A Tea Drinker’S Novel: Chilverton Park
Celebrating the Styles of Austen, Trollope & Wodehouse
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
Chilverton Park, the first in a planned series of Tea Drinkers Novels, is a humorous, light Victorian-style romance in a period setting, written in a manner reminiscent of both Anthony Trollope and P. G. Wodehouse. At the heart of this charming story lies an unusual attachment between the gay, confirmed bachelor about London, Sir Erskine Wald, and his childhood friend, the winsome but delicate daughter of the Earl of Chilverton, Lady Caroline Downey. Lady Caroline, who earnestly wishes to remain single, reveals her intention to Sir Erskine, who eventually acknowledges that they have that aim in common. But avoiding marriage in Victorian England is an admittedly tricky business. Lady Carolines Aunt Clara is determined to oppose her at every step and begins a program of ill-conceived interference, which brings Sir Erskine to Lady Carolines aid in league with his mother, the formidable Mrs. Hortensia Wald. Lady Caroline manages, with their help, to stay above the Victorian era intrigue surrounding her until her Aunt Clara manages to corner her in an almost inescapable dilemma.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Taking its cues from classic British literature, Thompson's weak novel of manners doesn't quite hit its mark. Lady Caroline Downey suffers from an unknown ailment, and, though most of her family is supportive, she breaks her engagement because she believes she cannot have children and doesn't wish to cause her fianc heartbreak. Her aunt, Clara Hilliard, doesn't believe Caroline's complaints and seeks to turn her into a proper young lady. Sir Erskine Wald, a confirmed bachelor and old family friend, wishes to protect her from her disagreeable aunt. This isn't easy, however, as Clara manipulates Caroline's mother into agreeing with her schemes. With society pressuring him to get married, Erskine hatches a plan that may satisfy his and Caroline's problems. The large cast ends up in subplots that include elopements, pregnancies, and novel writing, but, unfortunately, not enough time is spent developing the characters. The atmosphere is also sorely lacking, as the author goes light on historical details and context. Nevertheless, readers looking for a character dealing with an invisible disability in a historical setting will be attracted to Thompson's work. (BookLife)