This was an interesting read, one I'm not sure why I put off for so long. There is also a lot of death and people dying in mysterious circumstances. The obvious parallel is Mexican Gothic as the main focus of the book is the bright colours in the wallpaper and the subsequent hallucinations incurred.
I really do find Arsenic poisoning fascinating and why, when the scientific research proved it to be a deadly substance, Victorians still continued to use it.

I wanted more from this story and felt it relied on the reader's imagination. The way it was written was confusing at times, jumping back to a memory when in the present tense. I liked the idea of this and would love to know if Lucy Braithwaite and the Company were actually real. I struggled to find anything on Google but, I didn't delve too far.

I liked the idea of the wallpaper coming to life with creatures but, I wanted more of this. It still shocks me that the desirable rich and bright colours were actually poisonous and harmful. I find it particularly shocking that in this story, the Company continued manufacturing these deadly designs even with proof that the substance in the wallpaper was making people ill or worse, killing them. An interesting story and I learnt something new. I never knew how Arsenic came about. The copper mines gave me vibes of Poldark with the mine collapse and the poisonous gases being released.

A lot of the reviews online comment that none of the characters are particularly memorable and that it leaves the reader to fill in the blanks.
I would agree with this and felt this story fel short at times.

A gothic Victorian drama set in the haunted household of a family whose business is creating lavish wallpapers for the houses of the fashionable. The Braithwaite’s live a privileged life based on the prosperity of their father’s wallpaper company but tragedy also haunts the family, the patriarch died in a mysterious fall, the youngest son died of a mysterious illness, the eldest son is often bedbound and when the Company’s faithful manager dies mysteriously seems incapable of taking the helm, until a young employee appears to set their minds at rest. But Lucy, the daughter is disturbed by a doubleness that she sees in the mysterious and unknown young man, despite everyone else falling for his charms and apparent competency. If I’ve used mysteriously often it’s because it that is the attempt Varese is going for but unfortunately many of the “mysteries” are painfully obvious and there are really no surprises, there’s an attempt to introduce the familiar paranormal element for gothic stories in the illness and visions of the Broathwaite sons but anyone with any knowledge of the time period knows immediately what is happening, and even if they didn’t the author chooses to make it explicit surprisingly early by revealing the growing scandal surrounding the Company’s wallpapers, and yet this potentially fascinating plot development is mostly glossed over in favour of mis-heard whispers and the over-done double-handedness of Mr Rivers. A lot of potential sadly missed due to the heavy-handedness of the writing and the flat, unoriginal plot and characters.

Just not interesting enough. I didn't finish this. It felt predictable and I didn't engage enough to stick with it.

An interesting story with wonderful descriptions and a unique premise. I thought it was read brilliantly which is really important to me!

This is a book which I thought would be a thriller of a read but just didn't quite deliver on that account. There were too many descriptive passages for my liking and the characters just didn't meet expectations. Well read as an audio version and an interesting idea based on the history of wallpapers.

This novel took me by surprise with its eerie Victorian gothic mood. We follow Lucy, the heir of a luxury wallpaper business at the height of the arsenic wallpaper controversy of the late 1800s. After her father dies, a man takes his place becoming an imposing and almost intoxicating presence in the family.

It was a moody book that was very well done. It'll appeal to fans of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton, as it has the same kind of uncanny atmosphere. The storytelling was sometimes a little confusing to me and I struggled to always root for Lucy as we know that arsenic wallpaper was most definitely a bad thing. I took her as an unreliable, privileged character in the midst of a family drama.

I think this novel was inspired by the arsenic in wallpaper colours scandal in late 19th century. A rich family who have been running a business very successfully starts to falter after the death of the long term manager. This paves the way for another manager to come into the business and weave his magic. Interesting family dynamic and i really enjoyed the historical content and writing most. Thank you #NetGalley for the audio book to review.

A slow and not very thrilling gothic story about arsenic wallpapers in Victorian England. Beth Eyre's excellent narration improves the "reading" experience significantly.

Thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press for an Advance Review Copy.

Not that often I give up on a book, but I found the rather pathetic nature of the characters too irritating to continue. A Victorian gothic story set against the arsenic wallpaper issue...

The wallpaper makers have a dark secret, but they don’t really understand the depth of the darkness. A family of wealth is targeted and plagued with bad luck and ill-health. There is a slight mystical tone similar to another book I’ve read about pictures that came to life.
It was a gripping read. I just needed to know how this would end. I enjoyed the audio book gifted to me by publishers and NetGalley. I would definitely recommend this book to people who enjoyed The silent companions.

