The Book Vipers discussion

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Things to consider:

1. Did you like the book?
2. Did you like or dislike the main characters?
3. Do the characters develop?
4. What did you think of the plot and the ending of the story?
5. Do you have any particular favourite quotes or scenes?
6. Would you read anything else by this author?

I enjoyed the book although I spent a lot of it really frustrated with, and angry at, the horrible spoilt brats that Agnes had to deal with. That’s a sign of a good book though, if it makes you care and feel something about the characters.

Most of the characters were unlikable, the children/horrible spoilt brats had no awareness of anyone else’s feelings and the adults were as bad with a large dose of hypocrisy built in.

Weston was likeable. He’s not a traditional leading man as he wasn’t heroic or good-looking but he was a better character for it. He was well rounded, in that he is serious, bookish and kind but also has faults and vulnerabilities.

It could be easy to see Agnes as quite weak and whiney but actually she showed real strength through her decisions. She didn’t have to leave home to go out as a governess, and once there she didn’t have to stay with such horrible families, she did it to gain her independence and to support her family. Also, at the end of the book, she doesn’t marry Weston because she needs to. She doesn’t just accept the proposal for financial security, she is running a school with her mother, she has financial security and independence. It is a positive choice for her, she chooses him because she loves him.

I gave it 4 stars

Spoilt brats in the upper classes not aware of anybody's feelings and not having to have consequences. Nothing changed there if you think of the Oxford brats, i.e. Cameron, Osbourne, Johnson, etc. and over the pond Trump!

Agnes is totally dependent on this family and therefore it is not surprising that she is weak, although for us in the 21st century, this is a bit tough to get on with.

I don't think she was weak. I think some people could interpret it that way but I believe it took strength to stay and deal with those horrible people.

Although times were hard for her family financially I think she could have gone home, her family didn't want her to leave in the first place.

I read this book a few years ago. Even though I remember enjoying it enough at the time, I really don't remember it at all other than I think she ends up living somewhere by the sea? Is that the one?

All Governess stories tend to be the same from the era as most of the children in these stories were neglected by their parents, no surprising they are brats.