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Whisper My Name
Since she was twelve, Meriel Garland has lived with her grandfather in London, exiled from her beloved India following the death of her mother. Now sixteen, Meriel chafes against the strict regime of tests and study that her grandfather imposes on her. Escaping, she discovers a world outside her narrow existence - one that promises admiration for her acting skills, social success and the excitement of seances.
But what should have been a game turns serious as the young medium Sophie Casson passes on a message from Meriel's dead mother - and Meriel begins to suspect she might not be alone in the world after all. In searching for the truth about her past, Meriel uncovers a sinister scheme - and soon it's hard to know who she can really trust.
But what should have been a game turns serious as the young medium Sophie Casson passes on a message from Meriel's dead mother - and Meriel begins to suspect she might not be alone in the world after all. In searching for the truth about her past, Meriel uncovers a sinister scheme - and soon it's hard to know who she can really trust.
395 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 26, 2010
An involving, intriguing story about a girl who is sent from India to live with her grandfather after the death of her mother. Miserable and lonely, Meriel not only has to cope with huge cultural and emotional upheaval, but also her chilly grandfather's bizarre behaviour. Her determination to break free from domestic constraints forces her to confront her own story, causing her to question everything she ever thought she knew about herself. Victorian London provides the backdrop for this splendidly restless novel.
September 11, 2016
3.5-4 stars. I really enjoyed this. Its a fast read and im looking forward to reading more of her books. Only a tiny part is paranormal. Mostly about a Victorian era life, a girl and reconnecting family.
September 28, 2011
A really intriguing, gripping read, although I definitely didn't love it as much as I did Wildthorn! The setting was lovely - and especially having grown up on the likes of The Secret GardenA Little Princess, the whole British-child-born-in-India aspect really appealed to me.
Speaking of, Meriel was rather like Mary Lennox in a way. She was an interesting main character but a lot of the time, she just wasn't all that likeable! She was bossy and arrogant and selfish and sometimes made me sit back and just go, whoa. What a brat! So of course there had to be the dawning realisation of how she was acting and her determination to become nicer... at least she realised that the world didn't revolve around her. ;)
I liked also how apart from a few scenes with Richard seeming to make all three girls (Meriel, Kitty and Sophie) blush, there really wasn't any romance in the book. It's rare to find a book with a 16-year-old main character where there's just none of that whole girl-meets-boy aspect. THANK YOU JANE EAGLAND!!!
The story and the mystery were really interesting, the writing very engaging. The setting was lovely, but this just wasn't a five-star book to me. I think it was Meriel who was a bit off-putting, in the way she treated everyone - I didn't hate her, but perhaps I was wishing I could ship her and Sophie, but then why would Sophie fall for someone who treated her like Meriel did?!
Speaking of, Meriel was rather like Mary Lennox in a way. She was an interesting main character but a lot of the time, she just wasn't all that likeable! She was bossy and arrogant and selfish and sometimes made me sit back and just go, whoa. What a brat! So of course there had to be the dawning realisation of how she was acting and her determination to become nicer... at least she realised that the world didn't revolve around her. ;)
I liked also how apart from a few scenes with Richard seeming to make all three girls (Meriel, Kitty and Sophie) blush, there really wasn't any romance in the book. It's rare to find a book with a 16-year-old main character where there's just none of that whole girl-meets-boy aspect. THANK YOU JANE EAGLAND!!!
The story and the mystery were really interesting, the writing very engaging. The setting was lovely, but this just wasn't a five-star book to me. I think it was Meriel who was a bit off-putting, in the way she treated everyone - I didn't hate her, but perhaps I was wishing I could ship her and Sophie, but then why would Sophie fall for someone who treated her like Meriel did?!
July 4, 2017
Whisper My Name is about a young girl, Meriel, whose father takes her away from her home in India, to live in England, after her mother has died. There, her grandfather performs all these strange tests, to which she knows not the meaning, and anytime she asks, she is left with more questions than she'd begun with. Kept in captivity and sheltered for years, Meriel finally seeks escape, and ventures out, meeting more people, and ultimately finding out much more than she bargained for. And that's how she discovers a deep conspiracy that has been going on for years and years: one that cost both her and her family's happiness.
