Julie Cohen – Spirited

‘Spirited’ by Julie Cohen is a historical fiction novel beginning in the 1800s moving between England and India.

Viola and Jonah are childhood friends who have just embarked on married life together, after the death of Viola’s father who Jonah was also close to, due to the fact he had lost both parents. They are both lost in their grief together. Viola’s father was a keen photographer and Viola is the same, no doubt due to her father. Viola comes into contact with Henriette Blackthorn, a celebrated medium. This is due to the fact that Viola has become widely known for her ability to capture spirit images on camera. What Viola doesn’ t know yet, is that this meeting will begin to change her life forever.

Spirited is a very well researched novel of prejudice of class and gender. Also of Love and sexuality, and of how acceptance and understanding is always needed.
The research into early photography and spirit photography is excellent and this alone had me immersed as spiritualism in that time was not like it is now, accepted. Not a fast-paced book, but more of a slow burn. I enjoyed the storytelling and was very drawn in by the characters, Jonah, Viola and Henriette, each playing a major role in affecting each other’s lives. Thank you to Random Things Tours, Orion Books and Netgalley for the copy of Spirited to take part in the blog tour today.