A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory
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Book Reviews of A Respectable Trade
Book Review: Not Up to Her Usual Standards
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a big fan of Gregory's novels written about the Tudor period and the Virgin Earth books. So, I was desperate to read more of her sweeping historical dramas and feverishly began to read this book. I soon realized that there was something missing in the pages. Gregory seems to falter here with her rendering of characters. I agree with other reviewers who are mystified as to why Mehuru, whose noble character and pedigree Gregory takes great pains to make the reader understand, would ever fall in love with such a simpering, weak and bland woman. She has Mehuru paint Frances in such unflattering terms when he first comes to her house, and he never really refutes his original opinion of her. Why on earth would a man so confident and dignified love a woman with no redeeming characteristics?
Gregory usually does a great job of creating her characters with all their charms and follies, so that you can't help but like (if not exactly loathe) even the most debased or wicked. It almost feels like she plotted out this book and sold the concept, but when it came to write it, she lost her stride or interest in telling a compelling story.
If you are new to Philippa Gregory, don't start with this book or you might not want to move on to her better novels -- which are not to be missed by anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction.
Book Review: *Contains Spoilers*
Summary: 3 Stars
*****Spoilers*****
The book was overall a decent afternoon read but some serious logistical questions remain.
*If Frances had created a "bank" with her investments why would she fall into such despair at the families ruin upon learning of the new Hot Well?
*As others have mentioned the transition from slave to lover were not particularly convincing.
*If someone was making 70 pounds on a strict drop off from point A-B.... Why would they train slaves for over a year for what was it low 100'ish pounds? That doesn't even make any sense.
*What is the purpose of the "Merchant Venturer's" ruining Cole to the point where he couldn't repay any debt? Hence them not getting paid at all. It was all borrowed money in the end no one was paid.
*Upon freeing her slaves at her death why didn't Frances bequeath them the bank instead of her new husband and SIL who didn't even bother to attend her death?
*How does a woman (Elizabeth) "prepare" herself to nurse?
*Seriously, who can disguise being full-term pregnant? Robes or not....
I think I could go on and on. Bottom line, flaws and all it was a decent Saturday Afternoon read.
Book Review: Disappointed by the turn of events
Summary: 3 Stars
I enjoyed the beginning and the middle of this book. The author does a great job describing the main character's background and emotions. It is full of vivid imagery. All the characters are well developed and at times you feel as though you are right in the middle of the action. I really wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
At a certain point I felt like this book turned into North and South (a novel by John Jakes later made into a mini-series). There was much predictability and it lost all its luster. The end was a very rapid series of events which made me wonder if th author just wanted to wrap things up and move on.
I really enjoyed the book for awhile and had even started to tell my friends about it. I was thinking about placing this on my book club's reading list. Then I hit that point and it just ruined it for me.
Book Review: Good, but not the best
Summary: 3 Stars
I have read most books by Philippa Gregory and like most, this one was quite well written. I cried a few times throughout this book (that is very uncommon for me) and I did like the overall story. The one downer for me, was Frances. She was so annoying! When I read books, I enjoy seeing things from the perspective of others, and learning about different people. Ms. Gregory has always been brilliant at creating very abstract characters. But I just dont understand Frances, she says that she is completely in love with Mohoru, and that this is the first time she has ever been truly happy... but she has quite conditional love.... She just really bothered me.
Besides her, this book was marvelous, and I do recommend it.
Book Review: An eye opener into a despicable business
Summary: 3 Stars
This book does a good job of introducing one to the despicable business that was slave trade and to Eighteenth century England . The characters are also well developed.
The book is well written and read quickly except for the last part. It seemed as if the author was belaboring about the fact that Josiah was to be doomed in his new ventures and that Mehuru and Frances were falling in love.
One can safely skim over many such pages towards the end of the book and not lose touch with the story.