The summary on MY edition (different to given above) gave me the impression that Whisper My Name was going to be a historical thriller. Or maybe it was just me, I don't know. Anyway, this book was good. Not amazing, not bad; just good. At the beginning, we are launched straight into clads of information. Right from the get-go we understand what kind of relationship Meriel has with her father, how her life in India was, in essence. Then she is whisked away to London, where "all she could see through the veils of cold rain [were] grey docks, grey buildings, under a grey sky." For the first few chapters, the book is written in third-perspective, but without even realising, it morphed gradually to first, which worked well to understand her better, and her perspective.
The novel kept true to the historical elements that existed in the scope of this book (1881-1885): the clothing and styles of the day, theatre, ettiquette and prestige, reputations, etc. I appreciated this. Eagland has surely done a fair amount of research on the time era. Anyway, for the most part, the plot moves along pretty slowly. Eagland sets up every single setting, which helped paint a clear picture of Meriel's surroundings. Her detailings are well done, which I think is really important with historical novels.
Since the novel is told in Meriel's perspective . . .
FULL REVIEW PUBLISHED ON BLOG 26TH JANUARY.
The summary on MY edition (different to given above) gave me the impression that Whisper My Name was going to be a historical thriller. Or maybe it was just me, I don't know. Anyway, this book was good. Not amazing, not bad; just good. At the beginning, we are launched straight into clads of information. Right from the get-go we understand what kind of relationship Meriel has with her father, how her life in India was, in essence. Then she is whisked away to London, where "all she could see through the veils of cold rain [were] grey docks, grey buildings, under a grey sky." For the first few chapters, the book is written in third-perspective, but without even realising, it morphed gradually to first, which worked well to understand her better, and her perspective.
The novel kept true to the historical elements that existed in the scope of this book (1881-1885): the clothing and styles of the day, theatre, ettiquette and prestige, reputations, etc. I appreciated this. Eagland has surely done a fair amount of research on the time era. Anyway, for the most part, the plot moves along pretty slowly. Eagland sets up every single setting, which helped paint a clear picture of Meriel's surroundings. Her detailings are well done, which I think is really important with historical novels.
Since the novel is told in Meriel's perspective . . .
FULL REVIEW PUBLISHED ON BLOG 26TH JANUARY.
October 21, 2022
A little bit disappointed by this one :/
It started out so well with this mysterious feeling of something that might be following the MC. Her weird determination to find out if this spooky B, thats been calling her name in the middle of the night, really is the person she hopes it might be. She tries to visit a medium, an art she does not even believe in. That, to me, does not make sense, especially because she keeps going back after getting angry and saying she won't be seen there again. And one thing that really just annoys me is the way the grandfathers "trope" was done, like, he's this old angry man that WANTED his granddaughter to live with him, but she never does anything right by him and she's not allowed to leave the house by the end.
Also this really seemed so promising to me by the beginning, like it was this fantasy/ghost type of story, but I kind of felt like the author gave up on that halfway through.
I do still think this book was okay for what it was, I just feel like something is missing and from the mindset I was in when I started to read this book was not the same one I had when I finished it.
It started out so well with this mysterious feeling of something that might be following the MC. Her weird determination to find out if this spooky B, thats been calling her name in the middle of the night, really is the person she hopes it might be. She tries to visit a medium, an art she does not even believe in. That, to me, does not make sense, especially because she keeps going back after getting angry and saying she won't be seen there again. And one thing that really just annoys me is the way the grandfathers "trope" was done, like, he's this old angry man that WANTED his granddaughter to live with him, but she never does anything right by him and she's not allowed to leave the house by the end.
Also this really seemed so promising to me by the beginning, like it was this fantasy/ghost type of story, but I kind of felt like the author gave up on that halfway through.
