The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody

Isabella
Hargreaves
Genre: 
Historical

Jane Brody has an uphill climb to convince people of women’s rights.  Educated and poised in the running of her life and her father’s household, Jane is years ahead of her time. When her group needs support in the House of Lords, they turn to Lord Dalton.  Jonathan Everslie, Marquis of Dalton, is put off by Jane’s campaign, but when circumstances change they find themselves in frequent companionship, causing personal opinions to alter.  When Jane’s family dynamics falls into shambles, Lord Dalton helps out, and finds himself in love. Jane, however, is startled by her feelings for Jonathan, considering her commitment to spinsterhood. Can Lord Dalton persuade Jane that they are meant to be together?

This glimpse into the lives of women during Regency England and their struggle to effect change is very unique. Lord Dalton does not want to cause waves but finds Jane Brody a challenge that feeds his ego, which subsequently leads to a completely new level of appreciation by both. However, reader’s hearts may break due to the bleakness of Jane’s feelings about her station in life and that of her cause. While the author has clearly researched the time period, there are a few editing issues where people are called the wrong names, and settings suddenly changing from “near dark” to “mid afternoon” in the span of a few sentences. Despite these issues, this chronicle is a stark depiction that highlights the plight of females on their path to gaining equal rights that gives one an appreciation of the liberties that women have justly won.  

 

Roberta Gordon