BEAUTIFUL LIES, by Clare Clark

London, 1887, a time of social and political ferment, of the dawning of worker's rights and an end to the endless cruel brutality that marked the lives of the not wealthy. For beautiful, independent Maribell Campbell Lowe, whose husband is one of the few socialists in Parliament, surface life is placid, privileged. Possibly perfect. But under the facade there exists an unbelievable past. When her husband Edward's career is endangered and  ruthless, self-promoting newspaper publisher Alfred Webster (shades of Rupert Murdoch!) taken an unhealthy interest in Maribell, she fears her lies will be exposed and their lives destroyed. Beautifully researched, with main characters based on real historical figures, this novel has all the flavor and ferment of its time. A great read: 4+.

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