Multi-generational story that moves across two different timelines, meeting in the middle. The mystery of a lost manuscript from a Bronte sister, insane asylums, pregnancy out of wedlock, orphans and downright nasty, abusive family members - this winding story had several unexpected twists to the plotline in the backhalf of the book. Very atmospheric with foggy, rainy Dublin and spooky sometimes-present Madame Bowden and disappearing bookshops - ghosts or just strong links to the past, a bit vague? I was PISSED about Opaline and Lyndon though. He is next level human garbage with absolutely no regard for anybody - not even family. What he did to Opaline reminds me of the true stories about The Women They Could Not Silence (Kate Moore, inconvenient women being locked away in asylums in 1800s-early 1900s regardless of their state of mind). Despite the unsavory characters (which honestly drive all the conflict and emotion in the book), overall interesting plotline and fun vacation type read.