What do you think?
Rate this book
The Girl in the Mask
Set in Georgian England, fifteen-year-old Sophia is trapped by the limitations of living in a man's world. Forced by her father to give up everything she loves, Sophia is ordered to make a new life in Bath. By day, she is trapped in the social whirl of balls and masquerades. By night, she secretly swaps her ball gowns for breeches, and turns to highway robbery to get her revenge ...When one man begins to take a keen interest in her, Sophia must keep her distance, or risk unmasking her secret life.
311 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2012
14 people are currently reading
2122 people want to read
About the author
Marie-Louise Jensen
14 books121 followersBorn Marie-Louise Chalcraft in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire on September 22nd 1964.
I attended a string of state schools, including Chiltern Edge in Oxfordshire. Once my family moved down to Bath in 1979, I attended Fitzmaurice and St Laurence schools in Bradford on Avon. Throughout my primary school years I was constantly told off for reading secretly and writing long stories instead of completing maths sheets. I’m not sure any of my teachers ever read my stories, but I had a lot of books taken away. When I was eleven, one teacher confiscated Lord of the Rings in the middle of the Battle of Helm’s Deep, and I nearly suffered severe psychological damage waiting a week to find out if Aragorn survived.
My A-levels were in German, French and English and I went on to study German and Danish with literature at the University of East Anglia.
I did more studying and various translating and teaching jobs, including teaching at a university in Germany for four years. Then I returned to Britain to be a full time mother and home educator. These were the years in which I overcame my education and regained my creativity. I read lots and started writing again.
In 2004-5, I took the MA in Writing for Young People at the Bath Spa University. I passed with distinction and was lucky enough to be taken on by an agent, Rosemary Canter at United Agents and a publisher (Oxford University Press) soon after.
I attended a string of state schools, including Chiltern Edge in Oxfordshire. Once my family moved down to Bath in 1979, I attended Fitzmaurice and St Laurence schools in Bradford on Avon. Throughout my primary school years I was constantly told off for reading secretly and writing long stories instead of completing maths sheets. I’m not sure any of my teachers ever read my stories, but I had a lot of books taken away. When I was eleven, one teacher confiscated Lord of the Rings in the middle of the Battle of Helm’s Deep, and I nearly suffered severe psychological damage waiting a week to find out if Aragorn survived.
My A-levels were in German, French and English and I went on to study German and Danish with literature at the University of East Anglia.
I did more studying and various translating and teaching jobs, including teaching at a university in Germany for four years. Then I returned to Britain to be a full time mother and home educator. These were the years in which I overcame my education and regained my creativity. I read lots and started writing again.
In 2004-5, I took the MA in Writing for Young People at the Bath Spa University. I passed with distinction and was lucky enough to be taken on by an agent, Rosemary Canter at United Agents and a publisher (Oxford University Press) soon after.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 17, 2012
I'm SO EXCITED! I didn't know she had another book out! I can already tell this is going to be amazing!
*
I've just ordered it! Can't wait :D
*
I'd give this book a 3.5/3.75.
The book is about a girl called Sophia who is forced to move to Bath when her father comes back from his 4 year trip abroad. It becomes clear that Sophia and her father have a bad backgroud. I did like the references back, but there didn't seem to be much depth to it. Sophia yearns to experience excitment and to escape from her father's plans for her to be married. While travelling alone, she meets Jenny and the two form an unlikely friendship. But as they strive for adventure, they are unwillingly thrown into a scheme of treason, and Sophia destroys any trust she had with a man she has growing feelings for. With danger at every turn, Sophia has to try and survive.
It was original from anything I've read, with some great parts, however, it seemed to be lacking a certain something throughout. It just didn't have that sparkle that you associate with a brilliant book. One big thing that I always think is important in a book, is to know the general age of the characters. There was no reference anywhere to how old Sophia and Mr Charleton were [except people saying that Sophia was "only a child"].
The ending made me take a star off this book. In some ways it worked, but in others, it wasn't satisfying. Maybe it would make more sense if we knew their ages.
The book started off brilliantly but started to go downhill about halfway through and the ending spoiled it for me. Overall I did like it, but there was something missing.
*
I've just ordered it! Can't wait :D
*
I'd give this book a 3.5/3.75.
The book is about a girl called Sophia who is forced to move to Bath when her father comes back from his 4 year trip abroad. It becomes clear that Sophia and her father have a bad backgroud. I did like the references back, but there didn't seem to be much depth to it. Sophia yearns to experience excitment and to escape from her father's plans for her to be married. While travelling alone, she meets Jenny and the two form an unlikely friendship. But as they strive for adventure, they are unwillingly thrown into a scheme of treason, and Sophia destroys any trust she had with a man she has growing feelings for. With danger at every turn, Sophia has to try and survive.
It was original from anything I've read, with some great parts, however, it seemed to be lacking a certain something throughout. It just didn't have that sparkle that you associate with a brilliant book. One big thing that I always think is important in a book, is to know the general age of the characters. There was no reference anywhere to how old Sophia and Mr Charleton were [except people saying that Sophia was "only a child"].
The ending made me take a star off this book. In some ways it worked, but in others, it wasn't satisfying. Maybe it would make more sense if we knew their ages.
The book started off brilliantly but started to go downhill about halfway through and the ending spoiled it for me. Overall I did like it, but there was something missing.
July 12, 2012
This was a crackingly exciting book that was quite difficult to tear myself away from at times. The plot centres on a young girl in the early 18th century who is determined to escape her restrictive life and cruel father. Sophia is headstrong, fearless and at times very reckless, qualities that get her into a lot of trouble but also help to get her out of it. Add in an intriguing male friend, some enjoyable overtones of Georgette Heyer, and the firmly historical setting of 18th century Bath and the Rising of 1715, which all mixed together make for a very enjoyable and pacy read. My one slight criticism was that I wondered if Sophia's attitudes might have been a tiny bit too modern at times, but then I remembered that her heroine was Aphra Behn and thought maybe not. I've seen some readers criticise the ending but I thought it worked perfectly for the characters though if there was a sequel I certainly wouldn't complain.
January 6, 2013
I had this on my Kindle somewhere, because I did like the concept, but I've read one of her other books already, so I was sort of wary about reading this. I'm afraid I got through a couple of chapters, but just couldn't stick with it. The writing is pretty bad. One minute the narrator is telling someone something because she knows he'll understand, and then immediately after he's responding with obviously no interest in it at all. And there are people exclaiming loudly and tall gangly young men with laughing blue eyes in the first page and I just -- not for me, thank you.
