The Conviction of Cora Burns

In 1874, nine-year-old Cora Burns, the protagonist of British author Kirby’s meandering debut, along with a fellow workhouse resident, Alice Salt, whom she regards almost like a sister, murder a toddler to see what it feels like, though Cora’s subsequent memories of what happened after she picked up the knife used on the child are vague. After serving 11 years in a Birmingham prison, she’s hired by Thomas Jerwood as a house maid. Jerwood, an advocate of physiognomy, photographed her before her release, as part of his efforts to validate his contention that facial features are indicators of criminality. Cora, who must constantly battle to keep her violent rage in check, seeks to reunite with Alice and finally learn the truth about her crime. Sections presenting Jerwood’s theories, which include his belief that human nature can be measured statistically, slow the less than gripping plot. Kirby is at her best in depicting Birmingham’s mean streets and in conveying Cora’s inner struggles. (Mar.)