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jayisreading's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.75
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics is a novel I never would have considered reading, only because it’s well within intersecting genres that don’t interest me (more specifically, historical fiction/romance). I was challenged by a friend, however, to try reading this book and not be too judgmental about it. The romance aspect was not my cup of tea, but I can see why this friend recommend the book to me. Olivia Waite pleasantly surprised me with underlying feminist themes in Regency England, giving much power to the women in this book. Oh, and of course, lots of positive queerness between women and a great acknowledgment that queer people existed throughout history.
Waite also writes beautifully. I certainly found it enchanting, especially considering so much of the book focuses on the stars, and she weaves metaphors in so well in relation to them.
I did have one gripe, which was that I couldn’t quite tell how much time had passed between chapters. It would be mentioned, but it almost felt like an afterthought. It made the relationship between the two protagonists, Lucy and Catherine, feel rushed. I also think it affected some of the relationships that these characters had with others, but not to the point that it ruined the overall reading experience.
Romance genre elements aside (which, again, I really wasn’t the biggest fan of, but I’m trying not to let that affect my overall impressions of the novel), I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is definitely a must-read for folks who do like queer romance and historical fiction.
(And spoiler warning: The twist at the end was simultaneously delightful and annoying in that it kind of felt like a cop-out.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse
danajoy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This is a beautifully written and wonderful romance. I love the backdrop of astronomy and the arts, especially in light of the historical setting. It is full of beautiful quotes and imagery.
I think my favourite aspect of this was the amazing portrayal of consent and the importance of enthusiastic consent when progressing with intimacy.
I think my favourite aspect of this was the amazing portrayal of consent and the importance of enthusiastic consent when progressing with intimacy.
"The whole point is to feel excited about one another, isn’t it? If you’re more anxious than excited, then we wait. Simple."
It IS simple. I love seeing this sort of thing in books! This was the story I read directly after The Duke and I by Julia Quinn which unfortunately has a very problematic, non-consensual scene which really does make it hard to think back on the rest of the story with anything but uneasiness. When I read this story I was so happy that consent was clear and enthusiastic. There are a lot of steamy scenes in here. They are usually a little long, very tender and very hot so if that is something you're seeking out then I highly recommend picking this book up.
Personally, I found the plot interesting enough to keep me engaged but a bit on the predictable side. The docked half star is for my frustration with a very common romance trope also present in this story -
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Homophobia
womanwill's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Homophobia, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism
decklededgess's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
trigger warnings: marital abuse and assault, potential mention of bdsm relationship with a sub who wasn’t really fully consenting??, emotionally abusive exes, homophobia, sexism and misogyny, sexism for women in STEM, sex and nudity, alcohol, sexist family, death of parents, mild racism
surprisingly diverse!!! hella brown and poc characters mentioned except none of them have their actual races mentioned save one because of his name. but the book is making several points about first wave feminism which is interesting!! really enjoyable.
surprisingly diverse!!! hella brown and poc characters mentioned except none of them have their actual races mentioned save one because of his name. but the book is making several points about first wave feminism which is interesting!! really enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
bookishnatalia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
nickoliver's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Death
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