With a bit of editing, it might have held my attention, but. All the drama and so on might have turned me off anyway -- stereotyped nasty father and all. I can see how it would appeal to younger readers, though.
With a bit of editing, it might have held my attention, but. All the drama and so on might have turned me off anyway -- stereotyped nasty father and all. I can see how it would appeal to younger readers, though.
March 1, 2020
I think I got this book on my Kindle when I first got my Kindle ten years ago and I haven't read it since. Now, with the Mad Hatter reading challenge, I actually picked it up and read it in one sitting. This was an easy book to read.
Sophia lives in Georgian England and the story kicks off with her father returning home and dragging her back into society. Not only is Sophia against this, her father is also emotionally and physically abusive. She leaves her country estate to go with her father and aunt to Bath and gets caught up in politics at the same time as she is trying to organise a marriage arranged by her father.
There were so many ways I enjoyed this book but most of the time it just missed the mark. I loved Sophia struggling to express herself against her family's restrictions (no privacy, chaperoned everywhere, starved and locked away when she disagrees) and her chatting to everyone she met, like postmasters and waiters. However, I think I would have liked a little more depth in Sophia, though I think this has to do with the writing style. There was a point where Sophia was looking at marriage to a cruel man or her father killing her or selling her into slavery and I would have liked to have seen more desperation from her, rather than her thinking and acting the same way she did at the start of the book. I also would have loved to have seen more of her friendship with Jenny.
Another thing which I think missed the mark was the love interest. I liked him at the start of the book and then I had a sudden downswing in my opinion of him. I think it was the way he interfered with Sophia and didn't listen to what she was saying and was never brought up for it at the end. Don't get me wrong, I did find it hilarious the way he did not seem to get that Sophia just did not care about who was on the throne of England, since she would either be trapped or dead either way, but I would have liked to have seen more of him apologising for her, especially when he stole her money (and her escape route). Sophia is also much younger than him and she reads like that, while historically accurate, it still gave a vibe when he insisted on treating her alternately like an adult and then a child.
One thing I did enjoy was how it was a historical romance but it had the correct fashions, such as wigs, powders and beauty marks, as well as how politics and monarchy would be affecting the upper classes in Bath. The author said they had based it around the time of the failed rebellion and it was lovely to have that historical context. The writing style was quite simple but this made it easy to read.
3 stars!
Sophia lives in Georgian England and the story kicks off with her father returning home and dragging her back into society. Not only is Sophia against this, her father is also emotionally and physically abusive. She leaves her country estate to go with her father and aunt to Bath and gets caught up in politics at the same time as she is trying to organise a marriage arranged by her father.
There were so many ways I enjoyed this book but most of the time it just missed the mark. I loved Sophia struggling to express herself against her family's restrictions (no privacy, chaperoned everywhere, starved and locked away when she disagrees) and her chatting to everyone she met, like postmasters and waiters. However, I think I would have liked a little more depth in Sophia, though I think this has to do with the writing style. There was a point where Sophia was looking at marriage to a cruel man or her father killing her or selling her into slavery and I would have liked to have seen more desperation from her, rather than her thinking and acting the same way she did at the start of the book. I also would have loved to have seen more of her friendship with Jenny.
Another thing which I think missed the mark was the love interest. I liked him at the start of the book and then I had a sudden downswing in my opinion of him. I think it was the way he interfered with Sophia and didn't listen to what she was saying and was never brought up for it at the end. Don't get me wrong, I did find it hilarious the way he did not seem to get that Sophia just did not care about who was on the throne of England, since she would either be trapped or dead either way, but I would have liked to have seen more of him apologising for her, especially when he stole her money (and her escape route). Sophia is also much younger than him and she reads like that, while historically accurate, it still gave a vibe when he insisted on treating her alternately like an adult and then a child.
One thing I did enjoy was how it was a historical romance but it had the correct fashions, such as wigs, powders and beauty marks, as well as how politics and monarchy would be affecting the upper classes in Bath. The author said they had based it around the time of the failed rebellion and it was lovely to have that historical context. The writing style was quite simple but this made it easy to read.
3 stars!
May 26, 2019
DNF 25%
I'm sorry but this book is not for me. It feels like the author skimped on the research for the time period. Without the note in the back I'd have no idea when this was taking place because the actions of the characters and the dialogue are not indicative at all of the time period.
I'm not an expert on 1715 English history but there was way too many times where stuff didn't feel right.
I don't see a wealthy family of this time allowing a daughter to live so freely and wildly, completely unchecked without looking in on her for the amount of years Sophia's father does. The climbing out on roofs, speaking with any servant or lower class person in such an open, candid, joking manner, and the sneaking about the streets of Bath at night are extremely unbelievable.
I can buy a commoner doing this sort of thing, but not someone of Sophia's status.
Also.
https://www.supplychain247.com/articl...
Just to prove that I'm not completely crazy about the historical oopses. Sophia pulls a ton of cardboard boxes filled with clothes out of her wardrobe. Yeah . . . that's over a 100 years off. Cardboard isn't even close to being invented and who knows when it was used commonly to package clothing and shoes.
My inability to suspend my disbelief any longer combined with multiple reviews stating the misleading marketing of this being a "thief by night" book where no masking and thieving happens for the first 90% is why I'm putting this down.
It also means I won't be reading any more from this author since the lack of ebooks or popularity(to land in a local library) means I have to buy a physical copy(as I did this time) and that's money I'm not willing to spend on another gamble for a new author.
I'm sorry but this book is not for me. It feels like the author skimped on the research for the time period. Without the note in the back I'd have no idea when this was taking place because the actions of the characters and the dialogue are not indicative at all of the time period.
I'm not an expert on 1715 English history but there was way too many times where stuff didn't feel right.
I don't see a wealthy family of this time allowing a daughter to live so freely and wildly, completely unchecked without looking in on her for the amount of years Sophia's father does. The climbing out on roofs, speaking with any servant or lower class person in such an open, candid, joking manner, and the sneaking about the streets of Bath at night are extremely unbelievable.
I can buy a commoner doing this sort of thing, but not someone of Sophia's status.
Also.
https://www.supplychain247.com/articl...
Just to prove that I'm not completely crazy about the historical oopses. Sophia pulls a ton of cardboard boxes filled with clothes out of her wardrobe. Yeah . . . that's over a 100 years off. Cardboard isn't even close to being invented and who knows when it was used commonly to package clothing and shoes.
