Disappointed that this book has no ending and is purely about the characters living in England during the French Revolution.  On a positive note, what is written is very good and the book could be. used in education to get scholars to create their own end.

An engaging novel spanning a multitude of issues: murder, social change, political change, gender and the question of what do the majority of us leave behind when we leave this world. The story is told by Lizzie who was brought up to be a strong female character but marries John Diner Trebant  who wants to control her. Diner, as he prefers to be called overstretched himself financially to build his terrace of houses and becomes bankrupt. Lizzie throughout their marriage has had to balance her sense of duty to her family against his demands on her so has needed that inner strength. We know that Diner has already murdered his first wife and is a very troubled man.  The story of their life is set in the 1700s in a period of political turmoil and the backdrop is also the effects of the French Revolution. Lizzie survives her life with Diner but how will she go forward and overcome the effect he has had upon her. A story that leaves you thinking about the way forward for her.

The perils of the prologue...							3 stars

As the French Revolution is turning into terror over in Paris, Lizzie Fawkes is in Clifton in the south of England, where her husband is building an avenue of houses on the cliffs above the gorge. Lizzie is the daughter of Julia Fawkes, a woman who has devoted her life to writing pamphlets promoting the rights of man and the emancipation of women. Lizzie's husband, Diner, is of a more traditional cast, wanting and expecting Lizzie to find fulfilment in the role of housewife. He is older than Lizzie and was married before to a Frenchwoman, Lucie. Lizzie loves Diner and wants to make him happy, but she feels increasingly restricted by his demands that she doesn't go out unaccompanied; and he seems jealous of everyone else she loves, especially her mother whom she adores. As Diner becomes ever more demanding, Lizzie begins to feel herself trapped...

I so wanted to love this book, especially since it turned out to be Helen Dunmore's last. In a rather moving afterword, she explains that, although while she was writing it she didn't know she was ill with the cancer that would kill her, she realised afterwards that the illness must already have been spreading through her. So it is poignant, though apparently coincidental, that one of the themes she wanted to examine in the book is that of how “the individual vanishes from the historical record”, especially women, whose lives were so often unrecorded and forgotten.

Unfortunately, there are a few problems with the book that prevent it from reaching the highest standards. Firstly, the idea of discussing the Terror in France via those wannabes who cheered the revolutionaries on from the safety of England means that there is never any sense of emotional involvement in the events going on over in Paris. This is further exacerbated by Dunmore telling us about those events through letters and newspaper articles rather than taking us there. Of course, this is how people in England would have received the news, so in that sense it's an accurate portrayal. But it makes those passages feel more like a history lesson than part of a story.

The second, and for me the major, problem is that Dunmore begins the book with a short series of prologue-like chapters which basically reveal almost everything that is to follow. So we know from the beginning that the building boom will collapse when war begins and the houses Diner is building will be a victim of that. We know that Julia is soon to die and her writings will be lost and forgotten, leaving no trace of her in the historical record. And we know that a man will bury the corpse of a woman in the woods – and although we are not told which man and which woman, it becomes blindingly obvious almost as soon as the story gets underway. Suspense may not be an essential feature of all books, but I suggest there ought always to be at least some doubt about how things will play out. Of course, we don't know exactly how it will end, but the bits that are left obscured are rather minor in comparison to those that are revealed too soon.

There is no doubt about the quality of the writing, and the development of major and minor characters alike is excellent. I struggled with the idea that Lizzie would have given up a life of relative freedom to marry a man with such strict, traditional views on the role of women, but we all do stupid things for love when we're young, I suppose. Dunmore's portrayal of the stay-at-home revolutionaries rings true, as does her detailed description of life in Clifton at this moment in history. But I fear that detail itself gradually became my third issue with the book. Everything is described in far too much depth, from haggling over the purchase of a shawl to what to feed a baby whose mother can't suckle it. Each bit is vaguely interesting in its own right, thoroughly researched and certainly well described, but it all builds up until I finally felt I was drowning in minutiae, with the story sinking alongside me. I'm not sure at what point creating an authentic background becomes information overload but, wherever the line is, for me this book crossed it. And I suspect that's mainly because the prologue chapters had left me in little doubt of where the story was going so that I had no strong feeling of anticipation to drive me on.

So the book's strengths lie in the quality of the writing and the authenticity of the setting and characterisation, and for these reasons it is still well worth reading. But sadly, the problems I had with it prevent me from giving it my wholehearted recommendation, much though I'd like to.

NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Grove Atlantic.

The Birdcage Walk surprised me in a good way—I wasn’t completely sure how it would all play out, as the mystery is introduced in the present by a lonely man walking his new dog in an old cemetery. But then the story begins to unfold in the past, starting with the murder, then switching to the first person point of view of Lizzie and stays that way through the story. 

The original story question—who is Julia Elizabeth Fawkes? is answered in unexpected ways. I couldn’t put this down. Daily life in 1790s Bristol was rendered in fascinating detail, along with the details of a land and building developer’s life against the backdrop of the revolution in France. Lizzie is eminently likable as she struggles to keep and shore up the balance of her life. I highly recommend this novel of historical and domestic suspense.  I’ll definitely be reading more of this author’s work.

10 stars if I could, review not yet posted to blog...

'Birdcage Walk' is a historical novel set in the early 1790s, at the onset of the French Revolution, portraying the effect on one aspect of Britain, namely the building contractors of Bristol, who were subsequently made bankrupt as a result. This, in turn, plays a part in affecting the lives of all who are linked in a devastating turn of events.
In the novel, Dunmore evokes a clear sense of atmosphere of the period, with detailed and evocative descriptions of place and engaging characterisation through the story of Lizzie Fawkes, the daughter of a radical feminist writer, Julia Fawkes, clearly reminiscent of Mary Wollstonecraft, the mother of Mary Shelley. Lizzie has been brought up in the radical circle and feels the need to break free and be herself, which results in her somewhat hasty and ill-chosen marriage to the building contractor, John Diner Tredevant, familiarly known as Diner. Although passionate in the bedroom, Diner is controlling and domineering and the threat hangs over ever moment the couple appear together in the novel. Added to this, there is clearly the ominous shadow of his mysterious first wife, now dead, but still there in spirit. All of this causes Lizzie untold worry and dread, yet she refuses to back down and admit her mistake, choosing instead to soldier on and deal with the consequences.
The novel contains a mixture of historical fiction, domestic disharmony, intrigue and thrill, all set amidst the far-flung backdrop of the French Revolution and the crumbing building industry in Bristol. No character escapes unharmed and the devastation is felt by many throughout the novel - the growing sense of sadness and unease pervades the novel, growing stronger as it goes on. Dunmore's writing style is effective, with a strong sense of the needs of readers and language choices and descriptions which clearly evoke atmosphere throughout - she is a true loss to the world of writing...

Thanks Grove Atlantic and netgalley for this ARC.

Inspiring, unforgiving, and rage-inducing at parts. This novel will make you feel strong emotions and hopefully you'll have as strong a reaction to as I did.

I loved this book, everything about it! The setting, the characters, the pace, even the title is amazing, now that I think about it. I am so happy that I stumbled upon this book and I hope it reaches a lot of readers. This is good historical fiction to me!

Story is about Lizzie, married woman whose husband is building entrepreneur. We see glimpses of her previous upbringing and family life, so we understand that she grew up with a strong woman with great convictions about politics and women rights. Her life today with strong-willed and controlling husband is looking not so good compared to that. I loved that author didn't really show Diner's aggression, but we only had some funky vibes from him the whole time. 

There were so many questions (all answered in the end) throughout the book, which just made me flip the pages even faster. The pace was even and this is, for me, a really good editing example. 

If you enjoy reading a little about French revolution, more about family history and coming to exciting conclusions, I recommend you this book.

I received this ARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review. 

Set in the late 1790's, Europe is at the brink of political turmoil and social upheaval, life is violent. Lizzie is married to Diner who is a property developer. He believes that Lizzie’s independent, questioning spirit must be coerced and subdued. She belongs to him: law and custom confirm it, and she must live as he wants.

I just couldn't get into this book. It was slow moving and I didn't care about the characters.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3☆

An interesting read, which gave me some different viewpoints on the French Revolution. I recommend.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the history of it and the feistiness of the female characters even though their actions were constrained by their times. I enjoy historical fiction especially British fiction. My only complaint was that the beginning of the story took place in current times but it never went back to it. I think I would have like to see more of a tie in between present and past. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

This is the first book by Dunmore I've ever read and it is fabulous. It has the same claustrophobic, flat and disenchanted feel as Du Maurier's Rebecca - which perhaps sounds like I'm not really trying to sell the experience of this book but I absolutely am. That precise set up is very difficult to achieve but Dunmore does it with a few deft and apparently effortless touches. It is set in Bristol after the French Revolution - I've not read many books that deal with the aftermath of the revolution in other European countries so this was an eye opener. I don't think I ever considered the effects our close neighbour's revolution had o the UK. 

Lizzie is a free spirited, intelligent and innocent girl who grew up in a radical family. Her conservative husband who is utterly loathsome, has a real fear and desire for her, believing that she must be controlled in all ways. This is almost classic 'she would be perfect if I could just change her' type mentality and it is sinister watching it take effect in this story. All the threads are drawn together steadily as the book progresses trapping the reader as effectively as the characters are also trapped in their unhealthy relationship. This is compulsive and thought provoking leading to a very satisfying conclusion.  Highly recommend.

The cover and title made me enthusiastic to read this book, but it was a major disappointment.  The beginning didn't relate to the rest of the story and was unnecessary.  Also, the use of French, without footnotes to translate, seemed arrogant on the author's part.  I am fluent in French, but for those not, it seemed like a put-down.  None of the characters were fully developed.  We got glimpses, but only surface.  For instance, the main character was afraid of her husband but the reasons were not exact and then she forgot this fear to have sex.  She wasn't believable   I saw no purpose for this book and only finished it for net galley.  I am sorry, but I expected so much more.

I have never read Helen Dunmore books prior to Birdcage Walk and I wanted to thank Netgalley and the publisher on the opportunity to review this amazing masterpiece.

The novel starts when a a long-lost headstone for Julia Elizabeth Fawkes is discovered. Research had resulted with few if any details, save that Julia was an author read by many, and the wife of Augustus Gleeson, a noticeable pamphlet writer of the late 18th century, a time when the French revolution was in its height and the reports of the bloody streets of Paris inflamed the anti-Monarchy British intellectuals such as himself.
When it was apparent that none of Julia’s Writings have survived, Dunmore took it upon herself to revive the old pioneer English woman writer, maybe seeing much of herself in her imaginary character. The story takes place in late 18th century Bristol, when amidst the speculation about war with France, the real-estate market has collapsed – sending the economy, the entrepreneurs and many workers to chaotic desperation.

The story (in Brief) is cleverly told by Lizzie Fawkes, now Mrs Tredevant, Julia’s sole daughter. Having brought up in a liberal house, encouraged to act and think for herself, to be opinionated and never timid, Julia has broken from that suffocating shelter that her family provided to marry a speculate called John Diner, a widower who has made a small fortune by building houses and has now undertook a grandiose project of building the houses overlooking the Bristol Avon Gorge. 
As Lizzie discovers that not everything is as perfect as she had convinced herself, we learn about her husband’s jealous character, his endeavours which are slowly but surely going bust, and Lizzy’s warm relationship with her mother and Hannah (their servant and close friend from when she was an infant). The subplot is that of the French revolution, as perceived by random reports that make it in, whether by post or by newspapers, and how differently they are perceived by John Diner and by Augustus and his milieu.
This is an historical fiction, but branding it as such does it little justice. Dunmore has managed to bring life into characters that existed (or some have) in real life, with such intensity that makes you forget yourself, all set into motion from a small script on a headstone!

The shadow of Dunmore’s disease must have entwined this novel in grimness that is leaping out of the pages – but give this novel the true colour of life in England and Europe in the 18-1900s. It is a masterpiece, and I dare say – Dunmore will be missed.

DNF- I found the story to be too slow and it could not keep my attention.  I was absolutely not the right reader for this book.  I feel like someone who likes more of a slow burning read to take their time with will enjoy this one!

Told in beautiful prose, "Birdcage Walk" brings to life 18th century Bristol, radicalism, feminism and the consequences of the french revolution in both France and England - no mean feat in itself but Dunmore also manages to weave in love in its many forms, murder and bereavement. A really gripping novel.

I thought this book was very thought provoking! Thank you for allowing me to read it here on Netgalley!

This book has some serious promise but like other reviewers mention it feels like something is missing. 

Lizzie Fawkes as a main character had some really great moments and some yawn moments. I wanted to FEEL more for her than I ended up feeling. Without feeling for the main character in a book like this it is hard to see the other characters as anything.

I want to feel the need to research and learn new things when I read historical fiction and ended this book feeling let down in that aspect. I had heard of this author before and was why wanted to read this book. I will try other books of hers.

Thanks Grove Atlantic and netgalley for this ARC.

Inspiring, unforgiving, and rage-inducing at parts. This novel will make you feel strong emotions and hopefully you'll have as strong a reaction to as I did.

In general, I enjoyed this book but there were a few times that I found myself disconnected with the story. I am glad I read it, and think some people will really like it, it just wasn't really for me.

This book is about a woman who was out walking her dog, Jack through an area known as the Birdcage Walk. In the Birdcage Walk is an Old English cemetery. Her dog starts digging in the graveyard and she stumbles upon the raised grave marker of Julia Elizabeth Fawkes. On the marker it leads us to believe that Julia is a writer and was admired by many. So she goes out to the local historian to find information on the Julia person but there is nothing to be had, instead she finds a bit of information on her husband Augustus Gleeson. The story then goes back to the time period of Julia but it's not told by Julia instead by a woman named Elizabeth also affectionately called Lizzie by her mother Mammie, friends, and husband Diner. The book is full of ups and downs for Lizzie, but she grows along the way. Things change drastically for her but she is a smart woman. Often though I found Lizzie to be too passive. She allows herself to taken in by her husband but he is not who she thought he was. She learns things but it's a little too late and has already invested a lot. She also loses a lot but gains some things also. It is also around the time of the French Revolution and her family has friends caught up in the fray.