A young Scotswoman flees a possible murder charge and accusations of witchcraft, winds up in London as Madame Blavatsky's assistant poltergeist, then runs off to Paris with Alexandra David-not-yet-Neel.
This is a fun read, especially if you're intrigued by the Theosophical goings-on, and Kernaghan usually does a good job integrating her research. Jeannie is a sympathetic protagonist and keeps a commonsensical but not closed-minded viewpoint on the various enthusiasts she encounters. Not terribly plot-driven, but engaging nonetheless.

Jean Guthrie flees her bondservant life for London after fending off her loathsome cousin George with a psychically-wielded pitchfork. She falls in with Madame Blavatsky and makes a life for herself among the spiritualists of London and, later, Paris. Although her own powers are slight and uncontrollable, she discovers some hidden truths in the company of her new friend Alexandra. ( )

Takes you right there, beautifully, and with so many intriguing details.

Right where?

Sixteen year old Jeannie Guthrie starts out in Scotland, a bondager after her father dies and leaves her the only family member able to work for pay. A disturbing incident leaves her thinking she has killed her cousin and will be tried as a witch if she stays, so she runs away to London.

The majority of the book takes place in 19th century London, where young Jeannie is introduced to the theosophical and paranormal world of the day, and then in Paris, in the milieu of anarchists and artists who immerse themselves in the occult. All the while she is grappling with her own wild and frightening talent.

I love this book. From it’s beautifully articulated setting to its reflection of a girl of strength and ability but little confidence trying to find her way in a perplexing life, and again to its wonderful insights into people like Madame Blavatsky and the French adventurer Alexandra David, both of whom become important people in Jeannie's story. ( )