My inability to suspend my disbelief any longer combined with multiple reviews stating the misleading marketing of this being a "thief by night" book where no masking and thieving happens for the first 90% is why I'm putting this down.
It also means I won't be reading any more from this author since the lack of ebooks or popularity(to land in a local library) means I have to buy a physical copy(as I did this time) and that's money I'm not willing to spend on another gamble for a new author.
March 6, 2021
This book was another surprise for me!! Set in Georgian England in the town of Bath, this historical young adult fiction was exactly the kind of period drama I wanted to read! I thought the pace of the book was perfect, especially nearer the end where there was more action and adventure, and I loved the mix of life in a Georgian society and the life of rebellion and outlaws.
Sophia, the main character, was well written, and I enjoyed her headstrong and determined attitude as she gets into night time adventures and tries to break out of the life destined for her: to be married off to a man twice her age.
The only reason I've dropped a star is because the ending seemed to fall a bit flat, with the beginning of a romance being completely squashed and although the other aspects seemed fitting, it was slightly rushed.
I love history, but I can never seem to find any young adult historical fictions, so if you have any recommendations please let me know; I love anything from the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians to the world wars and 1920s.
I recommend if you want a YA historical fiction, this book is underrated!!
Sophia, the main character, was well written, and I enjoyed her headstrong and determined attitude as she gets into night time adventures and tries to break out of the life destined for her: to be married off to a man twice her age.
The only reason I've dropped a star is because the ending seemed to fall a bit flat, with the beginning of a romance being completely squashed and although the other aspects seemed fitting, it was slightly rushed.
I love history, but I can never seem to find any young adult historical fictions, so if you have any recommendations please let me know; I love anything from the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians to the world wars and 1920s.
I recommend if you want a YA historical fiction, this book is underrated!!
December 25, 2013
It's difficult. I had so many up and down opinions about this novel, but overall I find that I really enjoyed it.
There were so many things about this novel that I really liked about this. I liked the way that this plot developed. Even though it was slow and at first I had a little trouble figuring out where this was going, when it finally got there, I really liked what I was reading. I really liked it to the point where I couldn't help flipping the pages.
It was slow. This is my first Marie-louise Jensen novel, and since it's called "The Girl in the Mask" I was intrigued. The premise was a bit brief, but I was interested to know about the girl in the mask. Of course, I didn't really see the significance until the end, during the masquerade. But it's also a theme that's constant throughout the novel in the literary sense.
Sophia was pretty cool. I loved her inside voice, but I swear she's a little oblivious going out by herself going for walks and doing mischievous things. I like that she did mischievous things, I felt like I was getting a little bit of revenge too. I felt like I was in sync with Sophia's feelings. Particularly during one scene between her and Mr Charlton. That was unbelievable, chemistry-wise anyway!
Mr Charlton. Oh my, between Sophia and Mr Charlton, there's quite some mystery and intrigue as well as chemistry between them. Most of the novel, they are dancing around each other. I love that Sophia gets angry at him. But I hate that Mr Charlton didn't find out a little bit more about why Sophia protested about being trapped at home. It was awesome when Sophia was discovered that night by Mr Charlton who reprimanded her. Because she totally blows her lid off at him, clambers over the tiles on her roof relatively elegantly and slam the window down on her bedroom window with the kind of attitude that I totally give a thumbs up for. Because what she said was totally honest and right, and it irritated me that Mr Charlton didn't understand. Though when you think about it, during that time, men were dominant and women were expected to follow meekly. And yet, by the end, I also liked Mr Charlton - actually I liked his character from the start, but when Sophia got angry at him, so did I - and I was a little bit disappointed by their ending, though it is also a very good ending. I like that Sophia sticks to her guns in refusing to marry! As long as they are together, I'm happy haha.
It was strange, this took a while to get going, and a lot of things happened. For most of the story, it's slow going, slowly developing the connections between the characters and slowly revealing the mystery between them. But then, at the end, after the major climax, suddenly the story speeds up and we see Sophia's life after briefly. And though it's not a long time, it seems kind of pointless, yet I know it's also important to the story. I just wished maybe it needed a bit more time? And then the ending happens. And alls well that ends well.
Since I ended up really liking this, I've decided to read her other books. I certainly love the characters, and the voices of the characters, as well as the love that happens and the plot. It's good, though to someone else, it can actually be not so great. This kind of story written this way had that kind of feel. But I liked it. I thought it was very good!
There were so many things about this novel that I really liked about this. I liked the way that this plot developed. Even though it was slow and at first I had a little trouble figuring out where this was going, when it finally got there, I really liked what I was reading. I really liked it to the point where I couldn't help flipping the pages.
It was slow. This is my first Marie-louise Jensen novel, and since it's called "The Girl in the Mask" I was intrigued. The premise was a bit brief, but I was interested to know about the girl in the mask. Of course, I didn't really see the significance until the end, during the masquerade. But it's also a theme that's constant throughout the novel in the literary sense.
Sophia was pretty cool. I loved her inside voice, but I swear she's a little oblivious going out by herself going for walks and doing mischievous things. I like that she did mischievous things, I felt like I was getting a little bit of revenge too. I felt like I was in sync with Sophia's feelings. Particularly during one scene between her and Mr Charlton. That was unbelievable, chemistry-wise anyway!
Mr Charlton. Oh my, between Sophia and Mr Charlton, there's quite some mystery and intrigue as well as chemistry between them. Most of the novel, they are dancing around each other. I love that Sophia gets angry at him. But I hate that Mr Charlton didn't find out a little bit more about why Sophia protested about being trapped at home. It was awesome when Sophia was discovered that night by Mr Charlton who reprimanded her. Because she totally blows her lid off at him, clambers over the tiles on her roof relatively elegantly and slam the window down on her bedroom window with the kind of attitude that I totally give a thumbs up for. Because what she said was totally honest and right, and it irritated me that Mr Charlton didn't understand. Though when you think about it, during that time, men were dominant and women were expected to follow meekly. And yet, by the end, I also liked Mr Charlton - actually I liked his character from the start, but when Sophia got angry at him, so did I - and I was a little bit disappointed by their ending, though it is also a very good ending. I like that Sophia sticks to her guns in refusing to marry! As long as they are together, I'm happy haha.
It was strange, this took a while to get going, and a lot of things happened. For most of the story, it's slow going, slowly developing the connections between the characters and slowly revealing the mystery between them. But then, at the end, after the major climax, suddenly the story speeds up and we see Sophia's life after briefly. And though it's not a long time, it seems kind of pointless, yet I know it's also important to the story. I just wished maybe it needed a bit more time? And then the ending happens. And alls well that ends well.
