Edwardian London - city of contrasts - where women were only just starting to be accepted in the work place. Polly is ambitious and she wants to leave her working class upbringing behind and make a better life for herself. She gets a job as a stenographer with an import/export company which is owned by a Duke's family. Polly soon makes herself indispensable but she is not popular with some of her co-workers. Once she meets and falls in love with Lord Peter, the younger son of the Duke, she thinks her dream has come true but there will be many problems before Polly finally finds happiness.I loved the characters in this entertaining and amusing story. Polly at first glance seems not to be a sympathetic character but I found myself warming to her as she tried to fight her way through all the nuances and traps for the unwary in an unfamiliar social milieu. I thought all the characters were well done and the dialogue believable and fast paced. I liked Polly's family - especially Ma - and the way she has no problem getting on with the aristocracy without changing the way she behaves.This is a real feel good story and it managed to get me out of a bad mood and made me laugh. I loved the sub plot with the invalid Lady Blenkinsop and her irascible husband. Mr Baines, the office manager, is also an ultimately lovable character as are the other office workers. The book is well written and if you want something to make you feel better about life then try Polly. Great literature it isn't but it is first class entertainment and an enjoyable read.
What do You think about Polly (Edwardian Candlelight, #1) (2012)?
