Kelroy: A Novel (Early American Women Writers)

Rating:
Summary: An American Austen
Review: Kelroy is a novel of manners set in 1812 Philadelphia. The basic story line involves Mrs Hammond and her two daughters. On the death of her husband, Mrs Hammond finds herself destitute with two lovely, marriageable daughters. She plans to marry them to rich husbands, and begins a campaign in order to bring this about. Kelroy is in love with Emily Hammond, who reciprocates, but Kelroy is not rich enough for Mrs. Hammond and the stage is set. The book is well written and well paced. If you enjoy Defoe, Haywood, Burney, or Austen this will be similar in style. I had two problems with the book. The first was that occasionally the characters were too "Romantic", meaning romantic like Shelley, Scott or Byron. They become over excited by nature, beautiful music, beautiful people etc. and it jars a little bit with the rest of the book. The second was it very closely follows the style of English novels of the time. There is very little in it that says to the reader this is an American novel written by an American author. These problems aside,it is a pleasant little book; not too heavy, not too light, not too long. If you like period fiction, you will like Kelroy.

Rating:
Summary: An American Austen
Review: Kelroy is a novel of manners set in 1812 Philadelphia. The basic story line involves Mrs Hammond and her two daughters. On the death of her husband, Mrs Hammond finds herself destitute with two lovely, marriageable daughters. She plans to marry them to rich husbands, and begins a campaign in order to bring this about. Kelroy is in love with Emily Hammond, who reciprocates, but Kelroy is not rich enough for Mrs. Hammond and the stage is set. The book is well written and well paced. If you enjoy Defoe, Haywood, Burney, or Austen this will be similar in style. I had two problems with the book. The first was that occasionally the characters were too "Romantic", meaning romantic like Shelley, Scott or Byron. They become over excited by nature, beautiful music, beautiful people etc. and it jars a little bit with the rest of the book. The second was it very closely follows the style of English novels of the time. There is very little in it that says to the reader this is an American novel written by an American author. These problems aside,it is a pleasant little book; not too heavy, not too light, not too long. If you like period fiction, you will like Kelroy.