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A review by jesshudzik
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was intrigued by the blurb about this book, historical fiction about a woman astronomer and a sapphic romance? Yes please! But a book jacket blurb can't do this book justice.
The romance is very sweet, complete with plenty of astronomy prose and flourishes. I also enjoyed how the characters, at different points in their lives, came to understand themselves as sapphic and what that meant in 1800s England.
But what really struck me about this book was the many examples of women helping women in various stations in life. Beyond the main characters there are a number of strong women who make their mark in their chosen fields. It was both inspiring to read about these women pushing for progress in the 1800s, but also frustrating that in some instances we have only come so far.
The book also discusses the very practical impacts of the lack of same sex marriage (and of course the impact of marriage itself historically being tied so tightly to the patriarchy).
Did I mention the intrigue and infighting of the scientific community? Or the dramatic return of an ex lover?
This manages to be an excellent blend of genres that will appeal to many.
The romance is very sweet, complete with plenty of astronomy prose and flourishes. I also enjoyed how the characters, at different points in their lives, came to understand themselves as sapphic and what that meant in 1800s England.
But what really struck me about this book was the many examples of women helping women in various stations in life. Beyond the main characters there are a number of strong women who make their mark in their chosen fields. It was both inspiring to read about these women pushing for progress in the 1800s, but also frustrating that in some instances we have only come so far.
The book also discusses the very practical impacts of the lack of same sex marriage (and of course the impact of marriage itself historically being tied so tightly to the patriarchy).
Did I mention the intrigue and infighting of the scientific community? Or the dramatic return of an ex lover?
This manages to be an excellent blend of genres that will appeal to many.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Classism