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An Accomplished Woman
by
Jude Morgan
A sparkling tale of wit and romance from a latter-day Jane Austen
As a young woman, clever, self-reliant Lydia Templeton scandalized Regency society by rejecting the county’s most eligible bachelor. Years later, although Lydia would prefer to avoid entanglements of the heart altogether, her godmother begs her to help her young ward make a suitable match. Though the prospe...more
As a young woman, clever, self-reliant Lydia Templeton scandalized Regency society by rejecting the county’s most eligible bachelor. Years later, although Lydia would prefer to avoid entanglements of the heart altogether, her godmother begs her to help her young ward make a suitable match. Though the prospe...more
Hardcover, 407 pages
Published
April 14th 2009
by St. Martin's Press
(first published 2007)
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In spite of a slow start, this was diverting enough that the author’s obvious looting of Jane Austen characters and situations didn’t give me heartburn. Our heroine, Lydia, is as sure of herself as Emma, as ruled by her sense of reason as Elinor Dashwood, and even more outspoken than Elizabeth Bennet. And, like Anne Elliot, she turned down a proposal in her youth and is now on the precipice of confirmed spinsterhood. However, Lydia is content to be single, as it affords her the freedom to pursue...more
13 likes · like · see review
view all 5 comments
The 3 stars is an average of the rating I would have given the beginning, 1, combined with the rating I would have given the ending, 5. I pushed myself through the first 200 pages or so because the author has a brilliant way with a simile. For example:
"Lydia was precisely divided between agreement with what Mr. Durrant said, and disgust at the arrogance with which he said it: emotionally the effect was like one of those sneezes that do not quite come."
That's just one example; there are many eleg...more
"Lydia was precisely divided between agreement with what Mr. Durrant said, and disgust at the arrogance with which he said it: emotionally the effect was like one of those sneezes that do not quite come."
That's just one example; there are many eleg...more
At the ripe age of thirty, Lydia Templeton is a confirmed spinster, though as a woman of independent means, she's quite content with her lot in life: the season in London, summers on her family estate and in the company of pleasant neighbors (including the gentleman she inexplicably rejected ten years earlier). But when a dear family friend asks Lydia to escort her young ward, Phoebe, to Bath, Lydia finds her comfortable life overset. For Phoebe has a peculiar problem: she's deeply in love with...more
Hi,
I've been prompted to join this site and write a comment solely on the basis of the disparaging reviews of Jude Morgan's An Accomplished Woman. I must admit I was surprised - not, of course, on the diversity of opinions - but moreso on the extreme denouncements of those who gave the book a very low rating. I have difficulty in understanding how those reviewers who, as they are subscribers to the site and to this specific area of the site, must have a general liking and appreciation for this g...more
I've been prompted to join this site and write a comment solely on the basis of the disparaging reviews of Jude Morgan's An Accomplished Woman. I must admit I was surprised - not, of course, on the diversity of opinions - but moreso on the extreme denouncements of those who gave the book a very low rating. I have difficulty in understanding how those reviewers who, as they are subscribers to the site and to this specific area of the site, must have a general liking and appreciation for this g...more
As others have said, this book is a little slow to start, and it felt, to me, as though the opening chapter was somewhat of an irelevance. But once the story got going, I found myself eager to find out what happened next - even though it was fairly obvious how things were going to turn out!
Lydia Templeton bears many similarities to Emma Woodhouse, in that she lives with her father (thankfully, Dr Templeton seems to be rather more sensible than Mr Woodhouse!) and is a woman of independent means w...more
Lydia Templeton bears many similarities to Emma Woodhouse, in that she lives with her father (thankfully, Dr Templeton seems to be rather more sensible than Mr Woodhouse!) and is a woman of independent means w...more
The one where bluestocking spinster Lydia is persuaded, against her better judgment, to accompany a young woman to Bath and help her choose between two suitors.
I loved the writing. I hated the characterization.
The story is beautifully told, with all sorts of delightful moments of insight and wit. ("How do you like the music?" "Artificial," he snapped, "miserably artificial," and he stared away, leaving Lydia to the interesting philosophic exercise of imagining what music with no artifice would...more
I loved the writing. I hated the characterization.
