Review: In which Lydia is constantly sexually harrassed, but manages to parlay her marriagibility into security
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 16, 2012
I love a good Austen pastiche as much as the next person. This one, however, left me cold.Lydia is a patient, responsible, dutiful woman who is not excited about being a household drudge, but as a dependent relative with no particular mental gifts, she is kind of stuck. Happily, there is a rich neighboring landowner. Also competing for her affections are a feckless younger brother who ought to be paying attention to his own girl, and elderly squire, and her odious cousin who likes to corner her.The story line depends on a fortuitous carriage accident, some chance meetings, and a little more coincidence than was strictly necessary.The narrative voice is amusing, and probably my favorite part of this book. Lydia's skill at making friends while staying polite and appropriate is endearing.Read if: You are in the mood for a low-impact romance you could give to your aunt without fear of embarrassment.Skip if: You are going to be ooked out by how much Lydia has to work to defend herself against sexual onslaughts.Read instead:Frederica, for a custodial sister who is more empowered.