Mystery and intrigue, romance and turmoil, Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta has it all. This historical fiction novel is the first in the Price of Privilege Trilogy. It tells of the darker side of wealth and privilege in Victorian society. It has a very romantic gothic feel, similar to Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
This novel is written in a very unique and interesting format- it’s told from the heroine Julia’s first person POV, but as a recount of her life. She’s an older woman telling her life story, which was quite full. Because of this, as a reader you are discovering everything about the mystery surrounding her life at the same time she is. You have no background information about other characters and situations. At some points you almost feel like you’ve missed a part of the story, like maybe there was supposed to be another book before this one because you don’t understand why someone does what they do. However, Jessica Dotta is quite clever about bringing the story full circle, and filling in any blanks you thought you had.
The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.
With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
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It was easy for me to have a clear image in my head of each of the characters, because Born of Persuasion to me was a bit of a mix of Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights. By the end of the novel, some of the big questions are answered, and some more are left hanging. I know this is because it’s a trilogy, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book when it’s out. There is clearly a herioine, as well as her hero, but the “villain” is not nearly so defined. You think you know who he is and what he’s about, but then again, you maybe not. I was left a bit perplexed. In fact, I actually liked the man who the reader is lead to believe is the villain, but even at the end of the novel you just aren’t quite sure if he really is the character you think he is.
For me, this was a solid read, a bit of a roller coaster, and just when you think you have it figured it out, you realize you don’t. I just wish it wasn’t such a cliff hanger at the end. I’m ready for book number two!
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