Scan barcode
A review by literaryjunarin
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-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
4.5
"If one's spirit happened to be born into a female body in the upper classes, the leash was short."
This is the 3rd book from the series A League of Extraordinary Women, and I loved it. With the Grumpy/Sunshine plus tricked into a marriage trope, I'm all for it.
I found Hattie quite lovely in the first two books but wasn't that intrigued so I was shocked that I loved her here. I knew other readers were annoyed with her in this book because of how spoiled she is but well, that's what she is, a pampered princess! A rich girl who loves to paint, read romance novels, and wants a Mr. Bingley but got a Heathcliff instead.
Lucian, I like him more than the Duke and Ballentine, mainly because of his tragic past. He is dark and calculating but I loved how he tried his best to be good to his wife.
This story still has the women's suffrage movement as a backdrop though not as heavy compared to the first two books. The horrible part of women's history is still here though. Like how a mother's lesson to her daughter is that a woman should be nothing but lovely, where a woman ceased to exist as a person once she got married, and how women don't really know what sex is until it happened to them. Hattie's conversation with her sister in preparation for her wedding night is darkly funny. Also, I really find it hilarious that a century ago, a mere peck on the lips is scandalous and will require you to marry ASAP.
For this one, it explored more of the worker's rights, equal pay for men and women, and child labor. There's also a touch of Scotland which I adored because I'm currently watching Outlander. Dunmore has a way of including real historical events that do not feel textbook-ish, like the invention of electric bulbs, cameras, and electric lifts.
"Much that I despise and all that I desire, meets in you. And it frustrates me beyond reason."
As for the romance, the sexual tension is written superbly, of course. I liked the Persephone/Hades or Beauty and the Beast vibe of it. The attraction they have for each other, that they themselves don't understand is charming and I love their chemistry and intellectual banter. But, be warned, the ending was lackluster. Lucian's PTSD and Hattie's desire for freedom and independence were resolved off-page. I didn't like how the ending was TOLD instead of SHOWN to the readers.
But still, I loved the story as a whole and I loved seeing how Hattie, who first only joined the women's suffrage movement to feel useful but later learned the importance of it. Look how far we've come.
"Your personal good fortune has protected you from the consequences of the law thus far. Engaging with politics was a choice for you. For those who live with the consequences of injustice every day, political activism is not a choice. So I reckon the shock you feel now is your ignorance shattering - think of it as growing pains."
This is the 3rd book from the series A League of Extraordinary Women, and I loved it. With the Grumpy/Sunshine plus tricked into a marriage trope, I'm all for it.
I found Hattie quite lovely in the first two books but wasn't that intrigued so I was shocked that I loved her here. I knew other readers were annoyed with her in this book because of how spoiled she is but well, that's what she is, a pampered princess! A rich girl who loves to paint, read romance novels, and wants a Mr. Bingley but got a Heathcliff instead.
Lucian, I like him more than the Duke and Ballentine, mainly because of his tragic past. He is dark and calculating but I loved how he tried his best to be good to his wife.
This story still has the women's suffrage movement as a backdrop though not as heavy compared to the first two books. The horrible part of women's history is still here though. Like how a mother's lesson to her daughter is that a woman should be nothing but lovely, where a woman ceased to exist as a person once she got married, and how women don't really know what sex is until it happened to them. Hattie's conversation with her sister in preparation for her wedding night is darkly funny. Also, I really find it hilarious that a century ago, a mere peck on the lips is scandalous and will require you to marry ASAP.
For this one, it explored more of the worker's rights, equal pay for men and women, and child labor. There's also a touch of Scotland which I adored because I'm currently watching Outlander. Dunmore has a way of including real historical events that do not feel textbook-ish, like the invention of electric bulbs, cameras, and electric lifts.
"Much that I despise and all that I desire, meets in you. And it frustrates me beyond reason."
As for the romance, the sexual tension is written superbly, of course. I liked the Persephone/Hades or Beauty and the Beast vibe of it. The attraction they have for each other, that they themselves don't understand is charming and I love their chemistry and intellectual banter. But, be warned, the ending was lackluster. Lucian's PTSD and Hattie's desire for freedom and independence were resolved off-page. I didn't like how the ending was TOLD instead of SHOWN to the readers.
But still, I loved the story as a whole and I loved seeing how Hattie, who first only joined the women's suffrage movement to feel useful but later learned the importance of it. Look how far we've come.
"Your personal good fortune has protected you from the consequences of the law thus far. Engaging with politics was a choice for you. For those who live with the consequences of injustice every day, political activism is not a choice. So I reckon the shock you feel now is your ignorance shattering - think of it as growing pains."
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death