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Lucasta
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 13, 2024
This book left me with mixed feelings.
First, I should mention that Sheila Bishop did not write your standard regency fare, and this is no exception. I hesitate to even call it a romance considering how little romance happens directly on the page. The book blurb is also misleading. The title character, Lucasta, looms over the story, but not in the way you expect.
In part one, we are introduced to Lucasta through the eyes of her friend Nell. Lucasta is so glorious (beautiful, generous, vibrant) that to know her is to love her. Lucasta meets impoverished Captain DeLauney, and they immediately fall in love. Initially, her family opposes the match, but eventually they agree to their betrothal. Nell, meanwhile, has an unreciprocated crush on Alexander, Lucasta's cousin, and she fears he too might be in love with Lucasta. The cast of characters is preparing an amateur theatrical when the Captain is suddenly recalled back to his regiment and shipped off to war. Just as suddenly, Lucasta seems to fall ill and die.
Parts 2 and 3 of the book take place several years later. DeLauney returns to the village, having recently married Fanny, a wealthy heiress of 18. This is his first time back, and he is convinced he has not been told the truth about Lucasta's death. Nell too has recently returned after an extended stay in London, single and still infatuated with Alexander. Without giving away too much, the rest of the novel is centered around DeLauney's obsession with finding out what happened to Lucasta, as well as the influence she continues to have on the various characters' lives. (Poor Fanny, she will always be second best).
Bishop writes very well, and I was curious enough to finish the novel. However, the story itself fell a little flat. All the loose ends were neatly wrapped up, but not in a way that I found particularly satisfying.
First, I should mention that Sheila Bishop did not write your standard regency fare, and this is no exception. I hesitate to even call it a romance considering how little romance happens directly on the page. The book blurb is also misleading. The title character, Lucasta, looms over the story, but not in the way you expect.
In part one, we are introduced to Lucasta through the eyes of her friend Nell. Lucasta is so glorious (beautiful, generous, vibrant) that to know her is to love her. Lucasta meets impoverished Captain DeLauney, and they immediately fall in love. Initially, her family opposes the match, but eventually they agree to their betrothal. Nell, meanwhile, has an unreciprocated crush on Alexander, Lucasta's cousin, and she fears he too might be in love with Lucasta. The cast of characters is preparing an amateur theatrical when the Captain is suddenly recalled back to his regiment and shipped off to war. Just as suddenly, Lucasta seems to fall ill and die.
Parts 2 and 3 of the book take place several years later. DeLauney returns to the village, having recently married Fanny, a wealthy heiress of 18. This is his first time back, and he is convinced he has not been told the truth about Lucasta's death. Nell too has recently returned after an extended stay in London, single and still infatuated with Alexander. Without giving away too much, the rest of the novel is centered around DeLauney's obsession with finding out what happened to Lucasta, as well as the influence she continues to have on the various characters' lives. (Poor Fanny, she will always be second best).
Bishop writes very well, and I was curious enough to finish the novel. However, the story itself fell a little flat. All the loose ends were neatly wrapped up, but not in a way that I found particularly satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
3.25
More Plot™️ than romance. Well-written and interesting but feels like the end is missing something.
More Plot™️ than romance. Well-written and interesting but feels like the end is missing something.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews