Can a 21st-Century Woman Survive in The 1800s?
Book Review of The Victorian Traveller by L. M. Bean
Published: November 5th, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 (4.75 Stars)
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery
Series: Unknown (Book 1 of unknown)
Disclaimer: Thank you L. M. Bean for sending me this book. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own.
CW/TW: Violence, sexism, kidnapping, gun violence, blood, death, confinement, gaslighting and sexual content.
A Trip Back in Time
Elena and Elle are the spitting image of one another. The major difference? They live centuries apart.
However, with the aid of a magical wardrobe (a nod to Narnia), they end up switching places. The only way they can return home is for 21st-century Elena to complete a quest set forth by Victorian-era Elle. The task? To find her missing friend.
With no knowledge of Elle’s history (other than her diary), no internet and having to play the part of a good Victorian socialite, Elena is in for quite the adventure.
21st Century Woman in the 1800s
The premise of The Victorian Traveller draws the reader in, and from chapter one, you’re thrown into the story. L. M. Bean weaved character arcs, competing storylines, historical cameos and humour together so well that you don’t want to put the book down.
I love that throughout the story, although Elena is pretending to be Elle, she makes mistakes, comments or just her general behaviour is not what you would expect of a Victorian woman. Instead, true to her own experience she is exactly what I would expect from a 21st century woman being sent back into the 1800s.
Lingering Glances and Stolen Touches
Because The Victorian Traveller is set in this particular time period raised romantic complications. Elena (playing Elle) is constantly being set up with eligible bachelors to be wedded off to. With society being what it was back then, dating was extremely different. This ‘limitation’ on the romantic aspect of the book was met brilliantly with banter and sexual tension so thick you can’t breathe.
Mystery and Intrigue
There may not be court intrigue, but The Victorian Traveller definitely has mystery, intrigue and cunning characters with dubious intentions. And, of course, as with any good mystery, I was constantly second-guessing who to trust.
Loveable Characters
I fell in love with no only Elena, the main character, and the love interest, but many of the side characters as well. Every single character is so unique and believable, you can’t help but love them, or hate them. As a reader, caring so deeply for characters leads to a deeper experience while reading and at times I was on the brink of tears or yelling or some other intense emotion.
Rising Stakes and an Epic Conclusion
Due to the time-travelling nature of the story, I was simultaneously routing for Elena and the love interest while also struggling to figure out how they could be endgame when she returns to her time. This added to the numerous complications, conflicts and high-stakes throughout the story, which only made it more engaging and compelling to keep reading.
The pacing was medium-to-fast, increasing as the story progresses and the stakes rise until you hit the inevitable conclusion that leaves you wanting more. With the ending of The Victorian Traveller, L. M. Bean has set up the perfect transition for a sequel. One I guarantee I will be reading as soon as it’s out!
Favourite Quotes
“If this is Narnia,” she muttered, grimacing as she pulled a coat hanger from her ribs, “I better get to see some talking lions or meet that cute Prince Caspian bloke.”
“People here don’t take to well to the mentally ill, or–a woman who speaks her mind.”
It was a common misconception that hate motivated the worst of crimes. But love? People were capable of doing the most unimaginable things in the name of love.
No alarms, no digital locks or key cards, just a door and a latch. Nineteenth century break ins were a piece of cake.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed The Victorian Traveller so much. Throughout the book, I found myself audibly gasping, laughing out loud, tearing up and filled with butterflies. This is the perfect book for those wishing to dabble in historical fiction. This story completely captivated me and I can’t wait to read more.
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