Since I ended up really liking this, I've decided to read her other books. I certainly love the characters, and the voices of the characters, as well as the love that happens and the plot. It's good, though to someone else, it can actually be not so great. This kind of story written this way had that kind of feel. But I liked it. I thought it was very good!
March 21, 2012
I was super excited when I found out that Marie-Louise Jensen had another book coming out. I reserved it from my local library and read it in two days. It was immediately gripping and I loved the brave character of Sophie, she wasn't going down without a fight! I also loved the character of Jenny who I really felt for despite her trying to be tough attitude! I knew I wouldn't be disappointed as I had loved Jensen's other books such as The Lady in the Tower. I thought the setting was written very powerfully, I could almost smell the rotten water of the Bath springs. I was a tiny bit disappointed with the romance in the book, I thought it would have been more powerful but maybe that is just my cheesy side showing through! The book has a very clear and concise structure and even though Sophie found the social gatherings tedious, Jensen didn't bore us with the details. The book had some comedy in it and I found myself chuckling over some cleverly delivered wit. I can tell from the ending that the book will have a sequel and I very much look forward to it. All in all I would definitely recommend the book as it a breath taking gripping ride!
March 5, 2013
This is a light, fun story. While I enjoyed it, it was a little too light at times. It seemed like Sophia couldn't or wouldn't show any other emotion than that of defiance, even when the very nice and charming Mr.Charlston was trying to help her. At moments when I felt like swooning, she wasn't, and that kind of ruined the effect. If your looking for a high action, sweeping-romance, you won't find it in this book, but a light, if somewhat lackluster, quick read.
March 4, 2012
Really enjoyed this. Fabulous protagonist who sticks to her guns (ha!) and doesn't go all wishy-washy at the end as is so often the case. The book is well researched too, plonking you right into the middle of The Bath society. Exciting, pacey, and fun. Well worth a read.
March 13, 2012
I loved the setting and the characters. The ending was a bit of a come down. But it was different to anything else I've read and it sure did surprise me.
August 13, 2012
Liked this book loved the story line and the ending leaves an option of another book to follow though i don't think there will be. Amazing story loves this author.
October 1, 2020
A book about a young girl living in a patriarchal society: where her every action and thought is controlled in order to make off a fine lady. Sophia's father after four years, returns from his trip, announcing that she will make her societal debut and Sophia is made to leave her country estate. A father without any fatherly love, whom is also physically and mentally abusive deciding her every thought and action.
The book was slow, and it seemed as if there wasn't any fixed plot, but only the crazy adventurous of a young noble girl. I did put it down once, not expecting much - and the only thing which i enjoyed was the interaction between Sophia and Sir Charlton; which kept me going. Though when the plot gear kicked in, i was rendered unable to put it down; as i wanted to know everything.
On another note, whilst the story probably wasn't meant to focus on the romance part - it was quite disappointing on how it ended. The romance plot slowly but surely built up, up until that one scene where they kissed , but then abruptly ended without any further enquires of what was to be made of their story. Though, their chemistry was amazing and interactions even better. I do completely understand why Sophia refuses to marry and how it also won't work for Charlton, but it couldn't stop me from hoping for some more.
It also felt quite misleading with "theif by night" description as there wasn't much theiving, and most of the story didn't necessarily revolve around it. If anything, it was more about a young noble girl not desiring the doll life of a noble woman in a patriarchal - under constant control of men in her life.
The story felt like it was lacking something. While it was good and i enjoyed the read - it didnt have that element or... that extra feeling to it.
The book was slow, and it seemed as if there wasn't any fixed plot, but only the crazy adventurous of a young noble girl. I did put it down once, not expecting much - and the only thing which i enjoyed was the interaction between Sophia and Sir Charlton; which kept me going. Though when the plot gear kicked in, i was rendered unable to put it down; as i wanted to know everything.
On another note, whilst the story probably wasn't meant to focus on the romance part - it was quite disappointing on how it ended. The romance plot slowly but surely built up, up until that one scene where they kissed , but then abruptly ended without any further enquires of what was to be made of their story. Though, their chemistry was amazing and interactions even better. I do completely understand why Sophia refuses to marry and how it also won't work for Charlton, but it couldn't stop me from hoping for some more.
It also felt quite misleading with "theif by night" description as there wasn't much theiving, and most of the story didn't necessarily revolve around it. If anything, it was more about a young noble girl not desiring the doll life of a noble woman in a patriarchal - under constant control of men in her life.
The story felt like it was lacking something. While it was good and i enjoyed the read - it didnt have that element or... that extra feeling to it.
July 1, 2022
I really liked this book. It wasn't anything too complicated, and definitely not as gripping as some other books I've read, but genuinely enjoyable for me. I really appreciated the historical details and great world building, and some of the characters were compelling and well-written. This book did make me laugh out loud sometimes, which doesn't usually happen! The ending seemed to make sense in the context of what we had learned about the characters too, which I appreciated.
This author visited my school when I was in seventh grade so I'm a bit biased, but I would recommend Girl in the Mask and her other books too if you like historical fiction!
This author visited my school when I was in seventh grade so I'm a bit biased, but I would recommend Girl in the Mask and her other books too if you like historical fiction!
November 23, 2017
At first I got the feeling I had read this book before, and I’m still not sure, the story is familiar but interesting. I though it a bit lacking at first, but it soon picked up into an interesting and fast paced adventure that kept me up past bed time. It’s best fit is probably the bridge between middle grade and teen: a fascinating mini adventure.
January 8, 2022
Interesting book about the life of a girl in the 18th century who became a sort-of rebel herself. There are times where I couldn't put the book down and generally that was a good sign. The romance is also not that cringe-y which I appreciate considering it wasn't the main plot. Overall, it was an easy read and definitely enjoyable.
August 24, 2017
I felt there are still many questions unanswered like what happened to Jack ?
will sophia and charleton continue to be close friends? what will their future be like? there should be a sequel to this book.
will sophia and charleton continue to be close friends? what will their future be like? there should be a sequel to this book.
December 27, 2017
Mr. Charleton is amazing. I love him. I will admit that the ending was a tad disappointing because I wanted something else to happen, but it was unpredictable and fun.
January 7, 2023
It's a very good book, lovely description but different than how I pictured it but overall it's a very good book I was just a little annoyed at the beginning because it takes a while to get to the point.
May 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this quick read. It had a little bit of everything in it.
