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The Madwoman Upstairs
In this book we follow Samantha Whipple. Samantha is the last living descendant of the Bronte family. Her very eccentric father died when she was 15. The book starts as she’s entering her first year at Oxford. It has long been rumored that her dad, and now her, have been hiding a vast Bronte collection that the world has never seen. Reporters and Bronte scholars have hounded her family for years over this rumor. Once she starts Oxford everything changes. Her professors is much younger than expected and more handsome, though extremely grumpy and stern. Soon, a message from beyond the grave, and mysterious packages showing up on her doorstep send Samantha on a scavenger hunt to see if there really is a hidden Bronte treasure out there for her to find.
Full disclosure I adore this book with all my heart. I have read it over 7 times. There is something about this book, Samantha, and the romance in it that speaks to my soul.
Samantha is tall, like really tall! She’s 5’10! So often when there is a romance involved the woman is extremely tiny compared to the man. I’m so happy to finally have some tall woman representation. Next, she is slightly awkward and incredibly witty at the same. Time. Her comebacks always have me laughing out loud. Seriously, her snappy comebacks are so good and these are enough for anyone to read this boo!
If you love classic literature or you’re an English major, you’ll really appreciate the little discussions on literature in this book. It never comes off as pedantic or heavy. Yet, it’s refreshing having book with both appreciation for literature and an ability to still have fun and even criticize it in places. The discussion is mostly open ended and makes you think without making you feel like you’re working for it.
The mystery is fun and full of surprises. I did not see the twist that came and I love that! The romance is not the main focus but it also has a large presence in the book. It’s done with the right amount of tension and chemistry to have me thinking about it for days, weeks, months. Its a delicious push and pull with the gorgeous academic setting of Oxford
The Bronte are a focal point an we really get to see more of Anne than we usually do! If you’re not familiar with The Tenant of Wildfowl hall then prepare yourself for a treat. We do get some discussion of the Bronte’s books, but not so much that it feels as if you’re in a lecture.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun literary mystery that pays homage to the Brontes and has a satisfying romance please read this book and then come talk to me about!
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