Welcome to the Madhouse (Maids of Maddington Series)

Launching into an intricate and meticulous snapshot of the Victorian era, Welcome to the Madhouse, the first of the Maids of Maddington series, does not hesitate to expose its readers to the realities faced by many during that time – exposing the gap between the rich and the poor, and activating a strong sense of interest towards various contextual themes, concepts, characters, and emotions.

Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Eliza, the introduction of her newfound friend Annie, and the integration of poverty, hardship, love, loss, greed, and deceit, readers are fully and masterfully immersed into the era’s realities. Despite seizing the opportunity to work as a maid for the wealthy at the Maddington House, known locally as ‘The Madhouse’, Eliza continues to face the realities that come with being from a poor family, especially when her bond with Annie (also a maid at the Maddington House), is tainted by the scandalous behavior enacted by those in higher positions.

With contextually accurate language, settings and themes, Welcome to the Madhouse is a thoroughly engaging and informative read, with little to fault. Additionally, the presentation, pace, and character development, given its length, is curated and balanced almost to perfection, with only a few fluctuations in the introductions and few editorial errors throughout, making it a strongly suitable and recommended choice, and a strong candidate for a reread, for almost anyone.