct, but what I loved is how the author creates just enough doubt to make you second guess and not feel sure until the moment just before the big reveal, adding to the mystery and suspense.
"There was something rotten that had been hiding in front of her and it was revealing itself."
Mesmerising, chilling and immersive, this is a clear your schedule and read it in one sitting kind of book. An easy five stars from me, I can’t recommend it highly enough. I will be reading Zoe’s first book as soon as possible and am excited to watch this talented author’s star undoubtedly rise.
March 8, 2022
I read and reviewed Zoe Somerville's debut novel; The Night of the Flood back in November 2020. I said then that this was an author to watch. I am delighted to say that yes, you really should watch out for her. Her latest book; The Marsh House is another beautifully written story that captivated me from the opening pages. I enjoyed her first book, I ADORED this one.
The author tells her story over two time lines, Rosemary's tale takes place in the 1930s whilst we hear about Malorie in the 1960s. These are two of my favourite eras to read about and the sense of time and place is just wonderfully done. Once again, as in her first book, the author makes the weather and the isolated, wild countryside of deepest Norfolk a huge part of the story. Marsh House itself is also a huge character here; the house weaves the two stories together so well, it's a creepy, almost supernatural story and the tension increases page by page.
It is Christmas 1962 and Malorie has taken her small daughter to Norfolk. Although Malorie did grow up there, she's been in London since she left home years ago. It was there that she met and married her husband Tony, and also where her life began to disintegrate. It is clear that Malorie is very troubled. She's impetuous, arriving at a run-down house, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of winter with just a small child who she doesn't seem to have much of a relationship with. Malorie's Mother recently died and she gave her a photograph of The Marsh House, implying that Malorie may find out something about herself there.
At first, all they seem to find are spiders, dust and a grubby unkempt house. Not the most ideal place to spend the Christmas break and it becomes clear that Malorie is teetering on the edge of a breakdown. When she decides that they must decorate the house, ready for Christmas, she discovers some very old journals in the attic. As Malorie begins to read, the author relates the story of Rosemary; a girl who lived in Marsh House over thirty years ago.
Rosemary's story is electrifying. She writes from an unknown location, the reader is not sure what happened to her and why she is there, but as she gradually reveals the full horror of her life through the words on the page, the reader can only empathise with her.
Malorie becomes obsessed with Rosemary and her story. She questions the locals in the village to see what she can discover about Rosemary today, but they are tight-lipped and suspicious of his woman who comes and pokes her nose in.
This is a truly glorious read and one that I lapped up in a couple of sittings. I was fascinated by the connections between Rosemary and Malorie and stunned by the final reveal, as was Malorie herself.
This author excels at plot building, her descriptions of the landscape and the biting chill of the snowy weather adds such depth to what is already a wonderful story. Her characters are completely flawed, they do things that are questionable, yet totally believable, given their circumstances.
An absolute beauty of a book and most certainly will be amongst my top books of the year.
When I read the Author's Notes at the back of the book, I realised all of a sudden why I loved this so much. She talks about inspirations and mentions the book When Marnie Was There by Joan G Robinson.
I loved that book as a child. I can still remember taking it out from the mobile library that came to our village and being spellbound by it, I read it over and over again. I think I may read it again very soon.
The author tells her story over two time lines, Rosemary's tale takes place in the 1930s whilst we hear about Malorie in the 1960s. These are two of my favourite eras to read about and the sense of time and place is just wonderfully done. Once again, as in her first book, the author makes the weather and the isolated, wild countryside of deepest Norfolk a huge part of the story. Marsh House itself is also a huge character here; the house weaves the two stories together so well, it's a creepy, almost supernatural story and the tension increases page by page.
It is Christmas 1962 and Malorie has taken her small daughter to Norfolk. Although Malorie did grow up there, she's been in London since she left home years ago. It was there that she met and married her husband Tony, and also where her life began to disintegrate. It is clear that Malorie is very troubled. She's impetuous, arriving at a run-down house, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of winter with just a small child who she doesn't seem to have much of a relationship with. Malorie's Mother recently died and she gave her a photograph of The Marsh House, implying that Malorie may find out something about herself there.
At first, all they seem to find are spiders, dust and a grubby unkempt house. Not the most ideal place to spend the Christmas break and it becomes clear that Malorie is teetering on the edge of a breakdown. When she decides that they must decorate the house, ready for Christmas, she discovers some very old journals in the attic. As Malorie begins to read, the author relates the story of Rosemary; a girl who lived in Marsh House over thirty years ago.
Rosemary's story is electrifying. She writes from an unknown location, the reader is not sure what happened to her and why she is there, but as she gradually reveals the full horror of her life through the words on the page, the reader can only empathise with her.
