Truth and fiction intertwine in a historical narrative set in 1873, exploring who gets to tell their story. Mrs. Eliza Touchet, a Scottish housekeeper and cousin by marriage to the once-famous novelist William Ainsworth, navigates her life filled with interests in literature, justice, and class, while harboring skepticism about her cousin's talent and the moral integrity of his successful friend, Charles Dickens. She perceives England as a land of facades, where nothing is as it appears. Meanwhile, Andrew Bogle, who grew up enslaved on the Hope Plantation in Jamaica, understands the human cost behind wealth and the manipulation of the vulnerable. When Bogle arrives in London as a key witness in a notorious case of imposture, he realizes that his future hinges on narrating the right story. The Tichborne Trial captivates Mrs. Touchet and the nation, raising questions about identity and authenticity. In a world rife with hypocrisy, discerning truth becomes a complex challenge. This dazzling novel, based on real historical events, delves into themes of truth, fiction, and the enigmatic nature of others. Praise for the author highlights her wit, originality, and remarkable talent, affirming her status as a significant literary voice.
