*Five Lamb Alert* - A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting
YWR #93
Today’s newsletter is short and sweet because for the first time this year*, I’ve found us all a five-lamb read. TELL YOUR FRIENDS TELL YOUR FAMILY!
*In transparency I … think it’s the first time this year. Please direct all accuracy complaints to my massive staff at laboroflove dot Al Gore’s internet dot edu.
For anyone new, a five-lamb read on the Gentle Lamb Scale is a book that’s purely delightful and escapist, that will provide succor for your tender, frayed emotions and souls. This week, that’s most certainly A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting.
This is a book that has been near-hysterically celebrated by Book Internet, and one always needs to cast a steely and skeptical eye toward those lest they be too basic, too obvious, too pre-digested. And while of course this isn’t Dante’s Inferno, I think this deserves all its flowers.
It’s the story of Regency Era** Kitty Talbot, who is saddled with her father’s debts, four younger sisters, and three months to save her family. She heads to London for the 12 -week society Season with the goal of finding a rich husband who will save her house and sisters. However, she runs into Lord Radcliffe, who thinks Kitty is a mercenary fortune hunter and who is determined to foil her plans. CHARM and CAPERS and URGENT CARRIAGE RIDES ENSUE!
Yes, you absolutely know what happens, and it doesn’t matter. Here’s why:
The writing hit all five of my love languages - “in the style” of the era but with a clever wit and modern wryness. It sparkles and pops, and I laughed out loud several times.
Every beat, every resolution, every romantic moment felt earned to me. Chekhov laid down no gun that was not snapped back up. Very well plotted and crafted.
Kitty is a plucky heroine who’s doing what she believes she has to do, who points out the social hypocrisy, who finds a way. She’s flawed but you can’t help but root for her.
Basically, it’s Bridgerton but actually well-written. And without the explicit sex scenes, which is an important distinction. It was pure fun so if this sounds like your flute of champagne, you’re going to enjoy it.
And of course, if this is the complete antithesis of what you like to read, 1. I commend you on your intellectual sobriety and 2. you can find plenty of serious, nutritious reads in the archive or check out the next section.
Some People Like Literary Challenges
This week, the writer Annie Ernaux was awarded an entire Nobel Prize and I’ve even never heard of her! But we should probably check our books in her oeuvre.
Additionally, the National Book Award finalists were announced, introducing further fiction titles I have literally never encountered despite consuming what must be more than the median amount of book content and content about books. But I’m sure they’re all great too!
A post-script from Lady Whistledown
All links above go to Bookshop.org, and there are literally 79 days until Christmas, so buy books where Santa shops and support indie bookstores to boot!
**We looked up “Regency Era” so you don’ t have to: the Regency Era refers to the period of 1811 - 1820 when George, Prince Regent, was discharging royal functions in place of his father, King George III, who was incapacitated by mental illness.
Loved this book! Thank you for adding so much great reading to my life (including your newsletters they are so funny and well written!)