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57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing historical with endearing characters, January 2, 2008
This review is from: Lady of Milkweed Manor (Paperback)
I didn't want to include any plot spoilers. Read on here with an open mind.
The Lady of Milkweed Manor is a sweet historical romance. For Ms. Klassen's debut work, the story is impressive. She uses a writing style that seems almost effortless. And she definitely knows how to keep you interested! In the beginning all we know is that Charlotte Lamb is leaving her home to settle somewhere new, away from her family. Her goodbye with her father is the only hint that things may be not all good for Charlotte. That she is not leaving for any happy reason, like getting married, a new position, visiting family or friends. You only have an inkling of what is going on. Her situation is not fully explained until a few chapters in.
The story seems very historically based and well-researched. The manor home is based on a real home that existed in London at that time. Each chapter begins with a quote from a historical figure or article- most being about milkweeds. Milkweeds are not the most attractive plants but we learn that they have medicinal and herbal properties that make them more useful than one would assume for a weed-looking plant. These quotes and the repeated presence of the milkweed carries out the theme that things are not always as they appear.
There are many interesting supporting characters. There is drama, intrigue, medical drama/action, history, and romance. Overall, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a great find. The plot may be a bit predictable at times but it's not overly so that it's annoying. It's a light read but with enough background and depth to make it riveting and intriguing. (The reason I hesitate to give it 5 stars is that I don't feel like it is a book so entertaining that I would be drawn to re-read.) I hope there is more to come from this very capable author! If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Silent Governess- I found it to be an equally riveting read- fans of Regency romances should gobble it up!!
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A truly wonderful novel, January 17, 2008
This review is from: Lady of Milkweed Manor (Paperback)
This is a terrific work of historical fiction. I am not generally a reader of faith fiction specifically, but the religious aspect of this book was a perfectly natural complement to the story and anyone who loves historical fiction would probably enjoy it. I was drawn in from the very first page to the wonderfully satisfying finish. I cared deeply about the characters and I couldn't put the book down. For a first novel, this is an amazing accomplishment, and I can't wait to read more of Klassen's work.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not just for women, October 11, 2010
This review is from: Lady of Milkweed Manor (Paperback)
As a father, I'm not exactly in the target demographic for "Lady of Milkweed Manor." However, my wife recommended it as a way to help understand her feelings surrounding the recent birth of our third child, and I found I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated.
First, the suspense is done very well. Charlotte piles lie upon lie in an attempt to maintain a semblance of control in a life that feels buffetted by circumstance. I enjoyed keeping track of who knows what, and guessing if and how it will all come crashing down. It was a welcome contrast to other women's literature, that all too often seems designed merely to evoke a certain emotion for 100 pages without advancing a plot. In this book the emotion is all there, but not at the expense of a solid story.
The characters were also done very well. From lords and ladies, to the lowliest of servants, to Charlotte who straddled both worlds, the characters were believable and all had something I could identify with.
My favorite part of the book is probably the least expected one: its sub-theme on what it means to "be a man." Many men have a place in Charlotte's life, with varying degrees of honor and loyalty, and varying ideas of how a woman in Charlotte's position should be treated. I can't say more without giving too much away, but suffice it to say I would like my daughters to read this book when deciding what kind of man they would like to marry (and what kind they don't), and I would like my son to read it when deciding what kind of man he would like to become.
The only thing keeping the book from full marks is the use of more modern english, even occasionally American english, in the narration. My wife found that made it easier to read, but for me it just broke the fourth wall somewhat. Overall, though, an excellent read.
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