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A review by bibliobethreads
The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett
4.0
The Making Of A Marchioness was one of my first Persephone books and as soon as I saw it was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett I knew immediately I had to have it. Hodgson Burnett is the much loved author of children’s books like The Secret Garden and A Little Princess, both of which are childhood favourites of my own but up until now, I had never read any of her adult literature.
Thank goodness for two things - Persephone Books that publishes neglected (mostly) female authors and for @sandladysbooks who I buddy read it with, thoroughly enjoying the experience as we always seem to find a great deal to chat about.
Marchioness follows a young woman called Emily who is living in a small apartment and is incredibly selfless, preferring to help others, which she does at a detriment to herself occasionally. Her generous, sweet and helpful nature leads to a friendship with Lady Maria Bayne who very much takes advantage of her willingness to go above and beyond when helping others.
However, as she lends a hand (in other words, does EVERYTHING) at a party given by Lady Bayne, she is noticed by her friend’s cousin, the Marquis of Walderhurst. The story that follows from there is very much a slightly predictable Cinderella/rags to riches narrative yet there is also a very enjoyable part with the heir to Walderhurst’s fortune which adds a new thrill to an otherwise pedestrian (but very pleasant) story.
This was a lovely book to get lost in. It was comforting and easy to read but at the same time, it had an edge to it which I really appreciated. I loved the gentle humour running through the story, particularly the obsession with looking at the characters through eye glasses which may not sound amusing but was very funny to discuss with Cath when reading it together.
This is a gentle, interesting read that I would recommend to fans of the author. I’m really pleased that I finally managed to get to it and now I know there’s a sequel, I’ll definitely be checking that out.
Four solid stars
Thank goodness for two things - Persephone Books that publishes neglected (mostly) female authors and for @sandladysbooks who I buddy read it with, thoroughly enjoying the experience as we always seem to find a great deal to chat about.
Marchioness follows a young woman called Emily who is living in a small apartment and is incredibly selfless, preferring to help others, which she does at a detriment to herself occasionally. Her generous, sweet and helpful nature leads to a friendship with Lady Maria Bayne who very much takes advantage of her willingness to go above and beyond when helping others.
However, as she lends a hand (in other words, does EVERYTHING) at a party given by Lady Bayne, she is noticed by her friend’s cousin, the Marquis of Walderhurst. The story that follows from there is very much a slightly predictable Cinderella/rags to riches narrative yet there is also a very enjoyable part with the heir to Walderhurst’s fortune which adds a new thrill to an otherwise pedestrian (but very pleasant) story.
This was a lovely book to get lost in. It was comforting and easy to read but at the same time, it had an edge to it which I really appreciated. I loved the gentle humour running through the story, particularly the obsession with looking at the characters through eye glasses which may not sound amusing but was very funny to discuss with Cath when reading it together.
This is a gentle, interesting read that I would recommend to fans of the author. I’m really pleased that I finally managed to get to it and now I know there’s a sequel, I’ll definitely be checking that out.
Four solid stars