Malorie becomes obsessed with Rosemary and her story. She questions the locals in the village to see what she can discover about Rosemary today, but they are tight-lipped and suspicious of his woman who comes and pokes her nose in.
This is a truly glorious read and one that I lapped up in a couple of sittings. I was fascinated by the connections between Rosemary and Malorie and stunned by the final reveal, as was Malorie herself.
This author excels at plot building, her descriptions of the landscape and the biting chill of the snowy weather adds such depth to what is already a wonderful story. Her characters are completely flawed, they do things that are questionable, yet totally believable, given their circumstances.
An absolute beauty of a book and most certainly will be amongst my top books of the year.
When I read the Author's Notes at the back of the book, I realised all of a sudden why I loved this so much. She talks about inspirations and mentions the book When Marnie Was There by Joan G Robinson.
I loved that book as a child. I can still remember taking it out from the mobile library that came to our village and being spellbound by it, I read it over and over again. I think I may read it again very soon.
February 4, 2024
The story:
Given a photograph by her dying mother of a house that seems strangely familiar, Malorie Cavendish brings her daughter to the isolated Marsh House on the the North Norfolk coast, in the hopes a family Christmas will somehow fix her problems.
When she discovers the journals of Rosemary Wright, she is drawn to the tale the young woman has to tell. As the events of the journals unfold, Malorie feels an increasing connection to Rosemary and her dark state of mind — will a story from 30 years ago somehow contain the answers to her questions about her own life?
My thoughts:
“The Marsh House”, by Zoë Somerville is a duel-timeline story of two women facing terrible struggles. The story begins a few days before Christmas in December 1962, with Malorie running away, with her 9-year-old daughter Franny, from the disaster her marriage has become.
She chooses the Marsh House as an isolated bolt hole, having been given a photo of it by her dying mother with no explanation of why or how it might connect to her life. On an exploration of the attics, she finds some intriguing journals from 30 years before…
In 1935 we meet Rosemary Wright, who is is writing her journal from a cell in Holloway, giving her “account of the events of the period July 1931 to August 1934”. In 1931, Rosemary is an isolated and lonely girl of 15 who has lost her mother, struggles to make friends and is ignored by her father. So when the glamorous Laffertys take up residence in the nearby Old Hall, Rosemary is swept up by the attention they pay her, particular 17-year-old Franklin…
It’s clear that Malorie has more in common with Rosemary than just being in the same house, but exactly how they are connected is gradually revealed as the mystery surrounding the events in the house unfolds.
Overall, this is a real page-turner and I liked how the mental struggles of both women weren’t trivialised or suddenly disappeared by the end of the book. This is a story about how the past can cast long shadows and also about mothers and daughters. Well worth a read for fans of historical and psychological mysteries!
Given a photograph by her dying mother of a house that seems strangely familiar, Malorie Cavendish brings her daughter to the isolated Marsh House on the the North Norfolk coast, in the hopes a family Christmas will somehow fix her problems.
When she discovers the journals of Rosemary Wright, she is drawn to the tale the young woman has to tell. As the events of the journals unfold, Malorie feels an increasing connection to Rosemary and her dark state of mind — will a story from 30 years ago somehow contain the answers to her questions about her own life?
My thoughts:
“The Marsh House”, by Zoë Somerville is a duel-timeline story of two women facing terrible struggles. The story begins a few days before Christmas in December 1962, with Malorie running away, with her 9-year-old daughter Franny, from the disaster her marriage has become.
She chooses the Marsh House as an isolated bolt hole, having been given a photo of it by her dying mother with no explanation of why or how it might connect to her life. On an exploration of the attics, she finds some intriguing journals from 30 years before…
In 1935 we meet Rosemary Wright, who is is writing her journal from a cell in Holloway, giving her “account of the events of the period July 1931 to August 1934”. In 1931, Rosemary is an isolated and lonely girl of 15 who has lost her mother, struggles to make friends and is ignored by her father. So when the glamorous Laffertys take up residence in the nearby Old Hall, Rosemary is swept up by the attention they pay her, particular 17-year-old Franklin…
It’s clear that Malorie has more in common with Rosemary than just being in the same house, but exactly how they are connected is gradually revealed as the mystery surrounding the events in the house unfolds.
Overall, this is a real page-turner and I liked how the mental struggles of both women weren’t trivialised or suddenly disappeared by the end of the book. This is a story about how the past can cast long shadows and also about mothers and daughters. Well worth a read for fans of historical and psychological mysteries!
March 10, 2022
I adored Zoe’s first book, The Night of the Flood, so I had high hopes for The Marsh House. I wasn’t disappointed.
