'Black Silk' by Judith Ivory follows the story of Submit Channing Downes, a widow tasked with delivering a black box to the notorious Earl of Netham, Graham Wessit. Their unexpected friendship and romance blossom amidst scandal and societal expectations. The characters, Graham and Submit, are richly flawed and complex, defying stereotypes and conventions of the genre. The plot delves into themes of identity, reputation, and self-discovery, with characters grappling with moral dilemmas and societal constraints.

Judith Ivory's writing style in 'Black Silk' is dense and detailed, painting a vivid picture of Victorian society and its complexities. The author skillfully weaves a narrative filled with intriguing characters and metatextual convolutions, challenging genre conventions and unraveling fictions within fictions. The story explores the depths of human nature, portraying characters who evolve and grow amidst personal struggles and societal expectations.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, showcasing deep flaws and complex backgrounds that enhance the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lush prose and a focus on character depth, providing a rich literary experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features original characters and rich relationship dynamics, focusing on a widow's journey and her interactions with a notorious earl.

Setting:

The Victorian English setting is significant in exploring societal norms and character identities.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and focused on character development, which may not suit all readers.

In the billiard room, the mantel clock ticked softly, its sound muted by the room’s furnishings. Thick oriental carpeting. Dark paneled walls. The walls were hung with pastoral paintings, which were n...

Notes:

The book features original characters that challenge traditional romance tropes.

The heroine, Submit, is a young widow navigating her new life after her husband's death.

The hero, Graham, is a notorious earl known for his scandalous reputation.

Graham struggles with his public persona as a celebrity and rake, which overshadows his true self.

Submit and Graham's relationship develops through a series of chance encounters after her husband's will tasks her to deliver a box to him.

Both main characters are deeply flawed and complex, making them relatable and compelling.

The narrative involves themes of identity, reputation, and the struggle for self-determination in love.

The story unfolds in Victorian England, enhancing the historical context of the characters' dilemmas.

Despite initially being drawn together, Submit repeatedly resists Graham's advances, showing her reluctance to move on.

The writing style is described as lush and elegant, contributing to the book's literary quality.

Black Silk offers a different kind of romance, focusing on character growth over more typical romantic plot structures.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include discussions of grief, personal loss, infidelity, and complex romantic relationships.

Has Romance?

The book features a high level of romance, with a developing relationship between the main characters, despite their initial reservations.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

As befitting her name, lovely Submit Channing-Downes was the proper, obedient wife of an aging Marquess-until her husband's death left her penniless and alone...with one final obligation to fulfill. Entrusted with delivering a small black box to its rightful owner, she calls upon Graham Wessit, the notorious Earl of Netham, whose life has been marred by rumor and scandal. But Graham wants nothing to do w/ her gift. Fate however, has entwined these two lives in astonishing ways neither Submit nor Graham could ever imagine.

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Black Silk

Judith Ivory