Book review by Corey
Fayne
Fayne follows Charlotte Bell, a bright and curious young woman growing up on an isolated estate along the border between England and Scotland in the late nineteenth century. Her father has kept her sheltered because of a mysterious medical condition, but Charlotte wants more from life, especially the chance to study, learn, and understand the world beyond the estate.
The story slowly opens into something much bigger involving family secrets, identity, gender, science, class, and the truth about Charlotte’s past. Charlotte is easily the strongest part of the book, and the gothic setting gives everything a quiet sense of mystery. It is a long novel and takes its time, but the character work and atmosphere make the slower pace feel worthwhile.
The Goods
- Charlotte is a fantastic main character
- Beautiful gothic atmosphere
- Strong themes around identity and gender
- Excellent character development
- The family mystery builds really well
The Bads
- Very long
- The pacing can be slow
- Some sections are quite dense
- A lot of family history to keep track of
- Not a quick or easy read
My Recommendation
This is a strong choice for readers who like historical fiction with gothic atmosphere, family secrets, and queer themes. Charlotte’s journey is what really carries the book, especially as she starts questioning what she has been told about herself and the world around her. If you enjoy slower, character-driven novels about identity, gender, class, and hidden family history, Fayne has a lot to offer, but you do need to be ready for a long and detailed read.