Letters to Julia

The Meriweather Chronicles #2

by Meredith Allady

This next book in The Merriweather Chronicles follows hard on the heels of the events in Friendship and Folly. What happens when the Parrys' beloved Julia marries and goes to live in Ireland? Well, for one thing, the Royal Mail enjoys a significant increase in revenue as letters fly thick and (relatively) fast across the Irish Sea...
From the Preface: Jane Austen is famously quoted as having said that Emma Woodhouse was a heroine “whom no one but myself will much like,” and though the last two hundred years have proven that she seriously underestimated the public’s ability to admire the self-deceived, as I was trying to hammer this particular portion of The Merriweather Chronicles into a coherent narrative, and saw the way it was heading, I could not help thinking of this comment. Frequently.
Actually, I expect the implication of mild disapproval contained in the above phrase is insufficient to cover what many readers who attempt the following pages may eventually feel toward the poor girl. A hundred years ago—even fifty—they might have cut her more slack; but this is the age, not only of “strong female characters” who take charge of their lives and positively wallow in high self-esteem, but of heroines who go above and beyond: forget the whole “I am the mistress of my fate, the captain of my soul” thing—now your ideal female lead takes on the whole natural and supernatural world, slaying vampires, demons, werewolves and who knows what else, all the while apparently dressed in tight jeans and perky crop-tops.
You know that innocent bystander who cowers under the nearest desk while Ms. Crop-top saves the known universe? That’s my “heroine.”

Genres: Historical Fiction

ebook

First published July 10, 2014

About the author

Meredith Allady had a lot more free time before she became involved in The Merriweather Chronicles. She is slowly pulling herself into the 21st century and now has a website and a Twitter account, but she doesn't recommend the latter because, quite frankly, she hasn't figured out why it's useful or exactly what to do with it!

Reviews

[Jamie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an immediate follow-up to the lovely Regency novel Friendship and Folly. It features the same characters, but this book consists entirely of letters written to Julia from her family and friends. It's not quite as good as the first book, but it's certainly worthwhile - and certainly do read Friendship and Folly first.

The first half of this is delightful. Julia has married and moved to Ireland, and her carriage is hardly out of sight before her family and friends sit down to write long, newsy letters. We don't see Julia's replies, but the various writers offer an amusing array of perspective on events.

The timeline begins in 1805, around the time of the Battle of Trafalgar, and spans five years. The events of the Napoleonic War are very much on the minds of the letter writers, especially since Julia's uncle and cousin are serving in the British army. Also in the background is the abolition movement championed by Wilberforce, which Julia's father passionately supports. These, and other serious matters, make the book a less lighthearted one than its predecessor - although it still has a great deal of humor.

The second half of the book begins to drag a little, because at 800 pages, this is just too long for a charming but entirely plotless epistolary Regency novel. I sometimes found the format tiresome, and longed for action scenes rather than second-hand descriptions of events. The last half of the book also becomes a bit sappy, as the family understandably clings to religion when worrying about their endangered soldiers.

This can't be properly called a romance novel, although it does contain a romance, but it's so subtle that you might not notice it until the very end, and then you might not completely believe in it. I'm not sure there was enough substance for me to believe in it. I am grieved to be complaining about this, because I very much admire slow plots and subtle romances, and I deplore the sort of romance novels (especially Regencies) which have the characters openly lusting after each other, if not actually having sex, in chapter two.

Ann is the best character, and there isn’t enough of her in the second half of the narrative. I like the cripplingly shy and delicate Kitty, but her extreme frailty got a little tiresome by the end. I had a difficult time thinking of Kitty as a marriageable woman.

Despite its problems, I was always ready to pick this book up again, and I was sorry when it was over, even after 800 pages.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, wide ranging, and sometimes gently humorous cast of characters, check.
Family life, check.
Very well researched, footnoted and endnoted, check.
Epistolary novel, check.
Inclusion of the politics of early 19th century British history, check.
A very, very gentle and subtle romance, check.
Wise words as well as folly in conversations, check.
A list of characters at the front of the book to help the reader keep track of everybody, check.
A terrific glossary of British historical political, social and military figures at the back, for those of us who don't always remember who they were when they show up in the letters, very helpful.