The story is beautifully told, with all sorts of delightful moments of insight and wit. ("How do you like the music?" "Artificial," he snapped, "miserably artificial," and he stared away, leaving Lydia to the interesting philosophic exercise of imagining what music with no artifice would...more
I'm really enjoying the narrator, for sure! She's got a very plummy voice. Could probably do a bit more to distinguish between the characters, especially since there's a bit of a lack of dialogue tags. But otherwise, nice to listen to.
The story? Slow start. I'm on chapter four, and I'm still guessing at who the hero is - I assume it's the old beau, but... okay, not the book's fault... but the narrator gives him a weird, almost comically gruff voice that doesn't make him seem very attractive.
UPDA...more
The story? Slow start. I'm on chapter four, and I'm still guessing at who the hero is - I assume it's the old beau, but... okay, not the book's fault... but the narrator gives him a weird, almost comically gruff voice that doesn't make him seem very attractive.
UPDA...more
Hmmm. Having recently read "Indiscretion" which I enjoyed, I wanted to try another. Initially I enjoyed it, but then the shine started to come off. Shades of "Emma" by Jane Austen, but Mr. Durrant was quite harsh and the interactions between Lydia and Mr. Durrant seemed somewhat unpleasant. Then Lydia's motivations not to go to Bath and then go to Bath made little sense to me, so that entire section of the book was a wash. Then the entire back and forth, first for Phoebe and then Lydia simply be...more
Maybe two and a half stars. Someone recommended Jude Morgan as a man who writes like Georgette Heyer. Of course, I didn't believe it, but I thought it might be fun. I was right on both counts.
This is nowhere near as light as Heyer. In fact, it feels rather ponderous, and the characters didn't hold my interest. I didn't really care which young gentleman the secondary female lead ended up with, and of course the main hero and heroine were obvious from the start. But Morgan has clearly studied Jane...more
This is nowhere near as light as Heyer. In fact, it feels rather ponderous, and the characters didn't hold my interest. I didn't really care which young gentleman the secondary female lead ended up with, and of course the main hero and heroine were obvious from the start. But Morgan has clearly studied Jane...more
I am torn about this book. It's premise and style definitely appealed to me and it was refreshing to read what essentially is a historical romance novel that at the same time has a way with a turn of phrase. But the entire plot was transparent and predictable from the beginning and I found myself impatient with the story as a result. Yes, the verbal sparring between the protagonists was amusing but it did become a little too much at times and start to drag. In fact, one of the things about this...more
I hate to say I didn't like this book. I the beginning I liked it and thought some of the reflections were witty but after a while the book just failed to hold my interest. One problem I believe is that although I love Austen's books, I do not know them well enough to note when a situation was being "replayed" in this book, so that insight was lost on me. I love books written in this time period and really wanted to love this book too, but after a while the characters failed to interest me. Actu...more
What a delight to find an author who respects the art of the historical novel, who cares about accuracy, and who creates characters that seem like products of their era. An Accomplished Woman is a joy to read and I loved immersing myself in country walks, Bath assemblies, and post-chaise chases. Jude Morgan writes about adult characters who have witty conversations and generally behave precisely as we imagine people in the Regency would behave. How refreshing that even though the heroine, Lydia...more
Sep 02, 2010
Wealhtheow
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
fans of regency romances
Shelves:
historical,
regency
Lydia is that most beloved of Regency heroines, a woman past her "prime" but with a quick wit and an entertaining inner monologue. After turning down a marriage proposal in her youth, she has spent the last decade going to art exhibits, translating old texts, and in every way living a satisyfing life of the mind. But then her godmother asks her for a favor, and Lydia finds herself escourting a pretty young heiress around Bath. And though Phoebe is smart and has good taste in every other respect,...more
4 likes · like · see review
Very enjoyable book, in the style of Jude Morgan's other book Indiscretion - same style and tone, but this one more amusing as the main character has really witty monologues in her head.
It tells the story of Lydia Templeton who has chosen to remain single her whole life (she's now 30), but is faced with having to give relationship advice to young Phoebe Rae.
Lots of twists and turns and also a lot of dialogue - as is customary in Regency novels, characters say a lot of words to say very little....more
It tells the story of Lydia Templeton who has chosen to remain single her whole life (she's now 30), but is faced with having to give relationship advice to young Phoebe Rae.
Lots of twists and turns and also a lot of dialogue - as is customary in Regency novels, characters say a lot of words to say very little....more
Lydia is a clever, talented, young woman in the Regency era who is approaching the age of 30, and after rejecting a proposal from the neighbor, Mr. Lewis Durrant, seems happily disposed to never marrying. We see her wicked sense of humor when she pretends not to be herself to a woman who believes she has led her brother on romantically in the opening chapters. Lydia is asked by her godmother to take on chaperoning in Bath her ward, Phoebe, who in her opening Season in London has attracted the at...more
Quite a fun read, good but not spectacular and at times it felt like he was trying too hard to be Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer. Though I was actually surprised to find that the author was male.
To the fore is the character of Lydia Templeton. She's quite fun, independent and says what's on her mind. Several years ago she rejected Lewis Durrant and now finds herself accompanying another woman in a quest for a marriage for her. One of the problems is that Lewis has put himself back on the marriag...more
To the fore is the character of Lydia Templeton. She's quite fun, independent and says what's on her mind. Several years ago she rejected Lewis Durrant and now finds herself accompanying another woman in a quest for a marriage for her. One of the problems is that Lewis has put himself back on the marriag...more
Jane Austen wrote very few books -- albeit very interesting ones -- but this is akin to Jane Austen for the modern age -- surprising since it was written by a man. I haven't read any other of Jude Morgan's books; this was my first. I enjoyed it as I have enjoyed Jane Austen's books -- where the women have heads on their shoulders, where people marry for love, and where the biggest love story in the entire book isn't by perfect, beautiful people.
By the way, if this is your type of book, I'd recom...more
By the way, if this is your type of book, I'd recom...more
Morgan's clever pastiche of Austen knocks the many recent imitations and sequelae out of the park! Light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek - Morgan's frequent references to tippling wine as a refuge for spinster ladies, especially - yet as tartly amusing as Austen herself, An Accomplished Woman manages to mock the Heyer ideal of Regency romance while at the same time abiding by its conventions. Morgan's tone is eerily similar to Austen's while remaining indefatigably modern.
Truly enjoyable and and a defi...more
Truly enjoyable and and a defi...more
Jun 12, 2009
Jennifer
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance,
historical
I thoroughly enjoyed Morgan's Indiscretion, a book I thought was closer to Jane Austen's writing than anything else I've read. So, with high expectations, I picked up An Accomplished Woman. I was slightly disappointed (if only there was a 2 1/2 star rating). The story dragged; there was little witty repartee and the hero and heroine of the story weren't all that interesting. The heroine had refused the hero's proposal a number of years prior to the setting of the book, yet they remained (somewha...more
Okay, I would like 3 1/2 stars, please. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It took a lot out of me to read it - it was SLOW...but I really enjoyed it nevertheless. (It really picked up about half way through). I sometimes have to remind myself that it's okay to take time on a book. I don't need to devour it in an afternoon. This story took thought and paying close attention. I LOVED the characters and couldn't skip any because I just loved these delightful people. Thanks to Mr Morgan for a fun few...more
I saw this in the Bas Bleu catalog, so was disposed to like it, but I didn't. I found it a derivative amalgam of Persuasion, Emma, and Pride and Prejudice. Rejection of suitors and second thoughts, meddling in others' romantic affairs, self-satisfaction inadequately tempered by humility--it's all here. Perhaps, as one reviewer suggested, the author is mocking the form while writing within it. Even if I had approached it that way, it was too slow moving and the characters not sufficiently appeali...more
Lydia Templeton bucked convention when she rejected the proposal of the eligible bachelor, Lewis Durrant. Nine years later, she claims to have no regrets and holds tight to her independent, unwed state. Her godmother requests Lydia's help with her young ward, Phoebe, who has two suitors vying for her hand. Lydia is horrified at the prospect of heading to Bath and dealing with card parties, balls, trips to the Pump Room - not to mention the whole idea of love, flirtations, and courtships. Thinkin...more
I found this book to be long winded and at times it seemed to be about nothing. Did they really speak like that is those days? It started to get a bit interesting from about disk 5 and it ended up being an okay story.
Lydia Templeton is happy being a spinster and looking after her father, at least she thinks she is. 10 years earlier she had rejected her neighbour and the county’s most eligible bachelor, Lewis Durrant when he proposed to her.
Her godmother asks her to take chaperone her young ward...more
Lydia Templeton is happy being a spinster and looking after her father, at least she thinks she is. 10 years earlier she had rejected her neighbour and the county’s most eligible bachelor, Lewis Durrant when he proposed to her.
Her godmother asks her to take chaperone her young ward...more
Summary: Lydia Templeton rejected eligible bachelor Lewis Durrant ten years ago and has gone on to live a perfectly enjoyable life. When her godmother asks her to look after her ward in Bath though, Lydia begins to rethink some things.
This is a story in the vein of Jane Austen with a main character who is largely an Emma (without as much of the matchmaking) with a bit of Anne thrown in. I had read Morgan's Indiscretion which is also Austenesque and enjoyed it so when I realized he had a similar...more
This is a story in the vein of Jane Austen with a main character who is largely an Emma (without as much of the matchmaking) with a bit of Anne thrown in. I had read Morgan's Indiscretion which is also Austenesque and enjoyed it so when I realized he had a similar...more
I’ve heard Morgan being compared to Heyer and Austen and while his characters seemed to me to have a more modern voice there’s no doubt that I found it a pleasantly enjoyable read.
Lydia Templeton is a single woman and very independent. A few years ago she refused her neighbor’s, Lewis Durrant, offer of marriage. But they have remained on friendly terms and while finding him a bit stuffy and boring she does in fact enjoy their conversations. Lydia has no regrets about refusing him, she much pref...more
Lydia Templeton is a single woman and very independent. A few years ago she refused her neighbor’s, Lewis Durrant, offer of marriage. But they have remained on friendly terms and while finding him a bit stuffy and boring she does in fact enjoy their conversations. Lydia has no regrets about refusing him, she much pref...more
This book opens with a charming scene at an art exhibition with a Regency Miss lamenting on the cavalier treatment of her beloved brother by the woman he worshipped and who had cast him aside without a second thought.
Lydia Templeton listens sympathetically and although I guessed early on she was the woman in question, I was still thoroughly entertained by their interchange and Lydia's bewilderment with a man whose favour she had attracted by no more effort than by, 'Suppressing my yawns in his...more
Lydia Templeton listens sympathetically and although I guessed early on she was the woman in question, I was still thoroughly entertained by their interchange and Lydia's bewilderment with a man whose favour she had attracted by no more effort than by, 'Suppressing my yawns in his...more
Felt too much like a retread of Emma for me. I normally like these kinds of warring suitors, but after about 70 pages, I got impatient and skipped to the end. I rather liked the ending, but it didn't really instill in me any great desire to go back and read what was in-between, either, so make of that what you will. Maybe my reading patience is wearing thin, but it moved too slowly for my tastes, without any particular beauty of prose or depth of insight to make the ride worthwhile.
Dec 15, 2010
Hirondelle
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
romance
A regency novel in the style of Georgette Heyer indeed, the plot itself could be perfectly a GH novel. The writing is nice, the dialogue oftentimes brilliant, and there are some reliable horrible characters to love loathing. But somehow, as in Indiscretion (and unlike Heyer), my emotional involvement with the characters is quite shallow. In all a nice cozy read but also oddly slow. Seems unfair to criticize a book for making me love it but true.
Pg 332 - lovely hommage to Jane Austen!
Pg 332 - lovely hommage to Jane Austen!
Had some funny scenes, but ultimately very slow moving - Got bored a few times. The plot was very predictable and and felt like a rip-off of Austen's Emma. While overall, Morgan is a good writer, a few times he tried experimenting with different styles and none of them worked IMO. Also, I had a hard time with such an unreliable narrator - I know the whole point is that she's flawed, but it colored how all the other characters were perceived.
I read most of the reviews before I started this book, and I tried, but I just couldn't finish it. I rarely don't finish books but it was such slow reading that by the time they got to Bath I just couldn't slog through another page. And I didn't really like any of the characters. Lydia was just to 'thoughtful' and introspective I have no idea how she had time to do anything besides think about her life and actions and thoughts.
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Jude Morgan was born and brought up in Peterborough on the edge of the Fens and was a student on the University of East Anglia MA Course in Creative Writing under Malcolm Bradbury and Angela Carter.
A pseudonym used by Tim Wilson.
Also writes under the name Hannah March.
More about Jude Morgan...
A pseudonym used by Tim Wilson.
Also writes under the name Hannah March.
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“Probably no purer incitement to hatred existed, Lydia had found, than being told of anyone or anything: you will love him, her or it. The spirit immediately rose up like a fanged cobra.”
—
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