For high Victorian society, Lord and Lady Tremaine have an ideal marriage based on respect and freedom: living apart at the side of the Atlantic. But when she writes to her husband asking for divorce, it is displayed in his mansion to propose an agreement that will grant a divorce if you get an heir within a year. During that year will be revealed secrets, passion reborn against the will, and must decide whether the marriage so admired by all in love again or separated forever.
- private agreements
- Author: Sherry Thomas
- Publisher: Plaza & Janes, Swan / February 2010
- ISBN: 9788499081823
- Gender : Historical
- Original title: Private Arrangements
been a long time postponed the reading of private agreements despite all the good reviews it was receiving so I decided I could not stop reading, not to miss a great novel.
first thing I would say is that it is a novel that takes away a bit more than usual in the historical romance genre. We moved at the end of the nineteenth century into a thriving industrial society but also in the conservative and puritanical reign of Queen Victoria, yet the good society considers the marriage of Lord and Lady Tremaine perfect agreement despite having married ten years ten years separated by an ocean apart.
The characters also started to be unconventional: Lady Tremaine, Gigi for more intimate is an independent woman who does not hesitate to take the reins of his fortune not ashamed of their extensive knowledge or the humble origins of his father. Gigi shines by itself. Lord Tremaine, Camden, is a man who, despite his title, has built an empire across the Atlantic. Both have proven their worth as a person, regardless of titles and appearances.
The surprise is unleashed when Gigi decides to seek a divorce to marry a young naive dreamer, Frederick. The response was swift and Camden in London is presented to propose a settlement to his wife if he wants to continue with their intention to divorce.
The story is jumping the past, of how they met, to the present, figuring out what the true intentions of Camden and Gigi reactions. The two stories are the two main characters meet in various stages of their lives, with their flaws and mistakes. I was delighted to see two people so strong unveil their memories through their mistakes, decisions that marked their marriage, and his struggle to not give in to emotions that the presence of each one awakens in the other.
There is a secondary plot that has to do with the mother of Gigi and Camden mother of a stubborn woman in their desire get a duke for his daughter. We as a mature love is fashioned with two unconventional characters.
The profile of each of the characters is very convincing, the strength of Gigi and Camden, but also their vulnerability and see how recent events in their lives makes them reflect on the responsibility for the failure of their marriage. The one I was surprised her by her character is determined, independent and thrown against the charisma of Camden.
There is a scene that has thrilled and delighted me, so I notice that here is a spoiler, and is the meeting between Gigi and Camden in Copenhagen.
Their eyes met. She sat up suddenly in the chair. The hood fell from his hands, hitting with a clang against the deck. He stared, his face pale, distressed look. Never seen her like this, even on the left. I was stunned, lost his composure, with vulnerability visible from miles away.
When the boat sailed past him, picked up her skirts Gigi ran along the port railing, still looking for him. Tripped over a rope and fell to the ground. A Camden's heart sank, but she hardly noticed and returned to his feet. Kept running until he reached the stern and could not move even an inch more to come near him.
What else I can say? Well, I think a great novel, very well written, the emotions of the characters, how they mature their thoughts to face a final end or a second chance at marriage. It was a wonderful surprise and I recommend it if you like strong characters and a different story.
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