Set in Victoria, BC during the Victorian era (1837-1901), In the Belly of the Sphinx is about Pearl (daughter) and Florence (mother) Greyland-Smith.
Story question: how is a murderer made?
Grant Buday
Brindle and Glass
an imprint of TouchWood Editions
historical fiction
2023
273 page
I purchased my copy from Books on Mayne
Pearl is raised by her upperly mobile mother in an upper-middle-class household. Appearance, and status matter to Florence. She will do everything it takes to ensure her daughter's future but will Pearl?
Chapter by chapter, I watch Pearl mature from a nine-year-old girl grieving her soldier father to a young woman with her own secrets. Chapter by chapter, I witness the evolution of the mother-daughter relationship.
"'It has always seemed to me that a woman's lot in the world is a precarious one.'"
Grant Buday is a skilled Mayne Island author who uses suspense and secrets to entice his readers and makes history live on the page. He also flavoured this tale with references to Victoria, BC events and landmarks. I was especially pleased that he used Craigdarroch Castle as a backdrop for one of the most significant scenes. Craigdarroch Castle is one of my favourite places on Vancouver Island.
Tip: Read the Prologue.
More...
a pictorial tour of Craigdarroch Castle
book review: Delusionist by Grant Buday
Next Sunday...
And...
Sunday, June 30, we will celebrate Canada Day on this blog.
