Book details
The Gilded Cage
Description
After growing up on a farm in Virginia, Walthingham Hall in England seems like another world to sixteen-year-old Katherine Randolph. Her new life, filled with the splendor of upper class England in the 1820s, is shattered when she discovers the corpse of her brother George in a lake on the estate-the tragic accidental drowning of a young man, the coroner reports, despite the wound to George's head. Katherine is expected to observe the mourning customs and get on with her life, but she can't accept that her brother's death was an accident. A bitter poacher prowls the estate, and strange visitors threaten the occupants of the house. There's a rumor, too, that a wild animal stalks the woods of Walthingham. Can Katherine retain her sanity long enough to find out the truth? Or will her brother's killer claim her life, too?
Age
12-18
Text complexity
proficient
Length
256 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Mystery: 'The Gilded Cage' offers readers a suspenseful and engaging mystery that keeps them guessing until the very end. The plot is filled with twists and turns that make it a page-turner.
- Historical Setting: The book is set in the 19th century, providing a rich historical backdrop that adds depth to the story. Readers interested in this period will enjoy the detailed descriptions of the customs, clothing, and social dynamics of the time.
- Character Development: Lucinda Gray crafts complex characters with intricate relationships and personal growth throughout the story. Readers will find themselves invested in the protagonists' journeys and the challenges they face.
- Themes of Social Class: 'The Gilded Cage' explores themes of social class and the disparity between the wealthy and the poor during the Victorian era. It offers a commentary on the social issues of the time, which can prompt reflection on similar issues in the present day.