The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

I just finished reading The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, the debut novel from Katie Lumsden of Booktube fame.

I really enjoyed it. It's an historical novel that takes place in the 19th century, but it's simultaneously thoroughly modern. In one sense, it feels like a Victorian novel, but in another sense it feels different. In any case, it's delightful. You should read it.

Warning: spoilers follow.

Part of the reason I enjoyed it so much is that the protagonist is deaf in one ear, like me. I was a bit taken aback by this. As handicaps go, being deaf in one ear is not very difficult to live with. It has its consequences– some of which are illustrated quite well in the novel– but it's not something I often worry about.

Or so I thought.

But as soon as I started reading about this character who was "like me," I was wholly connected. Yes! Yes, that's right! It is like that!

As someone who ticks almost every privilege checkbox there is (cis, white, heterosexual, male), I've never fully understood why folks sometimes gravitate towards folks who are "like them." But now I think I get it. At least, a little bit. I've learned something about myself, I think.

So, thanks Katie! Both for sharing a terrific novel with the world and for teaching me something about myself.

I love listening to authors reading their own works. Here is Lumsden reading from The Secrets of Hartwood Hall.

Update (2023-04-14): Now I'm listening to the audiobook! There was a waiting list at the library, but I've finally gotten my turn.