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A review by swymore2692
The Last Debutantes by Georgie Blalock
4.0
Set in London 1939, right before the start of World War II, The Last Debutantes by Georgie Blalock gives us a glimpse into the life of Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. The novel opens with Valerie’s presentation at court, kicking off her debutante season, and follows her as she finds her place in society, both as the Premier’s niece and as the daughter of black sheep Horace de Vere Cole. Unlike prior debutante Seasons, this one is overcast by the threat of war, throwing into question all that the debs and the generations preceding them have taken for granted for so long.
When I started the novel, I found it similar to American Royals, the YA novel by Katharine McGee, which while a fine novel by an author I really like, is not what one expects when cozying into an adult historical fiction novel. I’m saying this only to advise readers who may feel the same way to keep reading. I ended up really enjoying this book. Blalock did a wonderful job blending fact and fiction in a way that was both easily understood and enjoyable to read. She did her research well and gave an accurate portrayal without boring the reader with too many unnecessary facts – a pitfall I have found too common in historical fiction.
My favorite thing about this novel is the main character, Valerie. Despite coming from a questionable background, she strives to not only rise above all the negativity and disdain cast her way by snobbish women with aristocratic airs, but to be worthy of all her aunt and uncle have done for her. During her Season, she grows into a woman of grace and fortitude, while retaining her endearing charm and loving spirit. She is a fun character to root for, and it is easy to grow attached to her and her adorable group of friends, Katherine, Christian, and Dinah. I also enjoyed reading about Valerie’s first foray into the world of romance, as she enjoys the attention of both the kind and gentle Dr. Cranston and the dashing, debonair Lord Elmswood.
Overall, a great read for a long weekend or rainy day.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.
When I started the novel, I found it similar to American Royals, the YA novel by Katharine McGee, which while a fine novel by an author I really like, is not what one expects when cozying into an adult historical fiction novel. I’m saying this only to advise readers who may feel the same way to keep reading. I ended up really enjoying this book. Blalock did a wonderful job blending fact and fiction in a way that was both easily understood and enjoyable to read. She did her research well and gave an accurate portrayal without boring the reader with too many unnecessary facts – a pitfall I have found too common in historical fiction.
My favorite thing about this novel is the main character, Valerie. Despite coming from a questionable background, she strives to not only rise above all the negativity and disdain cast her way by snobbish women with aristocratic airs, but to be worthy of all her aunt and uncle have done for her. During her Season, she grows into a woman of grace and fortitude, while retaining her endearing charm and loving spirit. She is a fun character to root for, and it is easy to grow attached to her and her adorable group of friends, Katherine, Christian, and Dinah. I also enjoyed reading about Valerie’s first foray into the world of romance, as she enjoys the attention of both the kind and gentle Dr. Cranston and the dashing, debonair Lord Elmswood.
Overall, a great read for a long weekend or rainy day.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.