I do still think this book was okay for what it was, I just feel like something is missing and from the mindset I was in when I started to read this book was not the same one I had when I finished it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2010
As always, Jane Eagland has dazzled me once again. This time, she brings to life to a charming, innocent, and peculiar character, Meriel. She is sent to live in England with her oddball grandfather after her mother dies in India. After four years, she undergoes the most oddest things and decides that she needs to break free. Along the way, she discovers a past that would forever change her future.
At first, it seemed to be an innocent tale. But as you progress through the book, you uncover secrets that will make you just shake your head (it's not quite cringe worthy). Wonderfully crafted characters and a brilliant plot, all set in the alluring Victorian age. Ah, my favourite combination. Near the end, I found myself sniffling and wiping away some tears. Truly, the characters are not as they seem. Especially their past.
At first, it seemed to be an innocent tale. But as you progress through the book, you uncover secrets that will make you just shake your head (it's not quite cringe worthy). Wonderfully crafted characters and a brilliant plot, all set in the alluring Victorian age. Ah, my favourite combination. Near the end, I found myself sniffling and wiping away some tears. Truly, the characters are not as they seem. Especially their past.
October 25, 2016
"I am reading this right now- IT IS AMAZING. Im an avid reader, and this brings that out- its almost painfull to put the book down. Seriously. My dad is getting annoyed because I keep sneaking off to go read somewhere quiet. (Eventhough when I get into a book I block everything out anyways- does that happen to anyone else? I end up imagining what Im reading as it happens...)Id reccommend this to people who like 'teen' books and a little drama and mystery. "
That was what I said when I was about half way through the book. I still agree- its a seriously good book! It saved me when I was bedridden and when, later, the internet was cut off (early) so that we could move house. Which was straight after I hurt myself(accident..) and was recovering. :O
That was what I said when I was about half way through the book. I still agree- its a seriously good book! It saved me when I was bedridden and when, later, the internet was cut off (early) so that we could move house. Which was straight after I hurt myself(accident..) and was recovering. :O
December 5, 2011
This story had so much potential but the protagonist was so #!@*king annoying it just destroyed the whole thing. She whines throughout, making mountains out of every molehill (which Daddy thinks is just adorable)and throws a massive tantrum whenever she doesn't get something her own way. Given, this might be necessary to an extent for her 'turnaround' at the end of the story, but to this extent? Sorry, but no.
February 13, 2022
An very pleasant read with surprises and revelations aplenty. A story with twists and turns of a young girl going through cultural, physical and emotional upheavals. Thoroughly enjoyed it as an intriguing and very different genre to my usual selections.
October 11, 2011
I thought this book was readlly good, well written and interesting, though I preferred Wildthorn.
February 9, 2011
Very interesting!
The ending is very sad.... :(
The ending is very sad.... :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2011
I picked this up on a whim and really enjoyed the Victorian setting and the mysticism of the era.
October 7, 2012
AND THERE WEREN'T EVEN ANY LESBIANS
October 10, 2022
Took an awfully long time to get into the story. Then all the action was crammed into the lastv3 chapters.
Ending fell very flat, no big surprises or revelations.
Ending fell very flat, no big surprises or revelations.
November 10, 2020
This was an 'on the spur of the moment' charity book buy. Was expecting a 'pick up and easily put down' book. I was wrong. I read this in 2 reading sessions. Found it intriguing and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and if you want a book with a moral to it as well as some twists and turns, this is for you.
November 8, 2024
This was a book that I picked up by chance because I felt drawn to it, and I couldn't put it down. The Victorian era is one of my favourites and I loved escaping into this. It reminded me a little bit of Frances Hodgson Burnett's books. I will read this again, and will look out for more from the author.
January 23, 2024
Lovely little book. Proper old fashioned values of the early 19th century. Granddad taking control of the birth if twins and their upbringing. Neither of them knows the other until Meriel's mum dies in India and Meriel returns to London.
September 6, 2016
I like Jane Eagland because I feel like if Sarah Waters wrote YA, Eagland's Victorian stories would be the kinds of things Waters would write.
I didn't love this as much as Wildthorn , but it was still a fun book. Like with Wildthorn, the plot starts in one direction and about 1/2 way through it completely zig-zags in another direction.
