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The Doll Factory

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The Doll Factory

By: Elizabeth Macneal
Narrated by: Tuppence Middleton
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About this listen

This audiobook is read by Tuppence Middleton and includes an exclusive interview with Elizabeth Macneal.

Now a major TV series with Paramount+
Sunday Times Bestseller BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime

The intoxicating story of one woman's dreams of freedom in Victorian England and the man whose obsession threatens to destroy them forever . . .

'A sharp, scary tale of love, art and obsession' – Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train

London. 1850. On a crowded street, the dollmaker Iris Whittle meets the artist Louis Frost. Louis is a painter who yearns to have his work displayed in the Royal Academy, and he is desperate for Iris to be his model. Iris agrees, on the condition that he teaches her to paint.

Dreaming of freedom, Iris throws herself into a new life of art and love, unaware that she has caught the eye of a second man. Silas Reed is a curiosity collector, enchanted by the strange and beautiful. After seeing Iris at the site of the Great Exhibition he finds he cannot forget her.

As Iris's world expands, Silas's obsession grows. And it is only a matter of time before they meet again . . .

'A dark delight and fans of The Miniaturist and The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock will love it' - Red

Sunday Times Best Paperback of 2020 Pick – soon to be made into a major TV series!

©2019 Elizabeth Macneal (P)2019 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd
Gothic Historical Romance Victorian Scary Fiction Suspense Exciting Heartfelt
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What listeners say about The Doll Factory

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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

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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating!

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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time traveller

loved this book, really great story and I felt as though I was back in time following Iris through the streets of London.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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