Official Review: The Misanthrope's Mansion

[Shelle]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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Seventeen year old Leah and her younger brother have had an awful couple of years. They were tragically orphaned, sent to live in a new city with their aunt, and neither can seem to stay out of trouble. Leah especially has been having difficulties with drugs, friends, and lots of bad choices. It’s only when Leah is sent away to England to be a nanny that things begin to improve for her. Or is this change really all it was promised to be? In The Misanthrope’s Mansion by Emma Saville, we follow along with Leah as she discovers what secrets really hide in the grand English estate. I rated this book 3 out of 4 stars.

The grand estate of Endswold is stunningly picturesque with wide green meadows, lavish gardens, and an ancient and ornate manor. However, Leah soon learns that all is not as it appears. Her job as a nanny for the great family was just a ruse to get her to the estate where she is now a prisoner. The family’s matriarch, the formidable Lady Margaret, makes it known that Leah is expected to partner with her youngest son to perpetuate the family line, and never, ever leave. While Leah plots her way out of captivity, she also learns about the secrets of the estate, including why the family became closed off to the outside world in the first place, and how outsiders don’t leave the estate alive. She also befriends one of the estate’s servants, and may be falling in love with the handsome boy who always seems to be outside chopping wood when she needs a listening ear.

The Misanthrope’s Mansion was truly a page-turner. I eagerly flipped through the story wanting to know more and find out what would happen next. I got frustrated right along with Leah when her escape plans failed, and got excited right along with her when a new idea showed promise. However, I also couldn’t stand how the main character kept making bad choice after bad choice. Like a damsel in distress in a cheesy slasher film, Leah kept acting impulsively and didn’t think things through.

Overall, I felt this book was fairly well-written. The lovely descriptions of the English countryside were especially descriptive, and I could easily picture the manor and the extensive grounds. However, with the exception of Leah, the characters lacked development and I didn’t ever really understand their motivation. Some of the dialog was awkward and didn’t feel very realistic. The ending also left many questions unanswered, although a quick internet search revealed that the author, Emma Saville, is currently working on a sequel.

The Misanthrope’s Mansion is classified as Young Adult fiction and would easily appeal to teens, tweens, and fans of a good mystery with a bit of romance. I think this series has the potential to become quite popular and make teen girls long for their own adventure on an English estate.

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The Misanthrope's Mansion
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Like Shelle's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Amheiser]

This seems like it would be an interesting read. I like the idea of an old mansion for a setting and the way the author describes it seems like it would be easy to actually feel like you are there. Too bad the character development isn't on the same level as the descriptions of the setting. The story does sound like it would hold one's interest despite the flaws. I think the author had a good idea for a story with an interesting mystery.

[Shelle]

This seems like it would be an interesting read. I like the idea of an old mansion for a setting and the way the author describes it seems like it would be easy to actually feel like you are there. Too bad the character development isn't on the same level as the descriptions of the setting. The story does sound like it would hold one's interest despite the flaws. I think the author had a good idea for a story with an interesting mystery.

It is a good mystery story and definitely holds the reader's interest. I hope the characters are better fleshed out in the sequel.

[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like a very interesting book with intriguing characters. I would love to read about the English countryside. Great job on the review.

[Shelle]

Sounds like a very interesting book with intriguing characters. I would love to read about the English countryside. Great job on the review.

Thanks! Yes, the setting of the story was one of my favorite parts. I've never been to England, but it certainly made me want to go.

[katiesquilts]

Sounds a bit like The Boy! A girl heading off to England to become an au pair, but the family is hiding secrets...

Good job on the review!

[Shelle]

Sounds a bit like The Boy! A girl heading off to England to become an au pair, but the family is hiding secrets...

Good job on the review!

I haven't read The Boy! But now I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the recommendation!

[katiesquilts]

Sounds a bit like The Boy! A girl heading off to England to become an au pair, but the family is hiding secrets...

Good job on the review!

I haven't read The Boy! But now I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the recommendation!

Actually I'm not sure if it has a book version or not, but The Boy I'm talking about is a horror movie that came out a few months ago!

[Heidi M Simone]

Wonderful review, Shelle! I like how you pointed out the details that made this a good read and the ones that could be improved.

I do love when a book makes you feel what the characters are feeling! It makes me feel like I'm right there. Too bad about the rest of the characters that were undeveloped. However, I'm glad that you still enjoyed it!

[bookowlie]

Nice, balanced review for what seems like an interesting story! I enjoy reading books that are set in England so I am going to take a second look at this one.

[Shelle]

Wonderful review, Shelle! I like how you pointed out the details that made this a good read and the ones that could be improved.

I do love when a book makes you feel what the characters are feeling! It makes me feel like I'm right there. Too bad about the rest of the characters that were undeveloped. However, I'm glad that you still enjoyed it!

Thanks! The details about the English countryside were definitely one of my favorite parts. I'm hoping if this really is the first book in the series, we learn more about the other characters in subsequent books.

-- 18 May 2016, 07:30 --

Nice, balanced review for what seems like an interesting story! I enjoy reading books that are set in England so I am going to take a second look at this one.

Thanks! One of the primary reasons I selected this book for review was the setting. I'm going through Downton Abbey withdrawals, so a story set in the English countryside was a soothing balm!

[Nightwing3]

Great review! Sounds like the descriptions and the mysterious plot will keep me reading. Too bad about the character development but that could improve in the sequel. I might have to wait for it though, since too many unanswered questions at the end of the story can drive me crazy.