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‘As You Desire’ by Connie Brockway: Characters, Themes & Review

Connie Brockway, a two-time recipient of the prestigious RITA award for historical romance, captivates her audience with her novel, As You Desire. Released on February 1, 1997, this compelling tale, set over 400 pages, unfolds in the alluring landscape of Victorian-era Cairo, offering a fresh departure from more conventional regency novels. Blending intricate character development, poignant romance, and a unique backdrop of undiscovered lands, Connie Brockway crafts a masterful blend memorable to her readers. This article delves into the enchanting world of ‘As You Desire’, providing comprehensive insights into Brockway’s compelling narrative lens.

Author’s Signature Style

Connie Brockway is renowned for her deeply character-driven stories often set in diverse historical locations. With degrees from Macalester College (BA) and the University of Minnesota (MA), her creative process begins with imagining quintessential moments of interaction between her primary characters and builds the narrative around those defining instances. A dedication to preserving historical accuracy characterizes her writings. In As You Desire, the lush Egyptian landscape is meticulously detailed in its beauty, capturing the unique ambiance of 1890s Cairo.

Main Characters & Their Arcs

Rife with complexities and all-too-human insecurities, Brockway’s book nests its true charm in its protagonistic duality.

  • Desdemona Carlisle (Dizzy): Referred to as Dizzy, she grapples with what society expects from women and her unchecked intellectual prowess. In an era when a woman’s beauty was perceived as intrinsic worth, Desdemona struggles to reconcile the different aspects of her persona.
  • Harry Braxton: Harry’s charm belies his inner turmoil – grappling with dyslexia and an unyielding love for Desdemona. His unique journey to self-acceptance frames this love story with delicate authenticity.
  • Lord Blake Ravenscroft: The epitome of stability and nobility, representing societal norms, Blake offers an alternative suitor to Harry’s unconventional character, intensifying the romantic conflict.
  • Marta Ferrar: Marta serves as a lively counterpoint to Desdemona’s character. Anxious yet buoyant, Marta supplements the narrative by introducing contrasting perspectives.

Themes That Anchor the Story

Incorporated amongst the humor and thrill of adventure, Brockway explores universal themes often neglected in conventional historical romance.

  • Self-Worth and Identity: Desdemona’s intellectual prowess clashes with her understanding of her own worth in a world quick to judge women on the basis of their attractiveness. Alongside, Harry navigates through his trials of dyslexia in a time where the condition was misunderstood. Their shared pursuit for acceptance alludes to the timeless struggle of individuals striving to find their place in society.
  • Adventure and Discovery: Setting a historical romance amidst the mystery of undiscovered lands allows for a broader exploration of the human condition and the allure of the unknown in all its forms – be it love or foreign lands.
  • Unconventional Love vs. Societal Norms: The conflict between societal expectations personified by Lord Blake Ravenscroft and the untraditional passionate love offered by Harry anchors one of the key themes of this novel.

Plot Highlights

Deliberate romance interwoven with tension guides this unique adventure tale through Egypt.

  • Book’s Opening: The story unfolds rapidly as Desdemona is kidnapped on the bustling streets of Cairo. Harry swoops in for her rescue — marking their first on-page encounter and paving the path for a slow-burning romance fueled by shared history, misunderstandings, and unexpected revelations.
  • Triumph Over Adversity: A satisfying conclusion sees our protagonists not merely embracing their budding romance but also overcoming their individual insecurities, offering readers a rewarding journey of romantic and self-discovery.

Writing & Critique

Apart from being praised for detailed descriptions of Egypt and emotional complexities, the narrative falls short with some readers.

  • Strengths of the Writing:
    • Immersive dialogue driven by wit and emotional depth.
    • Slow-building tension contrasts with moments of intense passion between Desdemona and Harry, making the romance much more satisfying for readers who enjoy a steady yet emotionally charged narrative.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Some readers felt that despite being awed by the descriptive landscape of Egypt, the narrative could be better integrated with the setting.
    • Some found a few subplots to possess predictability or lack depth, particularly those related to Blake Ravenscroft’s character.

Comparisons & Recommendations

If you’re an avid reader looking for engaging historical romances set amidst exotic, underexplored landscapes, here are some notable recommendations:

  • Similar Works by Connie Brockway:
    “My Dearest Enemy” and “The Other Guy’s Bride”
  • Comparable Reads:
    • Loretta Chase’s “Mr. Impossible”
    • Mary Balogh’s novels
    • Lisa Kleypas’s historical romances

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Book For?

As a unique blend of humor, emotional intensity, and adventurous spirit, As You Desire serves as an accessible step into the world of historical romance for curious newcomers. It’s ideal for fans seeking unconventional love stories skewed away from typical regency tropes.

Where to Buy or Borrow the Book

Here are a few platforms where you can buy or borrow “As You Desire.”

RetailerFormat Availability
AmazonPaperback, Kindle, Audible
Barnes & NoblePaperback and eBook
Libraries/OverdriveeBook, Audiobook, or physical format

Second-hand copies for those seeking cheaper alternatives are available on ThriftBooks or AbeBooks.

In Conclusion

A novel that pushes boundaries while delivering a satisfying romance, ‘As You Desire’ is a gem amongst traditional historical romance novels. With a rating of 3.93 from 4,210 ratings, Brockway’s unique approach combines wit, emotional intensity, and historical intrigue in equal measure. A story that resonates and leaves an imprint long after the conclusion, it is certainly a read worth immersing oneself into.

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