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"Dear Mr. Knightley" by Katherine Reay
Dec. 2nd, 2013 04:37 pm
With a such a fantastic title, I knew I'd be interested in this story from the moment I heard about it. Plus it's written intriguingly in epistolography form, so there was much to check out with this debut release.
Our heroine, Samantha Moore, grew up in the foster system. In order to protect herself through all the changes and challenges of such an upbringing, she retreated into the world of classic English literature and the words of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, etc. Although these helped nurture her young soul, everywhere she has gone she's faced the same challenge: "Sam has failed to connect." Failed to connect at different foster homes, at her first job, at life in general.
Now a very young adult, Sam is given an amazing opportunity to attend grad school with all expenses paid. The only stipulation is that she write to her benefactor to keep him apprised on her life. He's taken the pseudonym "Mr. Knightley," and Sam reluctantly agrees to join the program and see if she can pursue her own dreams of a writing career. In case this storyline sounds familiar, this book is supposed to be a modern retelling of Jean Webster's "Daddy-Long-Legs." That's a classic that I need to read myself someday!
Through Sam's letters to Mr. Knightley, we learn that she views herself on campus as a Fanny Price among all the self-assured Emma Woodhouses out there. We see her put forth effort in her classes, face obstacles, and venture into friendships as well as the dating world. Sam meets those who want to use her for their own end, as well as those who would love her. She must learn how to be discerning about people and how to let down her barriers when the time is right.
As a classic lit fan myself, I "got" all the references to various novels. I wondered if this book would be as enjoyable to those who might not be familiar with Austen and company, and I've seen reviews saying it didn't translate very well. My personal main gripe was that no one writes such detailed conversations in letters, but that's a common factor with this particular style of novel. I could best relate to Sam because I was also a late social bloomer, so this older coming-of-age story made sense to me emotionally. I think all Austen fans would find something to enjoy here, especially those who enjoy themes of finding oneself and triumphing over adversity.
I received my copy from LitFuse in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
Our heroine, Samantha Moore, grew up in the foster system. In order to protect herself through all the changes and challenges of such an upbringing, she retreated into the world of classic English literature and the words of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, etc. Although these helped nurture her young soul, everywhere she has gone she's faced the same challenge: "Sam has failed to connect." Failed to connect at different foster homes, at her first job, at life in general.
Now a very young adult, Sam is given an amazing opportunity to attend grad school with all expenses paid. The only stipulation is that she write to her benefactor to keep him apprised on her life. He's taken the pseudonym "Mr. Knightley," and Sam reluctantly agrees to join the program and see if she can pursue her own dreams of a writing career. In case this storyline sounds familiar, this book is supposed to be a modern retelling of Jean Webster's "Daddy-Long-Legs." That's a classic that I need to read myself someday!
Through Sam's letters to Mr. Knightley, we learn that she views herself on campus as a Fanny Price among all the self-assured Emma Woodhouses out there. We see her put forth effort in her classes, face obstacles, and venture into friendships as well as the dating world. Sam meets those who want to use her for their own end, as well as those who would love her. She must learn how to be discerning about people and how to let down her barriers when the time is right.
As a classic lit fan myself, I "got" all the references to various novels. I wondered if this book would be as enjoyable to those who might not be familiar with Austen and company, and I've seen reviews saying it didn't translate very well. My personal main gripe was that no one writes such detailed conversations in letters, but that's a common factor with this particular style of novel. I could best relate to Sam because I was also a late social bloomer, so this older coming-of-age story made sense to me emotionally. I think all Austen fans would find something to enjoy here, especially those who enjoy themes of finding oneself and triumphing over adversity.
I received my copy from LitFuse in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
- Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace)
Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH!
But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.
So grab your copy of Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!