I’ve never used the word “sumptuous” to describe a listen before, but…

🧡 This audiobook was silky and indulgent and, yes, sumptuous. The descriptions of the wallpaper, the poignant theme and the tempo of the prose, all came together to create something simultaneously haunting and poetic. I’m not usually one for flowery prose, but this was truly hypnotic and that’s what I recommend this listen for.

💚 PS. Yes. I truly enjoyed wallpaper descriptions. Not something I thought I ever would, but there again I was obsessed with Willy Wonka’s edible wallpaper so that is something I need to re-examine.
__________________________________________________
SOUNDBITE

🎧 Narrator Beth Eyre was perfectly cast for this project, her understated yet powerful performance making this an addictive listen.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an ALC in return for an honest review.

This was an okay gothic but I did find it was too slow at times and the tension wasn't really there. I did however love that it was inspired by arsenic wallpaper and some of my favourite scenes were the ones describing all the paper designs. It was a fun read but nothing stand out.

“The room’s paper was of a dark emerald green, and it contained things shaped like leaves, and leaves shaping themselves into vines, and strange winding serpents that curved into rivers. It had been father’s favourite. As a girl I’d seen angel wings somewhere in that dense forest, and John had picked out monkeys and pineapples.”

My thanks to John Murray Press Baskerville Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Company’ by J.M. Varese. The audiobook is narrated by Beth Eyre.

This impressive novel, set in 1870s London, was inspired by a real-life controversy about the use of arsenic in luxury wallpapers. I find the designs of Victorian wallpapers fascinating though was unaware of the hidden dangers that had been present.

The plot focuses on Lucy Braithwhite, heir to the fortune of Braithwhite & Company, the most successful purveyor of English luxury wallpapers the world over. Key to the company’s success is their formulas that have remained cloaked in mystery. Alongside the originality of the designs is the brilliance of their colours. Many wonder if the spell-like effect of these wallpapers is due simply to artistry, or something more sinister…. Given that this is a Gothic mystery, I am betting on the sinister explanation.

Then the company’s manager, Mr Luckhurst, suddenly dies. He had also served as a surrogate father to Lucy and her invalid brother John since they were children. Lucy is shocked to discover that there is no succession plan in place and it is uncertain who will ensure that the company and her family continue to thrive.

It’s not long until the dishy Julian Rivers arrives on their doorstep. It turns out that he has been deeply involved in the company's operations for some time. At first he seems like the answer to their prayers, though Lucy begins piecing together Julian's true intentions. Meanwhile, John’s condition deteriorates and he starts reporting spectral visions within his bedroom wallpaper. No further details to avoid spoilers.

I found ‘The Company’ a slow burn atmospheric novel that effectively utilised Gothic tropes and its setting to create a sense of creeping unease. Lucy’s journey from an entitled innocent to a woman taking control of her life and destiny was inspiring.

With respect to the audiobook, I have enjoyed a number of titles narrated by Beth Eyre. She has a clear voice with a great deal of warmth, which drew me into the narrative.

Aside from an author of fiction and nonfiction, J.M. Varese is a historian and educator with special interest in 19th Century literature, culture, and the works of Charles Dickens. As a result of this background it is no surprise that ‘The Company’ is grounded in an impeccable sense of its period setting and historical background.

On a side note the colour and design of the cover was very striking.

Overall, I found ‘The Company’ a compelling Gothic tale and I will be interested in reading more of J.M. Varese’s writing.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I absolutely loved this book, my favourite this year! The story is constructed around the now illegal use of arsenic to create a very popular bright green pigment for wallpaper. It was at a time when arsenic had many other legal uses, including medicine, textiles and face powder. We follow the Braithwhite family who own a hugely successful wallpaper making company. When their father dies suddenly, shortly followed by the kind Mr Luckhurst, his second in command, the unknown and mysterious Mr Rivers turns up and supports them and the company and they become increasingly reliant on him. As I read I become more engaged in Lucy's attempts to resolve her suspicions and her search for a resolution. Highly recommend. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A gloriously gothic tale of mystery and foreboding, hauntingly narrated by Beth Eyre.

