I've been in a reading slump for a few months, with no book I tried really gripping me or feeling hard to put down. I was starting to think it was me. Not so! Once I started Fairchild I knew I'd found a winner and fell back into my old habit of neglecting everything else in my life to finish the book. It felt so good!
I found this as a free offer through Freebooksy and was immediately intrigued by the premise, that the main character is illegitimate. I've read books of this era with minor characters being 'natural children', such as Harriet in Jane Austen's "Emma", but never one as the main character and this alone was the reason I downloaded. I wanted to experience her struggles firsthand.
I won't summarize the plot, but what impressed me most was the attention to minute period details, which made it feel very authentic, the strong writing and poignant similes - I'm a sucker for a well-turned simile, especially since I write books as well - and the likeableness of the characters. I had a particular interest in Lord Fairchild and would like to know much more about him. Which brings me to my main point: is there a sequel?
It seems like there is much material for a sequel, though this book did not feel unfinished. I pitied Lord Fairchild and the fact that he just can't connect with Sophy, though he wants to very badly. He doesn't achieve it in this book and I would like to see them understand each other. Then there is Jasper. I thought I knew what was going on with him but perhaps I was wrong. Later in the book (BEWARE: SPOILERS) it mentions that his arguments with his father were turning sharper. Then, he is surprisingly amiable about Sophy's marriage, even helping to bring it about. And I thought, 'Aha! Jasper secretly loves a bourgeois woman and that's why he's being so understanding.' I thought it would be a 'surprise' at the end. But nope, Jasper is still single and seemingly unattached. We shall see. (I hope!)
Then there is Lord Fairchild's affair with Fanny Prescott and I wanted to hear MUCH more about this, and from Lord Fairchild himself. No sordid details, but I wanted to hear him tell the story, and know the exact moment when he and Fanny crossed the line, when they suddenly went from employer & governess to lovers. Was it a word, a look shared, that suddenly made them turn to corner? Did he instigate? Did she? I want to know!
Then, of course, there is the baby coming, lots to expect there! If the story continues, I think the baby will be what draws the families back together. It would be nice to see the Bagshot family finally acknowledged by their haughty neighbors, and if Lord and Lady Fairchild take the first step, others will follow.
And it would be nice if Sophy could meet her childhood friend again, the one who said he'd miss her.
All I could complain about - and it's not enough to take away a star - is that I'd have liked more drama/passion when Sophy and Tom finally declare their love. Whenever I experience a story (via book or screen) where the lovers have such overwhelming obstacles keeping them apart, I like it to be quite dramatic when they finally come together, something that makes me want to jump out of my seat and cheer. I didn't get a cheering moment from Sophy and Tom, though I was happy for them. I guess I wanted more theatrics.
But on the whole, well-plotted, well-researched, good characters. I had a jolly good time. Thank you, Ms. Fixsen, for reawakening my passion for reading after a season of dormancy. Now write the sequel! Godspeed.
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Top reviews from other countries
Sylvia
A delightful story that I will likely read again. 5 stars!!.
Reviewed in Canada on January 18, 2018
Jane Page
Well crafted and classy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2016
