Duran, THE DUKE OF SHADOWS

[oracne]

Meredith Duran, The Duke of Shadows: I really, really liked this book, and was irresistibly reminded of Judith Ivory as I read it, particularly in the second half, which was set in London. It wasn't the prose that reminded me, but the setting and tone, and perhaps something of the characterization

Comments

[rachelmanija]

The 1857 Rebellion! Is the Rani of Jhansi in it?

[oracne]

Not that I noticed, but they do go to Sapnagar.

[oracne]

I think the Big Misunderstanding worked a lot better because THERE WAS ACTUAL TRAUMA for both of them. It wasn't just, "I saw him look at another woman's gown hem and now I know he has a mistress!"

I think there would've been a lot of shock at her art, but I was willing to swallow that for Romance World (though I kept waiting for backlash).

Yay, glad you liked it!

[oracne]

I'd be interested to see others review this. It was flawed, but almost all romances are, and I totally enjoyed it.

[oursin]

I find it quite plausible that mixed-race identity (at the period in question) would probably have been more of an issue in India than in London.

[oracne]

Because the issue of race was more of a constant in India? That makes sense to me.

[oursin]

And in India everyone would be much more sensitive to the various distinctions - whereas in London, unless there were other markers, just having been in India might account for darker complexion, and indeed various social habits. See descriptions of Old India Hands in novels of the day, with their sometimes exotic dress and furniture, taste for curries (and often a 'native servant' to prepare same), and general markings of a certain 'otherness'.

[oracne]

That makes even more sense. Thanks!