Enjoyable Victorian historical fiction with a religious cult and a needy widow to kick things off. Sisters Ruby and Irene find themselves embroiled in the community run by the charismatic Peters but headstrong Ruby is not convinced. It’s a light read with some gruesome bits and I thought the policeman investigating a foundling baby gave the story more dimensions, my favourite character.

In Madeleine Reiss's »The Taking of Irene Hart«, a riveting story unfolds against the backdrop of a secretive religious community in 1859 Somerset, England. At the heart of this historical novel lies a mother's fateful decision and its repercussions on her daughters, Ruby and Irene. The contrasting perspectives of these sisters offer a compelling exploration of faith, freedom, and the bonds of family.

As the plot progresses, we find ourselves immersed in the contrasting worlds of Ruby and Irene. The tenacious Ruby serves as a protective force, while the delicate Irene grapples with health issues that lead others to believe she possesses a mystical gift. With their mother falling deeper into the community's doctrines, Ruby senses something amiss, and her suspicions mount when a shocking revelation threatens their very souls.

Reiss skillfully crafts a world steeped in tension and mystery, transporting readers into an environment that feels both haunting and claustrophobic. Her evocative prose paints vivid images of the characters' psychological turmoil as they navigate the dark undercurrents of the community. The writing strikes a delicate balance between poetic beauty and urgent pacing, ensuring readers remain engrossed until the final page.

Through this gripping narrative, Reiss raises crucial questions about the potential dangers of blind faith and the struggle for personal autonomy in oppressive environments. Each character's journey is marked by emotional depth, particularly Hester's transformation from devout follower to disillusioned skeptic. As Ruby fights to protect her sister, their plight serves as a testament to the power of familial love amidst chaos.

While some elements of the story may appear predictable, Reiss's meticulous attention to detail and rich character development elevate the novel beyond its conventional trappings. The emotional resonance of the characters' struggles remains long after the book is closed, marking »The Taking of Irene Hart« as a thought-provoking and powerful read.

Reiss deftly blends historical precision with captivating storytelling, offering a work that not only engages readers but also invites introspection on themes that continue to be relevant today.

»The Taking of Irene Hart« stands as a testament to Reiss's ability to craft narratives that entertain and provoke in equal measure, solidifying her reputation as a talented and insightful storyteller.

3.5/5

The Taking of Irene Hart by new to me author M. Reiss, published by Harper Collins UK / One More Chapter, is a -n historical fiction novel, that gives all the feels, had me intriguied from start till the last page. Drama laden and action packed, twisty till the end.
Blurb: 1859. Somerset, England.
When widow Hester Hart decides to sign over all her family’s worldly goods – and their freedom – to a secretive religious community, her daughters, headstrong Ruby and fragile Irene, have little say in the matter.
Led by the charismatic Reverend Peters, the women enter a world with its own set of rules and where Irene, plagued with seizures and ill health, is believed to have second sight. But as Hester and Irene are drawn into the community’s twisted philosophy, Ruby detects a darker truth stalking its shadowy corners.
When a shocking discovery throws the community open to scrutiny, the stakes are raised and Ruby realises that it is not only their souls that must be saved…