October 6, 2012
"Stand and Deliver! Hand over your valuables if you value your life!"
Set in Georgian England, fifteen-year-old Sophia is trapped by the limitations of living in a man's world. Forced by her father to give up everything she loves, Sophia is ordered to make a new life in Bath. By day, she is trapped in the social whirl of balls and masquerades. By night, she secretly swaps her ball gowns for breeches, and turns to highway robbery to get her revenge . . . When one man begins to take a keen interest in her, Sophia must keep her distance, or risk unmasking her secret life..~From Goodreads.
I was ecstatic when this book came and landed on my doorstep..well, inside my porch..I had recently read and reviewed a Marie Louise Jensen book before after I had bought it and had loved it, (You can find my review in the ''Review Archive'') so I was curious to see if her most recent book lived up to my expectations.
I warmed to Sophia immediately. She was so likeable and...just like me! She loved to read and we see her passion for reading from the first page. Her care-free life was enviable; read, mess around with her favourite cousin, horse-back rising and pistol shooting, but the unannounced arrival of her father from the West Indies, a stern, harsh man, shatters her perfect world around her.
To punish them, Sophia's father sends Jack to the army, and drags Sophia off to Bath, to teach her how to act 'like a proper, lady'. I despised Sophia's father from the moment he first arrived. He was mean and horrible and he whipped Sophia..just because of her 'un-ladylike conduct' while he was away. My fury threatened to boil over when he burnt her books,poetry and plays, he burnt her precious books!! To me, that is the highest form of evil (lol) and I can just imagine what I would do if someone burnt all my books!..*cough*.. ermm you don't want to know! He was so stuck up and sure of himself, determined to believe that by burning her books and taking away her freedom she would eventually bow down to his ideas of a young woman's life. He wasn't proud of his daughter, or happy at all that she showed great potential as a student and was a promising learner. He put her down instead, telling her that her time studying mathematics, Latin and Greek was a time that had been wasted, targeting her as to why she hadn't done any embroidery, or watercolours; and reminding her that her job in life was to be a wife, nothing more and nothing less. All in all..he made me furious!
Aunt Amelia was another character I disliked immensely. She was a strict, joyless woman who's true intentions were hidden whenever Sophia's father was around. Her main hope in life was to have as much of everything as she could, and she used Sophia's father to get what she wanted. Under the pretence that she was 'kindly'' chaperoning Sophia in Bath she neglected her as much as she could to gamble and play cards. She used Sophia to get what she wanted by hiring an amazing dressmaker and buying her lots of new items to wear..but then buying herself boxes and boxes of dresses too. Under the constant scrutiny of her gaze and held captive by her unwavering father and greedy, scheming aunt she starts to become restless and longs for freedom so she goes out, by herself, for a walk. On returning she is punished and sent to bed with no dinner so she escapes through the window and makes an ally with a servant lad by the name of Bill. He tells her about his younger sister Jenny, in Bath, describing her appearance to her and telling her how worried he is of her, and also gives her some food. I liked Bill a lot as did Sophia. He did not seem scandalised that she had jumped out of a window and befriended her. I loved the way Marie Louise Jensen evoked her characters and I also thought the setting was written very powerfully, I could almost smell the rotten water of the Bath springs and the whiff of eggs in the stale air and the scene set before Sophia seemed to come alive before my eyes. Houses of all shapes and sizes jumbled around in a maze of bustle and activity. Little shops and well dressed, refined ladies sampling syllabub's and jellies and men and women frolicking in dirty baths. Bath blossomed before me and stayed like that, vivid and graphic until the last page was turned...
The Girl In The Mask was a poignant, exciting read that kept me hooked from page one. Filled with drama and mystery and packed with secrets, lies, uprisings and highway robberies this book is a definite page turner!!
Set in Georgian England, fifteen-year-old Sophia is trapped by the limitations of living in a man's world. Forced by her father to give up everything she loves, Sophia is ordered to make a new life in Bath. By day, she is trapped in the social whirl of balls and masquerades. By night, she secretly swaps her ball gowns for breeches, and turns to highway robbery to get her revenge . . . When one man begins to take a keen interest in her, Sophia must keep her distance, or risk unmasking her secret life..~From Goodreads.
I was ecstatic when this book came and landed on my doorstep..well, inside my porch..I had recently read and reviewed a Marie Louise Jensen book before after I had bought it and had loved it, (You can find my review in the ''Review Archive'') so I was curious to see if her most recent book lived up to my expectations.
I warmed to Sophia immediately. She was so likeable and...just like me! She loved to read and we see her passion for reading from the first page. Her care-free life was enviable; read, mess around with her favourite cousin, horse-back rising and pistol shooting, but the unannounced arrival of her father from the West Indies, a stern, harsh man, shatters her perfect world around her.
To punish them, Sophia's father sends Jack to the army, and drags Sophia off to Bath, to teach her how to act 'like a proper, lady'. I despised Sophia's father from the moment he first arrived. He was mean and horrible and he whipped Sophia..just because of her 'un-ladylike conduct' while he was away. My fury threatened to boil over when he burnt her books,poetry and plays, he burnt her precious books!! To me, that is the highest form of evil (lol) and I can just imagine what I would do if someone burnt all my books!..*cough*.. ermm you don't want to know! He was so stuck up and sure of himself, determined to believe that by burning her books and taking away her freedom she would eventually bow down to his ideas of a young woman's life. He wasn't proud of his daughter, or happy at all that she showed great potential as a student and was a promising learner. He put her down instead, telling her that her time studying mathematics, Latin and Greek was a time that had been wasted, targeting her as to why she hadn't done any embroidery, or watercolours; and reminding her that her job in life was to be a wife, nothing more and nothing less. All in all..he made me furious!
Aunt Amelia was another character I disliked immensely. She was a strict, joyless woman who's true intentions were hidden whenever Sophia's father was around. Her main hope in life was to have as much of everything as she could, and she used Sophia's father to get what she wanted. Under the pretence that she was 'kindly'' chaperoning Sophia in Bath she neglected her as much as she could to gamble and play cards. She used Sophia to get what she wanted by hiring an amazing dressmaker and buying her lots of new items to wear..but then buying herself boxes and boxes of dresses too. Under the constant scrutiny of her gaze and held captive by her unwavering father and greedy, scheming aunt she starts to become restless and longs for freedom so she goes out, by herself, for a walk. On returning she is punished and sent to bed with no dinner so she escapes through the window and makes an ally with a servant lad by the name of Bill. He tells her about his younger sister Jenny, in Bath, describing her appearance to her and telling her how worried he is of her, and also gives her some food. I liked Bill a lot as did Sophia. He did not seem scandalised that she had jumped out of a window and befriended her. I loved the way Marie Louise Jensen evoked her characters and I also thought the setting was written very powerfully, I could almost smell the rotten water of the Bath springs and the whiff of eggs in the stale air and the scene set before Sophia seemed to come alive before my eyes. Houses of all shapes and sizes jumbled around in a maze of bustle and activity. Little shops and well dressed, refined ladies sampling syllabub's and jellies and men and women frolicking in dirty baths. Bath blossomed before me and stayed like that, vivid and graphic until the last page was turned...
