Book rec: "Sixpenny Octavo" by Annick Trent

[luzula]

I am in no way objective when it comes to this book, because it is written by a fannish friend of mine and I have beta-read it: Sixpenny Octavo, by Annick Trent.

But that said, I really like this book, which is historical f/f set in 1790's England. Things I enjoy about it:
- engaging writing that flows well and is not obtrusively modern (while not trying to be pastiche, either),
- a focus on working-class women,
- the romantic couple is embedded in a community of people,
- a vivid setting which is rooted in details of material culture.

The author previously wrote Beck and Call, which is historical m/m about two valets. The characters in Sixpenny Octavo are not servants--or rather, one of them is to begin with, but she moves away from that into making a living which is more precarious but also more independent. The other works as a clockmender. Also, one of them learns to read during the course of the book and becomes a member of a reading club, and I really like this element--which also supplies the non-relationship tension in the story, because it's a time where it's easy to get in trouble for simply being in a reading club even without being involved with radical politics.

Comments

[ysilme]

Oh, that sounds exciting, thanks for sharing! :o) I'm only really discovering queer books recently, particularly historical ones, and most seem to be books by friends or by friends of friends. *g*
Edit to add: somebody already recced Beck and Call to me, and I had downloaded a sample, though still unread so far (how can I have over 300 unread samples? /0\ )

[luzula]

Well, I hope you enjoy it if you end up reading it! I agree, getting recs by way of DW friends is a pretty good way to find good books.

Hee, I don't think I ever download samples that way! : ) Maybe because I don't have a Kindle.

[chestnut_pod]

I've just gone and purchased it based on this rec! Looking forward to cracking the virtual cover :)

[luzula]

I do hope you enjoy it! It sadly contains no strikes, though… but perhaps you want a break from those. : )

[seascribble]

Oooh, I enjoyed Beck and Call, must remember to check this out when I am reading things that aren't star wars again.

[luzula]

It will still be there when you want to read non Star Wars things again. : )

[regshoe]

Oh yay, I've been looking forward to this :D *goes to purchase*

[luzula]

I do think you will enjoy it! : )

[rosemary_green]

Thank you for the recommendation -- this sounds like a book I would love!

[luzula]

I hope you enjoy it, if you end up reading it! : )

[rosemary_green]

Have now read and thoroughly enjoyed both Sixpenny Octavo and Beck and Call! I liked seeing both the romantic relationships and also the communities of friends/family that the characters build. And all the daily life details were great!

[luzula]

Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Have forwarded your comment to the author. : )