Her first novel.

For a first novel it is excellent. For me I found her writing exquisitely descriptive, not just the characters in the story but the way in which she brings London alive at a not so pleasant period in it's history especially for the poor. Although it paints a picture of a time and place I would love to view first hand, it is not one where I would want to have lived. To say I enjoyed this book does not go far enough but I seriously recommend you to listen to this one if you, like myself are captivated by tales of the 1800s.
At the end She mentioned that she has not finished with this period and gives a brief insite to her 2nd book and I can't wait to hear it. 5stars for The Doll Factory. May there be many more from Miss Macneal.

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7 people found this helpful

Incredibly Vivid

I really enjoyed this book, the way both the author and the narrator describe iris’s process of painting was particularly inspiring, I felt like I too was learning from a master painter

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3 people found this helpful

Evocative, imaginative and great story-telling

Wonderfully evocative of the Victoria era, this is an engaging historical thriller. Iris' mentor and lover being a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a bonus as I love the Pre-Raphaelites and am very familiar with their paintings.

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1 person found this helpful

Gripping historical faction

Terrific description of Victorian London and some of the characters who lived there.
Gripping story of a young woman with artistic talent who sought recognition.
Well narrated and an interview with the author included.

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The doll factory

I real enjoyed this trip back in time to the horrors of Victorian London. I found the ending very slightly disappointing but overall it was a very good listen.

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1 person found this helpful

Captivating!

I found this audio book to be utterly captivating and empowering! I loved every minute of it!

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Enthralling story with many twists and turns.

I was modeling for an art class whilst listening to this book about art , Painting and modeling.

It felt like a real insight into life at that time. Was a really interesting read. I could not wait to read more.

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Interesting concept but oddly executed

I struggled to get into this book. Nothing of apparent interest seemed to happen in parts 1 and 2. However, the over-describing of apparently dull things certainly came to light in part 3 and I could appreciate the writing in retrospect. I will certainly be looking further into the PRB but sadly, for the most part, I found myself indifferent to the fates of all characters (except maybe Albie). I love the idea that Iris is an unremarkable character made remarkable by the male gaze. I don't believe it will be a book I choose to reread but it has provoked a few thoughts that I will be pondering for a while and isn't that what reading is about? Ultimately, I haven't decided if I liked this book. It's annoyed me! And perhaps that is a good thing.

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Excellent listen!

So richly told, this is an excellent story that takes you right back to Victorian London. Highly recommended.

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7 people found this helpful

What a stunner!

For me, this was a first novel that lived up to the hype of the myriad of glowing reviews from publishers and bloggers. It was a really satisfying listen and I particularly enjoyed all of its layers which contained a wealth of period detail and social history.

Set in the year of the Great Exhibition, the story centres on Iris who works, together with her twin sister Rose, as a face painter in a Victorian doll factory. Iris chafes against the constrictions of her life and longs to escape and be a painter. But Rose, who was once beautiful before being disfigured by smallpox, is set against her sister’s plans and wants to bind Iris to her family and the dull, limited but safe life they have in the factory.

Chance meetings between Iris and two different men set off a chain of events that will alter Iris’ life forever. Louis, an artist and a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, tempts Iris to become his model and to learn how to paint within his studio. Silas, a maker of curiosities and nick-named The Cadaver, dreams of Iris becoming his friend and of her loving him.
Both men call Iris their queen and grow increasingly to desire her. But as one of them falls in love, the other becomes more and more obsessed. It becomes clear that Iris may well have escaped a life of boredom and drudgery to find herself in a bohemian world fraught with hidden dangers.
The novel covers many different aspects of Victorian life and provides interesting insights into the art world, the lives of women, attitudes to marriage and the world of collecting. Iris is a fantastic character, a woman who knew her own mind and set about achieving her ambition to be a painter.
Tuppence Middleton did a great job with the narration.

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3 people found this helpful