3 1/2 stars rounded up. Informative, but not terribly compelling. The audiobook enhanced the story over the written word for me. Interesting to learn of the pecking orders even within classes, and about bad treatment for even minor crimes. Disappointed that Methina, who turned out to be a real person, kind of disappeared and showed up at the end Under Strange circumstances that were not explained. Would like to have known more, especially since she was a real person! I would say well written in general.