Well, 2020 ended without much reading and it took me awhile to get back into novels. I’ve certainly flipped through graphic novels and cookbooks. Yet it took binging the popular Bridgerton series on Netflix and a desire to revisit the romance novels the series is based on to get back into the swing of reading.
So I binged all of the Bridgerton show at the end of December. Did all eight episodes in one shot — it was too good to stop. And then I wanted to re-read the entire series again. As you can imagine, there are long holds lists on each of the ebook copies in the library, but I managed to read the first 3 novels in January!
If you haven’t watched the first season or read the first book (The Duke & I), this will include a spoiler. Episode 6 revolves around a rape scene. It’s a pivotal moment in the book, and could not be removed or changed very much. It is my understanding that the show just glosses over what happened, hoping no one would really pick up on it. However, in the book, Quinn has the characters work through the violation. It speaks to how we can feel desire and yet not consent to certain aspects of sex.
In this way, I think the book is definitely a bit better. Although the visuals of the show is just incredible. Not only do we get to see a diverse cast in a historical romance show, but we can all agree that Regé-Jean Page is delicious! The sets, the costumes, the lavish luxury and escape of this show was everything we all needed after a difficult year cooped up indoors.
I won’t spoil more of the Duke & I for those who haven’t watched the show yet, but I will say that it follows Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter and the fourth of eight siblings. Following her story, we get to The Viscount Who Loved Me — the love story of Anthony Bridgerton.
The subsequent romance novels in this series follow the siblings in chronological order. Thus the third novel, An Offer from A Gentleman, is about Mr. Benedict Bridgerton’s love story.
Having read all 8 novels several years ago, these reads were easy and comforting. I definitely enjoyed revisiting the Bridgerton world and am curious how the following seasons of the show may or may not change to adapt to modern sensibilities while following the Bridgerton clan. Also, I can say that the easy start to 2021 has made me excited for future reads. I’ve got some good books waiting in the wings and I look forward to sharing them with you!