This intoxicating mix of subtle menace and intrigue drew me in steadily as the story unfolded. The Company is an ever-present background to the lives of the Braithwhites and after their father dies, Lucy and John begin to learn of the secrets and lies upon which their lives have been built. The seemingly helpful Mr Rivers becomes evermore present in their lives as he manipulates events and Lucy’s suspicions start to grow as rumour and scandal concerning the operations of ‘The Company’ begin to circulate. I loved the growing tension and Lucy’s observations of past and present that brought her to this point.

The narration is excellent, striking just the right tone of story-telling without becoming melodramatic. The characters were very well realised- seemingly ordinary on the surface but betraying an underlying sense of impending doom.

A wonderful listening experience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Plot: This novel follows our main character Lucy Braithwhite in 1870s London. She is daughter of the prestigious Braithwhite family, who have built their empire on fabulous wallpapers - their colours and designs are completely original and captivating in a way their competitors are unable to defeat. After a series of family losses and bereavements, the family encounters a very mysterious young man, Julian Rivers, who seems to be the knight in shining armour they need to keep the company running smoothly and can help Lucy's older brother John (who has spent much of his life being sick and is therefore unable to step up). But Lucy quickly realises that his intentions may not be as were initially portrayed. I do not believe it is a spoiler to say that this is set against a backdrop of arsenic wallpaper controversies which really occurred, though with a fictional family and dynasty.

Review: This book took me by surprise in the best possible way. I absolutely love books set in this time period, and I find myself captivated by the way in which the main character, from her very limited perspective, is able to tell us this story. It is written almost like a diary entry, or a memoir in some sense - someone talking through their life retrospectively. I did find myself somewhat confused at times but the way the story is written is beautiful. The storyline is very character driven and if that is something you enjoy, you will love this book. I think anyone who likes historically-based, character-based, family-based mysteries with a touch of intrigue would find this book a really good read!

The narrator was excellent and perfect for the role, giving personality to each character and pacing things really well. I am glad I enjoyed this in the format I did.

A tiny niggle of mine is the constancy of the upcoming threat being warned about 'something was coming, I should have known' etc etc. It stops after a while but the first quarter or so of the book was full of pre-warnings that something was to go wrong, and in a way I felt the point was slightly too laboured.

NOTE: this is not a romance story at all, and it is not a main factor in this story. I know a lot of historical books with female main characters tend to go into the romance a lot, but there is none of that in this book (which I think was very appropriate given the context it was occurring within!).

Overall, a very enjoyable period read which I would recommend if you're interested in any of the above!

<i>I was provided with a complimentary copy of this audiobook by John Murray Press, Baskerville via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review, which I leave voluntarily</i>

Set in 1870 this gothic tale is based on the finding of a historical diary - The diary itself was rediscovered in a house in Tavistock, Devonshire 1903, but the story for the most part is based in London.


Lucy and John Braithwaite are the heirs of a large business; Braithwaite & Company Wallpapers - distributing worldwide. When they were children their father would equally split his time between the London and Devon offices; soon after their fathers demise, a kind man called Mr Luckhurst took his place and continued with the maintenance of both the family and The Company, until he himself passed. Then the management of The Company passed onto John Braithwaite, although he had a medical condition, which often hindered him. So when one day a member of The Company, Julian Rivers appears at the London house and John was delighted to be able to pass on the burden of management to him, However Mr Rivers is not all he appears to be.



When Lucy Braithwaite was just a child she was frightened by the wallpaper, to the point where it had to be removed from her bedroom. Their younger brother Tom was also fearful of the wallpaper and sadly died as a child. In fact, many members of the Braithwaite family seem to be inflicted with chronic ailments with little explanation. This history aids in building tension and creates a great sense of foreboding throughout the book, with a feeling that something sinister is bubbling just beneath the surface. The prose is beautiful and eloquent, rich with description and imbued with magical realism, which I truly loved although I am personally quite partial to a melancholy and gothic tale. I must admit I soon went down rabbit hole looking into the history of arsenic used in wallpaper during the Victorian era, which was fascinating.

The narrator is excellent, she has a great expressive reading style. I also enjoyed her in a previous book she narrated - Elektra by Jennifer Saint.

3.75 rounded up.

The standout positive, for me, about the audiobook of 'The Company' is the character Lucy Braithwhite's strong voice, and it took no time at all for me to surrender to the slipstream of her first-person perspective and vivid experience.

