Splendor: A Luxe Novel

Well! The Luxe is over, and in spite of its ups and downs, I rather liked this series, and Splendor in particular. I think Godbersen definitely improved her storytelling as things progressed, and though I’m not massively in love with these books, I do think they’re worth reading if you’re interested in this type of thing.

As far as final installments go, I was very pleased with Splendor. This is a case where every character gets his or her “just desserts”, which works very well for the sort of plotline Godbersen was working with. It’s always very nice to feel have a good sense of satisfaction and rightness after closing a book for the last time. I approve of what Anna Godbersen did in Splendor.

The drama and scandal in Splendor was also much less understated, as it was in Envy. I appreciated that quite a bit, because I think it’s possible to write a very dramatic plot without adding in so many flamboyant twists that the book comes to resemble a paperclip. I wouldn’t say there were any truly shocking moments in this book, but it was still very-well constructed.

Character-wise, I’m still not completely wowed by any of the people in this book. A few of them lost their two-dimensionalness (notably Carolina Broad/Lina Broud), but a few, while likable, were not realistic people. For instance, I did grow to like Elizabeth Holland a lot over the course of this series, but I loved her because she was like a fairy princess, too good to be true, and naturally, you want the pure, perfect girl to get everything she wants. Either that or die a tragic death befitting her perfectness. You know.

I’m still very firm in my belief that Anna Godbersen is a very talented author, even if she doesn’t do as much with her ability as I’d like. Splendor was no different in that respect. Godbersen can carry a storyline without problem, and I’m always engaged in what she’s saying, even if I am rolling my eyes all the while.

Over the course of the four Luxe books, Anna Godbersen and I have come to a sort of understanding. I don’t ask for brilliant characterization and earth-shattering prose, and she gives me a fluffy and oh-so-enjoyable storyline to curl up in bed with. It’s an arrangement that suits the both of us, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reader reviewed by Elena

This is the 4th and final book in the Luxe series. I really enjoyed reading this book. There was a lot of romance and some betrayal. As I read this book I couldn't stop reading. This book was a good conclusion to the series. What really disappointed me was the ending (look below for more information). I was sad when the series was over. I look forward to the author's upcoming book titled Bright Young Things.

Reader reviewed by Ana

I loved this book, as I have loved all of them (except Rumors) but this one had the writing style I love and the characters.  It was like a tribute to Newland Archer and Ellen Olenska from the Age of Innocence, and Edith Wharton  (the author)

As for  the ending (No spoilers here!) was unexpected, but if you really read it it makes sense to what the characters are like.  In my opinion.  I just wished Penelope had been cruelly divorced, wandered in hearbreak into the forest and gotten her face clawed out by a bear, but maybe the publishers at Harper wouldn't have appreciated that plot twist.