Official Review: The Misanthrope's Mansion

OliviaLouise · Post by **OliviaLouise** » 16 Jul 2019, 12:24

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Misanthrope's Mansion" by Emma L Saville.]

3 out of 4 stars

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When people retreat to the country, it is usually with the desire to return to a simpler time and to shield themselves from the evils of the modern world. But what happens when a person is forced into this way of life? What happens when a person is snatched away from all that they have ever known, including the people they love? The Misanthrope’s Mansion by Emma L. Saville tells the story of a girl who faces this very challenge.

Since the death of Leah’s parents, she and her brother, Jordan, have been living in the care of their reluctant Aunt Cathy in New York City. Under her aunt’s care, Leah leads an unstable life and constantly gets into trouble. Shortly after bailing Leah out of jail, Aunt Cathy excitedly informs Leah and Jordan that they are to be split up: Leah will go to work as a nanny in London and Jordan will be shipped off to a boarding school. When Leah arrives in London, she is drugged by her new employer, Lady Margaret, and wakes up in a mansion in the countryside. She soon learns that she is not going to be working as a nanny, but will instead work as a servant of the manor; furthermore, it is Lady Margaret’s expectation that Leah will fall in love with James, the lady’s son. Leah also finds out that she cannot leave the property for the rest of her life. Upon learning the conditions of her new life, Leah quickly begins to formulate her plan for escape while uncovering the secrets of the manor.

The Misanthrope’s Mansion is an exciting page-turner that readers won’t want to set down until they’re done. The pacing of the novel is excellent because it never feels like the story is rushed, and yet there is never a lull in the events of the story. Despite all of the hurdles thrown in Leah’s way, she constantly pulls herself together and patches together a new plan for escape. Her natural curiosity leads her to continually uncover mysterious clues about Lady Margaret and the manor. Leah’s life, both outside and inside of the manor, is packed with action and suspense that will keep readers invested in the story.

In addition to the stimulating plot, the characters are genuinely interesting, if not likable. Each character is so carefully developed and utilized in the story that readers cannot help but get attached to them. I especially enjoyed Sally, Mary, and Jean because of the backstories they shared with Leah. Furthermore, the relationship that Leah develops with Sally is positively heartwarming, especially since Leah is a newcomer and has no one else in her corner. When Leah begins to fall in love with another resident of the manor, the book becomes especially suspenseful because she is torn between this newfound love and the pursuit of freedom so she can find her way back to her brother. The fantastic characters of this book are central to Leah’s process of finding herself as she tries to find her way out of the manor.

There is a lot to love about The Misanthrope’s Manor. I cannot think of a single thing to complain about except for the editing errors. As a result of the editing errors, I am awarding this book 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book for readers of romance, suspense, or mystery. There is a rape scene toward the beginning of the book, so I do not recommend this book for more sensitive readers.

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The Misanthrope's Mansion
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Wyland · Post by **Wyland** » 18 Jul 2019, 09:04

Quite a sad story of Leah and her brother under the hands of the aunt. I hope to read it one day. Thanks for a wonderful review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 18 Jul 2019, 13:38

Even with the errors, this one sounds so interesting! Does Leah escape and if so how? It seems like it would capture your attention from beginning to end! I'll put this on my list. Thanks!

Areej Tahir · Post by **Areej Tahir** » 19 Jul 2019, 15:34

I wish we could wipe off all the errors in the world. I loved the fact that the writer paid good attention towards the character because They are very important for the story, more than the plot. Loved this review!

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 19 Jul 2019, 15:50

Wait. Is this historical or contemporary? I can't actually tell, though it sounds good either way.

Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 21 Jul 2019, 15:04

This sounds like the kind of book my daughter would love. Somewhat supernatural/horror but with a bit of romance. I'll have to look for it, and maybe pick it up for her.

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 22 Jul 2019, 12:56

This sounds like a really good, fast-paced novel! I want to read it to find out what Leah chooses; find her brother or pursue the romance? Thanks for the great review!