The confessions of Frannie Langton, Sara Collins

I love a good historical novel, although I am extra critical about them. The confessions of Frannie Langton is a historical novel that ticks all the right boxes. 

It has an original plot, nuanced and interesting characters, beautiful writing and it really takes you back to the time period. 

This is the story of Frannie, who is accused of murdering her master and mistress in 1826. Frannie is writing her story for her lawyer, in the hope there is something there that will prove her innocence. 

Frannie has three things against her, she is off much lower class, she is accused of having an unnatural relation with her mistress and she is black.

Frannie was born on the plantation of the Langton family in Jamaica. She is one of the few slaves who learned how to read and write, and she helps master Langton with his scientific experiments. Langton is very interested in the different races and their characteristics. 

When he goes to London he takes Frannie with him. Although there is no slavery in England and Frannie is free the moment she sets foot in England, this does not prevent Langton giving her away as a maid. 

In this new household Frannie must learn to navigate her new position, and while there is friendship and goodness to be found, and even love, it all goes horribly wrong. 

What happened in that one dreadful night and what were the events in the previous months leading up to it? 

And why is Frannie feeling quilty about the things that happened in Jamaica?

Like I said, this is an excellent historical novel that I enjoyed very much. I loved the writing, how Frannie was written and how clear it becomes what effect it has on somebody when you are nothing but a possession. 

Excellent book. 

Published in 2019