The second half of season three is here and all eyes are on Lady Whistledown. But, how does this compare to its book counterpart?
Dates read: 17/05/24 to 13/06/24
Word to describe: Meh
Star rating:⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romantic Fiction
Dearest Gentle Readers (or just those curious about my baffling reviews),
Before I start, I do actually want to make clear that I did enjoy this book. It may appear although I am bitter but I can promise than I am pleasantly happy with this book. I just pity the lack of plot development between my favourite pairing - and I'm not holding back on that topic.
One thing I have never been fond of is a romance that is rushed to please its audience. Where Romancing Mr Bridgerton succeeds in keeping it's fans awaiting the news of Whistledown's identity; it fails in allowing our friends-to-lovers romance fans a true depiction of a romantic plot. An intimate kiss between Penelope and her beloved Colin pushes readers to endure a subpar plot that sees Colin quickly profess his love, bed, and marry Penelope. The storyline then swiftly moves onto Penelope's persona as Lady Whistledown and her downfall as societies greatest menace.
I wish Julia Quinn had spent more time developing the romance between these two characters, this rushed approach leaves little for the romance reader in everyone to enjoy. A slow burn style plot could have easily been achieved with these two characters professing their love for one another and exploring it without the need for a sudden time gap which sees Colin take Penelope in a carriage and then they are married. The whole thing is rushed and takes away the magic of the developing romance. If you're shouting that Penelope and Colin have always loved each other and the first two books can be seen as giving hints at their romance, I counteract that each book has the capability to be read alone and should be a complete romance journey in itself.
Instead of what readers have been given, I would have loved more intimate scenes between the two that does not revolve on their sexual displays for each other. Think back to Anthony and Kate, the bee scene, the carriage scene? How about Daphne and the Duke, the garden, their entire plot? Polin lovers have been robbed. Similar to Julia Quinn, I will move on. If even the author has little time to devote to the actual romancing of Mr Bridgerton then I suppose any review shall do the same. Besides, we all know that the juicy reveal of Penelope as Lady Whistledown was the true purpose of this book. Maybe it should have been named This Book Is About Lady Whistledown - a better title could work but you understand my meaning.
Penelope Featherington, wallflower, soft hearted, and quiet best friend to the outspoken Eloise Bridgerton is Lady Whistledown. If I hadn't of watched season one of Netlfix's Bridgerton this may have been the biggest shock, but I already knew that. Where the TV series succeeds in the reveal the book fails (I know the book came first but hear me out). Colin chases his fair maiden into the slums of London and is appalled when she is revealed as Lady Whistledown, and then it becomes the entire plot of the book. There are small moments when Penelope exudes that Lady Whistledown humour and striking sarcasm in her retorts but the two could not be far from the same person. Despite that, the one thing I did love was how vastly different these two characters are. This book was more for Penelope's personal growth from shy girl to outspoken and unabashed woman of society - it only took her 28 years to get there but we applaud introverts who learn to speak their mind.
Penelope will remain one of my favourite characters for two reasons. 1. She is unexpected. There are few characters that can have such phenomenal growth yet still remain as innocent and youthful as they were in the beginning. 2. Her desire and sexual development is written far better than the other characters and it is refreshing to see.
Colin on the other hand is about as bland as a wet blanket.
Until next time,
Not Lady Whistledown.
Comments