An impressive debut
Observations on the Danger of Female Curiosity: Including an account of the unnatural tendencies arising on the over-stimulation of the mind of a lady by Suzanne Moss was everything I hoped it would be. A true historical romance in every sense. Intelligently written with a keen knowledge of the sensibilities of the period. The natural philosophy angle was new and refreshing and I loved the author’s vast understanding of the subject.
As we often see in Sapphic historical romances, women have no agency in life unless they are a widow of means. A girl’s future depends on a strategic marriage, the duties to her family and to a husband in providing offspring and running his household.
From the author’s notes: ” Living in eighteenth-century Britain wasn’t always easy. Worse if you were anything other than a wealthy, white male. The text involves some difficult topics – including views on women, black people, colonialism and slavery, disability and queer people. At times it has been uncomfortable to write and I know that parts may be to read, but I hope that it tries to balance the views and experiences, both positive and problematic by modern views, of the time. The lines intersecting historical accuracy, acceptability in fiction and sensitively truthful representation rarely meet comfortably and there are always choices to be made. I have received excellent and helpful feedback from many readers on these issues and I hope that the book provides one, acceptable interpretation.”
I think she succeeded and then some! And so impressive for this to be the author’s debut. The problems our heroines face never felt anything but real. Their thoughts (and actions) were exactly as I imagined an 18th-century woman to have and I loved every plot turn down the very last exciting twist. I’m looking forward to Suzanne Moss’ future publications! 5 Stars
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* A free copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
