This week we are discussing Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, Ch. 1-13.
Content Warning!!! This book contains situations and subjects related to: sexism, imprisonment, and sexual assault.
Spoiler Warning!!! This post is full of spoilers for Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore.
Discussion:
Jacilyn: Hello friends, and welcome to yet another romance read here at Shelf Explored! This time, we’re diving into the historical romance Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. Right from the start, the sexism of the time takes center stage. Annabelle is an “overeducated” woman already, in her mid-twenties and not yet married. Which, in Victorian-era England, is basically a spinster. She gets an opportunity to study at Oxford on a scholarship, but she must assist the National Society for Women’s Suffrage in convincing important rich white men to reverse the Married Women’s Property Act. I was expecting this, but nonetheless I’m already tired of reading the misogyny and sexism.
Michaela: We’re trying historical romance again people! I’m trying so hard to like this genre and so far I think it’s incredibly dependent on your personal special interests in history. I love Victorian clothes and furniture, not to mention that I do also enjoy England a lot, so this book is right up my street when it comes to that stuff. But with history, my friends, always comes the misogyny, amongst other terrible things. The beginning of this book definitely dragged a little for me because of the heavy misogyny right out the gate. Gilbert…..ugh that man, say it with me friends, throw the whole man away! I hate him and I hope that at some point Annabelle really tears into him or at least sends Montgomery to do it for her since we know Gilbert doesn’t give two flying fucks about Annabelle.
I appreciate that Montgomery is sexist primarily in the ‘I’m a gentleman so I must treat you respectfully since you are a lady’ kind of way rather than the Gilbert and Lord Marsden way of ‘education is terrible for a woman's brain’ kind of way. Also Marsden, in the trash right next to Gilbert, that’s for fucking sure. These men cannot hear how stupid they sound to other people, but because they’re “powerful” no one can say anything. I am glad that Montgomery made a comment to Marsden in front of everyone, he deserved that, but I think Annabelle was great on her own too. She’s so witty and smart, sometimes her and Montogomery’s comebacks are so fast that I need to re-read the sentence to fully understand what they’re saying. Which that being said, this book feels like it’s a combo of modern writing style and Victorian vernacular. So on one hand it’s a little easier to read than classic Victorian literature but it’s also a little strange to read at the same time.
I am also appreciating that the women aren’t the only ones being preached at about being married or not married. Montgomery is getting some flack from a few sources for not being married. No one should have to be married but it’s nice that it’s not just aimed at the woman characters in the story.
Jacilyn: I really enjoy the chemistry that Montgomery and Annabelle have. Montgomery has clearly found his match in her, and vice versa. I love that he is intrigued and excited by her intelligence and bravery in going against the norms. I don’t think he actually believes that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote - or, at least, he won’t by the end of the book. It wasn’t really until Annabelle and Montgomery started quipping back and forth at each other that I really started to get into this book, honestly.
Montgomery’s relationship with Peregrine makes me so sad. I get where Montgomery is coming from when it comes to responsibility, but Peregrine has also made it clear that he doesn’t want to be the kind of person Montgomery is, and that’s okay. Of course, I do say this from a modern perspective. It upsets Montgomery that his brother fears him, though. I just don’t think either of them know how to properly communicate with each other. It’s not like they had a lot of help. Montgomery had to take on a role of responsibility so early, and he’s done everything he can to gain back the family seat and make something successful out of the mess his father left for him. Unfortunately, I think he suffers in the process.
Michaela: I am really enjoying their chemistry and I love how subtle it is compared to more modern love stories, which I also enjoy. This time that historical romance is really getting to me, very steamy without being actually steamy. I’m into it this time! I think Montgomery might not actually know what his personal political feelings are, honestly. When has he ever had the time to consider what he wants or what he believes in? Someone, the Queen or other some such political persons, is always telling him what he needs to do and then society is also there telling him what’s expected of him. The Queen has asked him to help the more conservative party win the election and I can’t help but feel that he’s only part of that as a hand-me-down from his father’s/family’s position. Which all that of course aids in his overprotection and overbearing attitude towards his brother. I think Annabelle will end up being really helpful for the brother’s relationship with one another. She understands both of them quite a bit already and I think she’ll be able to help bridge the gap between them a little, at least I hope so.
Montgomery was presented to us in such a bad and suspicious light by the women’s group and many who know him. Everyone seems afraid of his stern behavior and also said “he divorced his wife, kept her dowry, and made her disappear”. Which is obviously not the truth or not the whole truth, we already know that she left him for another man though it doesn’t seem like anyone else knows this. He doesn’t seem to have many friends, besides Lady Lingham anyways. This Lady Lingham gives me weird vibes. She really gives me the gross version of “he’s mine” when she interacts or looks at Annabelle. I do not trust her right now, like maybe she’ll end up helping them get together but right now I’m feeling the ick.
Jacilyn: It seemed like Lady Lingham respected Annabelle’s tenacity, but she does seem like she might have eyes for Montgomery. It seems like the Queen uses him at any opportunity, and they have this weird back and forth almost bartering thing going on. Finally, with her asking him to help the Tories win, he has enough leverage to try to get the house seat back. Something tells me he might give up that opportunity if it means doing something that would upset Annabelle, though.
I thought the gift he had left for her was so freaking sweet. It was like a continuation of an inside joke between them, after Annabelle’s foray into the cold with a threadbare coat. She’s concerned that he wants something in return from her, but I think it was really just a kind gesture on his part. And it just so happens that it will match the ball gown that Hattie has dreamed up for her.
Much like in The Flatshare, I freaking loved the communication between Montgomery and Annabelle via letters and books. There’s something romantic about the idea of love letters as it is, but the addition of the books was perfection. Everything from the letters to their political debates makes me smile.
Michaela: I love that he’s already giving her gifts even if it’s “inappropriate” since he’s a bachelor. Ooooo this chemistry gives me them good tingles! I’m excited to keep reading this one. Soooo let’s go read it! Until next time friends!
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