Monday, March 3, 2008

Review: The Luxe


The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
4 stars


Reasons for reading: It's a hot YA book right now; sounded fun; the gorgeous cover!

First line: "In life, Elizabeth Adora Holland was known not only for her loveliness but also for her moral character, so it was fair to assume that in the afterlife she would occupy a lofty seat with an especially good view."

Summary (from Kirkus Reviews): A big, sumptuous tale of catty girls, dark secrets and windswept romance unfurls in this compulsively readable novel of late-19th-century New York City socialites. Godbersen weaves a tenuous web of deceit, backstabbing and pretense that follows four teens: Elizabeth Holland, a prim and proper lady of old-money society, is betrothed to one man, though furtively loves another; Henry Schoonmaker, a debauched playboy who must marry Elizabeth or be disinherited; Diana Holland, Elizabeth’s younger sister who is in love with her fiancĂ©; and Penelope Hayes, a member of the nouveau riche who will stop at nothing to win Henry’s affections. As Elizabeth and Henry’s wedding approaches, the spectacle unfolds in a wondrously grandiose scene, making for a fun, though not entirely unexpected dĂ©nouement.

My thoughts: I'm serious about the cover - I want to go back in time for one night to wear that dress at a ball!! This book has been touted all over the place as Gossip Girl in the 19th century and that's what it is. As Kirkus says, the ending isn't a surprise at all, but getting there is still fun. I loved the sumptuous descriptions of the clothes and the historical details, though I think there were a few slips - I'm not 100% sure I believe that Penelope would have a gay best friend in 1899, for example.

While it's definitely not perfect, I'm giving it four stars for the fun factor. This book has been touted all over the place as Gossip Girl in the 19th century and that's what it is and I think it's pretty cool. The more things change, the more they stay the same - whether it's the 19th or the 21st century, the elite kids are all about flirting, champagne, clothes and parties. It also made me want to learn more about that period in New York's history and maybe even read an Edith Wharton novel (it opens with a quote from The Age of Innocence).

7 comments:

Julie said...

I've stated before I'm not much of a YA reader but yeah that cover alone would attract me to it.

tinylittlelibrarian said...

I know!! It's crazy gorgeous. And while it's certainly not overly complex, if you like historical fiction I don't think you'd find it too YA-ish.

Julie said...

Try walking or dancing in that gown though. :)

I might have to check it out of the library.

Em said...

I really couldn't get into this book but I do agree with you that the cover is gorgeous. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow that dress is gorgeous! I've been reading a few YA books myself recently and might check this out thanks to your review.

I found your site via a recommendation over at *the written word*. I'm doing a 50 book challenge this year and am reviewing the books I've read - perhaps you'll stop by for a visit sometime? clareswindlehurst.com/bookreviews

tinylittlelibrarian said...

Thanks for dropping by, Mrs S! I hope you enjoy the book, if you pick it up. And I'll be happy to drop by your blog!

Emily said...

i love these books, the way they are written is amazing, i cant get enough of them!