As I reflect on the two books I read this week, they are about women seeking change. They live in different times, Veronica Speedwell in the Victorian Era and May Attaway in the current day, but they both desire more. They want to understand their pasts, engage in their futures, and escape the dull present. The books are dissimilar, one a spirited mystery and the other a contemplative novel, but both portray women courageously exploring life.
Reading A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Mystery #1) was like a tour of meet-cute tropes. Veronica Speedwell is a newly orphaned woman in the Victorian era, where women can not be responsible for themselves, but Ms. Speedwell is enlightened and independent. Are we surprised to find this gets her into trouble? We are not. A man close to her is murdered, and she determines to find out why, but her reluctant, annoying, darkly handsome protector, Stoker, is the number one suspect. I found Veronica Speedwell to be an anachronistic character. She would be at home in the 21st century. Raybourn asked herself what readers like and then stirred those together: murder, orphans, circuses, royalty, dogs, and Scotland Yard. The plot of the book is outrageously wild. It is a thrilling, madcap, break-neck plot rocking read. I'm not sure I will continue reading the series, but if I get too many sad, tragic books in a row, this is where I'd go to be cheered up and entertained. 🔎💃🏻🕺🏻
My daughter mentioned she was reading Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane, so I picked it up. Even though it clearly states it's a novel, I kept thinking it was a memoir. It is written in the first person and has an intimate, shy way of communicating. It is midlife for May, the protagonist, who questions her lack of connection with others. Friends she's made through the years she only sees online. Their lives seem glossy, lush, and complete, while hers is barely peeking above the soil. Kane has done outstanding research about plants and trees using themes of growth and environment impressively. I found this book vulnerable, winning, and warm.
🌳🌳🌳
This is a picture of the Fortingall Yew, possibly the oldest tree in the world. It plays a crucial role in Rules for Visiting.
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