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Lizzie
Diane Fanning
Publication Date: March 11th, 2025
Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles
407 Pages
Amazon | Goodreads
Genres: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
This book is a fictional version of the Borden axe murders. Even though it isn’t a true account, it is very well-researched and written. I like how the author takes us into Lizzie’s head and gives hints as to the why of the case. We learn of the societal problems women had at the time (late 19th century) and how these may be the cause behind Lizzie’s actions. Or was it greed?
Even though the mystery surrounding Lizzie Borden has always interested me, my rating reflects the fact that I found some parts of the book a bit of a drag. I didn’t like how much this was a take on women’s issues. This is not a story of who did it but of why and the aftermath of it all. Is Lizzie really just a money-hungry old maid? Did society’s expectations of women and marriage decide Lizzie’s fate?
The relationships of the characters are well-defined. Especially that of Lizzie and her sister. The court sections were enthralling and informative. However, the book felt as if it had a split personality; is it a biography or a fictional account? I wish the author had chosen one or the other.
The latter part of the book deals with the aftermath and tells what the papers and court case don’t. Lizzie is a real person, after all, not just a sensational story. This kind of dragged for me. If you enjoy courtroom drama, then this is the book for you, especially if you’re into historical fiction, too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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