I was totally depressed while reading this book. I know women had few rights and were treated badly during this time period. However, I believe Hannah could have done better for herself and her daughter if she had been less stubborn. The book lacked a smoothness and continuity that would have made it easier to read. I think what some readers regarded as suspense was a lack of character development. I couldn't guess who the murderer was because the book jumped around so much and I knew so little about the characters.