Gothic Spiders

The Silence Factory 

Bridget Collins 

Kindle Edition, Expected Publication Date: 9 May 2024, Harper Collins   

From the outset, as you read the first diary entry, you know this story is going to take you down dark holes of the human psyche and that redemption may never occur. Collins has reached deep to bring to the page a gothic novel, that is full of twists, turns, ambiguities and a cast of characters that are complex, flawed and whose morals are cryptic.  

There are two threads to the story, the letters composed by Sophia Ashmore-Percy in the 1820s. She writes about her experiences on a Greek Island, her husband James fixation on a scientific discovery with spiders and her interaction with the locals. The second thread is that of Henry Latimer, grieving the loss of his wife, he works with his father-in-law who owns a shop that provides hearing aids, and his life is not going anywhere. Until Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy walks into the shop seeking assistance for his deaf daughter. Sir Edward gifts to Henry a piece of silk cloth, that has magical properties, when you cover your ears, it blocks out all noise. Henry finds himself working with Sir Edward and quickly being enveloped into the machinations of the Telverton Silk factory and realises that not everything is magical.  

Collins has created a novel that has strong Gothic overtones. What really grabs you is the oppression that runs through the entire story, and it is deftly done. You have the oppression of atmosphere, that closed in feeling, the restriction of place and time is evident. The way Collins captures these moments really adds to the ominous undertones. 

The letter section has Sophia telling you how trapped she is with her husband on a small island home, how he mentally manipulates and abuses her. How she tries to live up to the inherited social expectations of the era as to being dutiful wife. This is wonderfully contrasted by Collins when Sophia expresses the joy and freedom she feels when with Hira.  

The Henry Latimer thread brings you to the events that have happened several decades after Sophia and James left the island. Sir Edward is trying to grow the family business of Telverton Silk. Their paths cross when Sir Edward seeks assistance from Henry's employer to resolve his daughter's deafness. As Henry becomes more engaged in Sir Edward's business and home life, he becomes more ensnared in the wonder and dangers of the silk.  

Collins does a great job in capturing the emotional manipulation and oppression that is utilised by some of the characters (such as James, Edward and Worsley) to degenerate, control and diminish the people around them. It is balanced through the actions and hope of other characters who can see a better world.  

Collins has brought to the page a story with many layers that are all woven together every so finely. She paints a vivid picture of the factory and the conditions of the workers. When you enter the pages, you are transported into a world ever so believable and the starkness between the powerful and powerless. It is not all doom and despair as the ending has hope.  

If you love historical fiction, with a splash of Gothic mystery, grab this book and you will not be disappointed.  

For more on Bridget Collins and her work, check out their website.