Malorie is drawn to visit The Marsh House in Norfolk at Christmas in 1962 after finding a photograph of it. She has no idea why she feels the need to stay in this house that has been empty for years. Whilst searching for Christmas decorations, she finds some notebooks & is drawn into the life of one of the House’s previous occupants, Rosemary.
Rosie was an impressionable young woman in the 1930s & was pulled into the extravagant life of the Laffertys who flitted between London & the north Norfolk coast. She is in awe of Hildy & her brother, Franklin, & is blinded to the reality of becoming embroiled with a man she really knows little about.
The Marsh House is beautifully written in two different timelines which fit seamlessly together. The book is part ghost story & part familial intrigue, with a dose of folklore thrown in. I found myself tied to the book, wondering about Malorie’s connection to The Marsh House &, indeed, who is Rosemary?! All will be revealed!
I have a particular soft spot for this book as I visit the north Norfolk coast every year & have visited all the villages & towns named in the book. It is wonderfully atmospheric & I found myself transported back to the marshes & sand dunes of some of my favourite places. I highly recommend!
Malorie is drawn to visit The Marsh House in Norfolk at Christmas in 1962 after finding a photograph of it. She has no idea why she feels the need to stay in this house that has been empty for years. Whilst searching for Christmas decorations, she finds some notebooks & is drawn into the life of one of the House’s previous occupants, Rosemary.
Rosie was an impressionable young woman in the 1930s & was pulled into the extravagant life of the Laffertys who flitted between London & the north Norfolk coast. She is in awe of Hildy & her brother, Franklin, & is blinded to the reality of becoming embroiled with a man she really knows little about.
The Marsh House is beautifully written in two different timelines which fit seamlessly together. The book is part ghost story & part familial intrigue, with a dose of folklore thrown in. I found myself tied to the book, wondering about Malorie’s connection to The Marsh House &, indeed, who is Rosemary?! All will be revealed!
I have a particular soft spot for this book as I visit the north Norfolk coast every year & have visited all the villages & towns named in the book. It is wonderfully atmospheric & I found myself transported back to the marshes & sand dunes of some of my favourite places. I highly recommend!
December 29, 2023
Ну что-то я колебалась между 2,5 и 3. Книга точно увлекательная и page-turner. И саспенс первую треть прям забористый, как надо. Но вот потом меня стали раздражать вообще все герои. Мне кажется, что реально в книге нет никого, кто мало-мальски был бы мне симпатичен. Ну разве что доктор, и то только потому что он психиатра советует 😅
October 23, 2025
В книжный магазин я пришла с запросом на что-то увлекательное и захватывающее. Книга в обоих отношениях этому запросу отвечает. Перевалив за середину, я уже с трудом могла от нее оторваться даже тогда, когда от сюжета начинало мутить.
Очень мрачная и на самом деле безнадёжная история про наследственную, передающуюся из поколения в поколение тоску и отчуждённость. Стрёмно описана дисфория во время беременности и постродовая депрессия. Причем психиатрия показана в очень особенном свете - главная героиня принимает прописанный врачом люминал, даёт его и своей дочке (чем и объясняется львиная доля, хотя и не все, фантастических элементов), а в конце отказывается от бьющих ей по мозгам таблеток (ура!!) и от помощи психиатра (ну блин...). В этой реальности сломанным женщинам положиться не на кого, кроме жутких призраков из прошлого. Очень трагично.
Теперь про обманный маркетинг. Не знаю, мое ли это искажение, но я ожидала, что книга, опубликованная в издательстве "Дом историй" - это такое лёгкое чтение. Почти фэнтезийная красивая обложка с цветами, обещающая немножко ужасного, но больше интересного аннотация - все это ввело меня в некоторое заблуждение. Я ждала какого-то детектива с элементами мистики, уютную страшную историю, а получила череду жутких смертей (что ладно, жанр обязывает) и детальное описание сцен сексуализированного насилия каждые 20-30 страниц - к этому я совсем не была готова. Кажется, издателям надо задуматься о практике триггер-ворнингов, меня от этих сцен трясло.
Очень мрачная и на самом деле безнадёжная история про наследственную, передающуюся из поколения в поколение тоску и отчуждённость. Стрёмно описана дисфория во время беременности и постродовая депрессия. Причем психиатрия показана в очень особенном свете - главная героиня принимает прописанный врачом люминал, даёт его и своей дочке (чем и объясняется львиная доля, хотя и не все, фантастических элементов), а в конце отказывается от бьющих ей по мозгам таблеток (ура!!) и от помощи психиатра (ну блин...). В этой реальности сломанным женщинам положиться не на кого, кроме жутких призраков из прошлого. Очень трагично.
