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A review by emleemay
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman
4.0
Had I not noticed this book was by [a:Alison Goodman|88685|Alison Goodman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1674777508p2/88685.jpg], an old favourite of mine, it would have gone sailing right by me. Who could have guessed this pastel-coloured cover featuring fine ladies in bonnets could contain such a dark, disturbing tale of abuses of power in Regency London?
The book is split into three sections called "cases". In each one, Lady Augusta Colebrook and her sister, Julia, (with some help from dashing ex-con Lord Evan Belford) set out to help other women in need. From Caroline, who has been imprisoned by her abusive husband, to Hester, who is trapped in a mental institution living in horrific conditions.
But "Gus" herself must contend with the restrictions placed upon her as a woman, with men frequently dismissing her concerns and her brother using his position as head of the estate to control and spite her.
Goodman knows this time well and manages to strike a perfect balance between staying true to the times and not making me hate everyone. Well, the main three at least. I hated a good many others throughout this book. In fact, it was probably my fury that made this such an engaging read. That, and Gus' unyielding spirit.
The book is split into three sections called "cases". In each one, Lady Augusta Colebrook and her sister, Julia, (with some help from dashing ex-con Lord Evan Belford) set out to help other women in need. From Caroline, who has been imprisoned by her abusive husband, to Hester, who is trapped in a mental institution living in horrific conditions.
But "Gus" herself must contend with the restrictions placed upon her as a woman, with men frequently dismissing her concerns and her brother using his position as head of the estate to control and spite her.
Goodman knows this time well and manages to strike a perfect balance between staying true to the times and not making me hate everyone. Well, the main three at least. I hated a good many others throughout this book. In fact, it was probably my fury that made this such an engaging read. That, and Gus' unyielding spirit.