A Review of Regency: Bridgerton Novels by Julia Quinn

Since Christmas Day, many have been thrust into the world of the 1800s and the period drama that is Bridgerton.

Bridgerton is on Netflix, and it’s an 8 part series that centres on the Bridgerton family, and specifically the eldest Bridgerton daughter, Daphne, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor, and her character’s love interest, Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page.

The series is based on the first novel in a series written by the amazingly talented Julia Quinn. The show has been on my watch list but I wanted to read the books before I watched the show. Now, the series itself is based on the first novel, ‘The Duke and I’, and I’m sure many of us are hoping that many more series will be produced based on the subsequent novels.

So far, I have read the first book (in two days) and have just finished its first sequel, ‘The Viscount Who Loved Me’.

Whilst I love history, regency-set books aren’t my normal go to but I have to say that Julia Quinn might have changed my mind.

Her books are easy to read, full of characters you’re immediately drawn to and intrigued by. The quick-witted, strong females and the charmingly handsome “rakes” pull you into the world of the ton with their character arcs and likable personalities.

You’re immediately thrown into a world of wealth, courting and balls all the while seeing characters overcome past trauma, family issues and societal pressure.

One thing that adds to the books humour and appeal is the character of Lady Whistledown - the gossip columnist, voiced by Julie Andrews on the show, whose identity I have yet to discover (my inner Sherlock is hard at work!). The columns written at the beginning of each chapter allow for Quinn to provide us essential information, and keep us up to date with the order of events, without having to have an information dump - which could sometimes bore the reader!

The romance in the novels is fascinating because we get to see it develop and whilst there is a controversial scene in ‘The Duke and I’, by the end of each book you’re left rooting for the couple, eager to see what happens to them next.

And thanks to her epilogues, Quinn gives us that chance.

I am in love with the first of the Bridgerton novels, and desperately want to read on, but now I know the story of Daphne and Simon, my Netflix might just be playing the period drama a lot! I’m interested to see the diverse cast of Bridgerton bring the story from page to screen, and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

If you haven’t read the books, I highly recommend them - the first two novels in the series are only 99p on the Amazon Kindle.

As Regé-Jean Page has said it is like "Jane Austen meets Gossip Girl", so...

...Enjoy the scandal, the gossip, the wealth and the romance.

Until next time…