My annual trip to BookPeople in Austin over Christmas helped to bring me to Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance by Jennieke Cohen. Any Jane Austen fans can probably guess by the title that this book is heavily influenced by the works of the early 19th century author. There is much discussion about Austen's first four books, particularly Pride and Prejudice, as the main character of today's selection does her best to emulate her literary heroes.The Situation: Victoria 'Vicky' Aston has a fairly idyllic life of which most anyone would be envious. The second and youngest daughter of an Earl, she spends most of her time either reading, or surveying the grounds of Oakbridge, the estate she has lived on all of her life. She may be of marrying age, but she has no plans to enter into any union in the near future, despite her love of Jane Austen novels, which always end in a wedding (sometimes several). It is not until her sister, Althea, returns home after having escaped her husband that Vicky becomes pressed to find a husband of her own. Without one, the family may lose Oakbridge to her awful brother-in-law. Vicky loves having her freedom, but she would do anything for her family, and her sister. Unfortunately, finding someone she is willing to spend the rest of her life with is easier said than done, and is certainly not turning out to be the pleasant adventure she has read about in her favorite novels.
The Problem: There may be many eligible men for Vicky to choose from, but if they are not boring, then they are arrogant, or simply clueless. One exception seems to be a Mr. Carmichael, who is both handsome and charming, but seems to have a temper, and a few secrets. Of course, there is also Mr. Tom Sherborne, Vicky's childhood friend. On paper, he would seem to be the obvious choice: he and Vicky have known each other since they were kids and grew up as best friends. But when Tom's father sent him away when he was young, the two lost contact and have not been able to successfully rekindle their friendship since his return. Time is running out, and as Vicky continues her search for a husband, it seems someone else is intent on bringing her harm. Vicky was aware that the family would have to fight against losing Oakbridge. But she had no idea that she would also have to fight to save her own life.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult novel that can also be considered a historical fiction novel as it is set in the early 1800's in England, right around the time Jane Austen would have been at the height of her popularity while she was alive. One of the main themes in the book is of course marriage, and what exactly that meant at that time. Escaping an abusive or neglectful husband was no easy feat. When Althea leaves her husband, her family begins to research what it would take for her to be free of him. Of course, getting a divorce then meant something very different from what it means now. And while it was difficult to do, it was not impossible. The surest way the Aston's could guarantee their property would not fall into their son-in-law's hands after the Earl died was to make sure Vicky was married. Single women could not inherit property, so if Vicky were married, Oakbridge could go to her and her husband. It is all terribly unfair, but such was life for women in 1800s England. Powerful men seemingly got away with everything, and their wives were not the only ones who suffered, as children and servants were often hurt as well.
My Verdict: While Jane Austen's novels are not exactly conflict free, they keep the subject matter fairly light and fun. As the book pays homage to the author and her work, it also makes the point that life is not always light and fun, and often involves real dangers and difficult subjects. And that is all fine and good, but something about the way the difficult subjects are introduced in this book made the whole experience a bit unsettling. I am not against novels having a darker tone...goodness knows I have enjoyed plenty that do. But the villains in this book are somehow too much for the setting they are in. Something does not quite line up between the heroine, and the situation she finds herself in. And Vicky herself is another problem: she is admittedly naive, often to the point where it is hard to hope for her success, as she consistently sabotages herself. On the whole, it is an engaging adventure, but there are probably better books out there that give praise to Austen and her work.
Favorite Moment: The chapter that presents the series of terrible dates Vicky goes on as she attempts to find a suitable match.
Favorite Character: Tom's half-sister Susie is a sweetheart, and an unfortunate victim of circumstance. Somehow this has not made her bitter, or resentful, but instead she is resolved to help her family any way that she can.
Recommended Reading: I always recommend Pride and Prejudice to people as it is my favorite Austen novel, but I also suggest picking up Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Emma.
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