I have been a fan of June Hur since I came across A Crane Among Wolves novel and was spurred on by the Pride and Prejudice retelling this promised - I was NOT disappointed!!!
First off, the historical accuracy in pulling together a tale backed by history is a reckoning in itself and to make those harsh mores the backbone of a thriving Pride and Prejudice x She's got Mail crossover is nothing short of miraculous. June uses her seasoned tone to evoke the angst and the feeling of inferiority that a loss of rights and restrictions will impose on the women - especially strict edicts on reading fiction as detrimental to society, is inconceivable!
Caught in this feudal mindset is the Shin family - June imbues magister Shine, his Missus and especially Yeonhee with such redeeming characteristics - the trust and concern that Magister Shin embodies, the loss of ability to protect her daughters that Missus Shin rues and the sheer optimism and forthright expectations of equality that Yeonhee imbues are just staggering in terms of the novel's best parts. Haewon as the strong and determined daughter shaping her destiny, through devious stratagem, actively participating in scribing novels and enjoyigng reading them whilst she works, in a bid to earn money and secure her future despite the diminishing matrimonial prospects and her own idealism in terms of freedom and self worth.
Now on to the romance, Seojun and Haewon are correspondents, author and scribe the black lotus and the magpie.. One, a scion of a noble house, wed to strict decorum and moonlighting as a novelist. His future is set in stone as he is to be wed to the Minister of Rites beautiful daughter and further this career. As he contemplates ending his career, he runs into Haewon, her impassioned speech about reading and her outrageous boldness in action, startle him out of his shell as he starts to ponder the worth of happiness versus the execution of duty.
The exchange of thoughts. letters and book recommendation MADE the book come alive!!! I already am trying to find translations of the authors and books mentioned - and I doubt anyone who loves reading will be able to resist the lure of these thoughtfully penned verses exchanged...
All in all, if you love Austen, redemption arcs and a slow burn exchange of ideals and a budding romance, this book is definitely up your alley,
My heartfelt thank yous to Macmillian Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for making my Austen-taciously Oriental dreams come true!!
my heart soars with the freedom of words set to ink,
delightful as cherry blossoms fluttering in the wind,
supple as the willows bending with the breeze,
yet strong and real when all else ceases to be..
#BehindFiveWillows #JuneHur #MayReleases
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