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A review by bzliz
To Sir Phillip, with Love: Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have some mixed feelings about this one and I think most of them come from my 2024 eyes looking at 1800s sensibilities. It’s impossible to not feel icky from how Marina’s mental health is dealt with. She didn’t need a husband, she needed a therapist. As for Sir Phillip, he had his moments of charm and delight but it was challenging to warm up to a father who pushes his children away when they’re being mistreated and begging for closeness. Plus there’s a matter I have mentioned in the content warnings.
On the other hand, I adored Eloise. She felt so human to me. She constantly spoke her mind and took action. Her ability to handle Oliver and Amanda was certainly due to growing up in a big, loving family, but I think her growth mirrors that of the children. All three are in desperate need to attention and Phillip has to grow himself to give that to them. They also support each other; Eloise is a parental presence that the twins desperately needed, who was firm but understanding as needed, and the twins give her a challenge and the adoration that children give their heroes. The second epilogue cements that for me as Amanda so wonderfully illustrates Eloise’s devotion to their family, pulling it all together and bringing light and life to a sad group that had previously been crumbling.
On the other hand, I adored Eloise. She felt so human to me. She constantly spoke her mind and took action. Her ability to handle Oliver and Amanda was certainly due to growing up in a big, loving family, but I think her growth mirrors that of the children. All three are in desperate need to attention and Phillip has to grow himself to give that to them. They also support each other; Eloise is a parental presence that the twins desperately needed, who was firm but understanding as needed, and the twins give her a challenge and the adoration that children give their heroes. The second epilogue cements that for me as Amanda so wonderfully illustrates Eloise’s devotion to their family, pulling it all together and bringing light and life to a sad group that had previously been crumbling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, and Child abuse
Moderate: Mental illness and Sexual assault
Though it doesn’t occur on page, I have tagged sexual assault because Phillip does mention in his thoughts that the last time he was intimate with his first wife, she just laid there completely emotionless and he continued because she didn’t say no. He also mentions being sick afterward and didn’t touch her or any other woman until Eloise 8 years later, but it’s hard for me to overlook.