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Books matching: victorian society setting

34 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 34 
  1. #1

    The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell
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    'The Life of Charlotte Bronte' by Elizabeth Gaskell is a sympathetic and romantic biography that captures Charlotte Bronte's essence and dedication to her work. The book delves into the tragic and difficult life of Charlotte Bronte, shedding light on her struggles and losses which influenced her literary works. Gaskell, being a contemporary of Bronte and a friend, provides personal insights and details that bring the reader closer to understanding the life of the famous author.

    The Leeds and Bradford railway runs along a deep valley of the Aire; a slow and sluggish stream, compared to the neighbouring river of Wharfe. Keighley station is on this line of railway, about a quar...

  2. #2

    The Shadow and the Star - Victorian Hearts by Laura Kinsale
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    The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Samuel and Leda as they navigate a complex relationship filled with trials and tribulations. Samuel, a martial arts trained hero with a troubled past, and Leda, a proper English woman facing adversity, find themselves entangled in a passionate yet hesitant romance. The book delves into themes of love, duty, trauma, and self-discovery, all set against a backdrop of Victorian society. Laura Kinsale's writing style is described as deep, intense, and thought-provoking, with complex characters and a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.

    Leda came awake suddenly in the depth of night. She had been dreaming of cherries. Her body made the jerk of transition, an unpleasant startle that sucked in air and twitched muscles and left her hear...

  3. #3

    The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang
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    'The Impossible Girl' by Lydia Kang is a historical fiction novel set in late 19th century New York, following the protagonist Cora, who has the unique characteristic of being born with two hearts. The story revolves around Cora's double life as a grave robber known as Jacob, her involvement in selling bodies to medical schools, and the mysteries surrounding unusual deaths of people on her watch list. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of New York City at that time, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and a touch of fantasy.

    The writing style of 'The Impossible Girl' has been described as colorful, atmospheric, and filled with interesting historical and anatomical facts. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged in a dark and intriguing narrative that explores themes of love, betrayal, survival, and the societal issues of the Victorian era.


  4. #4

    The Observations by Jane Harris
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    Set in Victorian Scotland, 'The Observations' by Jane Harris follows the story of Bessy, a maid with a mysterious past who takes up a position in a country manor house. Her employer, Arabella, exhibits strange behavior that hints at sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. The novel is narrated by Bessy, whose unique voice brings humor and depth to the tale as she navigates through a blend of comedy, gothic horror, and social commentary. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of hidden meanings, secrets, and unexpected twists, making it a compelling Victorian thriller that delves into the roles of women during that era.

    Bessy's character shines through as a delightful mix of sassiness, sweetness, cruelty, and vulnerability, making her a relatable and believable protagonist. The interactions between Bessy and Arabella, along with the quirky sayings and phrases used by Bessy, add a touch of humor and lightness to the otherwise dark and mysterious narrative. Despite the slow build-up and the lack of a big reveal towards the end, 'The Observations' stands out as a captivating read that keeps readers guessing and invested in the fates of the characters.

    I had reason to leave Glasgow, this would have been about three four years ago, and I had been on the Great Road about five hours when I seen a track to the left and a sign that said ‘Castle Haivers’....

  5. #5

    The Chimes by Charles Dickens
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    'The Chimes' by Charles Dickens is a novella set during New Year's Eve, focusing on the story of Toby Veck, a poor messenger striving to keep a life for himself and his daughter. The book delves into themes of poverty, class division, and societal injustices, as Toby encounters goblins who show him the potential misery that may befall his daughter and others. The narrative carries a strong moral message about the impact of circumstances on individuals, particularly the poor, and explores the idea of redemption and hope amidst despair.

    The writing style of 'The Chimes' has been described as somber, heavy-handed, and didactic, reminiscent of Dickens' other Christmas stories. The novella includes supernatural elements, such as goblins and visions of a bleak future, similar to 'A Christmas Carol,' although it is noted for lacking the charm and impact of the latter. The story unfolds with a focus on societal critiques, portraying the struggles of the lower classes and the harsh judgment of the wealthy towards the poor, ultimately culminating in a message of compassion and goodwill.


