The Doll Factory

By: Elizabeth Macneal

Narrated by: Tuppence Middleton

The #1 international bestseller and The New York Times Editor’s Choice

“As lush as the novels of Kate Morton and Diane Setterfield, as exciting as The Alienist and Iain Pears’ An Instance of the Fingerpost, this exquisite literary thriller will intrigue book clubs and rivet fans of historical fiction.” —A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

“A lush, evocative Gothic.” —The New York Times Book Review

“This terrifically exciting novel will jolt, thrill, and bewitch readers.” —Booklist, starred review

Obsession is an art.

In this “sharp, scary, gorgeously evocative tale of love, art, and obsession” (Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train), a beautiful young woman aspires to be an artist, while a man’s dark obsession may destroy her world forever.

Obsession is an art.

In 1850s London, the Great Exhibition is being erected in Hyde Park and, among the crowd watching the dazzling spectacle, two people meet by happenstance. For Iris, an arrestingly attractive aspiring artist, it is a brief and forgettable moment. But for Silas, a curiosity collector enchanted by all things strange and beautiful, the meeting marks a new beginning.

When Iris is asked to model for Pre-Raphaelite artist Louis Frost, she agrees on the condition that he will also teach her to paint. Suddenly, her world begins to expand beyond her wildest dreams—but she has no idea that evil is waiting in the shadows. Silas has only thought of one thing since that chance meeting, and his obsession is darkening by the day.

“A lush, evocative Gothic” (The New York Times Book Review) that is “a perfect blend of froth and substance” (The Washington Post), The Doll Factory will haunt you long after you finish it and is perfect for fans of The Alienist, Drood, and Fingersmith.

A story of perseverance and love

The author brings each character to life with such detail, taking you through the quest for personal freedom, love, suspense and evil obsession all without getting too wordy. The story revolves around one main character but is told through several, which pulled me in emotionally helping me to have a deeper understanding of each. And because this is set in a time when society was divided into two distinct groups, the haves and the have nots, it makes the personal plight of the main character seem almost impossible at times. The author brings the evil obsession of one to life that you actually understand the thought process and you become almost sympathetic towards him. At the end you are anticipating a knight in shining armor to save the day but surprise, it is not to be. A story of perseverance and love.

Slow to Develop but Worth the Wait

I read a very positive review of this book, and was not disappointed. Will recommend to my bookclub.

Wonderfully developed

It just builds and builds. So fantastic to listen to. I found myself cheering on some and berating others as I listened.

A slow start- keep with it

The beginning of the book goes very slowly. I almost quit. I’m glad I stuck with it. The plot is not original, and at times it’s very scattered and can’t decide what story it is telling. Halfway through it gets its legs and tells the story. I enjoyed the ending. I liked the main character.

Female empowerment

It is a creepy book filled with villains and love. Sisters sticking together and female empowerment.