Irwin, Sophie. A Lady’s Guide to Scandal. Penguin Books, 2023.

If you like Jane Austen…four words designed to lure me into reading a book. Sophie Irwin’s second novel A Lady’s Guide to Scandal did not disappoint. Set in 1819 primarily in Bath, the novel features Eliza Somerset - Lady Somerset - recently widowed from an apparently loveless marriage. She finds herself unexpectedly inheriting both land and money from her late husband - with one clause - a big one - a morals clause. If the new Lord Somerset finds her behavior lacking in any way, the inheritance reverts to him. And by the way…the new Lord Somerset is the same Oliver she broke off with ten years earlier under the direction of her mother to marry her late husband.

I have read some books with the Jane Austen connection that I’ve found truly disappointing; happily, this one was delightful. I enjoyed the elevated vocabulary that evokes Austen to me. I nearly laughed out loud at the allusion to Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women. I do love a good nod to Collins of Pride and Prejudice. While I am not a prude, this was very much rated G which - again, closely aligns with Austen. For the Austen readers who love a longing glance, and just a touch of the hand, Irwin has triumphed. And while Austen herself wasn’t a huge fan of Bath - Irwin brings the city to life in a way that does it great credit. The cast of characters from the Melvilles to the Winkworths is well developed and delightful - love them or dislike them heartily.

Also, Eliza and her cousin Margaret, are fully developed very dynamic protagonists for whom I could not help but cheer on their journey - to Bath, to independence, to love (real love, not the “arranged marriage” kind). Together they shock many of those around to find a house in Bath and to experience as much of freedom and friendship as Eliza’s mourning allows.

The modern overtones are a lovely reversal - a woman who has some means financially and an independent spirit is a nice change from Austen’s poor young lady wanting love, but needing a certain financial stability. While Eliza was still restrained largely by societal expectations, she and Margaret use their time in Bath to experience as much growth as society will allow. Margaret’s love interest - a woman - is a very modern addition.

As I switch from reading primarily YA to adult from reading for work to reading for pleasure or enlightenment, I am always seeking connections and things that speak to me. At first I thought - how can I relate to this one? What am I to learn? Shall I just be entertained - which is FINE in my new world. But then. I was able to witness 2 young ladies stretch beyond the barriers created by society and sort of reinforced by their desires to please. They explored hobbies and interests; Eliza learned to drive; they pursued relationships that would have terrified them even at the beginning of the novel. Perhaps as I approach a new stage in my own life, I need to consider their courage. I tend to do what is expected. I tend to avoid confrontation. I don’t stretch myself as I could. While I have had a fine life that has made me happy, I begin to wonder what it might feel like to pursue that which pleases me, simply because.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to evaluate the book.