  6. #6

    A Rivalry of Hearts - Fae Flings and Corset Strings by Tessonja Odette
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    'A Rivalry of Hearts' is a whimsical regency fantasy romance that revolves around two competing authors, one of whom is fae. Set in a Victorian-esque society, the story highlights the main character's career aspirations while intertwining elements of magic and humor. The narrative follows the female lead, a romance author who often gets distracted by her thoughts about integrating her personal experiences into her writing, particularly during intimate moments with the male lead. This unique twist adds a layer of depth to their relationship as they navigate their rivalry for a publishing contract.

    The writing style is playful and engaging, making it a cozy read that doesn't take itself too seriously. With a focus on romance over extensive world-building, Tessonja Odette creates a magical and immersive atmosphere that resonates with readers. The light-hearted tone, combined with moments of spice and humor, ensures that the story remains entertaining and heartwarming, appealing to fans of romantic comedies and fantasy alike.


  7. #7

    Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
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    Told from the point of view of the horse known as Black Beauty, this is the tale of his life the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Set in 19th century England, Beauty goes through myriad owners and names, meeting and befriending other horses along the way. While living at Squire Gordon's country estate, the spirited young horse, Black Beauty, is well taken care of and happy. But when the squire is forced to sell off his horses, Black Beauty's life changes as he is passed from one cruel master to another. After much hardship and perseverance, Black Beauty finds a home full of love and kindness.

    The first place that I can well remember was a large pleasant meadow with a pond of clear water in it. Some shady trees leaned over it, and rushes and water-lilies grew at the deep end. Over the hedge...

  8. #8
    The Duke Undone
    Book 1 in the series:Duke Undone

    The Duke Undone - Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell
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    The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell follows the story of Anthony Philby, the Duke of Weston, who is struggling with the aftermath of war, family pressure, and internal conflicts. When aspiring artist Lucy Coover stumbles upon Anthony and paints his scandalous likeness, their paths collide in passionate and dangerous ways. The book delves into themes of alcoholism, emotional abuse, PTSD, and societal issues, all set against a backdrop of Victorian England. The writing style is described as involving complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a dark exploration of the depths of the soul.

    Perry Forbes was as notorious for his blathering as for his dodgy business ventures. He invested in companies that sold everything from patent medicines to threshing machines and bored his acquaintanc...

  9. #9

    A Curious Beginning - Veronica Speedwell by Deanna Raybourn
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    In 'A Curious Beginning', we follow Veronica Speedwell, an independent and bold Victorian adventuress with a passion for collecting butterflies. After the death of her guardians, Veronica finds herself entangled in a mystery surrounding her parentage. With the help of a cast of unique characters like the enigmatic Stoker, Veronica navigates through danger, murder, and intrigue in Victorian England while unraveling the secrets of her past. The book is a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained.

    The writing style in 'A Curious Beginning' is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, drawing readers into Veronica's world of scientific quests, daring escapades, and unexpected twists. The characters, especially Veronica and Stoker, are well-developed and dynamic, with their evolving relationship adding depth to the narrative. The book offers a fresh take on the Victorian mystery genre, blending elements of romance, suspense, and humor to create an enjoyable and captivating story for readers.

    I stared down into the open grave and wished that I could summon a tear. Violent weeping would have been in exceedingly poor taste, but Miss Nell Harbottle had been my guardian for the whole of my lif...

  10. #10

    And Only to Deceive - Lady Emily by Tasha Alexander
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    "And Only to Deceive" by Tasha Alexander follows the story of Lady Emily Ashton, a young widow who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her late husband's life and death. Through exploring her husband's interests in Greek antiquities and his mysterious past, Lady Emily finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and secrets. Set in Victorian England, the novel combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a glimpse into upper-class society and the struggles faced by independent women during that era. The plot unfolds as Lady Emily navigates through societal expectations, uncovers art forgeries, and grapples with the complexities of love and loss.

    The writing style of Tasha Alexander in "And Only to Deceive" is described as engaging, light, and entertaining by readers. features a strong and complex heroine, Lady Emily, who evolves from a seemingly shallow character to a determined investigator, challenging the norms of her time. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as Lady Emily delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her husband's life, ultimately leading to unexpected revelations and discoveries.

    FEW PEOPLE WOULD LOOK KINDLY ON MY REASONS FOR marrying Philip; neither love nor money nor his title induced me to accept his proposal. Yet, as I look across the spans of Aegean Sea filling the view f...

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