Теперь про обманный маркетинг. Не знаю, мое ли это искажение, но я ожидала, что книга, опубликованная в издательстве "Дом историй" - это такое лёгкое чтение. Почти фэнтезийная красивая обложка с цветами, обещающая немножко ужасного, но больше интересного аннотация - все это ввело меня в некоторое заблуждение. Я ждала какого-то детектива с элементами мистики, уютную страшную историю, а получила череду жутких смертей (что ладно, жанр обязывает) и детальное описание сцен сексуализированного насилия каждые 20-30 страниц - к этому я совсем не была готова. Кажется, издателям надо задуматься о практике триггер-ворнингов, меня от этих сцен трясло.
February 11, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author. The book is set in 2 time periods and centers around one house, and 2 main characters - Marjorie (in the 60's) and Rosemary (1930s). I enjoyed Rosemary's story more than Marjorie, who I found it difficult to connect to and frankly ended up not really caring about her story. Rosemary on the other hand was a more developed character with a stronger storyline and could have carried the book without the unwelcome interjection of Marjorie. It's may well be just a personal preference and many readers will love the 1960s storyline. For me, the dual stories felt like they were written by two different authors. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
January 23, 2022
What appears from the off to be a ghostly, haunting tale turns out to be a work of historical fiction with a hint of Agatha Christie suspense at its core. It is a spellbinding witches’ brew that had me gripped from start to finish. The author splendidly captures the characters and customs (part of me ached for the traditions of yesteryear), the provincial setting and the significant political and socio-economic changes of the interbellum period. A great read!
My thanks as ever to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for granting this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks as ever to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for granting this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end. I loved the way it was told by the two main characters/narrators of the story. One through journals and one as if describing the "now" even though it was set in the 60s. Really descriptive writing, especially in the journals, which took me straight to the locations, seeing what Rosie saw, felt and experienced. I especially liked the character of Janey, the old white witch, and her herbs and potions. Fantastic!
December 27, 2022
3.5 stars - The Marsh House is a rundown cottage on the north Norfolk coast and Malorie (the 60’s voice) is drawn to it and decides to rent it for Christmas as a bolt hole from her roving husband. She and her daughter arrive and so does the snow. It took me a little while to get into what turned out to be a very atmospheric story with its vivid descriptions of the marsh/coast and what small villages were like during the 60’s. Probably because I didn’t really like Malorie much. Rosemary (the 2nd voice from the 30’s) was far more interesting and not so insipid as her later counterpart. Nice touches of creepiness, just right for dark winter evenings. Definitely would be interested in reading more from this new to me author. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2024
2.5
I don’t know what to think about it
I don’t know what to think about it
December 29, 2023
There are books that are valuable in themselves, like "Jane Eyre", "Pride and Prejudice", "Wuthering Heights", and there are books that allow you to immerse yourself as much as possible in the atmosphere of your favorite story, feel its closeness, feel a little like its heroine. Let it be in different circumstances and decorations, but with the preservation of that elusive thing that makes the new not just another of a thousand imitations, but an independent thing imbued with the spirit of a favorite book. The "House of Stories" has a talent for finding such. One of the best novels of this fall was for me "The Jane Austen Project", no need to explain about whom. The "House in the Swamps" is more difficult.
In the sense that Zoya Somerville wrote a story that will remind someone, like me, of Wuthering Heights, someone else will feel the breath of Jamaica Inn in it, a third will remember Agatha Christie's detectives or Shirley Jackson's mystical thrillers. And all this does not detract from the value of the story itself. About what? 1962, the week before Christmas, Malory arrives at the old house in the marshes with her eight-year-old daughter Franny and a small dog. The girl thinks that her dad will join them soon, but Malory knows that this will not happen, she and her husband have not gotten along for a long time, and now he has another one and the family has finally broken up.
How to tell her daughter, who adores her father, about this, she does not know how and what she will live on without her husband's financial support, either. In '62, Malory lost her parents, first her father died, and at the end of the year, her mother burned down from cancer. Dying, half in a morphine nap, she gave her daughter a photo of a rather ugly house, saying that her father wanted her to have it. And so, having found the address through a real estate agency, a young woman finds out that the house is for rent, and decides to mark the beginning of a new life and a turn for the better by spending a family Christmas in this place.
The house is ugly, the locals meet her warily and clearly don't say something. although every now and then they talk about some events related to its inhabitants - not tragic, not scandalous, but most likely both at once. In the attic, in search of toys for Christmas decorations, she finds notebooks that tell the story of Rosemary, who lived here before. How the heroine is connected with her and with the House in the swamps, and what really happened here three decades ago, we will find out in our turn. but not before the end of the book. However, she will keep in suspense all the time, and the New Year and Christmas color in the darkest of possible options calls for putting herself under the Christmas tree.
