Fiction, historical, WWI, Britain, aristocracy, family life, marriage, spousal abuse, sexual orientation, romance, unrequited love, stiff upper lip, loss of life ( )

This is the first book and first introduction I have had to the Cavendish family. Yet, this did not deter me from having a pleasant time reading this book. While I did find the family to be a bit dysfunctional I still felt their strong sense of family bond and pride.

Although I was going along just fine reading this book from start to finish, I felt that the first half was alright but the second half of the story was the better half and when the story picked up and moved along faster and smoother. I tended to gravitate towards Charlotte and her free spirit. I was so glad when she broke free and branched out on her own. The ending of this story was a good one and it left a smile on my face.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think Octavia advocates for "sensible marriages" for her daughters when it's not what she wants for herself?

I think that the reason that Octavia advocated for her daughters to have sensible marriages is because of her sense of duty and pride. Even though Octavia was separated from her husband, she still played the role in a way of committed wife.

Do you think Louisa and Charlotte would have had the courage to be with the ones they truly love if Octavia had not set the example?

To be honest, I am not sure if either woman would have really had the courage to venture out too much to find true love if they had not seen their mother find love and not be afraid to go after what she wants. ( )