Stacey Halls has such a knack for telling compelling stories. I haven’t read all of her books, but the ones I have, I’ve enjoyed immensely. In this one I enjoyed the theme of the class divide and the depths it went to in order to show a realistic view of how much impact stalking and harrasment can have on someone.

The stalking of Angela Burdett-Coutts was especially scary to read. It was so reminiscent of the accounts of modern day stalkings that I’ve heard, only with letter writing instead of the internet. It was interesting to see this reflection of our times in a story set in Victorian England. And of course the police were just as useless at tackling it back then as they are now.

The class divide that I mentioned also interested me. The way it impacted on every conversation that Angela had with the girls at Urania cottage. It’s something that is so synonymous with this time period, so it was really interesting to see it play out.

This was a well rounded, enjoyable read and definitely worth a go if you like historical fiction.

I really enjoyed The Households, it’s emotional as well as mysterious. I kept trying to work out how it would all tie together and I didn’t fully until it was all revealed! Angela, Martha, Josephine, Mrs , Frank and Dr and Mrs Brown were wonderful characters and I was invested in their stories. A great story that deals with obsession, second chances, found family and love.

I was sent an advance proof copy of The Household by Stacey Halls to read and review by NetGalley. I loved this book! It has some fantastic characters that you really get to know well, with the added bonus of a glimpse of Charles Dickens in the mix. This is not necessarily a totally original idea for a novel, with the premise of a halfway house/home for fallen women in London in the 1840s, but there are several interesting threads running through the story with plenty of twists and turns. If you love an engrossing historical novel that captivates you from the first page you certainly won’t be disappointed.

This is the first Stacey Halls book I've read, and I'm going to be going back for more - this was brilliant!

Based on real events in the mid 19th century, this is the story of a group of women, selected individually as they leave prison to give them a new start in life - a new start funded by a millionairess, in a house she furnishes and with a programme of work and education which she influences.

There are so many great characters in this - Angela Burdett-Coutts the millionairess has her own story, she's been stalked for a number of years, and her stalker has just been released from prison himself. All goes quiet, but her fear that he's still there is of course going to be realised, but where and how...

The women who inhabit the house have a mix of backgrounds and issues, but you'll care for them all.

This is a story full of thrills, mystery, and intrigue. Highly recommended.

As the author explains in her Historical Note, The Household has its basis in historical fact. Charles Dickens, and his friend Angela Burdett-Coutts, really did establish a home for ‘fallen’ women. Described by the author as ‘a halfway house between a refuge and a social experiment’, the intention was that the women – “rescued” from jails, hospitals and workhouses – would be educated, trained for domestic service and then sent to start a new life overseas.

In the book, Dickens stays pretty much in the shadows making only infrequent visits to Urania Cottage in order to record the women’s life stories. One can imagine these forming the basis for some of the female characters in his novels: prostitutes, thieves, women betrayed or reduced to penury. However, he becomes the unwitting accomplice to a deception later in the book.

To outward appearances Angela Burdett-Coutts has everything. She’s extremely wealthy, lives in a magnificent house, possesses a wardrobe of beautiful gowns, and has a glittering circle of acquaintances. Her life experiences are far removed from those of the women of Urania Cottage. Although well-intentioned, her desire to have them learn to play musical instruments or master foreign languages shows just how out of touch she is. But in a way she’s trapped too, by an obsessive stalker who has made her life a misery and means she must be protected not just when she leaves her house but at home too. Interestingly, she has something like an obsession of her own, with a man she counts as a friend but would like to be something more.

Life at Urania Cottage follows a strict and ordered regime but is humane compared with what the women have experienced before: comforts such as clean linen, plentiful and nourishing food, hot water to wash in. The house is presided over by the extremely efficient Mrs Holdsworth who, although at first sight appearing rather stern, has the women’s best interests at heart. She proves this through the course of the book, especially when tragedy strikes as she knows what it’s like to suffer loss.

Although we meet a number of the occupants of Urania Cottage, the book focuses mainly on two of the women: Martha and Josephine. The circumstances that have brought them to Urania Cottage are different but they have both found themselves on the margins of society. Martha is desperately searching for her sister Emily who has unaccountably disappeared from her situation as a maid in a wealthy household. Josephine has also been parted from someone she cared for, someone she believed cared for her. Although very different in character, they form a bond and, during the course of the book, both experience moments of desperation that see them make unwise choices.

The men in the book are not particularly pleasant characters, with the honourable exception of Frank, Mrs Holdsworth’s son, who plays a pivotal role towards the end of the book. But there are unattractive female characters too: brothel keepers, procuresses and stern prison warders.

