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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Review - Anna Godbersen's THE LUXE


This was a win from Amber of Feed your Reading Habit. Set in 1899 in a sequel of months leading to a wedding and finally a funeral, the book takes us through the lives of elite New York
families and the stand they rigidly follow, maintaining peculiar standards of their own in a tightly knit enclosed world (almost like royalty).

Elizabeth our main character is destined for a wonderful marriage, much more important than before as the family is bankrupt. So far it has been kept a secret known just to the immediate family only. Elizabeth is the dutiful daughter. She will do what is best for all. We get Henry next, playboy but who has to knuckle down in order that his father can get into politics - he is forced into a loveless marriage, he knows he has no choice however reluctant he is. We have the younger sister Diana - outspoken, fearless and innocent who falls in love with her brother in law without even knowing that it is happening and then we have Penelope the evil one - in love with Henry and furious and green with envy that Elizabeth has walked away with the prize catch. We also have unexpected love stories which may or may not have happy endings.

The story is interlinked very closely with the characters and the plot thickens. I did realize that there was going to be a twist in the tale very early on and it worked out like that which was an interesting take on a straight forward story. YA mixed with a dash of romance and intrigue is the best way to describe this story. A genre which is new to me but very likeable!

6 comments:

  1. I am glad you liked this new genre too :D

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  2. This looks an interesting book in terms of an insight into what it must have been like to have lived in those times, with those social and moral codes in a privileged upper class tight knit community.
    Fascinating!
    Sorry to hear your trip to Australia ended with worry and concern for your husband - i hope he is recovering well, and that you enjoyed your stay in Melbourne.
    Hope you do well with your vegetables!
    Thankyou for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!
    Gill x

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  3. I've seen this book reviewed on a number of blogs, it sounds interesting.

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  4. i enjoyed this book also. I loved the dress on the cover.

    have added a link to your review on my post even though mine is from ages ago.

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  5. Now that is what I call a dress on the cover!

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  6. I'm happy that you enjoyed this novel. Hopefully you'll be able to read the other three in the series!

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