The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd Robinson was published in 2023. It was the third novel by the New York Times bestselling author, whose other historical fiction books have been really well received.
The Square of Sevens was an instant Sunday Times bestseller and has been selected as a BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick.
I really loved the premise to this book and I was really excited to read it. It promised to combine Georgian England, high society and a touch of magical realism. Just up my street!
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Plot
Red is a young girl who travels with her father, a fortune teller named John Jory Jago. They make their living predicting fortunes using the ancient Cornish method the Square of Sevens.
After her father’s sudden death, Red is taken in by a gentleman scholar and raised in the refined society of 18th century England. Red’s fortune-telling skills become a sensation among Bath’s upper class, but her burning questions about her mother’s identity, death, and her father’s hidden enemies persist.
Red’s quest for answers takes her on a journey across England, from Cornwall to London, and into the heart of two powerful families. As she uncovers clues about her past, Red also finds herself in grave danger.
The Square of Sevens Book Review
The Square of Sevens was such an intriguing read. I loved the whole Dickensian feel to the story. Narrated alternately by orphaned fortune teller Red and the mysterious Lazarus Darke, it weaves a tale of secrets, cartomancy, and unexpected revelations.
I really enjoyed the character of Lazarus Darke (what a fantastic name for a character!) Lazarus was mysterious with a very murky past but I loved finding out more about him and his motivations.
I felt like Red’s character was realistic and her character development was in keeping with her young age. However at the end of the novel I was wondering whether some of her actions were realistic considering her age and upbringing.
I really liked the writing style and how Red as narrator would talk to the reader. I loved it when she told us “If you wanted a saint, then you should have read a different book.”
There was quite a large, diverse cast of characters and each of them played a role in Red’s quest for answers. I loved that I never quite knew who to trust. There are clues, red herrings and mis-directions thrown at the reader as the mystery unfolds. I’d think I had it all figured out and then realise I was completely wrong. The final twist took me by complete surprise.
One of the most unique aspects of the book was how the author weaved cartomancy into the story. I found the whole concept of fortune telling really interesting. Each chapter began with a card and its interpretation, providing a glimpse into the possible outcomes for the characters and plot points.
I did feel that there were pacing issues in some aspects of the story and the plot slowed down significantly in the middle of the book. The book felt slightly too long because of this. However I did really love the ending which more than made up for any slow parts.
What books are like The Square of Sevens?
While the premises are obviously different, you may also enjoy these novels that are also set in the 18th century:
- The House of Fortune by Jessie Burton
- That Bonesetter Woman by Frances Quinn
- The Foundling by Stacey Halls
I would also recommend reading Laura Shepherd Robinson’s debut novel, Blood & Sugar.
Has Laura Shepherd-Robinson written any other novels?
Laura Shepherd-Robinson has also written the following novels:
- Daughters of Night
- Blood & Sugar
Summary
I really enjoyed this book. Despite it feeling a little slow in places, the twists and turns more than made up for it. I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Laura Shepherd-Robinson.