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A review by katykelly
Sedition by Katharine Grant
5.0
Delightfully amoral, a wicked tale of seduction that channels both Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Piano.
Several 'new money' families decide to showcase their daughters in the marriage market by purchasing a top-notch pianoforte and training up their girls to perform for nobility. Instrument-maker Cantabile is affronted by the idea of untrained and clumsy girls touching his handmade piece of art. He sends Monsiuer Belladroit to the families, ostensibly as their instructor. But really to seduce them all and foil the marriage schemes.
Unexpected turns come from his own daughter, talented musician Annie, born with a disfiguring hare lip, and one of the girls - Alathea, cunning and scheming plans of her own.
Like Dangerous Liasions, the period and theme of seduction fill the story. It's light in places, dark in others. The girls are well-enough differentiated to be identifiable. Alathea is admirable (and yet pitiable at times, as is Annie, who I wanted to see more of). Alathea drives the plot, and takes it in turns unforeseen.
There are some sex scenes but beautifully written to be completely implied, not explicit whatsoever.
The concert scene itself. So long anticipated. It is a delight. I soooooooo wanted to hear that music. To see those dresses.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, great period feel and hope it gets made into a film - some wonderful parts here for actors. And great humour, with Belladroit eventually having to service several curious teenagers consecutively, will transfer brilliantly to the screen. Indulge.
Several 'new money' families decide to showcase their daughters in the marriage market by purchasing a top-notch pianoforte and training up their girls to perform for nobility. Instrument-maker Cantabile is affronted by the idea of untrained and clumsy girls touching his handmade piece of art. He sends Monsiuer Belladroit to the families, ostensibly as their instructor. But really to seduce them all and foil the marriage schemes.
Unexpected turns come from his own daughter, talented musician Annie, born with a disfiguring hare lip, and one of the girls - Alathea, cunning and scheming plans of her own.
Like Dangerous Liasions, the period and theme of seduction fill the story. It's light in places, dark in others. The girls are well-enough differentiated to be identifiable. Alathea is admirable (and yet pitiable at times, as is Annie, who I wanted to see more of). Alathea drives the plot, and takes it in turns unforeseen.
There are some sex scenes but beautifully written to be completely implied, not explicit whatsoever.
The concert scene itself. So long anticipated. It is a delight. I soooooooo wanted to hear that music. To see those dresses.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, great period feel and hope it gets made into a film - some wonderful parts here for actors. And great humour, with Belladroit eventually having to service several curious teenagers consecutively, will transfer brilliantly to the screen. Indulge.