The Heiress

As a fussy baby, Anne De Bourgh was prescribed laudanum to quiet her and has been given the opium-heavy syrup ever since on account of her continuing ill health. While her mother is outraged when cousin, Darcy chooses not to marry Anne, as has been long planned, Anne can barely raise her head to acknowledge the fact. But little by little, she comes to see that what she has always been told is an affliction of nature might in fact be one of nurture - and one, therefore, that she can beat.
In a frenzy of desperation, she throws away her laudanum and seeks refuge at the London home of her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Suddenly wide awake to the world but utterly unprepared, Anne must forge a new identity among those who have never seen the real her - including herself.

Anne De Bourgh spends the first part of her life in an opium induced daze. The first half of the book chronicles this time. The author shows us Anne's pitiable existence and bizarre inner world. When she finds the strength to break free of her addiction (and her mother!) she faces a completely new world. The book follows Anne in her gradual exploration of new places, new people and a greater understanding of herself.

The conclusion of the book is a lyrical description of Anne's inner experience, of the last hours of her life. It was beautiful, life affirming and made me cry!


I would recommend this book to all JAFF readers.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.