The author cleverly brings together the different threads of the story at the end of the book giving us a glimpse of a more hopeful future for some of the women even if that means them leaving everything – and everyone – they have known behind.

The Household with its rich cast of characters, skilfully crafted storyline and authentic period detail is a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable historical novel.

I read this novel in a promotion by NetGalley UK. I have already read two of Stacey Hall's novels, The Familiars and The Foundling and enjoyed both very much though they were audiobooks and i regretted not getting print versions with them. Her prose is so lovely to read; it has ease and flow and she doesn't trouble readers with too much information stuffing. The plot runs through this novel without any jarring and this makes her books easy to read. Her characters come to life easily; she is descriptive enough for us to put flesh on their bones without being over indulgent.I loved so many characters in this book and enjoyed the same in other two novels. There were a few good subplots but my favourite two stories were those of Josephine and Martha. All the girls at Angela, the wealthy benefactor (and deeply harrassed and troubled soul) (and Charles Dickens') rehabilitation and renewal cottage in Shepherds Bush are ex-jailbirds and this makes them interesting from the start. Will they make improvements? Will they end up going to the colonies to make a new life? Will they end up back inside or worse still, outside, just reliving their old lives. Will Angela find true peace and love? Will Charles Dickens use any of these girls as archetypes for his books? loved this novel and look forward to Stacey's next one - she writes historical fiction with great stories and I love both.

📖 Review
The Household by Stacey Halls

I have read and enjoyed Stacey Halls' previous three novels, so I was really looking forward to starting this.

This story is set in London in 1847. A rich benefactor, Angela Burdett Coutts decides to set up a home to help fallen girls, along with her friend Charles Dickens. Urania Cottage is a second chance at life for prostitutes, petty thieves, and destitute. These women must not leave the house and are not permitted to talk about their pasts. The hope is that after some training, they can go abroad to begin new lives.
Angela has her own past to deal with, however, as her stalker of over 10 years has just been released from prison.

I loved reading about the different women within the walls of Urania Cottage. The characters were brilliantly written and easy to identify with.
The novel is so well researched, and Victorian England is vividly brought to life. I found the links to Dickens and his interest in supporting 'fallen women' fascinating. I hadn't realised until I'd finished that Angela Burdett Coutts and Urania Cottage actually existed, which makes the story even more interesting. I love books that blend fictional and real characters and places.

I enjoyed the final part of the book the most when the plot ramps up and the mystery starts to unravel regarding Angela's stalker, Richard Dunn. The novel really portrays the desperation and struggle young girls faced when trying to build a life for themselves in London and the limited choices available to them.

Overall, I found this book a bit slower paced than Stacey Halls previous novels, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Mrs England is still my favourite book out of the four, but I would highly recommend them all!

As a reader who predominantly reads fantasy, Stacey Halls never fails to impress me with her work. I generally do not read historical fiction but when I read her books I am always captivated to the very last page.

The book mostly takes place in Urania Cottage, a house founded for the ‘fallen’ women of society, by Charles Dickens and funded by Angela Burdett-Coutts. The chapters flash back and forth between some of the girls who joined the cottage, their previous lives as well as their daily struggles. Additionally, we also get a glimpse into the life of Angela and the matron of the cottage.

Stacey Halls has such a raw and compelling manner of storytelling that I could not choose a favourite character - I loved them all. It was heartwarming to read about how the girls went from such difficult circumstances to a life with hope and new opportunities.

I was not aware of Dickens’ involvement nor Angela Coutts before reading this book, but it has definitely sent me down a rabbit hole after finishing the story. It is quite interesting and I cannot wait to see what Stacey Halls has in store for us next!

Thank you to the publisher for a review copy! I appreciate it!

Another absolute belter from Stacey Halls! Idon’t think she could write a bad book if she tried! Gripping and a book I just couldn’t wait to get back to! I’m going to buy a copy when it’s published. Going to recommend to some of my high school student!

I loved this book! It has the upstairs downstairs side of Victorian England. The story follows Angela who has more money than she could ever spend but who is lonely. She decides to create a house for fallen women who will learn how to keep house and also the education they missed out on. The story then follows these fallen women and what becomes of them.
The story was the perfect length, the characters were well thought out and the plot was very believable.
I will be recommending this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, found family books and general fiction as it fits into all those categories.

Loved this one!

I've read all of Stacey halls books and have loved them all.

There is something so atmospheric in her books that I can't put my finger on. I think this is the only historical fiction books that I really read.

