The Woman in the Picture - Katharine McMahon

Set in London in 1926, this novel features Evelyn Gifford, who we first met in an earlier novel by Katharine McMahon, The Crimson Rooms. Now one of the first female qualified solicitors, Evelyn’s brother was killed in WWI and she is living with her young nephew and his mother Meredith. Two cases dominate the storyline; one regarding disputed paternity and another regarding union strikes. In her personal life, too, Evelyn faces challenges, decisions and conflicts, with the chance of happiness with a man who admires and loves her, and yet the lure of a past lover returned.

The Woman in the Picture is another beautifully written historical novel by Katharine McMahon, with super characterisation; it’s wonderful to revisit Evelyn and discover her current endeavours – though this novel can certainly be read without having read The Crimson Rooms. The narrative offers a compelling portrait of a time when a female lawyer was unusual and the preconceptions and judgements Evelyn therefore faces from others in the profession and from the general population.

The story moves along at a good pace, both the legal matters and the romantic aspects are intriguing and held my interest. The author has a skillful and elegant way with language and incorporates convincing authentic period detail. I think anyone who enjoys well-written historical fiction with an engaging, intelligent plot and an element of romance, and in particular if you like to read about a strong, independent female central character, will find a lot to love in this novel.

Reviewed for We Love This Book

Published by Weidenfeld & Nicholson

My review of Season of Light by Katharine McMahon

The Collini Case - Ferdinand von Schirach

Translated by Anthea Bell

'What you do now will determine the rest of your life...'

Caspar Leinen is young, just starting out on his career as a lawyer, and he takes on the case of Fabrizio Collini. Proving that Collini is not-guilty in this case could really establish Leinen as a defense attorney and make his name. Collini has worked for the same company for thirty-four years, and appears to be a decent and quiet man. Then one day he walks into a luxurious Berlin hotel and kills a man. Having taken on the case, Leinen then discovers that he knows Collini’s victim. This presents him with a dilemma on both a personal level, and professionally. 

As he continues with the case, at first, there seems nothing that indicates why Collini has acted as he has, and both Leinen and the reader are left asking, what is the motive for this murder? Leinen works into the small hours sorting and searching through the statements, and evidence:

'Leinen was looking for something, although he didn't know what. He had overlooked some small detail. There must be a key somewhere that would explain the murder and put the world back in order.'

The tension mounts as Leinen finally makes a discovery regarding the case. The discovery is only revealed to the reader at the moment that it is revealed to the judge and jury in the trial, making us a full part of the story, and heightening our anticipation of the revelations to come. It is shocking and surprising when it comes, as it is brings into question an aspect of the German justice system itself.

I felt drawn into this story from the start, it is compelling. It’s a short book, which hits you with the detail of the story and the background that you need to know, with no superfluous extras. This is crisp spare prose, the interactions of the characters and everything that happens is all geared towards building the plot, leading to the main scene, the evidence given in the court room during the trial. The writer is one of Germany's most prominent defense lawyers working in Berlin and this shows in the authenticity and sharpness of the prose. This book is well worth a read.

Published by Michael Joseph on 13th September 2012

Reviewed for Amazon Vine