Keeping the Castle

Gr 7 Up–This droll tale set in 19th-century England will earn smiles of recognition from those familiar with Pride and Prejudice. Althea Crawley’s only hope of saving her family and their castlelike home from their state of genteel poverty is to ensnare a wealthy husband using the two sole tools at her disposal: her youth and her beauty. The 17-year-old soon sets her sights on dashing Lord Boring, but obstacles arise, including her scheming stepsisters and Boring’s seemingly boorish cousin, Mr. Fredericks. Though the bulk of the action revolves around socializing–visits, picnics, riding parties–these events are infused with enough drama and social maneuvering to keep the plot moving smoothly. Witty dialogue, particularly the barbed exchanges between Althea and Mr. Fredericks, recalls Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s sharp banter but will be also accessible to readers who have not yet encountered Austen. Kindl uses sly humor to take aim at societal customs and standards. For example, Althea questions a rich suitor about why her appreciation of his wealth is mercenary while his enjoyment of her physical beauty is admirable. Althea is a worthy heroine with sharp-eyed views on matrimony that set her apart from more typical dewy eyed protagonists. The dilapidated castle setting, the Crawleys’ desperate circumstances, and Althea’s amusingly wicked stepsisters imbue this archly humorous story with a touch of romance. A treat for both fans of Austen and newcomers alike.