Book Reviews for June

Here are some books I read this June.

Cousin Kate By Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite historical romance authors; Cousin Kate, a gothic historical romance novel, is slightly different from her usual Regency romance novels. The first unusual thing about this novel is that it is set in the Gothic period, and the characters are not all wealthy or privileged elites in the regency. Second, Cousin Kate introduces themes of mystery, murder, horror, and suspicion into the plotline. Third, romance is unclear from the beginning, unlike many of Heyer’s previous novels. The plotline covers the misfortune and fortune of a young woman when she is taken under the wing of distant relatives. She is confused by the haunted palace, much like the gothic palace of terror. And yes, it creaks in the night, and there are spirits. She starts becoming suspicious of the family and household as strange events unfold that are not explained to her. The romance is sometimes unclear, as she has more than one suitor and the family’s desire for her marriage. The relatives begin controlling her choices, and the novel climaxes with the dark family secret. Further, she must escape the family’s control and gain her freedom. She falls in love with… I am not going to spoil the ending.

Imperial Woman by Pearl Buck

Pearl Buck is a legend in her own right. Imperial Woman is a historical fiction novel based on the Qing Dynasty. It tells the tale of Empress Dowager Cixi, who rose from a Concubine to the empress of the Qing Dynasty. The plotline follows the story of her early life before being taken as a concubine in the emperor’s palace and her struggles in the tightly ruled household. She must endure many trials and failures before winning the emperor’s respect. She wins over some respect because she can bear sons and guide others around her in the palace. After the emperor’s death, she gains the title and position of empress through much manipulation. The book is interesting as it tells the tale of a historical figure in 19th-century China. However, this novel reminds us of the tremendous societal and cultural changes since the 19^th century in world politics, government, and women’s rights in China and worldwide. If you want to read about Asians during the 19^th and 20^th centuries, Pearl Buck’s books are a good choice and easily accessible fiction by an American author.

Eloise in Moscow by Kay Thompson

I grew up reading Eloise, a series of books. I read this book recently out of pure nostalgia, and I still love these books as much as I did as a child.  Eloise has a unique charm to her, and her ability to get what she wants from the situation and how to build relationships with others. Eloise lives at the Plaza Hotel with her nanny and is quite, quite quite spoiler. Eloise likes to say every word three times to emphasize its importance. Eloise is six, and she wants to run the Plaza Hotel. She is apprehensive about the staff management of the hotel and likes to provide advice and consulting. However, in this book, Eloise and Her nanny go to Moscow to meet her mother’s friends and see the city’s wonders. Eloise stays in Moscow, meets many interesting characters, and frightens her nanny a few too many times by talking to strangers and running off alone. Eloise tries to learn Russian from the tour guide and repeats every phrase the lady says to her nanny. I recommend this book for a good laugh and an hour’s read.