The Girl In The Mask was a poignant, exciting read that kept me hooked from page one. Filled with drama and mystery and packed with secrets, lies, uprisings and highway robberies this book is a definite page turner!!
November 17, 2016
Review from my blog, Em's Book Corner.
emsbookcorner.blogspot.com
I recently finished reading what I think is probably my first historical fiction novel of the year! How crazy is that? Don't worry though, this book reintroduced my love for historical fiction so I'll be reading a lot more during the last couple months of the year!
The book that I read was The Girl in the Mask by Marie-Louise Jensen (one of my favourite authors!)
Just to let you know, this is a spoiler free review!
The Girl in the Mask is set during the year of 1715, when the main character Sophia receives a surprise visit from her father, who has been out of the country for the past few years. This isn't a joyful reunion, they despise of each other and it's when Sophia is forced to give up her hobbies and only friend to live in Bath and become a 'lady' that she decides enough is enough. Sophia starts to make a life for herself, even though there's a huge risk that she will end up being punished or worse yet, left in the hands of her awful aunt.
I couldn't help but love the main character in this story, Sophia. She is so brave and did a wonderful job of sticking up for herself, not letting men take control. This book shows just how awful it used to be for women, they were forced into wearing uncomfortable clothing, doing boring tasks and they weren't even allowed to walk a long distance without being stared at. Sophia, however, bent these rules and decided to do what she wants to do, which involves walking across fields, sneaking out at night and wearing boy's clothes.
Another character that I loved was Sophia's good friend Jenny, she was also so brave and feisty. But she earned her money by stealing, which is something that I didn't enjoy reading about but I guess that's just what happened in those days!
“The punishment itself could never be as bad as the anticipation”
This book is told in Sophia's perspective and you really do end up feeling sorry for her, she doesn't deserve to be cooped up all day in a stuffy room forced to sit with her aunt. I absolutely hated Sophia's father and aunt, no wonder Sophia was so unhappy. All they cared about was marrying Sophia off to a rich man to make the family name more popular.
At times, this book was a little bit slow but that doesn't last for long as it often quickly picks up the pace. I loved the last few chapters where Sophia and Mr Charleton have to race against time to do something very important. I didn't always like Mr Charleton, I found him a bit annoying to begin with but by the end of the book I ended up loving the character.
During this era, there was a big uproar about the King George I, not many people believed he had the right to become King. So, I also learnt a lot about that which I found interesting. Without it taking over the story, there's also another secret plot going on in this book involving the rebellions going across the country. This plot all comes together really well at the end, it was so exciting and fun to read.
I really enjoyed learning more about this time period, Marie-Louise Jensen is excellent at writing historical fiction and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books soon!
One of the best things about this genre of books is that not only are they enjoyable, but you're also learning a lot as well. And what's better than that?!
I have to say it again, I loved the ending of this book. I feel like everything finished perfectly and I'd even really enjoy reading a sequel (So yeah, if you're reading this Marie-Louise Jensen, pretty please can we have a sequel? It would make me very happy.)
I have given this book a strong four out of five stars.
emsbookcorner.blogspot.com
I recently finished reading what I think is probably my first historical fiction novel of the year! How crazy is that? Don't worry though, this book reintroduced my love for historical fiction so I'll be reading a lot more during the last couple months of the year!
The book that I read was The Girl in the Mask by Marie-Louise Jensen (one of my favourite authors!)
Just to let you know, this is a spoiler free review!
The Girl in the Mask is set during the year of 1715, when the main character Sophia receives a surprise visit from her father, who has been out of the country for the past few years. This isn't a joyful reunion, they despise of each other and it's when Sophia is forced to give up her hobbies and only friend to live in Bath and become a 'lady' that she decides enough is enough. Sophia starts to make a life for herself, even though there's a huge risk that she will end up being punished or worse yet, left in the hands of her awful aunt.
I couldn't help but love the main character in this story, Sophia. She is so brave and did a wonderful job of sticking up for herself, not letting men take control. This book shows just how awful it used to be for women, they were forced into wearing uncomfortable clothing, doing boring tasks and they weren't even allowed to walk a long distance without being stared at. Sophia, however, bent these rules and decided to do what she wants to do, which involves walking across fields, sneaking out at night and wearing boy's clothes.
Another character that I loved was Sophia's good friend Jenny, she was also so brave and feisty. But she earned her money by stealing, which is something that I didn't enjoy reading about but I guess that's just what happened in those days!
“The punishment itself could never be as bad as the anticipation”
This book is told in Sophia's perspective and you really do end up feeling sorry for her, she doesn't deserve to be cooped up all day in a stuffy room forced to sit with her aunt. I absolutely hated Sophia's father and aunt, no wonder Sophia was so unhappy. All they cared about was marrying Sophia off to a rich man to make the family name more popular.
At times, this book was a little bit slow but that doesn't last for long as it often quickly picks up the pace. I loved the last few chapters where Sophia and Mr Charleton have to race against time to do something very important. I didn't always like Mr Charleton, I found him a bit annoying to begin with but by the end of the book I ended up loving the character.
During this era, there was a big uproar about the King George I, not many people believed he had the right to become King. So, I also learnt a lot about that which I found interesting. Without it taking over the story, there's also another secret plot going on in this book involving the rebellions going across the country. This plot all comes together really well at the end, it was so exciting and fun to read.
I really enjoyed learning more about this time period, Marie-Louise Jensen is excellent at writing historical fiction and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books soon!
One of the best things about this genre of books is that not only are they enjoyable, but you're also learning a lot as well. And what's better than that?!
I have to say it again, I loved the ending of this book. I feel like everything finished perfectly and I'd even really enjoy reading a sequel (So yeah, if you're reading this Marie-Louise Jensen, pretty please can we have a sequel? It would make me very happy.)
I have given this book a strong four out of five stars.
