Her Lost Words by Stephanie Marie Thornton
reviewed by Rachel Baila
Some stories transcend time, and Her Lost Words, by Stephanie Marie Thornton, is a stunning example of how history’s echoes can shape generations. This biographical fiction novel brings to life two remarkable women—Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, Mary Shelley—through a dual timeline narrative that is as compelling as it is heartbreaking. Published by Berkley in 2023, this novel is a literary tribute to two pioneering voices, bound by both blood and ambition.
Thornton masterfully reconstructs the lives of these extraordinary women, beginning with Mary Wollstonecraft, the trailblazing feminist who wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. A woman far ahead of her time, Wollstonecraft defied societal norms, supporting herself through her writing and advocating fiercely for women’s independence. Yet her life was tragically cut short—dying in childbirth after giving birth to her daughter, Mary Shelley.
Shelley’s story, woven seamlessly alongside her mother’s, explores the burden of legacy and the longing for connection. Raised under the shadow of a mother she never knew, Mary Shelley grapples with both admiration and guilt. Her journey, filled with love, loss, and self-discovery, leads her to a turbulent marriage with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and ultimately to the creation of Frankenstein, a novel that would cement her place in literary history.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Thornton’s narrative structure. She employs first-person perspective for Wollstonecraft and close third-person for Shelley, allowing readers to experience each woman’s voice distinctly while maintaining fluidity in their parallel journeys. Balancing two timelines is no small feat, but Thornton does so with remarkable finesse, ensuring that neither narrative overshadows the other.
Another triumph is the authenticity of their voices. While historical fiction can sometimes feel overly stylized, Thornton avoids this pitfall. Both women’s narratives feel organic and emotionally true, never forced or exaggerated. The result is a deeply immersive experience that highlights their struggles without making their stories feel contrived or overly dramatized.
Though undeniably a work of feminist literature, Her Lost Words does not come across as preachy. Instead, it celebrates the resilience, intellect, and defiance of two women who dared to exist on their own terms in a world that sought to silence them. For readers who appreciate historical fiction that is both deeply researched and emotionally resonant, this novel is a must-read.
With lyrical prose, a keen sense of historical authenticity, and a story that feels both timeless and urgent, Her Lost Words is a novel that inspires. Whether you’re drawn to feminist history, mother-daughter narratives, or stories of literary genius, this book is a powerful, evocative read that does justice to two of history’s most fascinating women.
Her Lost Words • Berkley • 2023 • 414 pages
Rachel Baila is a writer, editor, holistic practitioner, and creative educator.
Her work explores the fertile crossroads of creative and therapeutic writing, somatic practices, and mindful expression, empowering others to overcome artistic blocks and nurture a balanced body, mind, and spirit.
