Arena

I was a little disappointed with this novel after reading many great reviews it received. It's interesting from an historical perspective if you don't know much about the French Revolution and its impact on this country. And it's interesting about the subservient role that women played in life in the 18th century and what some women tried to do about that. But as a thriller it really doesn't get going until about three quarters of the way through and there is much in the first three hundred pages which feels very predictable and clichéd. Lizzie, the central character, is nicely drawn though and you'll be hoping things turn out well for her. And you'll wonder about her husband's intentions towards her and the danger that he presents.