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A review by lucyselim
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
I, like many others, read this book after enjoying the TV show. I had heard very mixed reviews about this book, but I figured I would give it a go, and I was pleasantly surprised with the first half. It seemed like it was going to be a fluffy romcom. The friendship between Daphne and Simon seemed natural and was enjoyable to read. He was kinder and more infatuated than his TV counterpart and she was wittier and smarter. They seemed like a genuinely good match.
And then they got married and ruined it. Even without mentioning 'that' scene, the plot was, in my opinion, ridiculous. I did not love those episodes of the TV show either, but as I was reading it I couldn't help but just laugh at the ridiculousness of some of it. It was difficult to keep up with their constant mood swings and comings and goings.
Putting the plot to one side, the writing was honestly just meh. It was very jarring to find modern day slang and colloquialisms with regency-era settings. I assume Quinn was trying to make a period piece seem modern and more approachable for younger audiences, but using simple English would have sufficed. I am glad they managed to get a better balance in the TV show.
Another thing I did not like was the stark contrast between Quinn trying to write strong modern women in one moment, and then having them reduced to needing a man the next. 'Then he was completely within her, and she thought she would die from the pleasure. Never had she felt so full, nor so completely a woman,' in particular made me throw up in my mouth a little.
Despite this, I am going to read the next one (because I hate myself) but because I have heard it to be many people's favourites. Mostly, however, because I borrowed the first three books in a compendium from the library and I still have time left before needing to return it. Overall this book really wasn't that great for me, but I can understand the appeal and I hope the next one provides me with better luck.
And then they got married and ruined it. Even without mentioning 'that' scene, the plot was, in my opinion, ridiculous. I did not love those episodes of the TV show either, but as I was reading it I couldn't help but just laugh at the ridiculousness of some of it. It was difficult to keep up with their constant mood swings and comings and goings.
Putting the plot to one side, the writing was honestly just meh. It was very jarring to find modern day slang and colloquialisms with regency-era settings. I assume Quinn was trying to make a period piece seem modern and more approachable for younger audiences, but using simple English would have sufficed. I am glad they managed to get a better balance in the TV show.
Another thing I did not like was the stark contrast between Quinn trying to write strong modern women in one moment, and then having them reduced to needing a man the next. 'Then he was completely within her, and she thought she would die from the pleasure. Never had she felt so full, nor so completely a woman,' in particular made me throw up in my mouth a little.
Despite this, I am going to read the next one (because I hate myself) but because I have heard it to be many people's favourites. Mostly, however, because I borrowed the first three books in a compendium from the library and I still have time left before needing to return it. Overall this book really wasn't that great for me, but I can understand the appeal and I hope the next one provides me with better luck.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Gun violence, Infertility, Blood, Medical content, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism