The Luxe by Anna Godberson

Wednesday, December 24, 2008


“If Elizabeth had looked down from that lovely perch one particular October morning on the proceeding of her own funeral, she would have been honoured to see that all of New York's best families had turned out to say goodbye.”

Summary: (from amazon.com) Elizabeth Holland, a prim and proper lady of old-money society, is betrothed to one man, though furtively loves another; Henry Schoonmaker, a debauched playboy who must marry Elizabeth or be disinherited; Diana Holland, Elizabeth’s younger sister who is in love with her fiancé; and Penelope Hayes, a member of the nouveau riche who will stop at nothing to win Henry’s affections. As Elizabeth and Henry’s wedding approaches, the spectacle unfolds in a wondrously grandiose scene, making for a fun, though not entirely unexpected dénouement.


Review: First and foremost I want to compliment this book on its chapter size – yes, I do realise that is a weird thing to do, but the chapter sizes were perfect. Short and swift and straight to the point.
The Luxe is written in third person and with each chapter comes the perspective of one of the scandalised central characters. Making The Luxe is an addicting read that I had trouble putting down.
Character wise they were set up well and all had memorabile traits. One character I could not stand was Penelope. The thing that annoyed me the most about her was that she was constantly positioning herself so that the light was hitting her features in a perfect, alluring way. That said, I felt like Penelope was put in the novel to be disliked.
The romance was fantastic – especially Elizabeth and Will’s, probably my favourite in the novel as well. I love romances with higher and lower class people when reading novels set in a different time era like the 1800’s. Besides of course Will, Diana was my favourite character because she was mischievous and wasn’t bent on being perfect.

The beginning of this novel draws you in, giving a brief explanation of each pivotal character, naming situations that intrigue you and finally ending with a bang. Leaving me with so many questions that I had nothing left to do but turn the next page.
This is described as Gossip Girl set in the 1800’s, when I think of Gossip Girl I do think of confusing love triangles and society problems, but I do not think of The Luxe, even if the basics are the same. The difference between the Gossip Girl books and The Luxe – for me that is – is that I was able to finish The Luxe and the characters were so much better developed and realistic.
The cover is just beautiful as well. I would find it hard to walk past a novel with that pretty a cover, it's so intriguing.
The Luxe has me very much wanting to read the sequel Rumours and anything else that will come in the series.

I’m giving this novel five out of five. Godberson writes a scandalous 1800’s novel filled with corsets and drama, forbidden love and money. A novel that I recommend to anyone in need of a guilty pleasure or who likes a scandal.
--Allie.

7 Listener(s):

MySharonAnne said...

I would give this book a 5 too. It was fabulous and fun. I can't wait to pick up Rumors.

Kelsey said...

Is that a different cover? I don't remember the swirls and, is that butterflies? on it. I picked this up at the library awhile ago and tried to read it but I honestly don't like historical fiction.

Alyce said...

That cover is gorgeous! If I saw it in a store I would have to pick it up. It sounds like a great book from your review, so I've added it to my wish list.

Vanessa (whatvanessareads.wordpress.com) said...

I'm so glad you liked this!

This is probably my favorite series.

addicted reader said...

I am going to be reading this book soon too. I cannot wait. I have it, but never get the time to read it because of all of my other review books. There are only 2 out right now right?
The Luxe and Rumors?

nadine said...

I soo badly want to read this book.

=)
TruBlu

The Book Obsession said...

I wanted to read this book.
Would you mind doing a link exchange? bookworm0440.blogspot.com

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