The back story and suffering of each of the four wives in Effigy is explored, but despite the detail and imaginative descriptions throughout the novel, some have argued that Effigy fails to capture an audience's attention and can take some time to get in to. Others have argued Effigy to be "historical fiction at its best".
The backstory and hardships of each of the four wives in Effigy are examined, but despite the intricate details and vivid descriptions throughout the novel, some have argued that Effigy struggles to hold readers' attention and can be a slow introduction. Others have praised Effigy as "historical fiction at its peak".