Why a Booktrail?
1860s: A Courtship of Convenience. A Last Chance for Love
A Holiday By Gaslight
What you need to know before your trail
Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. He’s grim and silent. A man of little emotion–or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things.
But severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there’s Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What’s a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas and give him one last chance to win her? Only this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.
Locations
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The author mentions that the novel was inspired by the social, scientific and technological advance of the mid 19th century.
Gaslight
“Like us the Victorians were faced with a rapidly changing world. Many wanted to clinging to the status quo , buts some, like Sophie’s farther – embraced the change to the point of folly. Having his country house fitted for gas is just one example.”
“In the mid Victorian era, the cost of such an endeavor would have been equal to about $100,000.00. So, no small sum.”
Adapting to changing circumstances
“Charles Darwin’s Then controversial book The ?Origin of the Species was published in 1859. Sophie uses Darwin’s theories as a staring point for embracing a future that is largely out of her control. This culminates in her engagement to Ned, a gentleman who is not of her class.”
Class
There are several references and nods to Elisabeth Gaskell’s novels such as North and South which reference the importance and stupidity of class at that time.
History
There are several true life historical moments in the novel – Prince Albert for example really did preside over the opening of the New Horticultural Gardens at South Kensington. There are lots of snippets of information about Victorian fashions, fripperies and the need to find a decent suitor of the right class.
Booktrailer Review
Susan: @thebooktrailer
A delight of a novel. Downton Abbey esque with a hint of Georgina Heyer. And with mentions of Charles Darwin, Dickens and Elisabeth Gaskell, this is a sparkling witty read which is a joy to read.
Sophie Appersett has to marry. That’s her duty in Victorian Britain but it’s her attitude to social mores and duties of the time that is the best thing about this novel. Very Bridget Jones in places too which made me smile. To quote another film – ‘No one puts Sophie in the corner”
The relationship between Sophie and Mr Sharpe was funny and observant. I felt like I was standing under one of those gothic lamposts on the street corner ( a marvel in itself since gas lightning was a recent invention) listening to conversations, and then hotfooting to to Hyde Park and other places around London in order to follow the characters. London was one big playground then to those who had money. The dresses of Bond Street, the parties, the places to be seen…throw in Instagram in the modern age and not much has changed it would seem!
The historical aspects of the novel were impressive given that it’s quite a short story. Gas – lights, the changing literary landscape, Darwin and Prince Albert. A lot to enjoy here.
I loved the voice and tone of this novel – delightfully fresh and playful which in itself would make me read more.
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