Another NetGalley read, The Tutor's Daughter is a little bit mystery, a little bit Regency, and a little bit romance. A perfectly good example of escapist literature, the novel is set in Cornwall and has a few Jane Eyre-ish elements. Emma Smallwood's father has lost his interest in his boarding school for boys after the death of his wife, and Emma has gradually undertaken more and more responsibility. When the opportunity arises, for the father and daughter to leave the school and privately tutor the half-brothers of two former students, Emma is surprised that her father assents to the move.
Emma has some serious doubts, for although she really liked one of the Weston brothers, the other brother was not such a pleasant experience.
When they finally do arrive at the mansion in Cornwall, it appears that the Westons are unprepared and the Smallwoods unexpected. Something has been going on that has distracted the entire family from the arrival of Emma and her father. While Sir Giles is apologetic and welcoming, his wife is much less so.
Mysterious noises, unexplained events, family secrets.
There is a very pedantic Christian message that occurs fairly close to the end. Although it occurs late in the book, it is heavy-handed and actually defeats its purpose. Makes you think of the "show, don't tell" rule. If you can't get the message across by behaviors, don't ruin it with wordiness. The novel was fine up until the closing chapters which seemed less well-thought out and a bit rushed.
NetGalley.
Baker Publishing Group.
publication date - Jan. 1, 2013
Sounds like a light, entertaining book. Too bad the ending marred the book. I like when messages are more subtle than heavy handed.
ReplyDeleteThe heavy-handedness didn't come until late, but felt forced rather than natural, as if, the author wanted to be sure to get the message across. Too didactic.
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