In 1827, in Scotland, doctors in training were short of bodies to dissect. Scottish law stated that corpses for medical research should only be people who have died in prison, suicide victims, foundlings or orphans.
William Burke and William Hare considered this requirement too restrictive. They decided to murder citizens who were unlikely to be missed. They then secretly carted them off to Dr Robert Knox, an anatomist, who was known to be rather careless in checking the bodies’ provenance. Burke and Hare were paid handsomely.
Mrs Burke & Mrs Hare is a biofiction inspired by the 19th century court case and Burke’s hanging. Michelle Sloan suggests the men’s wives were equally guilty of the murders. William Hare, who turned King’s evidence, and the two women were released from custody.
In 1850, Duncan Fletcher, a journalist for the Caledonian Mercury, decides to research and write an article on the two wives: where they went and what happened to them after the trial. Our author follows his progress.
The gruesome killings leading up to the arrests are imaginatively recorded. The poverty, the violence, the unhealthy, dirty, living conditions are sickening. The drunkenness, despair and feelings of hopelessness are heartrending.
Duncan’s determination eventually brings results. However, with his cultured voice and expensive clothes, he is a magnet for violence and robbery. His naivety is unbelievable. Fortunately, our journalist teams up with Joseph, a healthy and muscular young man who is willing to protect Duncan. Joseph has his own reasons for finding the two women. Mrs Burke and Mrs Hare is not a barrel of laughs. The way Michelle Sloan has built on the known facts with inventiveness and creativity make for a disturbing read.
Reviewed by Clive Hodges
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Sloan trained as a primary school teacher and studied drama and arts journalism. She is the author of several books for children. The Edinburgh Skating Club is her debut adults’ novel. Originally from Edinburgh, Michelle now lives in Broughty Ferry with her family.
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