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A review by jlynnreadsandwrites
The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh by Molly Greeley
4.0
I love Pride and Prejudice and thought this was an interesting premise. What does the world look like through Anne de Bourgh's eyes?
This is a novel of self-discovery, of Anne finding her way free of the "medicine" she's been prescribed her entire life so that she can be in control of her life and actually live. With a clear head, Anne can experience the world and herself for the first time. We see Anne's childhood through glimpses of her medicated state. She struggles to interact with others and the world, and is kept secluded in Rosings Park, deemed too delicate and fragile to do very much. Nor does Anne expect much from herself. She believes the stories told to her about herself and expects that when she marries her cousin Darcy, he will be take over the responsibility of Rosings Park, in addition to his own estate. Because even though Anne is the heiress, no one - with the exception of her governess, Miss Hall - believes Anne capable of such a daunting responsibility.
After decades under the numbing influence of laudanum, Anne decides to stop taking it. She seeks solace in London, under the care of her cousin John and his wife. After a few harrowing days, Anne is clearheaded and, for the first time, can see a world other than Rosings Park. Slowly, she discovers her appetite and the wonders of a body that is nourished and awake. She makes friends and falls in love. Eventually, Anne takes up her rightful place as mistress of Rosings, which requires her to do battle with her formidable mother. Anne rises to the occasion, finding that she is far more capable than anyone, including herself, gave her credit for.
While it was necessary to create a background of Anne's life and to show the shape of her childhood, I did the find the start of the book to be a bit slow. However, it picked up once Anne decided to take more control over her life. Her struggle of figuring out how to be in the world is relatable to anyone who has struggled with what it means to run your own life.
LIGHT SPOILERS BELOW
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Even in Anne's laudanum stupor, she finds her romantic interests don't match with expectations. Though, it becomes much clearer when she is no longer addicted and living in London. Anne's crush on her governess, Miss Hall, led to uncomfortable moments but in London Anne is able to find someone who shares her attraction. Anne and Eliza are such a good match. I loved Eliza's big, open personality that allowed Anne to feel comfortable being herself. Anne is awkward and uncertain, having little experience in social situations, but Eliza finds it charming. There is a clear connection between them and it is satisfying to see them come together. The heartbreak of their parting and the sweetness of their reunion felt realistic and also made a very satisfying ending.
This is a novel of self-discovery, of Anne finding her way free of the "medicine" she's been prescribed her entire life so that she can be in control of her life and actually live. With a clear head, Anne can experience the world and herself for the first time. We see Anne's childhood through glimpses of her medicated state. She struggles to interact with others and the world, and is kept secluded in Rosings Park, deemed too delicate and fragile to do very much. Nor does Anne expect much from herself. She believes the stories told to her about herself and expects that when she marries her cousin Darcy, he will be take over the responsibility of Rosings Park, in addition to his own estate. Because even though Anne is the heiress, no one - with the exception of her governess, Miss Hall - believes Anne capable of such a daunting responsibility.
After decades under the numbing influence of laudanum, Anne decides to stop taking it. She seeks solace in London, under the care of her cousin John and his wife. After a few harrowing days, Anne is clearheaded and, for the first time, can see a world other than Rosings Park. Slowly, she discovers her appetite and the wonders of a body that is nourished and awake. She makes friends and falls in love. Eventually, Anne takes up her rightful place as mistress of Rosings, which requires her to do battle with her formidable mother. Anne rises to the occasion, finding that she is far more capable than anyone, including herself, gave her credit for.
While it was necessary to create a background of Anne's life and to show the shape of her childhood, I did the find the start of the book to be a bit slow. However, it picked up once Anne decided to take more control over her life. Her struggle of figuring out how to be in the world is relatable to anyone who has struggled with what it means to run your own life.
LIGHT SPOILERS BELOW
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Even in Anne's laudanum stupor, she finds her romantic interests don't match with expectations. Though, it becomes much clearer when she is no longer addicted and living in London. Anne's crush on her governess, Miss Hall, led to uncomfortable moments but in London Anne is able to find someone who shares her attraction. Anne and Eliza are such a good match. I loved Eliza's big, open personality that allowed Anne to feel comfortable being herself. Anne is awkward and uncertain, having little experience in social situations, but Eliza finds it charming. There is a clear connection between them and it is satisfying to see them come together. The heartbreak of their parting and the sweetness of their reunion felt realistic and also made a very satisfying ending.