I too was fortunate to receive this as an uncorrected proof. This novel drew me in completely, and by the last page I didn’t want it to end – and what an ending! Donoghue has a gift for the authentic language of the times that flows vividly as if one is listening to real conversations. The author also captures the flavour of the beginnings of the British women’s independence movement. The characters of Fido, Helen and Harry Codrington are brilliantly drawn out, their machinations and manipulations cleverly interwoven throughout. I like the way the reader is allowed to see different sides of these main characters, as each separate section/narrative (which is prefaced with a legal term, its description, and excerpts from various writings of the time, all of which offer the reader a hint of what is to follow) gives the reader information offering another slant to their respective personalities and inner workings. For example, Admiral Codrington, when spoken of or thought of by his wife, Helen, comes through as an unsympathetic man, stiff, unfeeling, unsupportive, and alternately when he is the focus of a particular scenario, one can feel sympathy for him when learning more about his feelings and acknowledged weaknesses. I didn’t like him to begin with, but felt he redeemed himself with his unexpected and surprising gesture at the end. And even though Helen Codrington is depicted as a reckless self-absorbed woman, I couldn’t help but feel the deep despair she experienced at facing the loss of her children, and deplore the unfairness that such a verdict would mean – forever. As for 'Fido', I alternately felt sympathy for and impatience with, this 'pioneer' of the women's movement. But the element of 'Sappho' did explain the reasons for her need/desire to trust Helen. Through each woman’s journey, I could understand their individual search for independence, albeit through diametrically opposed actions, working through the strictures and social mores that were imposed upon women of that time. The courtroom scenes are gripping and vividly described, offering remarkable insights into the workings of a trial in this period. One feels enraged that a lawyer could be allowed to offer a defense against a rape, on the basis that the woman in question was not attractive enough to be a victim of this alleged crime. Now, the 'sealed letter' does not come into the story until the latter part of the book, and as such, its impact is powerful, coming as it does at a high point of suspense during the riveting courtroom scenes. It’s ultimately a tragedy for all concerned, and the fact it’s based on a true story and interweaves real people’s lives, makes it all the more fascinating. Research is impressive.