rating: 3 of 5 stars
For those of us who like our historical novels on the salacious side. I would have loved and been concurrently shocked by this novel as a teenager. (The intended audience is for young adults but the themes are mature.) Godberson has crafted a multi-charactered tale of old New York that draws you in right away. Think of how the majority of young women in an Edith Wharton novel would behave and speak – but then comport themselves in the way they wish once society isn’t looking. Desire, wealth, jealousy, and classism clash in a high-fashion scene.
The story begins with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland and then launches into the weeks before her death. Her younger sister Diana, best friend Penelope Hayes, fiance Henry Schoonmaker, and personal maid Lina Broud each have chapters devoted to their situations and mindset. The plights and schemes of each character contribute to the plot and to Elizabeth’s predicament. I don’t want to get into too many of the details and let readers discover the story’s elements on their own.
The Luxe is book one of a four-part series. The fourth book is to be published in October of 2009. Judging by the multimedia website of the series (http://www.harperteen-theluxe.com/luxe.h…), this is a very successful franchise. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel, Rumors, in my hold queue at the local library.
