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For the last part of the series, these two books are about fictional takes on historical events. I am into historical fiction, whether it is books, movies, or television. I find it fascinating to learn about history through a captivating, imaginative story. Staying on theme with the other books I read this past winter, these two books are mostly about following your own path and not the path that others have laid out for you.
*check out part 1 here.
In December 1926 Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days after a quarrel with her husband. When found, her only remarks were that she couldn’t remember what happened. To this day no one knows the truth about what transpired during the famous 11 day disappearance. The Christie Affair is a fictional take on the historical event. The author, Nina de Gramont, imagines what could have happened during the time of her disappearance. However, one can not truly know what was going on in Agatha’s mind. Instead the story is told through the lens of Archie Christie’s mistress, Nan O’Dea. This book is about the bonds of women and friendship, the love of family and what we would do to protect ours, and to start living your life for yourself.
Review
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t put it down, I needed to know what was going to happen next. Bravo to Nina de Gramont for created a captivating story. I wish it were true! Although the story is told through Nan’s prospective, I really enjoyed Nan’s entire background story; why she is having an affair with a married man, and even her thoughts on Agatha. The story had a lot of twist and turns that I did not see coming. It was imaginative, suspenseful, and heartbreaking. I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 stars.
The Last Dance of the Debutante
In England 1958 it is announced that this will be that last Season debutante’s will be presented at court in front of her majesty, Queen Elizabeth. To appease her mother and grandmother, Lily reluctantly joins the historical Season. But it comes at a price. Lily must give up her studies and dreams of attending university in order to fully engage in the glitz and glamorous schedule. While Lily is attending balls and cocktail parties, she starts to befriend other debutantes along the way; Lena who is dubbed one of the most promising debutantes of the season from a well off family, and Katherine whose family is shunned from society for being “new money”. As Lily tries to find herself in this new world of high society, secrets of her family’s past are revealed. Secrets that completely turn Lily’s world upside down. The Last Dance of the Debutante is about the changing of modern times from the significance of the Season of finding a husband to young women wanting to be educated and having careers of their own. It’s about the family we have and the family we choose. About doing what you feel it right for your future, and not for others.
Review
Another historical fiction that I couldn’t put it down. The story is very Bridgerton with a “modern” take and unfortunately, no Lady Whistledown. I would have loved to have been a debutante in the 50’s; being presented in front of the Queen, getting dressed up and socializing everyday at balls and cocktail parties. Of course I find the meaning of debutantes to be archaic, and disturbing, but the glamour of it all I would have loved. Anyway, I was enthralled by this book. From the dazzling soirées to Lily’s family secrets, it was all captivating. You really see Lily come into her own, finding her own voice. Which at that time period was something daring for women to do. It really captures the beginning of the divide of social class with the 60’s on the horizon. A decade that transformed London society from conservative to youth-lead revolution of freedom. While we do not see that much of a transformation in the book, there are hints of social change that are hidden within the context of the storyline. The story, in itself, had a lot of twist and turns, especially with Lily’s family secrets. I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 stars.