It was a bit slow going at the beginning as I tried to keep all the characters straight in my head, but it kept getting better and better as I encountered them and soon I was hooked.

Allady is to be commended for her research, her familiarity and sense of the moral, political and social controversies and the moral and social assumptions of the era of which she writes, and her delightful sense of gentle humor. It is a book well researched, well considered, engaging, historically accurate and plausible, that also includes insightful, understated observations on family life and love. Well done.

If such literature is as enjoyable to you as it is to me, definitely read "Friendship and Folly" and "Letters from Bath" first . They are both pleasant reads. Doing so will greatly enhance your enjoyment of this one.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read, November 2019. This book has become such a dear old friend, one that cheers, comforts, and inspires me every time I pick it up and read a few pages. I love the very fact that it's so thick, because every re-visit gets to last a good long time.
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Much as it is entirely necessary to read the first book in the series, Friendship and Folly, to have the knowledge of the characters and their history to appreciate this book, it's hard to explain just how much I loved it to someone not acquainted with the Parrys and their friends. And yes, I can list all the ways anyone who doesn't care for the style would criticize this book: too long-winded, too dry, too old-fashioned, not eventful enough...But I loved it.

Letters to Julia takes us deeper into the hearts and minds of many members of the Parry family who were mainly supporting characters in Friendship and Folly; through some deep sorrows and struggles as well as everyday calamities and their wonderful sense of fun and unabashed Christian faith. (This is a series I'd recommend to anybody who wants an example of how to write Christian characters in an extremely natural, taken-for-granted way.) I never thought I'd identify or sympathize with Kitty, but at the time I read the book, some of her struggles mirrored issues in my own life, and her endeavors to overcome them really spoke to my heart.

As the book spans four years and is told entirely through letters, it isn't easy to summarize the plot—different events and subplots rise and recede over time, much as in real life; but there is one main thread quietly woven through the story which you only become aware of as time goes on. This is one of those special books that has you internally cheering, "Yes, yes, I know what's going to happen!" as the final chapter approaches—but even so, the last letter had one wonderful twist that put a huge smile on my face.

Read Friendship and Folly first (and Letters from Bath if you like), but then make sure to read this one.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 13 and up

I’m very behind on my reviews. As I’m writing this a few months after I read it, some details may have escaped me, but I don’t think so. This is one of those wonderful books that sticks with you.

Friendship and Folly, the first book of this series, was wonderful, but this book was even better. Written in letters between family, I enjoyed piecing together what was going on and seeing the various way family members handled things. I don’t think I’ve read a series that went from the traditional third person to epistolary style within the series, but the author made it work.

Historically, the book felt authentic. All the books in the series could have been written in Jane Austen’s time. Meredith Allady captured Austen’s style and times extremely well. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve read a modern book that so well captured an old feel.

The characters were (as they were in the first book) endearing. They had a faith that was evident, but it wasn’t over the top. Each character had their own voice, struggles, and characteristics.

What made this book stand out from the others in the series? I enjoyed seeing a tight-knit family deal with separation, distance, hardship, and romance. There aren’t a lot of books out there that have examples of happy, functional families, meeting challenges together. This book is a wonderful exception.

