The Baker’s Sister by Gracie Hart is one of the few books I read during my maternity leave when I had a few moments to myself. It was the kind of book I used to read when I was a teenager, so reading it as an adult was very interesting.
What is the baker’s sister book about?
This is a historical romance that follows two sisters, Meg and Sarah, who face life-changing challenges. Meg is rising in the ranks as a baker and, after three years of hard work, has saved enough money to buy her own bakery. This also frees her up to finally marry her fiancé, who is hiding the truth about his financial situation. Sarah is living rough in London and coming to terms with the harsh realities of all that life brings. As Meg’s wedding day approaches, she worries about the whereabouts of her sister Sarah and whether she will be able to make it back home in time for her wedding.
What themes are addressed in this book?
- Financial self-reliance: Meg worked hard for three years and was finally able to own her own bakery. Her determination emphasises how hard-earned financial security was the biggest tool for women’s empowerment in the Victorian era.
- Victorian societal expectations: The novel delves into the Victorian patriarchal attitudes towards women and their place in the home. It also explains why Meg didn’t want to get married until she had secured ownership of her own bakery.
- Classism the book addresses the clash between the different classes and how they didn’t like to mix in the Victorian era.
- Shame and pride: As Sarah is living rough on the streets of London, she considers returning home to her sister Meg, but shame and pride stop her. Sarah’s storyline addresses the debilitating pride and shame that prevent impoverished people from seeking help.
- Sisterhood and family duty: Meg’s sense of duty and care towards her sister is powerful reminder about the importance of family.
What I didn’t love?
I found the book a very easy read but it was very different to the books I seek out to read now. It was more of a been there done that kind of read because I had exhasted these kinds of books when I was a teenager. So, I knew exactly where it was going and what to expect. There was no suprises and for me it was a bit predictable.
For me, that teaches me that I should diversify the kind of books I read because there will be a time that I start to find them quite boring.
How many stars will I give the baker’s sister?
I give it three and a half stars because it was an easy read but lacked the complexity I look for in books I read now. This is of course due to the fact that I was always reading these books when I was a teenager.
Ibs Writes 