I loved the characters and the story line. Then to read at the end that some of it is actually based on fact. So I was learning as I was reading.
Stacey's books are always a must read each one broaches topics that were very real in that time period. It's fascinating.

I’m not sure where the author was going with this book. Obviously she’s done a great deal of research into the subject but then there needed to be a decision on which people and stories to leave out bit there wasn’t. So far too many characters and plot lines. It seemed to end up as a book I was never in a rush to pick up again.

The household is a home for ‘fallen women’, a project set up by Charles Dickens and other philanthropists, one aim being to prepare them to start a new life in Australia. The novel follows the experiences of a varied group of young women, some of whom go their own way regardless of being selected to be part of the project. One of the active philanthropists is Angela Burdett Coutts, who has her own stalking traumas to deal with. This is the first Stacey Halls book I have read and I enjoyed it, will read more of hers. Straightforward to read. I normally keep clear of historical novels based on true events and this is broadly based around sure. However, I knew nothing about these and found interesting. I enjoyed the descriptions of life in parts of Victorian London and the risks even wealthy, and seemingly protected, women could experience, Although having some support from the law, this did still not stop things happening to Angela Burdett Coutts.

Stacey Halls is mistress of historical fiction and The Household is one of her best offerings to date. Based on historical fact The Household gives an account of Urania House, a safe place set up to house destitute and "fallen women" , a project set up by author Charles Dickens and millionairess and philanthropist Angela Burdett Coutts. It is set in a secret location and gives voice to some of the incredible women who resided therein. Angela herself is an astounding character having been stalked mercilessly by Richard Dunn leaving her traumatised. He spent many years in and out of jail for his exploits. These women are not given voices as weak victims, but as true survivors and mighty women. The Household is a powerful read. #thehousehold #staceyhalls #netgalley #bonnierbooks

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this eCopy to review

The Household is a historical novel focussing on a group of girls who are being given a second chance through educating them at Urania Cottage and giving them a family that has been missing from their life, before sending them to the New World (Australia) to live a new life there.

However, one of the benefactors Angela Burdett-Coutts is being stalked by Ricard Dunn for over 10 years, he manipulates all of them to reach the Angela.

It was a little slow in places, but I really liked the characters and how the plot developed especially at the end. Another great historical novel from Stacey Halls

The Familiars by Stacey Halls was one of my favourite books that I read a few years back and I have bought every one of her books since. Unfortunately they are still on my TBR pile and I've yet to read them. However, I decided to head to The Household straight away.

I don't know if it was a timing issue but we were not bedfellows. I gave up after 40% because I just wasn't invested in the characters.

I don't think this is a bad book I just think it has been a case of right book wrong time. I think I will come back to this book in a few years and love it but at the moment I had to put it down.

The Household by Stacey Halls is available now.

For more information regarding Stacey Halls (@stacey_halls) please visit her Twitter page.

For more information regarding Bonnier Books (@bonnierbooks_uk) please visit www.bonnierbooks.co.uk.

I have read everything by Stacey Halls and loved all of her books. The Household is no exception.

This time we follow a cast of characters as they try to swim against the tide and better their lives in Victorian London. Uranian Cottage is based on an actual endeavour (so says the front matter) made my the social elite of the time to help "fallen women" change their path. The stories are often heart-breaking as it shows how much the deck is stacked against anyone without money or social connections.

The characters that stood out to me were Josephine and Martha - one was in the cottage straight from jail for stealing, the other from a Magdalene laundry, The other girls have similar tragic backstories and the book really shows the prevalence of sexual violence at the time, and how hypocritic society is towards victims. (There could be an analogy made about how sexual assault victims are treated today.)

This book isn't as much of an easy read as other Stacey Halls books, but it did come good in the end and I enjoyed zooming out a bit and getting to see so many viewpoints.

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books for an advance copy of the book.

3,5 out of 5.

I have read Stacey Halls' novels over the years, enjoying her writing style and themes. When I read "The foundling", I felt deflated by a rushed end after all the lovely building up. I would say that "The Household" is successfull where the previous fell short.

Althought I would have loved to hear more from Martha towards the end, I enjoyed the different stories from all the people involved in Urania Cottage and their development. I also feel there is a great opportunity here for a sequel, which I will definitely be eager to read!

Overall, a nice and easy read, perfect for period drama lovers looking for something light to inmerse themselves into.

I really enjoyed this book. An entertaining insight into Victorian attitudes to 'fallen women', many of whom were only guilty of poverty and trying to survive.

Praise for Stacey Halls, I love her writing and this book was truly spectacular! If you love a gothic historical thriller vibe of a book, this is one to add to your reading pile!