I highly recommend this book to those who love Jane Austen, historical fiction, and stories about happy families.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it would be appropriate to begin this review by addressing the author's preface--specifically her reference to Jane Austen's oft-quoted opinion about the character of Emma--and to offer my heartfelt opinion that she has failed just as spectacularly as her predecessor in creating a heroine "no one but myself will much like." :)

Actually, even though it took me a little while to figure out who the heroine was going to be, and even though she had gotten off on a bit of a bad foot with Friendship and Folly, before many letters had passed, I loved Kitty so much! <3 She had faults--plenty of them--but even though I'm not nearly as shy and timid as she was, her combination of an extremely soft conscience with a rather overactive imagination was so relatable! Actually, the predicament in the book that I imagine would be most exasperating to people who've never struggled with such a thing was probably the one I related to the most; surely I can't be the only person out there who's taken and run with a thought from a book/sermon/etc. that, while possibly innocuous in itself, definitely wasn't meant to be applied in my specific situation... Along with that, her tender heart toward God and others, her genuine sorrow over her failings (although sometimes overblown), and her slow but obvious growth over the course of the story kept me firmly in her camp all the way through. And I loved the way the people who loved her best not only understood and helped her through her weaknesses but also valued and appreciated her strengths. <3

As for the hero of the piece--I really, really don't want to spoil this for anyone going in as I did and trying to decide who exactly is going to end up with that title, so in light of that, I will refrain from mentioning his name. But--SO. MUCH. LOVE! I will say that I was very proud of myself for figuring out who the eventual couple was going to be pretty early on from the part about the footstool! but the revelation at the end totally blew me away! I did NOT imagine anything like that! And. That. Letter!!! <3<3<3

At the beginning, I was quite disappointed that the book lived up to its title and included only letters to Julia, and not also letters from Julia, as the hints dropped but never fully explained about certain incidents in the life of the Lenoxes drove me just about batty at first! Also, I found myself unreasonably wanting all the letters, in their entirety, from the salutation to the postmark! Okay, yes, by the end of the book, I acknowledged the author's wisdom in selecting only the relevant passages, but I just love these characters so much that I wanted to see everything! Oh, and on the note of the author's "selections," can I just say that the little editorial comments add another whole subtle layer of humor to the whole thing? I could see myself being annoyed at a footnote referencing an obscure name as "probably" such-and-such historical figure or a bracketed comment bemoaning the loss of a certain set of letters and their contents, but in this case, it fit so well with the dry, subtle humor of the rest of the narrative that I really enjoyed it!

Back to the characters--because honestly, it's the characters who make this book!--I loved getting to know the Parry family better, especially the younger members. I love Clive even more in this story than I did in the first one! And then--certain extended family members, who I'd somehow barely registered in the last book--completely and irretrievably stole my heart! I can't go into detail without major spoilers, but--aaaaaack!!! <33<3 Suffice it to say that if every member of the entire extended Parry clan (yes, I count Ann in that number) does not get an individual happily-ever-after in the remainder of the series, I am going to begin either matching up or inventing suitors for all of them! (Not to mention canceling every war from here forward...)

And also, on the subject of the fact that I ended the last book with a very muddled and imperfect idea of certain names, connections, and relative ages--I blame most of it on the fact that when you introduce important characters at the beginning of a book in the middle of a very long discussion of family history and then wait to reintroduce them until much later in the narrative when there's enough going on that I don't want to turn back and sort it out, I become content to accept on face value that "I'm supposed to know who this is" and just accept the somewhat mixed impressions to get on with the story. :P (Not to mention the fact that it's just patently unfair to have so many similar sounding M names, places, and titles associated with a single family...) All that to say that when I got partway through this book and realized how mixed my ideas had gotten, I did go and read back through the opening chapters of Friendship and Folly, which helped a lot, now that I had definite characters to affix names and relationships to. :D Also on that subject, DO NOT pick up this book without reading Friendship and Folly first! You will be hopelessly lost! XD

Yep, I'm definitely rambling...but all that to say, I loved this story and these characters so much! <3 And I still love everything about the style, from the allusions tossed in without explanation to the way the history is woven in so naturally to the ideas and opinions that would probably never be espoused today but are perfectly natural from the lips of a historical character. The strong Christian theme is beautifully presented, and the dry wit made me laugh out loud too many times to count. I did notice a few small editing issues--instances of missing spaces between sentences, for example, but I can't imagine trying to catch every error in a book this size, and what little I did notice wasn't enough to affect my enjoyment. I can't wait to continue the series!

