Review of The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger.

Set in the 1860s, this is a novel based partially upon the story of Lady Duff Gordon and her lady's maid, Sally Naldrett. The Lady is a lively woman who delights in entertaining and debating with educated men of her time. The tale follows the two women as they journey to Egypt and live there for several years. Along the way, the pair becomes a trio. The addition of a Egyptian guide/cook/butler leads to huge changes and events in the lives of all three. Although I found the story entertaining throughout, particularly the interweaving of British and Egyptian customs of the time, at times it seemed I would drown along with the characters in the maelstrom of their lives. Well-written but somewhat dark.


Thank you to Lorien Forrest for her review.