The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick
Stella Sedgwick is an independent, opinionated young woman who would love nothing more than to become a writer and support herself without marriage, to the horror of her aunt, who has raised her since the death of Stella’s mother. When she is dismissed from the finishing lessons she has been taking with her cousin, Olivia, Stella knows it won’t be long before finances force her to get a job or get married, an appalling state of existence to her mind. When an old friend offers her another option during London’s debutante season, Stella jumps at it. If only she could shake the two young men who are determined to court her!
This novel is a highly engaging and excellent glimpse into the lives of Black women during the 19th century. I loved all of the characters, especially Stella. She has a quick wit, and some of her retorts made me laugh out loud. The daily anxiety, fear, and anger Stella also feels at the racism she is subjected to should give readers a feel for what she goes through, and what many Black people still endure. The total obliviousness of Stella’s white friend is sad and is another element that may cause readers to want to do better.
While the plot holds very few surprises, the character development is superb. Stella and several others are hilarious at times and a joy to read. Each character lands on the page with a full personality. None of them are filler characters, and everyone has a complex part to play. I read this entire book in a single, long sitting, so it is safe to say that I highly recommend it!
