This was a borrowed library book from flatmate Kat, a hardback, which is always a treat. The novel tells the story of a crippled girl named Jane; finding herself alone in Victorian London, she finds herself lodging at a boarding house, earning her keep by assisting the landlady's husband, Dr. Swift. It soon becomes clear that the doctor deals in shady business, helping dancers and actresses remove 'obstructions'.
The theme is a winner, I love anything antiquated, and have a particular obsession with Victorian London. I have read many such 'secondary sourced' books and will probably try to write one someday. For me this book did not quite manage to conjure up the city quite so vividly as others I've read, whilst Michael Faber managed to transport the reader directly in to the centre of the smells, sounds and sights of the 1800s, this one proved to have more of an 'TV adaptation' effect, whereby I really felt the fictional sense of location and time.
The subject matter however, is truly interesting. It deals with life and death, permissions and women's rights, which are still very relevant today in a world where there are daily pro-life battles in London and across the world. The medical procedures described are horrific and grotesque, well-researched and fascinating.
I enjoyed the book, and read it very quickly (another with MASSIVE text though), however I never particularly warmed to the character of Jane. She is a cripple, and much is made of this, yet Jenkins does not adequately describe her physique and explain just what exactly her deformity is. Jane has a rather bland narrative voice, and though we are treated to episodes from her past, we never discover her real opinion on the work she carries out with the doctor. She is a young woman, and yet doesn't flinch at the job expected of her, let alone question it, she seems quite happy following instruction. Her nonchalance is maybe realistic of a child in her position (she is after all dependent on the Dr for money) yet is very disappointing, as her expressing view on the situation would have given the book a new dimension.
The ending is frustrating, and I cannot go in to any more detail without revealing the plot. I think that the unfinished style final chapter only works if you have a strong protagonist who can linger after the last page has been turned. For me, Jane was not.
Never the less, I am fussy, and I realise that. Little Bones by Janette Jenkins is an interesting, quick read that you will enjoy picking up until it is finished. Perfect as a bedtime or sun lounger book.
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