Speaking of Waters, this does start off like a bit of a YA version of Affinity -- I mean, a lonely protagonist with a dead parent (whose prize possession of said parent is a locket) who seeks comfort with an enigmatic spirit medium? It's actually kind of cute -- but just as Wildthorn draws some comparisons to Fingersmith , as the story goes on, these similarities start to fall by the wayside.
Some reviewers have complained that Meriel was an annoying protagonist, but honestly, I didn't mind her all that much. I mean, she was sixteen, and given her circumstances, her negative attitude towards a lot of things seemed justified. She was definitely really selfish in some ways, but by the end of the story she realized this and tried to/did make amends.
One thing that of course I loved was her relationship with Sophie. Unfortunately, unlike in Wildthorn, there's no overt queer content, just heavy (intentional) subtext. Eagland wrote an small essay explaining how she was pressured to de-queer Meriel and Sophie (Eagland later regretted that). I feel like this does take away from the novel a bit.
All in all, a great little book.
I didn't love this as much as Wildthorn , but it was still a fun book. Like with Wildthorn, the plot starts in one direction and about 1/2 way through it completely zig-zags in another direction.
Speaking of Waters, this does start off like a bit of a YA version of Affinity -- I mean, a lonely protagonist with a dead parent (whose prize possession of said parent is a locket) who seeks comfort with an enigmatic spirit medium? It's actually kind of cute -- but just as Wildthorn draws some comparisons to Fingersmith , as the story goes on, these similarities start to fall by the wayside.
Some reviewers have complained that Meriel was an annoying protagonist, but honestly, I didn't mind her all that much. I mean, she was sixteen, and given her circumstances, her negative attitude towards a lot of things seemed justified. She was definitely really selfish in some ways, but by the end of the story she realized this and tried to/did make amends.
One thing that of course I loved was her relationship with Sophie. Unfortunately, unlike in Wildthorn, there's no overt queer content, just heavy (intentional) subtext. Eagland wrote an small essay explaining how she was pressured to de-queer Meriel and Sophie (Eagland later regretted that). I feel like this does take away from the novel a bit.
All in all, a great little book.
August 14, 2012
Jane Eagland is one of the best historical novelists, ever. Her first novel, Wildthorn, blew me away, and Whisper My Name is even better. Both of her works have such twists and turns, such mystery – you just never know where the next page will take you. Her novels remind me a bit of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s books. High praise indeed as they were very important to my childhood. I have no doubt that Whisper My Name is a novel that will pass the test of time. Its portrayal of Victorian London, its shocking mystery, its intrepid heroine, all create a book more than worth its weight in gold.
Whisper My Name achieves an amazing feet by appealing to both lovers of historical fiction and those who tend to avoid it. The plot is so enthralling that it’s easy to forget the genre of the work. However, it still contains various historical nuances that will appeal to the history lover. As the novel begins, Meriel, the heroine, has just lost her mother, been sent away by her father, and is now journeying to live with a grandfather she has never met. While her grandfather turns out to be just as cold and distant as he is odd, Meriel finds a friend in a maid named Sally and a medium named Sophie. With their help, she begins to unravel a mystery that could change her life…
Meriel is the perfect protagonist for this novel, flawed, but with her heart in the right place. It’s easy to take her side against the injustices dished up by her grandfather and to cheer her on in all her endeavors. Behind her stands a memorable cast of characters who truly enrich the story. I have to say that Sophie, the reluctant medium, is my favorite character in this novel. She is just one of those people who are truly, truly good at heart. Sophie offers quiet support and friendship to Meriel, even when she might face unpleasant consequences for her actions. She just might be the most perfect friend who ever existed (besides my BFF, of course).
The big picture: Whisper My Name is historical fiction for the most ardent history lovers and those who avoid the genre at all costs. It has an intriguing plot full of twists and turns and well-crafted writing. Jane Eagland is an author to watch.
