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Cathy from Olympia, Washington
, August 27, 2010
(view all comments by Cathy from Olympia, Washington)
Dorchester beauty Melody Ellsworth is sure to make a good match, despite the family's lack of wealth. And at eight-and-twenty, unmarried Jane is content (mostly) in her imagined future as governess to sister Melody's future children. For me, the novel itself doesn't have much of a Jane Austen feel, however, many of the characters are definitely Austen-inspired. A few examples: Jane is a combination of Elinor Dashwood and Jane Bennet (reserved, very concerned about propriety, and careful to conceal her emotions), Elizabeth Bennet (intelligent, lively mind), and Emma Woodhouse (witty and accomplished). Melody has the beauty of Jane Bennet, and the passion and impetuousness of Marianne Dashwood and Lydia Bennet-- though she is more Lydia than Marianne temperament-wise-- quite spoiled and rather shallow. The novel also has a hint of magic-- in this Regency England, young women are expected to be accomplished in music, art, conversation, etc., AND they are expected to be skilled glamourists. (Basically a skill where magic is manipulated to produce special effects). A dash of Jane Austen with a sprinkling of Wrede/Stevermer's Sorcery & Cecelia. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
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