Electricity

Electricity follows Charlotte Mortimer, a young woman in Victorian England who becomes an early practitioner of electrical medical treatments. As she learns to operate innovative devices that promise to cure various ailments, she navigates both the scientific community and London society. Charlotte's story intersects with a cast of characters including doctors, patients, family members, and potential suitors. Her work in the emerging field of electrotherapy takes her from London's medical establishments to private homes and seaside resorts. The narrative tracks the rapid development of electrical science in the late 19th century, incorporating real historical figures and medical practices of the era. Through Charlotte's experiences, readers witness the period's complex relationship between medicine, technology, and gender roles. This historical novel explores themes of scientific progress, social constraints, and personal autonomy in Victorian Britain. The electric current serves as both a literal force and a metaphor for the unseen powers that connect and drive human relationships.

Readers found the story's pacing slow and contemplative, with the protagonist Charlotte's inner thoughts taking precedence over plot. Many valued the detailed research into Victorian medical treatments and the era's views on female hysteria. LIKED: - Vivid sensory descriptions - Historical accuracy of Victorian medical practices - The complex mother-daughter relationship - Integration of electricity as both plot device and metaphor DISLIKED: - Plot moves too slowly for some - Excessive internal monologue - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered - Some found Charlotte's character frustrating RATINGS: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (509 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) Review quotes: "Beautiful prose but needed more action" - Goodreads reviewer "The historical detail transported me completely" - Amazon reviewer "Too much navel-gazing, not enough story" - LibraryThing reviewer Several readers noted the book requires patience but rewards close reading with its layered themes and symbolism.

The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante A woman's unraveling mental state after her husband's departure mirrors the psychological intensity and exploration of feminine power found in Electricity.

The Last Summer of Reason by Tahar Djaout The descent of a society into darkness through the eyes of one man demonstrates the same tension between individual consciousness and societal constraints explored in Electricity.

The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek This examination of a woman's repressed desires and struggle for control in 1980s Vienna shares themes of female autonomy and psychological complexity with Electricity.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath The protagonist's navigation through mental illness and societal expectations presents parallel themes to Electricity's exploration of women's roles and internal struggles.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman This story of a woman's descent into madness while under medical care explores similar themes of female autonomy and medical authority present in Electricity.

🔋 Victoria Glendinning's "Electricity" explores the life of Charlotte Mortimer, a woman in Victorian England whose fascination with electricity parallels her own awakening sexuality and desire for independence. ⚡ The novel draws inspiration from real scientific discoveries of the era, particularly the work of Michael Faraday and the growing public interest in electrical experiments during the 19th century. 💫 Victoria Glendinning is primarily known as an award-winning biographer, and "Electricity" marked her debut as a novelist at the age of 60. 🏛️ The book's setting in Bath, England, showcases the city's importance as a center for scientific lectures and demonstrations during the Victorian period. 🎭 The author meticulously researched Victorian medical treatments involving electricity, including controversial therapies that were believed to cure everything from headaches to "female hysteria."