Being a medium isn't easy. For the Benton sisters in 1850s Geneva, New York, the hardest thing to deal with is the consequences they face from their abusive father for themselves or their siblings if they refuse to cooperate in the daily seances and table rapping. Clara and Isabelle Benton's story is told in Marschel Paul's mesmerizing new novel The Spirit Room (#329).
Spiritualism, hydrotherapy, physical and emotional abuse, prostitution, and rational dress all play a role in this book in a fascinating look at a time and place in the United States just prior to the Civil War. Although the tone of the book is mostly dark, both Clara and Isabelle are strong enough to survive and ultimately thrive, and the ending promises the hope of better days to come.
I guess the one place I felt cheated in this book was at the very end, though. Izzie has settled into a useful and productive life using her gifts at her husband's Water Cure Institute, youngest sister Euphora has been rescued and lives with her, Clara's twin Billy has found a new life as a sailor in the Pacific and Mr. Benton is finally gone for good. We know where their stories end at that point. But then Clara comes to visit Izzie bringing with her her friend Hannah. She has made the choice that worked for her, but now she is much changed and Izzie fears she may not be long for this world. What happened to Clara??? After spending all this time with her, I really wanted to know! And that's the mark of a good story, when the author can make you care about the characters. Definitely worth the time to read.
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