Annick Trent

I am unfamiliar with the first book in this series, so I came into it without any preconceived notions.

This a good, quick read. The characters are developed enough to have distinct voices and character development.

The character development did start moving a bit fast at the end, and the story started hitting the next point quickly but almost too quickly. The plot points were almost perfunctory compared to the characters and some weren't really resolved.
The final mystery was handled reasonably well.

All in all a pleasant read.… (plus d'informations)

Sixpenny Octavo by Annick Trent is the love story of Lucy Boone, a complicated woman at a crossroads in her life, and Hannah Croft, a charmingly awkward craftsperson who needs Lucy's help. It is the second installment in the Old Bridge Inn series, but my impression was that this stands alone well. It is immersed in the politics of 1970's London, starting with Lucy standing as a witness against her former employer for his leftist political actions, and escalates to our main characters becoming entangled in a police informant plot.

While I absolutely appreciated Lucy, Hannah and their burgeoning romance, I think the real stars of this story are in the themes and world building. All of Trent's characters (and there is a well-realized cast) feel fully a part of their world, and the attention to historical detail is excellent. For me though, the best part was Lucy's internal journey, from one of lonely self-sufficiency into the richness and radical kindness of a loving community. Lucy's London is a hard place, especially for people born into the working class, but by finding her people she can not just survive, but grow and even challenge the unfairness of the system. It's a good reminder for all of us.… (plus d'informations)

My main issue with this book is that the plot focuses too much on what's going on around these characters instead of actually developing their relationship. I understand that they first come together as a means to an end, as would have been common in an era when "buggery" was a serious crime, but they basically fall in love dick first and it doesn't make sense the lengths they go to to be together when there isn't much else there. Pages of William trying to figure out how to transport money or picking out a coat for his employer, or Edwin dealing with William's brother and also doing service things for his employer... it just got a bit boring. I know what a valet does, that's not what I'm here for. If you really enjoy that ins and outs of daily life and a really slow burn romance, you'll be less disappointed, but I just found it a bit to much.… (plus d'informations)