Whisper My Name achieves an amazing feet by appealing to both lovers of historical fiction and those who tend to avoid it. The plot is so enthralling that it’s easy to forget the genre of the work. However, it still contains various historical nuances that will appeal to the history lover. As the novel begins, Meriel, the heroine, has just lost her mother, been sent away by her father, and is now journeying to live with a grandfather she has never met. While her grandfather turns out to be just as cold and distant as he is odd, Meriel finds a friend in a maid named Sally and a medium named Sophie. With their help, she begins to unravel a mystery that could change her life…
Meriel is the perfect protagonist for this novel, flawed, but with her heart in the right place. It’s easy to take her side against the injustices dished up by her grandfather and to cheer her on in all her endeavors. Behind her stands a memorable cast of characters who truly enrich the story. I have to say that Sophie, the reluctant medium, is my favorite character in this novel. She is just one of those people who are truly, truly good at heart. Sophie offers quiet support and friendship to Meriel, even when she might face unpleasant consequences for her actions. She just might be the most perfect friend who ever existed (besides my BFF, of course).
The big picture: Whisper My Name is historical fiction for the most ardent history lovers and those who avoid the genre at all costs. It has an intriguing plot full of twists and turns and well-crafted writing. Jane Eagland is an author to watch.
November 24, 2016
A solid 3.5 stars. I did quite enjoy this novel, but I didn't fall in love with it.
This is one of the few YA/ teenage fiction I've read where there isn't a love interest (though there is a hint of one). Merial is sent away from her father and India where she grew up, to live with her remote and slightly menacing grandfather in England. The novel has paranormal/ spiritual plots.
I think more could have been done to make Merial feel the threat from her grandfather, rather than him just being controlling and mad. That would really have ramped up the tension and also my sympathy for her as a character. So much was hinted at and alluded to throughout that in the final chapters it was a bit of a let down that the grandfather turned out to be almost loving.
Although the reader can understand Merial's motivations, she still came across as a selfish child. I know in the final chapters she had her light bulb moment of realising she's been a selfish cow, but that didn't negate my thought that she had a narcissistic personality disorder. I would have packed her off to boarding school too.
There were some turns of phrase both in the narrative and in the speech which I question their use in Victorian England. It's too late at night for me to think of examples now.
Lastly, the cover picture, though clearly evocative of a historical novel, is inaccurate for the Victorian period. It is from the mid-Georgian period of the 18th C. That's the publisher's fault though. One would have thought that the historical section of a publishing house would know that and get it right.
This is one of the few YA/ teenage fiction I've read where there isn't a love interest (though there is a hint of one). Merial is sent away from her father and India where she grew up, to live with her remote and slightly menacing grandfather in England. The novel has paranormal/ spiritual plots.
I think more could have been done to make Merial feel the threat from her grandfather, rather than him just being controlling and mad. That would really have ramped up the tension and also my sympathy for her as a character. So much was hinted at and alluded to throughout that in the final chapters it was a bit of a let down that the grandfather turned out to be almost loving.
Although the reader can understand Merial's motivations, she still came across as a selfish child. I know in the final chapters she had her light bulb moment of realising she's been a selfish cow, but that didn't negate my thought that she had a narcissistic personality disorder. I would have packed her off to boarding school too.
There were some turns of phrase both in the narrative and in the speech which I question their use in Victorian England. It's too late at night for me to think of examples now.
Lastly, the cover picture, though clearly evocative of a historical novel, is inaccurate for the Victorian period. It is from the mid-Georgian period of the 18th C. That's the publisher's fault though. One would have thought that the historical section of a publishing house would know that and get it right.
April 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and came very close to putting it as a 5 star instead but despite how much I liked the book and felt it was very historically accurate, the book just kept confusing me, everything in the book managed to be explained in a way that I just couldn't understand, and when I believed I could understand it, main girl Meriel saw it in a completely different way.
Also Meriel was a character who I enjoyed during the book, but when I look back at it I just can't stand her. She is a very well-developed character, with many different dimensions; however that does not mean she has to be an unlikable character. She's portrayed at selfish and spoilt little girl, who is oblivious to the way she acts, maybe she has the right to be, but still she is a character who I cannot stand.
