Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

I loved this book from beginning to end but I confess that if I hadn’t had to read it for a book group, I’d never have picked it because it looks and sounds like it’s a lightweight “cozy mystery,” the last thing I’d normally choose. This has lots of humor and it’s quite entertaining but it’s about as far from cozy as you can get. Vivid descriptions of truly appalling situations abound.

This is a feminist tirade against the abuse of women in the 18th and 19th Centuries, and nothing about it is gentle. I am not one to cry at books but I had tears in my eyes reading about the conditions at the private insane asylum - women chained half-naked in feces up to their ankles is just one example of the many cruelties and injustices.

The author has done copious research on the Regency period of England (1811-1820), and it tells in the detail she brings to the story. This would be a good companion to Jane Austen’s books and the somewhat later ones of the Bronte’s. They focused on polite society whereas this book shows a part of England they may not have known existed.

Unfortunately for me, this book was only just published so I’ll have to wait all too long for the sequel. I know it will be well worth the wait, but still….

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turrean's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Kudos for queer representation, for sharing a character’s journey away from religious belief, and for some fascinating Regency vulgarities.

However, the lighthearted Austenesque situation at the beginning of the book is quickly overshadowed by some horrific set pieces (the brothel, the hospital, the madhouse.) The descriptions of human trafficking, rape, brutal and inhuman incarceration, and the tortures of surgery with no anesthesia were doubtless historically accurate but no less painful to read. The copy of the book I read had an excerpt of a review right above the title: “Smart and sassy!!” which was an odd choice for a book that tells unflinchingly of the treatment of women in that era.

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katrinaward's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

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alhalpern's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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ptaradactyl's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this one, even if the plot strained credulity from time to time. Gus is very fun, and I am very curious to see what is next for Julia.

And I particularly enjoyed them not being 19 and sheltered.

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leahjanespeare's review against another edition

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5.0

Two spinster sisters in their 40s getting into some fisticuffs and pulling off heists to help women and girls escape dangerous situations! Need I say more? This is a delightful Regency-era romp with progressive views and dry humor from our heroine Gus. It has a cozy mystery vibe along with a handsome (and disgraced) gentleman assisting in their endeavors. I cannot wait for another adventure!

I also really loved the inclusion of marginalized identities from the era like queer people and people of color - not shying away from how they were treated at that time, and the pervasiveness of society's prejudices and harmful practices.

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