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english_lady03's review
4.0
3.5 Stars.
After The Matrimonial Advertisement I looked forward to A Modest Independence, which follows the story of Jenny Holloway, ladies maid to the heroine of the last novel, and Tom Finchley, a lawyer who worked for the hero. The author says that he is loosely based on Mr Tulkinghorn from Bleak House, only a lot less sinister.
Its a very interesting slow burning romance in which the characters love develops during a journey of thousands of miles to India. Jenny is determined that she wants to remain independent, and Tom has never shown any real interest in marriage, but the two find themselves increasingly drawn together. In fact, Tom only agrees to accompany her because his sense of honour won't let him leave an unmarried woman to travel unchaperoned.
The setting and descriptions of the places were vivid and realistic: one could almost feel the turbulent the boat rides and journeys to rickety trains in remote regions of India. Jenny's excitement at seeing ancient building and artifacts was palpable, making the audience want to experience other cultures alongside her.
The historical backdrop was also fascinating: the story was set two years after a rebellion in India, and presents events from both sides, and other details and events are explored, such as the propensity for British officers to marry Indian women, Victorian methods of travel, and tea-growing.
I gave the novel a lower rating for a couple of reasons. First, whilst she was not hard to be sympathetic to Jenny, I'm not sure I always liked her. At times she came over as obstinate, and the reasons for her stance became a little repetitive. Perhaps it was that her life story and its details were meant to slowly unfold, but I felt I knew enough after a while, and did not need to be told again.
There were times readers might wonder how a man like Tom could stay true to himself and retain is scruples and such a sense of honor, and yet still do to the job he did. This was explained towards the end though.
Second, I noticed a few Americanisms which I did not really expect from a British author. At least, I think the author is British.
I did appreciate this as a clean and enjoyable novel set in the late Victorian period, which has a very unusual and exotic setting. I don't usually read much General Market fiction set in this period, but Mimi Matthews is becoming a favourite. The next book in this series looks to be another exciting adventure set in France.
I received a copy of this title from the author or their representative. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
After The Matrimonial Advertisement I looked forward to A Modest Independence, which follows the story of Jenny Holloway, ladies maid to the heroine of the last novel, and Tom Finchley, a lawyer who worked for the hero. The author says that he is loosely based on Mr Tulkinghorn from Bleak House, only a lot less sinister.
Its a very interesting slow burning romance in which the characters love develops during a journey of thousands of miles to India. Jenny is determined that she wants to remain independent, and Tom has never shown any real interest in marriage, but the two find themselves increasingly drawn together. In fact, Tom only agrees to accompany her because his sense of honour won't let him leave an unmarried woman to travel unchaperoned.
The setting and descriptions of the places were vivid and realistic: one could almost feel the turbulent the boat rides and journeys to rickety trains in remote regions of India. Jenny's excitement at seeing ancient building and artifacts was palpable, making the audience want to experience other cultures alongside her.
The historical backdrop was also fascinating: the story was set two years after a rebellion in India, and presents events from both sides, and other details and events are explored, such as the propensity for British officers to marry Indian women, Victorian methods of travel, and tea-growing.
I gave the novel a lower rating for a couple of reasons. First, whilst she was not hard to be sympathetic to Jenny, I'm not sure I always liked her. At times she came over as obstinate, and the reasons for her stance became a little repetitive. Perhaps it was that her life story and its details were meant to slowly unfold, but I felt I knew enough after a while, and did not need to be told again.
There were times readers might wonder how a man like Tom could stay true to himself and retain is scruples and such a sense of honor, and yet still do to the job he did. This was explained towards the end though.
Second, I noticed a few Americanisms which I did not really expect from a British author. At least, I think the author is British.
I did appreciate this as a clean and enjoyable novel set in the late Victorian period, which has a very unusual and exotic setting. I don't usually read much General Market fiction set in this period, but Mimi Matthews is becoming a favourite. The next book in this series looks to be another exciting adventure set in France.
I received a copy of this title from the author or their representative. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
barizley's review
2.0
France! Egypt! India! And yet it’s just so dull. Wishing for more time on the interesting places, wayyy fewer uses of the word “exotic,” and zero reminders that the 28 year old is a spinster who’s not like other girls.
whatemilysreading's review
adventurous
fast-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
A Modest Independence is an adventurous and delightful romance from Mimi Matthews. With her writing style, I think she is the queen of historical romance. She always strikes the perfect balance of historical detail with delicious (but clean) romance.
I was rooting for Tom and Jenny from the beginning - their chemistry and care for each other was so natural. From their interactions in the previous book of this series, I knew that they would be a fun couple to read about, and they didn’t disappoint!
This book is essentially a Victorian road trip book with a medium-fast pace. I learned a lot about Victorian travel but it wasn’t bogged down with unnecessary and tedious details. The lingering mystery about what they would find once they reached India kept me invested in their adventure.
I’m absolutely loving the Parish Orphans of Devon series so far and am excited to meet the rest of the group!
starreynite's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? Yes
5.0
gjertrud's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eg_m's review
4.0
I've enjoyed all the books in this series--although I read them out of order. While Jenny and Tom are among my favorite characters, the story dragged in places reading more as a Victorian travel log than a romance. Given that it took months for the MCs to complete their journey to and through India, I had a hard time believing that Jenny was still reluctant to commit to Tom and needed another several months.
opheliabedilia's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
iamtais's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
amlibera's review
4.0
I liked this a lot - Victorian romance with two characters who genuinely care for each other not to mention a perspective on travel to Egypt and India that was aware of all of the complexities of empire and British colonial racism while not putting it at the center of the plot. I also appreciated the acknowledgement that the hero's ability to "take care of things" had a genuine dark side.
erista's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0