First published in 1901 as The Making of a Marchioness followed by its sequel The Methods of Lady Walderhurst, the two novels were combined into Emily Fox-Seton who is the two works' primary character. The story follows thirty-something Emily who lives alone, humbly and happily, in a tiny apartment and on a meager income. She is the one that everyone counts on but no one goes out of their way to accommodate. Her fortune changes, however, and the second half chronicles her adaptation to her new life and the dangers that arise from those who stand to lose most from her new circumstances.
I loved this book! I think it's really beautiful. I was drawn in by the very first sentence and as I read the first part it was very easy for me to identify with Emily in terms of making your own living and counting every penny.
She was so kind, good-natured and simple that I loved her at once and, invested as I was in her fate, it was oftentimes a torture to read the book without knowing exactly what would happen next to her.
How could anyone hate her? I think that even the person with the blackest heart and soul could not but repent when confronted by her goodness.
It it interesting, as you say, how we can relate to this woman in her methods of supporting herself. Not many women did at that time! Or at least not many were successful at it. I think Burnett did a great job of creating a character who really deserved to be a Marchioness in ways beyond physical beauty.
I absolutely adore this novel, so generally underrated. The prose is enchanting, and Emily is impossible to resist. Highly recommend this book for fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.
I loved this book! I think it's really beautiful. I was drawn in by the very first sentence and as I read the first part it was very easy for me to identify with Emily in terms of making your own living and counting every penny.
She was so kind, good-natured and simple that I loved her at once and, invested as I was in her fate, it was oftentimes a torture to read the book without knowing exactly what would happen next to her.
How could anyone hate her? I think that even the person with the blackest heart and soul could not but repent when confronted by her goodness.
It it interesting, as you say, how we can relate to this woman in her methods of supporting herself. Not many women did at that time! Or at least not many were successful at it. I think Burnett did a great job of creating a character who really deserved to be a Marchioness in ways beyond physical beauty.
Oh, yes indeed :))
I absolutely adore this novel, so generally underrated. The prose is enchanting, and Emily is impossible to resist. Highly recommend this book for fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.