The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is Just My Cup of Tea

Just like Cecilia Bassingthwaite herself, when I first picked up this book, I would have called it a conundrum. The plot sounded like exactly what I could dream of in a book: a romance with English ladies who drink a lot of tea but are also pirates and fly their houses around just as Peter Pan did with the Jolly Roger. Sounds like my new favorite book. But I will admit, I had trouble with the beginning. I found the introduction to be a little long, for it took nearly one hundred pages for the society to be kidnapped and the adventure to begin. There was so much introduction that I was confused about the book's plot and had to read the summary on the back cover to reassure myself that I was reading the right book. Thank goodness I did because it stimulated me to continue, and thank goodness I continued. Other than minor problems, I have nothing else to complain about.

The times in which the writing really shines is with the romance. This is one of the best romance books I have ever read. India Holton, the author, writes a lyrical description of Cecilia and Ned's love story in a wacky and youthful way I have never encountered before. It is fresh and will keep you turning the pages. You easily fall in love with the characters yourself as their personalities emerge through the ancient and proper, yet quirky and utterly hilarious narration.

The dialogue is especially witty and very fun to read. This is a book that would translate marvelously to the screen, especially if Holton was to write the screenplay.

Beneath all of these bits and bobs is one of the most creative stories you will encounter on the bookshelves of today's libraries. The world-building, though confusing at times from the sheer number of characters, is fascinating and, for lack of a better word, magical. Even without too much set description - which is a good thing, given the density the language would have - your mind's eye completely escapes reality, picturing all of the incredible places these characters visit. The cherry on top is the aforementioned humor. The paradox of lady-like pirates allows for many fun scenes. My favorites are anytime the ladies completely underreact when faced with danger. The addition of the Bronte elements to the story was absolutely delightful and any book lover was cracking up at each mention. The "'Oh how the heights do wuther'... 'You are Emily Bronte!'" exchange between Ned and Pleasance is one of my favorite comedic moments in any book, ever.

The aforementioned number of characters was one of my only complaints with the book. There were so many ladies in the society that it was near impossible to remember what each of their personalities were. Not even the character guide before chapter one helped with that, although it did allow for more humor.

One complaint I often have with books is their pacing, but other than the beginning, the pacing did not cross my mind at any time during my reading. I thought the two last thirds of the book were relatively fast-paced and I binge-read the last hundred or so pages. It is a good book to read over a weekend while drinking a nice cup of tea.