Velvet

October 15, 2012
Mediums are all the rage in London at the dawn of the 20th century—even Arthur Conan Doyle attends séances. When the mysterious Madame Savoya plucks teenage Velvet Groves from her grueling job at a laundry, Velvet is thrilled. The work is easier, Madame is as kind as she is beautiful, and there seems to be a spark between Velvet and Madame’s handsome assistant, George. Velvet’s only concern is that the spirit of her cruel father—who, Velvet fears, may have a few things to reveal about the night he died—might visit her new employer. Given the author’s background in historical fiction, it’s no surprise that Hooper (Fallen Grace) has a strong handle on the details of the period; the novel’s structure, though, is more problematic. Since Hooper gives readers access to Madame’s private sessions in interludes scattered throughout the novel, they will realize that all is not as it seems long before Velvet does. Velvet’s adventures remain absorbing, but older readers in particular will likely anticipate most of the plot developments. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jodie Marsh, United Agents.

January 1, 2013

Gr 7 Up-A Victorian novel with a hint of romance. Sixteen-year-old Velvet Groves is struggling to make it on her own and trying to get away from her past. When she faints during her job as a laundress at London's Ruffold's Steam Laundry, she pleads for another chance and is assigned to attend to the clothing of Madame Natasha Savoya, a well-respected medium. Once she is in the mysterious woman's home, she finds herself attracted to Madame's handsome assistant and her glamorous lifestyle. Readers learn about the roles mediums played during the height of spiritualism, and Velvet slowly realizes that her elegance-loving employer preys on bereaved people, tricking them out of their fortunes. However, out of fear that Madame will bring up Velvet's past and she'll lose her new life, the teen cooperates. Eventually, her conscience catches up with her and she decides to expose the two-faced woman. With some very good twists and turns, the novel does an excellent job of depicting the era, characterizing the hardship women faced and breaking down the many tricks mediums used. An author's note is appended.-Jesse L. Ray, Seattle Public Library, WA

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