With the idea of Pygmalion stretching as a backbone throughout its storyline, this novel stars Rachel Woodley, a.k.a Vera Merton, a.k.a Rachel Standish, as its protagonist. The setting is the UK during the 1920s and the author’s style of writing as to good writing itself--such as tension, suspense, scene construction, pace, and flow--is impeccable.

In the story, after her mother’s death, Rachel finds out that the father she loved and mourned for his death was alive with another family, and instead of being a commoner, he was an Earl to boot. I loved the beginning and the ending of the novel, but despite the writing style’s high points, when it comes to the characters, I was annoyed with Rachel when she acted in such a confused manner. She thought and felt too much, thanks to the author’s getting inside her head non-stop, but then, acted as if in a fog and with impulsive decisions. For a decent, well brought up, and intelligent girl who could think things from all sides, her actions and wishes of revenge, although she really didn’t want revenge, threw me off a bit. Still, I could feel sympathy for her situation and for her pain.

As to Simon Montfort, I felt he could be given more paper space, further character development, and several more scenes with Rachel to highlight their feelings for each other. I felt even when placed inside a scene, Simon was like a background ornament; he might have been the puppeteer holding Rachel’s strings, but he was still the second most important character in the story.

On the other hand, the story is enjoyable with a fast pace and numerous twists and turns. In addition, the author has to be congratulated for her excellent research abilities. The era this story takes place is perfectly depicted, all the way to the superficial behaviors, apparels, and chitchat of the secondary characters.

the depiction of the 1920's society

is Lauren Wittig. Some of her books are Fall of Poppies, That Summer, and The Ashford Affair.

It is an exciting story with a different take on Pygmalion, although in some sections, exposition is a bit too heavy.

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Created Mar 12, 2016 at 7:35pm • Submit your own review...