Books like Fred & Edie by Jill Dawson
Set in 1922 London, Fred & Edie follows Edith Thompson, a confident and financially independent 27‑year‑old married woman who finds her suburban life and husband stifling. Drawn to the new liberties available to women, Edith dreams of a romantic and glamorous world, and she takes a lover, Frederick Bywaters, who is seven years her junior.
A fit of jealousy drives Bywaters to stab Edith’s husband Percy while he walks home from the theatre, and the couple are quickly tried, convicted and hanged. Their case drew national attention, including a petition that received over one million signatures.
Based on a true story, Jill Dawson’s novel combines extensive research with a compelling, realistic portrait of this ill‑fated love affair and its historical context.
First publish date: 2000
Genre: Historical Fiction/20th Century Historical Fiction
Authors: Jill Dawson
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