Review - Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book shows tremendous promise from a new novelist. I am a little disappointed that I didn't like this better after hearing overwhelmingly good reviews from trusted sources. A Regency/Napoleonic historical fantasy novel, it is drawing the inevitable comparisons to Jane Austen's works. The author herself has stated that Austen was her chief literary inspiration.

This is unfortunate, as it tends to make the new story weaker in comparison than it would be alone. While not an Austen expert or fangirl by any means, I do enjoy the witty by-play and social commentary she used to such pointed effect. Kowal's novel seems simpler somehow for not having these subtleties. She does handle the stock characters well- Jane is the eldest daughter, not pretty but with other skills, past marriageable age; Melody is the beauty and hope of the family but naive and spoiled; Mrs. Ellsworth is the neurotic mother concerned only with her own health and marrying off her daughters; and Mr. Ellsworth is the responsible but doting father.

Even the secondary characters have personality, better than some experienced novelists write. There is real tension between Jane and Mr. Dunkirk, affection between Jane and Miss Dunkirk, and mystery about Mr. Vincent. I felt that the plot line kept me guessing about Jane and Melody's matches until most of the way through the book, rather than giving it away early as so many regency novels do. (view spoiler)[Livingston's character was apparent from the beginning but the others had their elements of uncertainty. I also think the "fall" of Mr. Dunkirk in Jane's estimation was nicely done. Jane resolves the question with her own judgement, rather than having a "marry him because he's the hero" type resolution. (hide spoiler)]

The novel has a solid structure and does show potential for growth. Kowal does a tremendous job using magic ("glamour") as a part of everyday existence. There are no bang-up magic duels here, just a new tool in the gentry's arsenal. Jane is a likeable protagonist and the conflict between the sisters is more apparent than is represented in other Regency works. The drama of this relationship adds to the plot as Jane wrestles with propriety and personal integrity. This is a little too much telling instead of showing for me but it is not overwhelming (and probably personal taste: I like subtlety).

My only other qualm is the ending. It's tied up with a glimpse of Jane's happy future, reminiscent of Austen. However, there are three sequels to this book. I feel like it will take the dramatic tension away in future installments. I look forward to seeing how Kowal handles this.

Overall, this is an easy, light, fun read. It's perfect for book clubs (quick with lots of good discussion about the purpose of period fiction, social commentary, and genre-crossing books), a beach read for those who want more than pure fluff, and for getting that friend that refuses to read "wizard books" into a different sub-genre of fantasy. Definitely interested in reading the sequels.

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