Content--references to affairs, mistresses, etc., most often in regard to historical figures, treated at some length in one character's backstory, referenced in regard to another minor character--details are always kept sparse and the behavior is always condemned; references to a vulgar book; references to drinking and occasionally drunkenness; references to battles, wounds, and deaths; references to miscarriages; one use of "ass" in the old-fashioned sense as an insult; some gossip and disparaging remarks

[Laurel Kristick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable reread. The letter writers each have a distinctive style so it is easy to distinguish between Ann, Kitty, Lady Frances and the others. A long, slow comfort read.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quite long epistolary novel, a sequel to Friendship and Folly. The letters are all written to the heroine of the previous novel, Julia.

The author says in the preface of this novel, “You know that innocent bystander who cowers under the nearby desk while [the strong female heroine] saves the known universe? That’s my ‘heroine.’” That might be a fair warning for some since our main character in this novel is timid, has an overly tender conscience and lots of anxiety issues, and is totally useless in a crisis. Even sympathetic readers might get frustrated with her at some points, but at the same time she is very relatable.

The novel revolves through several correspondents including Julia’s mother and father, various siblings, and her best friend Ann. I thought the different voices were done quite well. Lady Frances (Julia’s mother) reminds me a great deal of Mrs. March from Little Women with her gentle advice (although a bit more theologically sound); in fact, religious talk makes up a great deal of the correspondence, although it does not seem forced at all in the historical context. If you, like me, have always enjoyed the wholesome talks that Marmee has with her girls, Lady Frances will be right up your alley.

There are a TON of historical references worked into these letters. A great deal of the book takes place during the Napoleonic wars, and thank goodness for the footnotes, otherwise I would have had no idea what was going on. It also covers William Wilberforce’s fight against slavery and references many religious contemporaries of the day (Cowper, Newton).

It might sound like a dull, draggy sort of book, but somehow there is this mixture of humorous and wise that works and keeps the book going.

Humorous: “I offered my hand on an thoughtless impulse, he received it politely, with a faint look of surprise—hesitated as if uncertain what to do with it—pressed my fingers very gently in acknowledgement, and then released it with care, like Gerard returning one of his frogs to the pond.”

Wisdom from the pen of Lady Frances on an argument between Julia and her husband: “And lastly, darling—dear me, I begin to sound rather like a sermon, do I not? Only I suppose that ‘darling’ should really be a ‘brethren’!—lastly, I say, beware of finding contrition inadequate when—or because!—it is directed towards one’s self. What is it that persuades a woman that the recompense she has received is less than she deserves? Why, her high estimation of her own deserts! That is nothing but Pride, my Julia; and not only will it keep us far from God, it will destroy the happiness of a marriage more swiftly and thoroughly than anything I know of, except infidelity.”

Many reviews compare this book to Jane Austen’s books (which is a fair comparison), but I also think it bears some resemblance to Louisa May Alcott’s writings (the strong feel of family and the moralizing). If you find yourself wishing those writers were still alive so they could write more books, you’ll be delighted with this series.

[Emily Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Parry family, actual and honorary members, is extremely appealing and held my interest throughout this long book. It is a favorite that I reread every few years. There are occasional very religious passages but those are not overdone in my opinion. The romance is of such a slow to develop type that I classify the book as more of a family chronicle that is told entirely through letters. My only complaint is that there are too few books in this series. I want to learn the fate of all the main characters!

[Jane Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Yes it's long but I had no need to pause and read something else to give myself a break.
She writes beautifully so that you find yourself in the midst of the families joys and travails. At times I found myself laughing, at times I found myself following the footnotes to find out more, and I enjoyed the gentle suspense.
I would not usually choose to read a book composed of letters but this is one I would recommend.

[Susan Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I found myself deeply involved with the characters. The book is long and takes awhile to read, but worth it. Not only well-written but nuggets of wisdom included. The ending was very pleasing.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already praised this unique author's ability to depict history realistically--to actually LIVE in a previous period. No self consciousness. No stereotyping. Just a story about real people like you and me-- and what we would have been like in a past period.
It turns out we would have been just like ourselves --with celebrities, and bestsellers, and neighbors, and bored young women wanting husbands, and goofy college guys, and scary dogs, and charming children, and elderly relatives, and nasty family secrets, and ugly sex scandals ( don't worry, the latter are explored in almost no detail ),and comedy, and romance, and tragedy...and a big, busy world fighting out what the new century was gonna look like.
This book is very long, and not really a romance novel. If you are looking for a fun romp in pretty costumes, this isn't for you. It's more like a collision between a fantastic history textbook and the literal memoirs of a rather tame and nerdy family. The author's glossary/encyclopedia at the back where she explains all her historical references is in many ways the best part of the book---her commentary on scandals of the period particularly entertained me. :P
What I liked best: The incredibly realistic portrayal of Americans vs British at this time period. No pompous America pumping. No angsty Britain bashing. Just honesty and humor --it almost feels as impartial as if a Chinese merchant were writing down his observations on the matter. Plus Captain Harrison's defense of Kitty after Prescott's proposal was just plain awesome. Now THAT is my kind of a hero. Kitty may be abominably childish and inadequate, but Harrison was right to think that picking on her for her weaknesses was unfair. Oh, and the whole episode with the nasty relatives at Skelly was handled very well -- dryly, calmly, and with such refreshing honesty. And the part where Harrison comforted the man come home from war.
Oh, and Emmeline. I confess that Emmeline entertained me very much. She is a lot like many girls I know-- and more like myself than I like to admit. ;)
What I didn't love: Ann didn't marry and we didn't really see her story concluded. Since she is so prominent in the narrative, I missed finding out what happened to her in the end.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting a fun way to memorize the events of the Napoleonic wars.

[W.R. Gingell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5

I both love this book exceedingly and hate it a little. Mostly I really love it. And oh! I adore Anne! The single reason that I hate this book a little is that *spoiler alert* Anne doesn't get a love interest. And you know, that's okay. But her presence and personality are just so strong that it always feels like the whole story should be about her, not the (to me) secondary characters.

These books are the closest thing you'll get to Jane Austen's writing in a modern author. I haven't read any other regency titles with such a gorgeous style and delightful sense of humour since Austen herself. Don't be expecting Georgette Heyer (even though I love her too) or those trashy 'regency' romances with heaving bosoms and Americanisms galore. Or those ones with girls dressed up as boys so they can run around with the 'gentlemen'.

I think Meredith Allady's books are also the only regency novels I know of that present Christianity in everyday life, in an accurate and appeal way. It was simply delightful to see the Parry's everyday faith and conversation fall as naturally into the story as the Parry's did.

To sum up, perfect in style and substance, and I WANT MORE.

Mostly more of Anne, though: the Parrys may be effortlessly good and wise (sometimes slightly irritatingly so--why should they have it so easy?!) but it's impractical, fallible, sometimes unwise Anne that I love the most. Possibly because I make so many mistakes in this life, myself.

[Celia Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! If you love Jane Austin, elegant writing, lovable, witty and interesting characters, and a window on the seventeenth century this series is for you. (But make sure you start with the first in the series: Friendship and Folly, so you know everyone.) My favorite thing about Letters to Julia is how the various members of the Parry family work through the ups and downs of life and even, would you believe it, romance, with faith, doing their best to please the Lord. I love it! Not corny or trite but real. You will wish, like me, that you could insinuate yourself into this wonderful family friendship. There is rich historical background to pique your curiosity, and a social perspective that is deeper and more useful than the traditional novels of manners. I am in love. Ms. Allady, hury up with number three. PLEASE!

[Theresa May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!

Author did a great job making me feel as if I was reading true letters from the past. Reminiscent of Jane Austen.

[Little Red Readinghood · Rating 5 out of 5]

800 pages of pure joy. I need more. Better than Friendship and folly if that is possible.