May 6, 2015
This book is so good! It's amazing! I love it!!
This novel is historical fiction written by Marie-Louise Jensen. It's about a girl called Sophia, who lives in Georgian England. Her father is very controlling and doesn't give her any freedom to do what she loves. The story gets started when her father suddenly comes home after years abroad, and he sends her cousin and best friend Jack away. Sophia, her father, and her aunt move to Bath because Sophia supposedly ruined her reputation while her father was away.
Sophia hates Bath. She doesn't want to go out in society, and she definitely does NOT want to be married, which is what her father and aunt want her to do. She meets a thief, Jenny, and she starts to be a highwayman at night, robbing rich people. But one time she accidentally steals something that could have terrible consequences if it gets into the wrong hands.
This is when the novel starts to get political. Sophia gets caught up in the Jacobite rebellion. Luckily, with the help of Jenny and a certain Mr Charleton, she breaks out of it. She also finds out that her father and aunt were involved, but thankfully her father is killed and her aunt runs away.
The book ends happily, with Sophia and Jenny being "recruited" as spies to help Mr Charleton.
I loved this book. It's the best historical fiction I've read for a while. I could also relate a bit to Sophia, loving books and sometimes feeling trapped by family. Sophia is a very brave character, going through a lot of problems, and also finding friendships. The language used in the novel fits the era it's set in, and made me picture what was happening in the story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction.
This novel is historical fiction written by Marie-Louise Jensen. It's about a girl called Sophia, who lives in Georgian England. Her father is very controlling and doesn't give her any freedom to do what she loves. The story gets started when her father suddenly comes home after years abroad, and he sends her cousin and best friend Jack away. Sophia, her father, and her aunt move to Bath because Sophia supposedly ruined her reputation while her father was away.
Sophia hates Bath. She doesn't want to go out in society, and she definitely does NOT want to be married, which is what her father and aunt want her to do. She meets a thief, Jenny, and she starts to be a highwayman at night, robbing rich people. But one time she accidentally steals something that could have terrible consequences if it gets into the wrong hands.
This is when the novel starts to get political. Sophia gets caught up in the Jacobite rebellion. Luckily, with the help of Jenny and a certain Mr Charleton, she breaks out of it. She also finds out that her father and aunt were involved, but thankfully her father is killed and her aunt runs away.
The book ends happily, with Sophia and Jenny being "recruited" as spies to help Mr Charleton.
I loved this book. It's the best historical fiction I've read for a while. I could also relate a bit to Sophia, loving books and sometimes feeling trapped by family. Sophia is a very brave character, going through a lot of problems, and also finding friendships. The language used in the novel fits the era it's set in, and made me picture what was happening in the story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2012
Please read full review on: http://readingtothestarsandback.wordp...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The last book that I read of Marie-Louise Jensen was 'The Lady in the Tower', I remember liking that book quite a lot. But this book was brilliant!
It's no secret that I ADORE historical fiction! I was attracted to this book by the synopsis, it just sounded like it was going to be one highway robbery after another..and it was. Kind of. In the end.
I didn't like the ending. I thought it could have been much better,
When I read a historical fiction novel, (or ANY book for that matter) i expect there to be romance, (If the situaton calls for it. It'd be stupid to read a zombie apocaliypse romance book. How would zombies even kiss? Thats beside the point.) There wasn't enough romance, that's the point i'm trying to make. Nor was there enough 'Stand and Deliver!' I was hoping that everything might burst into song.
'Stand and Deliver, your money or your life!' No-one? Adam Ant? 'Kay.
Sophia was a bit silly actually, now that I think about it. She didn't know who the current monarch was. How stupid is that? And when she noticed her aunt passing notes to a gentleman, (which is frowned upon) she didn't try to read them or anything. She just carried on with her life.
Other than Sophia being completly obvlivious to the guy that loves her...'The Girl in the Mask' was a great read. It has a place on my book shelf and I will take it down and read it again!
Star :P
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The last book that I read of Marie-Louise Jensen was 'The Lady in the Tower', I remember liking that book quite a lot. But this book was brilliant!
It's no secret that I ADORE historical fiction! I was attracted to this book by the synopsis, it just sounded like it was going to be one highway robbery after another..and it was. Kind of. In the end.
I didn't like the ending. I thought it could have been much better,
When I read a historical fiction novel, (or ANY book for that matter) i expect there to be romance, (If the situaton calls for it. It'd be stupid to read a zombie apocaliypse romance book. How would zombies even kiss? Thats beside the point.) There wasn't enough romance, that's the point i'm trying to make. Nor was there enough 'Stand and Deliver!' I was hoping that everything might burst into song.
'Stand and Deliver, your money or your life!' No-one? Adam Ant? 'Kay.
Sophia was a bit silly actually, now that I think about it. She didn't know who the current monarch was. How stupid is that? And when she noticed her aunt passing notes to a gentleman, (which is frowned upon) she didn't try to read them or anything. She just carried on with her life.
Other than Sophia being completly obvlivious to the guy that loves her...'The Girl in the Mask' was a great read. It has a place on my book shelf and I will take it down and read it again!
Star :P
April 9, 2012
I always like it when fictional stories are tied to real historic events and this was a nice little book to read. However, I did think that the characters were a bit like carboard cut outs; the mean terrible father who treats his only daughter terrible (and whose meanness doesn't even really get explained, although it could have at least been based on the death of his wife or something), the widowed aunt who cheats at cards and turns out to be using father and daughter for her own evil doings... the brave young girl who is free spirited and totally against all etiquette for girls of her social standing and time who ends up saving Bath from a terrible explosion and then becomes a spy, the disgusting old Captain Mould who cheats her father out of his money while playing cards and who wants to marry the girl who could be his daughter (if not granddaughter)...
Each time I thought the characterisations rather shallow, although I guess you could excuse that with the narrator being the 15 year old girl herself who probably only sees those characteristics?
The other thing that bothered me is that the title giving mask only appears in the last few chapters. What sort of sense does that make? It led me to expect a lot more highway robbery-ish plot, but instead 90% of the book are the social happenings Sophia goes through in Bath, like buying new clothes (and then looking for ones she can wear while she sneaks out of the house at night), the balls and her father's quest to find her a husband.
I did enjoy reading the book, I just thought it was lacking a bit of something.
Each time I thought the characterisations rather shallow, although I guess you could excuse that with the narrator being the 15 year old girl herself who probably only sees those characteristics?
