I really enjoyed this excerpt! I'm always a fan of period romances, and this one immediately drew me into the bustle of the city and the finery of the Freeport house, as well as the social forces always at play in this sort of setting. Not only was the setting immediately fun to read, but each of the POV characters had a clear, distinctive voice, an impressive feat with so many central characters. Even with just a short chapter or two from each of them, I got a clear sense of these women, their goals, and the conflicts they may soon find themselves facing. Both the world and the characters immediately felt rich and vibrant.
I also really enjoy the focus on black aristocracy in particular, as people of color are so often ignored entirely in this sort of historical setting. I think this provides a really refreshing take on what, at its worst, is a pretty limited genre, adding depth and almost certainly serving as a really important way for young black girls to see themselves in all the glamour and escapism of a period romance. Plus, I think it's so cool that the book is rooted in a real-life story!
Overall I really enjoyed this excerpt a lot, finding it immediately interesting and drawing me in.
I also really enjoy the focus on black aristocracy in particular, as people of color are so often ignored entirely in this sort of historical setting. I think this provides a really refreshing take on what, at its worst, is a pretty limited genre, adding depth and almost certainly serving as a really important way for young black girls to see themselves in all the glamour and escapism of a period romance. Plus, I think it's so cool that the book is rooted in a real-life story!
Overall I really enjoyed this excerpt a lot, finding it immediately interesting and drawing me in.