Призрак Дома на болотах
Вдоль верхнего края красными нитками был вышит текст: «Пусть правда с чистотой меня ведут во всем отныне, неопытность мою хранят от чванства и гордыни».
Есть книги, ценные сами по себе, как "Джейн Эйр", "Гордость и предубеждение", "Грозовой перевал", а есть - тем, что позволяют максимально погрузиться в атмосферу любимой истории, ощутить ее близость, почувствовать себя немного ее героиней. Пусть в других обстоятельствах и декорациях, но с сохранением того неуловимого, что делает новое не очередным из тысячи подражаний, а самостоятельной вещью, проникнутой духом любимой книги. У "Дома историй", талант к нахождению таких. Одним из лучших романов нынешней осени стал для меня "Проект "Джейн Остен"", не надо объяснять, о ком. С "Домом на болотах" сложнее.
В том смысле, что Зоя Сомервилл написала историю, которая кому-то, как мне, напомнит о "Грозовом перевале", кто-то другой почувствует в ней дыхание "Трактира "Ямайка"", третий вспомнит детективы Агаты Кристи или мистические триллеры Ширли Джексон. И все это не умаляет ценности самой истории. О чем? 1962 год, предрождественская неделя, в старый дом на болотах приезжает Мэлори с восьмилетней дочкой Фрэнни и маленьким песиком. Девочка думает, что скоро к ним присоединится папа, но Мэлори знает - этого не будет, они с мужем давно не ладили, а теперь у него другая и семья окончательно распалась.
Как рассказать об этом обожающей отца дочери, она не знает, как и на что будет жить без финансовой поддержки мужа - тоже. В 62-м Мэлори потеряла родителей, сначала умер отец, а под занавес года сгорела от рака мать. Умирающая, наполовину в морфиновой дреме, она дала дочери фото довольно уродливого дома, сказав, что отец хотел, чтобы у нее это было. И вот, отыскав через агентство недвижимости адрес, молодая женщина узнает, что дом сдается, и решает, ознаменовать начало новой жизни и поворот к лучшему, проведя в этом месте семейное Рождество.
Дом уродлив, местные встречают ее настороженно и явно чего-то недоговаривают. хотя то и дело проговариваются о каких-то событиях, связанных с его обитателями - не то трагичных, не то скандальных, а скорее всего то и другое сразу. На чердаке, в поисках игрушек для новогоднего украшения, она находит записные книжки, в которых изложена история Розмари, жившей здесь прежде. Ее отец построил дом для красавицы матери, но после рождения девочки та тронулась умом и была отправлена в психушку. Отец не занимался малышкой, она выросла совершенной дикаркой. Деревенские ее сторонились, да она и не стремилась свести с ними дружбу. Единственным близким Розмари человеком стала обитавшая также на отшибе, травница Джейнни.
Все изменилось, когда в Старую Усадьбу по соседству приезжает семья лондонских богачей Лафферти. Полковник, леди, двое детей, чуть старше Розмари. Но какие светские, блестящие, искушенные. Хильда становится подругой, о какой можно было только мечтать, а красавчик Фрэнк - тем.,кто разобьет ее сердце (ну так, по логике вещей и по закону какого-то другого жанра, но мы ведь в "Грозовом перевале" и немного в "Тринадцатой сказке", не забыли?) Простушка дикарка Розмари внезапно даже для себя станет молодой леди Лафферти.
Эта история странным образом завораживает Мэлори, в судьбе незнакомой девушки она почувствует что-то до боли родное. А в старом доме, меж тем, происходят загадочные и пугающие вещи: звучит старый патефон, кто-то ходит в темноте по саду и заглядывает в окна, задняя дверь внезапно оказывается открытой настежь. И все это так неправильно, что даже прибитая своей депрессией женщина чувствует - надо возвращаться в Лондон. Однако не судьба, разражается буря столетия и снег заваливает дороги, они с Фрэнни отрезаны от мира в самом неподходящем месте.
Чем продолжится история Розмари, как связана героиня с ней и с Домом на болотах, и что же в самом деле случилось здесь три десятилетия назад - узнаем в свой черед. но не раньше окончания книги. Однако держать в напряжении она будет все время, а новогодний и рождественский колорит в мрачнейшем из возможных вариантов
взывает к тому, чтобы положить себе под елочку.
In the sense that Zoya Somerville wrote a story that will remind someone, like me, of Wuthering Heights, someone else will feel the breath of Jamaica Inn in it, a third will remember Agatha Christie's detectives or Shirley Jackson's mystical thrillers. And all this does not detract from the value of the story itself. About what? 1962, the week before Christmas, Malory arrives at the old house in the marshes with her eight-year-old daughter Franny and a small dog. The girl thinks that her dad will join them soon, but Malory knows that this will not happen, she and her husband have not gotten along for a long time, and now he has another one and the family has finally broken up.
How to tell her daughter, who adores her father, about this, she does not know how and what she will live on without her husband's financial support, either. In '62, Malory lost her parents, first her father died, and at the end of the year, her mother burned down from cancer. Dying, half in a morphine nap, she gave her daughter a photo of a rather ugly house, saying that her father wanted her to have it. And so, having found the address through a real estate agency, a young woman finds out that the house is for rent, and decides to mark the beginning of a new life and a turn for the better by spending a family Christmas in this place.
The house is ugly, the locals meet her warily and clearly don't say something. although every now and then they talk about some events related to its inhabitants - not tragic, not scandalous, but most likely both at once. In the attic, in search of toys for Christmas decorations, she finds notebooks that tell the story of Rosemary, who lived here before. How the heroine is connected with her and with the House in the swamps, and what really happened here three decades ago, we will find out in our turn. but not before the end of the book. However, she will keep in suspense all the time, and the New Year and Christmas color in the darkest of possible options calls for putting herself under the Christmas tree.
Призрак Дома на болотах
Вдоль верхнего края красными нитками был вышит текст: «Пусть правда с чистотой меня ведут во всем отныне, неопытность мою хранят от чванства и гордыни».
Есть книги, ценные сами по себе, как "Джейн Эйр", "Гордость и предубеждение", "Грозовой перевал", а есть - тем, что позволяют максимально погрузиться в атмосферу любимой истории, ощутить ее близость, почувствовать себя немного ее героиней. Пусть в других обстоятельствах и декорациях, но с сохранением того неуловимого, что делает новое не очередным из тысячи подражаний, а самостоятельной вещью, проникнутой духом любимой книги. У "Дома историй", талант к нахождению таких. Одним из лучших романов нынешней осени стал для меня "Проект "Джейн Остен"", не надо объяснять, о ком. С "Домом на болотах" сложнее.
В том смысле, что Зоя Сомервилл написала историю, которая кому-то, как мне, напомнит о "Грозовом перевале", кто-то другой почувствует в ней дыхание "Трактира "Ямайка"", третий вспомнит детективы Агаты Кристи или мистические триллеры Ширли Джексон. И все это не умаляет ценности самой истории. О чем? 1962 год, предрождественская неделя, в старый дом на болотах приезжает Мэлори с восьмилетней дочкой Фрэнни и маленьким песиком. Девочка думает, что скоро к ним присоединится папа, но Мэлори знает - этого не будет, они с мужем давно не ладили, а теперь у него другая и семья окончательно распалась.
Как рассказать об этом обожающей отца дочери, она не знает, как и на что будет жить без финансовой поддержки мужа - тоже. В 62-м Мэлори потеряла родителей, сначала умер отец, а под занавес года сгорела от рака мать. Умирающая, наполовину в морфиновой дреме, она дала дочери фото довольно уродливого дома, сказав, что отец хотел, чтобы у нее это было. И вот, отыскав через агентство недвижимости адрес, молодая женщина узнает, что дом сдается, и решает, ознаменовать начало новой жизни и поворот к лучшему, проведя в этом месте семейное Рождество.
Дом уродлив, местные встречают ее настороженно и явно чего-то недоговаривают. хотя то и дело проговариваются о каких-то событиях, связанных с его обитателями - не то трагичных, не то скандальных, а скорее всего то и другое сразу. На чердаке, в поисках игрушек для новогоднего украшения, она находит записные книжки, в которых изложена история Розмари, жившей здесь прежде. Ее отец построил дом для красавицы матери, но после рождения девочки та тронулась умом и была отправлена в психушку. Отец не занимался малышкой, она выросла совершенной дикаркой. Деревенские ее сторонились, да она и не стремилась свести с ними дружбу. Единственным близким Розмари человеком стала обитавшая также на отшибе, травница Джейнни.
Все изменилось, когда в Старую Усадьбу по соседству приезжает семья лондонских богачей Лафферти. Полковник, леди, двое детей, чуть старше Розмари. Но какие светские, блестящие, искушенные. Хильда становится подругой, о какой можно было только мечтать, а красавчик Фрэнк - тем.,кто разобьет ее сердце (ну так, по логике вещей и по закону какого-то другого жанра, но мы ведь в "Грозовом перевале" и немного в "Тринадцатой сказке", не забыли?) Простушка дикарка Розмари внезапно даже для себя станет молодой леди Лафферти.
