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 narrative examines the personal experiences and difficulties faced by each of the four wives in Effigy, but despite the detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling throughout the book, some readers have found it challenging to become immersed and may need time to adjust. Others consider Effigy to be a standout example of historical fiction.