The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

There's a LOT of Regency romance out there, and I'll read most of it, from the divine to the ridiculous. The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is a true step above most books in the genre, grappling realistically and unflinchingly (and often graphically) with the real horrors of women's lives during the period. Yet the social commentary, much of which is still horrifyingly relevant, is nonetheless delivered plausibly in context of an engaging, often mad-cap adventure story, told by a woman who absolutely refutes the ridiculous Regency notion of being "on the shelf." I cannot wait for the next book… show more.

This book is a complete breath of fresh literary air! Well-written, fast-paced, developed characters, lots of historical Easter eggs of Regency England! Not to mention, two middle-aged, but spunky feminists navigating the ills of a male-dominated oppressive society. This book was pure fun.