This is not a fast-paced adventure novel, it’s a well-researched, well-written, historical novel about the acclaimed sculptor, Mrs. Anne Damer and the scandals that surrounded her. It delves into socio-cultural issues of class, sex, and sexuality during the Georgian period in England, the late 1700s. And it discusses the rapid political changes brought on by the major revolutions, the American and the French, and their effects on English society.

Interestingly, Emma Donaghue deftly manages to create a parallel between the King George of that period and President George W. Bush in our times. Some things, regardless of time, remain the same: despotism vs. security, discontent, poverty vs. decadence and waste, entitlement vs. rights.

I definitely recommend Life Mask if you have the patience for this type of novel. It’s immersive and exhaustive and wonderfully detailed. Super well-written and incredibly interesting. If you’re the type that needs a faster read, then this will not be the novel for you, just a warning.