The other thing that bothered me is that the title giving mask only appears in the last few chapters. What sort of sense does that make? It led me to expect a lot more highway robbery-ish plot, but instead 90% of the book are the social happenings Sophia goes through in Bath, like buying new clothes (and then looking for ones she can wear while she sneaks out of the house at night), the balls and her father's quest to find her a husband.
I did enjoy reading the book, I just thought it was lacking a bit of something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2012
Well, it wasn't that amazing, but it was good enough that I stayed up about a quarter of the night to finish it.
So, thanks again Kindle! Where would I be without you to supply me with cheapish books in your sales :D
Okay. So we have Sophia, rich young lady, been living for years with her cousin Jack. We have Jack, seems like a nice guy for the 5 minutes we get to know him in, and then we have Sophia's father. And he is one mean guy.
Sophia's father has just returned from a four year journey to the West Indies. From this point onwards, Sophia knows that her life as it has been will now come to a close. No longer will she be able to live freely, without any of the social necessities that have been shoved upon her since birth. She will now be expected to become a young lady, settle down and find a husband.
Spoilers below
Okay, so bits of this just plain pissed me off. I mean, we have Jack at the beginning, and Sophia spends a great deal of the book mooning over him, and complaining about how it's so unfair, blah blah blah. But then we never hear from him again, until the end of the book where it's found out that he's been shipped off. I mean, could we not have had more information?
And Bill. What happened to Bill in the end?
Mr. Allen... Did he ever have a first name, and what happened to him?
Also, did Mr Carleton and Sophia ever get together... I mean, there was this whole big romance blossoming between them, and then nothing. Nada. Zilch. Love doesn't go away that quickly...
So, thanks again Kindle! Where would I be without you to supply me with cheapish books in your sales :D
Okay. So we have Sophia, rich young lady, been living for years with her cousin Jack. We have Jack, seems like a nice guy for the 5 minutes we get to know him in, and then we have Sophia's father. And he is one mean guy.
Sophia's father has just returned from a four year journey to the West Indies. From this point onwards, Sophia knows that her life as it has been will now come to a close. No longer will she be able to live freely, without any of the social necessities that have been shoved upon her since birth. She will now be expected to become a young lady, settle down and find a husband.
Spoilers below
Okay, so bits of this just plain pissed me off. I mean, we have Jack at the beginning, and Sophia spends a great deal of the book mooning over him, and complaining about how it's so unfair, blah blah blah. But then we never hear from him again, until the end of the book where it's found out that he's been shipped off. I mean, could we not have had more information?
And Bill. What happened to Bill in the end?
Mr. Allen... Did he ever have a first name, and what happened to him?
Also, did Mr Carleton and Sophia ever get together... I mean, there was this whole big romance blossoming between them, and then nothing. Nada. Zilch. Love doesn't go away that quickly...
January 17, 2013
I was absorbed in this book from the first page until the last. I absolutely loved Sophia and Jenny. Sophia seemed believable as a character, as she was only 15 her naivete fit perfectly, as did her stubbornness.
I had some problems with the "bad guy" characters since none of them had any depth and were clearly the antagonists I was supposed to root against the entire time. I prefer my villains to have a little more to them that just being flat out evil.
The story was really well paced, though, which let me overlook the characters' depth a bit. I had no idea that the events in the story happened so I didn't know what was going to happen and got to learn a snippet of history in the process of reading it.
The relationship between Sophia and Mr. Charleton was well developed. The last YA romance I read had insta-love so it was refreshing that not only was their relationship not like that at all, but it also wasn't that important of a plot point. Sophia wasn't especially interested in a romance and spent the entire novel avoiding being married off, so it fit that her romance was gradual and ended in a believable place.
Other reviews say that Jensen's other novels are even better so I'll definitely be checking those out.
I had some problems with the "bad guy" characters since none of them had any depth and were clearly the antagonists I was supposed to root against the entire time. I prefer my villains to have a little more to them that just being flat out evil.
The story was really well paced, though, which let me overlook the characters' depth a bit. I had no idea that the events in the story happened so I didn't know what was going to happen and got to learn a snippet of history in the process of reading it.
The relationship between Sophia and Mr. Charleton was well developed. The last YA romance I read had insta-love so it was refreshing that not only was their relationship not like that at all, but it also wasn't that important of a plot point. Sophia wasn't especially interested in a romance and spent the entire novel avoiding being married off, so it fit that her romance was gradual and ended in a believable place.
Other reviews say that Jensen's other novels are even better so I'll definitely be checking those out.
May 11, 2016
A few things right off: I love historical fiction and Georgian Bath is the greatest setting if there ever was one. Set in the early 18th century, it's a time period I don't have much knowledge off, so quite a few references went over my head (I looked them up), but it was nice to learn something new.
Sophia was adorable. Trapped by societal pressure and her father, she just wants to read poetry, not learn how to dance or look for a husband. She might have caught the eye of a particular gentleman but she was not interested in marriage, she wanted to know why he was acting so strangely.
Sophia being a highwayman wasn't that much of a plot point, not as much as I expected anyway but watching her navigate Bath's social scene and get swept up in the Jacobian riots was very fun. It was all about coded messages, riots, planning subterfuge and escaping gun powder. Her father and Aunt Amelia were just awful but Sophia proved herself, proved her worth as more than something to be passed off for marriage and I was so proud of her.
Sophia was adorable. Trapped by societal pressure and her father, she just wants to read poetry, not learn how to dance or look for a husband. She might have caught the eye of a particular gentleman but she was not interested in marriage, she wanted to know why he was acting so strangely.
Sophia being a highwayman wasn't that much of a plot point, not as much as I expected anyway but watching her navigate Bath's social scene and get swept up in the Jacobian riots was very fun. It was all about coded messages, riots, planning subterfuge and escaping gun powder. Her father and Aunt Amelia were just awful but Sophia proved herself, proved her worth as more than something to be passed off for marriage and I was so proud of her.
July 21, 2013
The title was kind of misleading. There was a lot of society stuff and hardly any highway robbery. I thought all the characters were a bit too stereotypical, but I was willing to overlook that due to a) the rather wonderful friendship/romance between Sophia and Mr Charleton that happens despite them both mistrusting the other, and b) Sophia's attitude not making her any friends. I really dislike it when a "sassy" heroine has people falling over their feet to befriend her, despite her snobbery and rudeness (*cough*BellaSwan*cough*) so it was delightful to see Sophia making enemies and realising that she was actually alone and had no one to rely on in times of trouble.
The ending was such a disappointment, though!
The ending was such a disappointment, though!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews