Books and Brew

In The Dress Lodger, Sheri Holman spins a tale that explores the physical and social conditions of nineteenth-century factory girls. Cholera, lead poisoning, and prostitution are all part of the reality of the protagonist’s existence. Holman’s novel provides “remarkable breadth and depth,” particularly in her detailed portrayal of the “human suffering spawned by the early Industrial Revolution.” (Publishers Weekly) Reviewed by Bryan Rasmussen, Assistant Professor of English.