Эта история странным образом завораживает Мэлори, в судьбе незнакомой девушки она почувствует что-то до боли родное. А в старом доме, меж тем, происходят загадочные и пугающие вещи: звучит старый патефон, кто-то ходит в темноте по саду и заглядывает в окна, задняя дверь внезапно оказывается открытой настежь. И все это так неправильно, что даже прибитая своей депрессией женщина чувствует - надо возвращаться в Лондон. Однако не судьба, разражается буря столетия и снег заваливает дороги, они с Фрэнни отрезаны от мира в самом неподходящем месте.
Чем продолжится история Розмари, как связана героиня с ней и с Домом на болотах, и что же в самом деле случилось здесь три десятилетия назад - узнаем в свой черед. но не раньше окончания книги. Однако держать в напряжении она будет все время, а новогодний и рождественский колорит в мрачнейшем из возможных вариантов
взывает к тому, чтобы положить себе под елочку.
March 12, 2022
Thank you to Head of Zeus for sending me a copy of 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 by Zoë Somerville to read and review. I will be sharing some Q&As with Zoë on March 14th for my official blog tour spot.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲, 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗔 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
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The Marsh House is an incredibly atmospheric novel. Part Historical Fiction, part Ghost Story, in transcends time and has you feeling as though you are wandering through the marshes, and through Marsh House itself, with the characters on the page.
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𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲? 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.
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The setting of The Marsh House, the North Norfolk coastline, and the village of Stiffkey all add to the gothic feel of the story, which moves back and forth across dual timelines.
In 1930, Rosemary Wright lived in the Marsh House with her Father. Motherless and somewhat neglected, she grew up sheltered, but surrounded by secrets and lies.
Present day in the novel follows Malorie in 1962. After the deaths of her parents she visits the Marsh House with her young daughter, as it seems there are some family secrets hidden there that she must uncover to understand who she is.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 - 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲? 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗢𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁
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The Marsh House is a rich tapestry of history and lineage, depicted from female perspectives.
Both Rosemary and Malorie feel somewhat trapped in unhappy relationships, and both are kept in the dark by their families.
Rosemary didn't know her Mother except through two photographs, and Malorie is seeking to understand more about her own family, and trying to understand Rosemary through photographs and journals that she finds at Marsh House.
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𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗽, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿. 𝗜 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 ���𝗳 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿.
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There are many parallels between Rosemary (in the 1930s) and Malorie (in 1962). Somerville perfectly depicts that time of life when the characters are on the cusp of womanhood, feeling grown up, but somewhat playing a part and not being worldly-wise enough for the big decisions they are making.
It's clear there are societal and marital expectations on both characters, with regards to children, being a perfect wife and mother, and conforming to what the men in their life expect of them.
But these expectations and pressures bring specific challenges to each character, and similar pressures clearly impacted Rosemary's mother too.
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𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁. 𝗜𝘁'𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀.
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The book does tackle some big topics, like mental health, post-natal depression, racism, lineage, loss of a baby/child, and drug/alcohol abuse.
Both Malorie and Rosemary are somewhat enamoured with older male characters who give them the affection they sorely seek, and which they didn't receive from their parents. Both characters have babies very young, and both struggle to bond with their babies at first.
Somerville weaves these topics into the story in a respectful way, and the struggles the characters face really reflect how the impact of neglect and abuse is far-reaching, and the cycles of this are not always immediately recognisable in ourselves.
By the end of the story, it does feel that Rosemary and Malorie know who they are, and that they make choices to bring more autonomy over their lives, though some of those decisions are obviously questionable in Rosemary's case!
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𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜'𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗺𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀.
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My favourite character in the story was Janey, the local cunning woman, viewed by some as a witch.
Strong, independent female characters are often viewed with distrust, and throughout history they have often been punished for choosing to live in a way that breaks out of the expected 'norm' dictated by a misogynistic society.
In looking back on the history of Janey and Rosemary, it is clear that Malorie does have fewer constraints over how she must live her life. The expectations and limitations on her as a woman are not eradicated completely, but unlike in the 1930s, women of her generation did have more freedom, even though she is reliant on her husband Tony to support her for a while.
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𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲 ... 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁.
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Without giving away any spoilers, in Rosemary's timeline some unsavoury family secrets come to light, especially in relation to her Father, and in relation to her husband Franklin, and her husband's family (Hildy and the rest of fhe Laffertys).
They seem to view Rosemary as some sort of 'innocent', when really they are just gaslighting her and keeping her ignorant about their lives. Hildy and the Laffertys view Rosemary as 'unaffected', when compared to girls in the glitz and materialistic nature of the London society they are used to.
Rosemary is seen as a plaything or object to own, consistently being referred to as a child, and not respected as a person with her own thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams.
The plot does raise questions in the reader about their own lineage, and their own family history.
