The Distaff Side

In post-WWI England, domineering matriarch Augusta Langham decides her son Bertie's choice of bride-to-be is unacceptable, after discovering Mai supports the suffragette movement. Her displeasure and interference causes a conflict between the betrothed, leading to the cancellation of both the wedding plans and the relationship. Mai moves quickly into a seemingly suitable marriage arrangement with Ned Fielding, only to find after time, Ned is not who he seems. Her future, and that of her children as well, is at stake.

Vera, a mediocre ballet dancer, finds herself with the tempting opportunity to create a new life and identity for herself. Disregarding the consequences and the illegality of her actions, the temptation is too strong and she seizes it. Beginning her new life as Princess Zhenia Dashkova with the stolen Russian jewels as her proof, she travels to her only living 'relative' to take her place among the wealthy and important. Upon his mother's insistence Bertie finds himself quickly married off to the mysterious princess. This begins a tale of two loveless matches where lies and deceptions abound, and the picture presented to the outside world is more important than the unhappiness which threatens to destroy them all.

This is a bittersweet tale of choices made, and the consequences of those choices in life. It takes place in a time when who you chose to marry was more important than almost any other reason for a marriage, especially those involving matters of the heart. Social standing and alliances took precedence over infidelity, abuse and even criminal activities. As long as appearances were kept up, indiscretions such as those most often remained skeletons hidden in family closets. For a woman in one of these marriages there was no refuge, the idea of divorce was certainly not acceptable and heirs must be produced regardless of personal feelings. This book captures the feelings of two women trapped in loveless marriages, one through an error in judgment and one through deception and the desire to climb the social ladder of respectability. Mai and Zhenia are both interesting and well formed characters which readers grow to care for and to despise respectively. The images of life post-W! WI in England's upper crust is shown here with dead-on accuracy. The story itself, which includes a web of lies and deceptions, stolen jewels and assumed identities, is a well-crafted and enjoyable one. The only downside of this story, for me, would have to be in the abruptness of the ending. This story was deserving of a more fluid and dramatic ending. Make no mistake I liked this book, even the ending, I just liked the characters enough to have wanted more for them in the end.

Reviewed by: Johnna