Black Silk & Sympathy (Deborah Challinor, HarperCollins)

Deborah Challinor’s latest offering, Black Silk & Sympathy, sweeps readers away to the intriguing world of Victorian funeral customs in 1860s Sydney. In this expertly crafted novel, Challinor delivers a captivating tale of resilience, reinvention and determination. Seventeen-year-old Tatiana Caldwell embarks on a journey to Sydney after the unexpected demise of her parents. She begins an apprenticeship with Crowe Funeral Services, and eventually marries Titus Crowe, the owner. After his death, Tatiana inherits the business, becoming Sydney’s first female undertaker, and she then navigates the challenges of this male-dominated field. A thrilling twist arises when rival Elias Nuttall accuses her of poisoning Titus, leading Tatiana on a race to clear her name, unravelling a web of intrigue and culminating in a gripping courtroom showdown. The meticulous focus on historical accuracy and research distinguishes Black Silk & Sympathy as Challinor transports readers to Victorian-era Sydney, where death permeates the air and funeral processions and mortuary trains are commonplace. At its core, this novel is about the indomitable human spirit and the unquestionable strength of a young woman growing into herself and finding her place in the world. Tatiana’s journey from a shattered young girl to Sydney’s trailblazing undertaker is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams—and the desire to survive. Black Silk & Sympathy will suit fans of Jackie French and Tea Cooper.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Nominated for Bookseller of the Year (2023), Emma Pei Yin is also a freelance writer and reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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