J. M. Varese can be abrupt and direct, but this is quite pleasing in the relation of dialogue. Varese uses 'he said', 'she said' for reported speech, and, usually, this would bore me. However, this kind of cut-off, brief description that distinguishes Varese's writing style, allies with Lucy's clarity of recollection when relating past events.

I enjoyed some of the early vignettes where Lucy is the unseen onlooker, watching others' interactions with Mr Rivers. Lucy's voice offers such clipped, information-dense snippets that I positively tingled with intrigue at the start of the novel.

It seldom happens that the audiobook narrator so insightfully occupies the voice of the character that readers are treated to the rare illusion where it appears the character herself is speaking to you, intimately. This is what happens here, with the magnificent audio performance by Beth Eyre. I've added a star in the rating just for her fantastic narration.

'The Company' reminded me of Diane Setterfield's 'Bellman and Black'. Yet, there are significant differences between this male-authored novel, and the female-authored 'Bellman and Black'. Varese has chosen to put an enigmatic, unfathomable man at the centre of his novel, as did setterfield. Yet Varese, beyond this, has set all his female characters to flutter about him. Varese has made a decision to assume the viewpoint of Lucy, who emerges as the put-upon woman, as she is repeatedly tricked by the riddles of the author's mysterious (and I can only presume Varese intends him to be alluring?!) and intimidating male protagonist. Between 60-70% this got really tiresome. Lucy says of going head-to-head in her contest of wits with Mr Rivers:

Unlike Setterfield, who plainly loves and cherishes her central male, Varese situates his abstruse and discomposing male as the subject of a woman's (Lucy's) attention.

Lucy Braithwhite ends up (not really spoiling anything here...) wandering round the house, like a wraith, aimless and hopeless, and really a bit sickening.

This dynamic in the novel made me question the author's choices. Overall, I feel 'The Company' does not withstand interrogation. Moreover, the reveal was no reveal at all, but was guessable from the start. Not the best audiobook I've heard this year.

My thanks go to John Murray Press UK Audio

The prose is solid, the atmosphere was distinctly gothic, and it was enjoyable to read historical fiction with a competent female protagonist who’s focused on her family and their business concerns Other than that, I really didn’t get along with this book - the premise had so much potential that simply wasn’t realised for me.

I found the attempts to build tension overly belaboured in the beginning - the feeling of ‘something bad is coming’ was stressed so much, at every opportunity, that through the first chapter it was ~noticeable~ and by the end of the second chapter I was just frustrated with it. In contrast I found the ending somewhat anticlimactic, and it didn’t tie up several of the elements I was most interested it.

Other than Lucy and possibly Mr Rivers, the rest of the characters were quite flat and only seemed to be there for narrative purposes, playing particular roles throughout rather than having proper character development arcs.

Possibly my biggest disappointment with the book was how little it actually addressed or resolved the arsenic allegations. While I enjoyed the use of a very personal lens to show the consequences of the poisoned wallpaper - having the Braithwhite family be directly affected - the actual controversy floated in the background without being properly dealt with. And that was a letdown, considering it was this line in the marketing that made me pick up the book: “Set against the backdrop of the real-life arsenic wallpaper controversy of the late 19th century.” But ~backdrop~ needs to be heavily emphasised, since the book is hardly at all about the controversy at all - in fact, ironically, it’s basically the wallpaper in front of which the rest of the story is told.

In general I wish this book just had… more. The premise deserved richer characterisation, meatier plot, a stronger resolution. (This isn’t even a comment on the length, although it’s quite a short novel, because the space it did have felt underutilised.)

I received a free audiobook from NetGalley in return for an honest review. The narrator, Beth Eyre, did a great job.

A wonderfully gothic historical novel set in London 1870. Lucy is heir to a fortune from Braithwhite and company-a seller of fine wallpaper. Since the death of her father Mr Luckhurst has ran the company, when he passes the future of the company is in peril.
A mysterious stranger comes along to claim he has been in training with Mr Luckhurst to run the company when he is no longer around, who is this charming man and what is the truth of his involvement?
Based around facts that there was arsenic in the dyes that was used to make wallpaper and this could cause poisoning and death
This is a dark and hypnotic read just like the wallpaper they sell, full of gothic mystery and intrigue. I was so engrossed in the story and mystery, the prose was gorgeous and the characters well fleshed out
I’m a lover of this genre and thought this was wonderful while the audiobook narration was done extremely well