The 1840s: A time of increasing social awareness, particularly for progressive cotton mill owner Adrian Bennett and his son and business partner Christopher.
But one social issue Christopher has never considered much is violence against women. A Robert Browning poem and a chance encounter with Katerina Valentino change everything.
Katerina is in fear for her life from her father's constant beatings. That is, until Christopher becomes entranced by the delicate dark-haired beauty, and decides that he must rescue her from her father--by marrying her. But Katerina's years of abuse have left her physically and emotionally scarred. And those scars threaten the newlyweds' hope for happiness. Is Christopher's tender affection enough to help Katerina heal her broken spirit?
Note: Contains graphic sexual content
But one social issue Christopher has never considered much is violence against women. A Robert Browning poem and a chance encounter with Katerina Valentino change everything.
Katerina is in fear for her life from her father's constant beatings. That is, until Christopher becomes entranced by the delicate dark-haired beauty, and decides that he must rescue her from her father--by marrying her. But Katerina's years of abuse have left her physically and emotionally scarred. And those scars threaten the newlyweds' hope for happiness. Is Christopher's tender affection enough to help Katerina heal her broken spirit?
Note: Contains graphic sexual content
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Keeping Katerina by Simone BeaudelaireMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moving On Many Levels!
I both loved and hated this story. It was beautifully written and researched; an endearing and accurate period piece in Victorian times. Still, the horrors Katerina withstands are... hellish. Still, the promise of the story and the love from Christopher, her champion, is moving and heart-felt. Simone Beaudelaire never fails to give an emotional and tender rendition of her tales!
I was disturbed by the old traditions and laws regarding women. Still, I know history and this was spot-on. I loved the truth of the portrayal in the story, the realistic characters, and the goodness of the Bennett family. I have known people like the Bennett family and I have known those like the Valentino family. Unfortunately, you have to have thorns with roses, right? Still, the growth of the protagonists is something to cheer for and you can't help falling in love with the romance of the story, no matter the dark betrayals.
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