Though the book I still really enjoyed, its a perfect example of a historical novel, exactly right for all the Young Adult readers.
Also Meriel was a character who I enjoyed during the book, but when I look back at it I just can't stand her. She is a very well-developed character, with many different dimensions; however that does not mean she has to be an unlikable character. She's portrayed at selfish and spoilt little girl, who is oblivious to the way she acts, maybe she has the right to be, but still she is a character who I cannot stand.
Though the book I still really enjoyed, its a perfect example of a historical novel, exactly right for all the Young Adult readers.
December 1, 2011
A lonely girl discovers family secrets. I think every time I read a book and think: this heroine has a personality! when I look at the reviews everyone thought they were obnoxious. I like it when you can get to grips with what traits a character even has and feel they have an arc that's not just oh dear, they're a bit clumsy/a bit of a tomboy, they need to feel a little more confidence. Not that this is anything especially amazing, but it was definitely a very nice read for me. I think the author got more into her stride as the novel progessed; the period tone was uneven but felt better as we went on. I liked that there wasn't a romance plot. I liked the character of Sophie. I liked Meriel's ambivalent reaction to Kitty; it's something that could have been treated very flatly. The grandfather also wasn't treated with as much flatness at the end as he could have been.
August 17, 2012
What do you say about Whisper My Name? I wouldn't say I enjoyed it exactly but there again I didn't not enjoy which is why I gave it three stars.
Pros: It was well written with twists and turns I liked some of the characters a lot and I liked the plot
Cons: On the other hand Meriel I thought was very unlikeable why anyone went near her was a mystery and so was Sophie (Miss Casson) who was obviousy a nice girl but Meriel treated her atrouciously but she kept coming back.
It was quite a good read but I wouldn't reccommend buying it do what I did and go down to your local library and borrow a copy out.
Pros: It was well written with twists and turns I liked some of the characters a lot and I liked the plot
Cons: On the other hand Meriel I thought was very unlikeable why anyone went near her was a mystery and so was Sophie (Miss Casson) who was obviousy a nice girl but Meriel treated her atrouciously but she kept coming back.
It was quite a good read but I wouldn't reccommend buying it do what I did and go down to your local library and borrow a copy out.
December 31, 2015
A mix between VERY good bits, good bits and just medioca bits. I read this at Christmas and it was lovely time to do so, as the book is very atmospheric. I enjoyed the book.The only REAL criticism is that I didn't find the ending quite as thrilling as the rest of the book, and I feel that it could have been a bit more chilling.
However, the book has got some good characters and a good plot, so I don't think anyone will think they have wasted there time by reading it.
If you are simply looking for a cosy historic drama to curl up with, you have found it.
However, the book has got some good characters and a good plot, so I don't think anyone will think they have wasted there time by reading it.
If you are simply looking for a cosy historic drama to curl up with, you have found it.
May 13, 2012
This book, though ok, disappointed me. It had the potential to be brilliant, but I think it was wrongly marketed. I was expecting ghosts, family turmoil, and paranormal sightings. Instead I got a slightly weird novel about a girl sensing her twin sister.
I wish it had been what I wanted it. It could have been so amazing, but instead it was just mediocre.
I wish it had been what I wanted it. It could have been so amazing, but instead it was just mediocre.
Want to read
December 17, 2014I guess there just aren't enough historic paintings (or even costumed models?) to go around...hooray for photoshop!
November 20, 2013
Reminded me very much of Velvet by Mary Hooper. A good read but not as enjoyable as Wildthorn by Jane Eagland.
July 23, 2011
it was alright, something i would read when i would read when i've got nothing else to read. i was kind of dissapointed as i expected some romance in it, it was quite a expected ending.
April 13, 2012
YA fiction, great story dealing with many issues. Main character Meriel is a bit of a teenage selfish brat but her heart is in the right place!
January 8, 2013
I enjoyed this book though it was not like I expected. The main character was annoyingly selfish but that was a part of the charm of the piece.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews