Karen Brooks
September 2026
My thoughts
The story of Florence could have easily been the story about Bram. It’s difficult to separate one from the other, but Karen has managed to shift the focus squarely on to Florence.
We first meet Florence in her home in Ireland, and her close relationship with her sisters but particularly Phil who she shares a room with.
An outstanding beauty who knows she needs to find a suitor that is acceptable to her parents and of a good standing in society.
Enter Oscar Wilde, a man of the upmost standing in society and seemingly besotted with Florence, and a constant source of chatter with her sisters whilst they swoon over Mr Wilde’s good looks.
He gifts her a necklace, in an era where such gifts are thought of as the next step being a proposal.
Oscar and Florence relationship flourishes and she is besotted with him and him seemingly with her. He writes regularly and she shares her love for him with Phil over many hours whilst they huddle under the covers of the bed they share.
Until his letters start to get less frequent and the final one comes as a shock.
I personally did not know Florence’s story so was quite surprised when Bram became her husband, he didn’t appear to have the looks and charm of Oscar but was a upstanding member of society, a civil servant.
A wedding was being organised and it was thought they would remain in Ireland but when Bram told Florence and subsequently her parents his surprising news, a hurried wedding and move to London was quickly organised.
I like Florence found Henry to be an unlikeable character, and Bram’s admiration of him shocking and confusing.
Florence story is one of passion and strength, the determination of one woman to ensure her husband’s work is recognised. But in doing so she changed laws, fought against a male dominated system and the right to be heard. Florence is a pioneer and a voice for all women. This isn’t about Bram, or Henry or Noel but about a woman who even in this day and age would have stood up against the system and won.
Beautifully written. I learnt so much about Florence’s life, the struggles, the hardships, her love for Oscar which never wavers, how she built a life for herself and carved out her own name in society. I also don’t doubt for one minute that Bram loved her, she was loyal to him and even though he was besotted with Henry, in her he had a ally, someone who listened to his stories who supported his passion and praised his endeavours.
This book is outstanding. Praise for Karen Brooks for her incredible research and bringing us Florence’s untold story. This book will be talked about for a long time.
Florence stoker was most definitely an extraordinary woman.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me an ARC of this beautiful book.
About
Dublin, 1878. When the witty and beautiful Florence Balcombe marries up-and-coming theatre impresario and putative novelist Bram Stoker, and her dazzling literary salons make her the darling of the literary, theatre and art worlds in London, no-one is surprised. So what if she came from humble beginnings and her prior engagement to Oscar Wilde was inexplicably broken off, she was always exceptional. Besides, none of that matters now she moves in exalted circles and Bram is managing the Lyceum for Henry Irving, the leading actor of his generation.
But appearances can be deceptive. Bram is in thrall to the tyrannical narcissist Henry, who is draining the life from him, and his distance from his marriage bed is noticeable. Dear friend Oscar is in court for gross indecency and Florence is afraid – for her family, of the secret she keeps and of the visions of a monstrous fanged demon that haunts her by day and night.
But Florence will fight for her family and rid herself of the threats – both real and phantom – that plague her, even if it threatens her own sanity.
After all, it is no ordinary monster that can overcome the extraordinary Florence Stoker.
