Bibliography: Godbersen, Anna. (2009). Splendor: A Luxe Novel. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 978-0061626319
Plot Summary: Elizabeth is determined to be a good wife and mother. She doesn’t love her new husband, but she is grateful to him until she starts to uncover details about his past dealings with her father. Her sister, Diana is determined to forget all about Henry, but all the adventure in all the exotic places in the world may not be enough. Their former ladies’ maid, Carolina continues to rise through society but hiding her past may cost her the one thing she wants most.
Critical Analysis: I have read and enjoyed all four of the Luxe novels. Matter of fact, the very first book I reviewed here was the first one, Luxe. I still feel that what Godbersen does so well is combine an interesting soap opera kind of story with a real look at what is really proper behavior and the difference between the classes, especially in the character of Carolina, who was in the lower class but moves to the upper class when she inherits some money. She learns the hard way that money can buy you friends but not love or respect. A similar example can be seen in Diana who refuses to conform to what is expected of a lady of her stature.
The best thing for me about this last book is how satisfying it was. Everyone gets what they deserve in the end, according to how they have behaved throughout the series. I would say more, but I don’t want to spoil it. On a personal note, thank you Ms. Godbersen for setting story and character arcs and sticking to them, resisting the temptation to extend the series to more volumes. Sometimes it is best to leave the reader wanting more.
Readalikes: As with the first Luxe novel, I am reminded of The Gilded Age by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley. Not his most well known work, but I think this series is the perfect opening to introduce it to teens and others, and also that it might make a great English or History reading, as the title is where the name for the time period came from.
Review Excerpts: “Readers of this series will not be disappointed with this final installment. It would be best to start with the first book and enjoy each title in order.”–Children’s Literature
Reviewed from public library copy. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
