Severn House
May 6, 2025
Reviewed by Barbara Fister
Sophy is leading a quiet life in the countryside, dreaming of being a writer and moving to London, when her stepmother abruptly abandons her father, leaving a letter after running away with the architect who has been designing a new house for them near Templewood, the family manor in Worcestershire. It’s just the latest upset in Sophy’s life; in 1935 the news is turbulent, with economic distress feeding fascism in Europe and at home. Sir Oswald Mosley is growing popular with many young men, including a fast set that Sophy’s sister Gizi finds attractive. She teases Sophy that she needs to lead a more exciting life. Things do get more exciting, but not in a good way, when Emilie’s body is discovered near the site of the new house.