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A review by abitbetterbooks
Trouble by Lex Croucher
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
God. WOW. I loved this book and devoured it in a matter of days. I simply could not put it down.
I assume everyone is tired of me raving about Lex Croucher’s books by now and I’m hardly an unbiased opinion, but damn. They really do deserve it.
While this book didn’t quite gut-punch me the way Gwen & Art Are Not In Love did, it was a textbook-perfect Regency romance: precocious children, a hunky closed off sea Captain, a crew of diverse and lovable staff, and of course, our Hot Mess Express heroine who really has a heart of gold under her prickly exterior.
I think a few things are going on in Trouble that make it special, a step above. First, the discussion and focus around chronic illness (especially in Regency times) was incredibly important and refuted and highlighted harmful stereotypes around chronic illness, especially for young women.
Second, the discussion of power, class, and privilege felt very grounded and real. Emily’s reservations around Captain Edwards, and all of Fairmont House generally, felt achingly human and actually addressed inequality in a way that didn’t feel completely flippant. There were many moments where ideas of “womanhood” and “femininity” were called into question and pushed back against this pervasive Western idea about women always being in the domestic sphere; the reality is that poor women have always had to work hard to survive
Third, Lex’s take on historical diversity is always refreshing and needed. The focus on gender and sexuality in this one made my heart sing and was such a beautiful reminder that queer and trans people have always existed, even when it wasn’t so easy to see us.
I assume everyone is tired of me raving about Lex Croucher’s books by now and I’m hardly an unbiased opinion, but damn. They really do deserve it.
While this book didn’t quite gut-punch me the way Gwen & Art Are Not In Love did, it was a textbook-perfect Regency romance: precocious children, a hunky closed off sea Captain, a crew of diverse and lovable staff, and of course, our Hot Mess Express heroine who really has a heart of gold under her prickly exterior.
I think a few things are going on in Trouble that make it special, a step above. First, the discussion and focus around chronic illness (especially in Regency times) was incredibly important and refuted and highlighted harmful stereotypes around chronic illness, especially for young women.
Second, the discussion of power, class, and privilege felt very grounded and real. Emily’s reservations around Captain Edwards, and all of Fairmont House generally, felt achingly human and actually addressed inequality in a way that didn’t feel completely flippant. There were many moments where ideas of “womanhood” and “femininity” were called into question and pushed back against this pervasive Western idea about women always being in the domestic sphere; the reality is that poor women have always had to work hard to survive
Third, Lex’s take on historical diversity is always refreshing and needed. The focus on gender and sexuality in this one made my heart sing and was such a beautiful reminder that queer and trans people have always existed, even when it wasn’t so easy to see us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, and Ableism
Minor: Sexual harassment