By: Mimi Matthews
A Mimi Matthews novel is always a goddamn treat. I would compare her works and writing style to that of Sophie Irwin’s A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting (one of my 2022 favorites). Matthews is a prolific and excellent writer. I first stumbled upon her after receiving a recommendation to read Gentleman Jim, which is a delightful book. Many of her novels include characters from her other works, so when you read one of her books, you often catch up with old friends. I’ve read a few of her books and most especially enjoyed her holiday novella, A Holiday by Gaslight, and you know my feelings on novellas, so this is extremely high praise from me! My point is this: even when it isn’t my favorite of her works, a Matthews book will always be a cut above the rest.
I devoured the first two books in Matthews’s newest series The Belles of London, belatedly and disappointingly realizing that the third book does not come out until NEXT January. But, I can say without a doubt, I am definitely starting my 2023 reading off right.
While both books can be read as a standalone novel, The Siren of Sussex chronologically happens first, and introduces the Reader to the main characters: four women who are excellent equestrians but less successful on the London marriage market. The Siren of Sussex follows Evelyn Maltravers, a bluestocking, from a small, country village. Evelyn only has the financial means to participate in one London Season and desperately needs a husband who can save her gentilly impoverished family. As an accomplished equestrian, in order to differentiate herself from the other marriage-seeking young ladies, Evelyn decides to wear fabulous riding habits while mounted on her horse in the park. She enlists a tailor, Ahmad Malik, who is half-Indian and half-British. As an orphaned teenager, Ahmad immigrated from India with his young cousin. Due to his heritage, and the British class system, Ahmad had a difficult upbringing and became self-reliant through some fairly terrible circumstances so that he could provide for himself and his cousin. His ultimate dream, which he is close to achieving, is to open his own tailor shop. Once he secures the right patronage from a fashionable woman in the peerage, he will be able to accomplish his goal. Together, Evelyn and Ahmad enter into a business relationship, so they each can achieve their aim.
One of the charms of Matthews’s writing is that she creates an extremely realistic world. Her research of Victorian history and literature; fairy tales and myths is almost unparalleled in historical romance. Part of her appeal is the WORK that she has clearly done on the era, allowing the Reader to immerse themselves into the book. The romance in Siren, however, left me a bit cold. The novel has some of the plot points from Pygmalion, which has never been my favorite storyline mainly for feminist reasons. It is obvious why Evelyn would become enamored with Ahmad, (she is from a sheltered, country village and he is a handsome, worldly man) it is less clear as to why Ahmad returns Evelyn’s affection. He describes her as his muse, but he also directed her to go to a particular hairstylist and purchase all new clothes. Ahmad is described as extremely handsome and while we could argue that Evelyn is one of the first British women who wants to really learn who Ahmad actually is as a person, but like several of his previous clients, she also initiates the relationship between them. If he had felt differently about her, this could have caused him added problems and stress. There was something that just didn’t feel as genuine or strong as the follow up book, Belle of Belgrave Square..
Belle takes place near the end of Siren and has decidedly Beauty & the Beast vibes. Captain Jasper Blunt is a reclusive, but infamous former soldier. While he is called the Hero of the Crimean War due to his courageous actions during the war, there are also rumors that he committed brutal atrocities, even against his own men. Jasper lives in a dilapidated estate in the north, which is rumored to be haunted, with three of his illegitimate children. With a scar slashed across his face, he is a formidable, taciturn presence. He is in London in search of a wealthy wife and he sets his sights on Julia Wychwood, a beautiful, but quiet London heiress. Julia is an only child who suffers from crippling social anxiety. Her parents are not only emotionally and sometimes physically abusive towards her, they are also hypochondriacs who are easily influenced by a slew of crackpot medical professionals. Julia is only herself when she is either riding her horse or reading a novel.
Julia and Jasper’s relationship felt more complex, and thus, stronger, than Ahmad and Evelyn’s relationship. While they had a handful of meaningful interactions prior to their marriage, the time spent away from London really allowed the two of them to truly learn and understand each other. I loved the two of them bonding over reading novels. Jasper’s support allowed Julia to find her true self, while Julia’s trust helped Jasper remember who he truly is. While Julia’s fractured relationship with her parents seemed to be repaired too neatly, I like that she essentially saved herself; she didn’t need Jasper to do it.
Siren Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Belle Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 /5
I am extremely excited for the release of the book three, titled The Lily of Ludgate Hill, tentatively to be released in January of next year.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0593337131/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1673989108&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0593337158/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1673989157&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-siren-of-sussex-mimi-matthews/1139213785?ean=9780593337134
Or an independent bookstore. Try Brain Lair Books in South Bend, Indiana.