My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Group Dutton for an advanced copy of this new historical novel about two women separated by time and circumstances, both finding courage they never knew existed, to help the lives of others.

Voltaire once said, "History is only the register of crimes and misfortune. Ask any woman about history and most will probably answer "Same garbage, different year". As a man who reads a lot of history it never ceases to amaze me that woman seem to be omitted, ignored, forgotten (by men of the time, and later chroniclers) or worse punished for what most men seem to get away with and no mark on their reputation. Women today are fighting the rights their mothers and grandmothers fought for, and at times won, just to see them taken away once again. The same ignorance, the same arguments are used time and time again. Though time separates our two main characters they fight for the same basic rights. Dignity. I right to be listened to. A right to be. The Incorrigibles by Meredith Jaeger is a story of two women from different eras and different circumstances, united by a photo and a want to help others, and themselves.
Annie Gilmurray is a young maid in San Francisco during the year of 1890, and is a young woman very naive about the ways of the world. As a maid Annie has been told by others don't trust the men who are around her, they can only cause trouble, even the good looking nephew of her employer. Annie is given a ring to seduce her into believing she means more to this cad than she does, and is arrested for stealing from her employer. Annie is sentenced to one year in San Quentin, the notorious prison which had at the time a woman's ward. Annie is shocked by the world she has found herself in, but gradually her fear gives in to helping some of the other inmates. Almost 100 years later aspiring photographer Jody Morelli is at a loss with the disintegration of her marriage. Jody finds a prison picture of Annie, and feels that she wants to know more about the person behind the photo. A search of knowledge that brings far more into her life than she expected.

A very interesting story dealing with points in history that really aren't discussed much. The link between the characters makes sense, which helps with the development of both. Annie is probably the more interesting character, as her life is really going from highs to lows. Jody is more relatable, even though she is 50 years in our past. Jaeger is very good at capturing both times, which had to be difficult dealing with two different eras, and both not of this time. The writing is good, and as there might be a few convenient events happening, I really liked how everything flowed and came together. In addition I learned quite abit, about life and events in both eras. I had no idea that San Quentin once had a women inmates, up until 1932. Nor did I know much about the events in San Francisco in 1972 that has probably led to the houseing crisis today. I love learning new things in books, and when there is a good story to go with it, I am a happy reader. As many others will be.

I was a little concerned when I noticed the "just average" reviews on NetGalley, but I'm happy I read it anyway. I've never read historical fiction quite like this. This focused on two women nearly a century apart: one a prisoner, one a photographer. A mugshot piqued the interest of an aspiring photographer who was attempting to piece her life back together, and through this interest, she learned a lot about the treatment of women prisoners during that time. Female camaraderie and likenesses are formed and discovered.

An interesting story about women prisioners in San Quentinin the 1800's.. I found that part of the story fascinating; however,the story line involving the photographer in the later time did not keep my interest. How women prisoners were treated then was horrible and the amount of time served as compared to men who had committed far worse crimes was even worse. A quick read that will satisfy some readers.

This is pretty average historical fiction. I found a lot of repetition in the musings, especially if the present day character, Judy. Annie's story was far more interesting but even that felt a bit contrived. I did appreciate learning more about life as a female prisoner in San Quentin. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.