I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy via NetGalley of Virginia Pye’s new novel, which will be out from Regal House in October. I have followed Virginia on social media for several years now, and I really enjoyed her other two historicals, Dreams of the Red Phoenix and River of Dust, novels that feature American missionaries in China.

The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is quite different yet equally satisfying and rich in historical context. Victoria Swann, who lives in Boston during the Gilded Age, is the author of a series of popular novels that feature adventurous heroines in exotic places. Her husband and her editor both keep a close eye on her career, always encouraging her to write more.

But Victoria grows increasingly unhappy with the stories they push her to write. She longs to produce works of literary value, stories that reflect the ways in which women really experience life. After completing the first such manuscript, her editor puts it away in a drawer, unwilling to give it even a cursory read. Her husband rails against her lack of business sense, and their marriage begins to unravel.

When Victoria is assigned a new editor at the publishing house, she sees a chance to push forward with her literary liberation. What follows is a unique kind of adventure story of how a determined woman takes control of her life in a time (and place) when almost everything works against her.

Two things I especially liked about this novel: the fine characterization of Victoria Swann and the ways in which Virginia Pye’s narrative gently echoes Gilded Age women writers. If she is a new-to-you author, I would encourage you to read any of her already-published books while you await the release of The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann.

You can pre-order a copy of the book here: https://regal-house-publishing.mybigcommerce.com/the-literary-undoing-of-victoria-swann/