Reading ‘The Duke and I’ after watching Bridgerton on Netflix
A book like 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn wouldn't normally be something I might pick up to read. Regency romance isn't a genre I've explored, however I do enjoy historical fiction with a romantic sub-plot. Coupled with the fact that 'Bridgerton' on Netflix was an absolute smash, there was no reason not to give the books a go.
Interestingly, I can't say for sure that without having streamed the series on TV, I would have made it past the first couple of chapters. That's ultimately what happens when you've seen it before you've read it; your imagination doesn't have to work as hard. You already have a picture of the characters and their surroundings in your head.
I think, for my reading preferences, this works in the favour of 'The Duke and I'. I really enjoyed my time spent with the book, and I'm definitely going to pursue the next one. But, without the base knowledge already there, and the excitement from that viewing experience, I think I might have grown weary of it.
Why? It's difficult to truly pin down. Overall it's good storytelling. The characters have strong back stories and motivations. The plot pushes on nicely.
For me, the way the narrator jumps around, as an omniscient third person, was a little jarring. I generally don't go for those kinds of narratives for that reason, so it was out of my comfort zone. First person perspective is my favourite, so I can truly sink into that one character's adventure. I like third person as long as it's close.
But the reading experience was a bit like when I tried 'Game of Thrones'. The multiple perspectives, and the writing style, wasn't a 100% match for me and I was hanging on because I loved certain characters in the series and wanted to learn more.
What I really enjoyed about 'The Duke and I' was that it gives you more time to understand and to really see where Simon got his strong conviction from. It was my biggest WHOMP WHOMP about the series… Simon's motivation just felt silly and hardly justified for a clever young man.
But the book makes it much more logical, even necessary! And you get to experience more of his inner struggle with those decisions.
Interestingly, I think that it also shows just how problematic both Simon and Daphne are when it comes to their interest in each other. And sure, it works out in the end, but do two wrong ever make a right? Daphne knew she was going to fall for him, she knew how much he did not want a wife or children, and still she pursued him. She continues to ignore the boundaries he sets. Again and again. But then Simon! Oh jeez, Simon. He should not have entered into that ridiculous charade to begin with because he could feel his attraction to her and knew it would end in tears. He so vehemently did not want a wife… But still his lust ruled supreme and lo and behold, things get messy.
It’s a massive miscommunication on both sides, and what I really liked about the book was how equally involved in the unhealthy behaviour they were. I mean, it’s not ideal, is it? But it does make for good storytelling, and it’s reflective of human nature. There’s a reason people often say “make good choices” to each other. Because we historically do not.
What didn't I like? There were some long, convoluted scenes. It's a bit like in a film where they go "QUICK! WE MUST RUN BEFORE THEY CATCH US!" but then discuss the weather for the next five minutes and it causes me series distress… You can't just raise the stakes like that and then and have the characters casually flirt for five pages (see: Daffy and Nigel).
It’s also not as involved as something I might normally read. There is just enough detail and dialogue to go on, but as a novel that spawned a whole TV series, it’s actually quite economic in how it’s written, despite the long pauses in between action. And by jove, if I don’t enjoy a wordy and flowery piece of prose.
I do get it, though. I can see why these books are so popular, and whereas for me they are probably going to stay in the solid 3 stars, maybe 4 if I get truly invested in one, I think it’s the kind of read that is safe and enjoyable. A palette cleanser, of sorts, after reading something heavy, or trying to claw out of a reading slump.
It will be really interesting to see how I feel about the books the further I get into the series. Because without the crutch of the Netflix show to hold it up, will I stay as piqued? Or perhaps that first season is enough to carry you through the entire run of books. We’ll see!
Have you read the ‘Bridgerton’ books? What are your thoughts?
FURTHER READING: Here’s my review of the Netflix show, in the words of Lady Whistledown
Written by Sarah