Perhaps we all have secrets to uncover and face head on, if only we dare open the door and care enough to learn.
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𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀; 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵.
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I'd highly recommend The Marsh House to any fans of historical fiction, and to any readers who enjoy gothic novels and ghost stories. To me, this was a perfect blend of the two, and I would definitely read more from Zoë Somerville in the future.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲, 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗔 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
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The Marsh House is an incredibly atmospheric novel. Part Historical Fiction, part Ghost Story, in transcends time and has you feeling as though you are wandering through the marshes, and through Marsh House itself, with the characters on the page.
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𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲? 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.
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The setting of The Marsh House, the North Norfolk coastline, and the village of Stiffkey all add to the gothic feel of the story, which moves back and forth across dual timelines.
In 1930, Rosemary Wright lived in the Marsh House with her Father. Motherless and somewhat neglected, she grew up sheltered, but surrounded by secrets and lies.
Present day in the novel follows Malorie in 1962. After the deaths of her parents she visits the Marsh House with her young daughter, as it seems there are some family secrets hidden there that she must uncover to understand who she is.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 - 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲? 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗢𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁
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The Marsh House is a rich tapestry of history and lineage, depicted from female perspectives.
Both Rosemary and Malorie feel somewhat trapped in unhappy relationships, and both are kept in the dark by their families.
Rosemary didn't know her Mother except through two photographs, and Malorie is seeking to understand more about her own family, and trying to understand Rosemary through photographs and journals that she finds at Marsh House.
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𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗽, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿. 𝗜 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 ���𝗳 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿.
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There are many parallels between Rosemary (in the 1930s) and Malorie (in 1962). Somerville perfectly depicts that time of life when the characters are on the cusp of womanhood, feeling grown up, but somewhat playing a part and not being worldly-wise enough for the big decisions they are making.
It's clear there are societal and marital expectations on both characters, with regards to children, being a perfect wife and mother, and conforming to what the men in their life expect of them.
But these expectations and pressures bring specific challenges to each character, and similar pressures clearly impacted Rosemary's mother too.
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𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁. 𝗜𝘁'𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀.
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The book does tackle some big topics, like mental health, post-natal depression, racism, lineage, loss of a baby/child, and drug/alcohol abuse.
Both Malorie and Rosemary are somewhat enamoured with older male characters who give them the affection they sorely seek, and which they didn't receive from their parents. Both characters have babies very young, and both struggle to bond with their babies at first.
Somerville weaves these topics into the story in a respectful way, and the struggles the characters face really reflect how the impact of neglect and abuse is far-reaching, and the cycles of this are not always immediately recognisable in ourselves.
By the end of the story, it does feel that Rosemary and Malorie know who they are, and that they make choices to bring more autonomy over their lives, though some of those decisions are obviously questionable in Rosemary's case!
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𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜'𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗺𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀.
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My favourite character in the story was Janey, the local cunning woman, viewed by some as a witch.
Strong, independent female characters are often viewed with distrust, and throughout history they have often been punished for choosing to live in a way that breaks out of the expected 'norm' dictated by a misogynistic society.
In looking back on the history of Janey and Rosemary, it is clear that Malorie does have fewer constraints over how she must live her life. The expectations and limitations on her as a woman are not eradicated completely, but unlike in the 1930s, women of her generation did have more freedom, even though she is reliant on her husband Tony to support her for a while.
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𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲 ... 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁.
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Without giving away any spoilers, in Rosemary's timeline some unsavoury family secrets come to light, especially in relation to her Father, and in relation to her husband Franklin, and her husband's family (Hildy and the rest of fhe Laffertys).
They seem to view Rosemary as some sort of 'innocent', when really they are just gaslighting her and keeping her ignorant about their lives. Hildy and the Laffertys view Rosemary as 'unaffected', when compared to girls in the glitz and materialistic nature of the London society they are used to.
Rosemary is seen as a plaything or object to own, consistently being referred to as a child, and not respected as a person with her own thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams.
The plot does raise questions in the reader about their own lineage, and their own family history.
Perhaps we all have secrets to uncover and face head on, if only we dare open the door and care enough to learn.
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𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀; 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵.
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I'd highly recommend The Marsh House to any fans of historical fiction, and to any readers who enjoy gothic novels and ghost stories. To me, this was a perfect blend of the two, and I would definitely read more from Zoë Somerville in the future.
May 12, 2022
loved this atmospheric ghost story. Had a wonderful nature infused feeling and was full of old herbal traditions and folklore from the area. I especially loved the flashbacks to Rosemary's story, hers was a lovely character and I truly fell in love with her. Enjoyed the reference to the political climate at the time of Rosemary's story. Quite haunting and definitely worth a read if you are looking for a story to get lost in.
March 31, 2025
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