The Pink Carnation Begins Secretly

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
Author: Lauren Willing
Publisher: NAL Trade
ISBN: 1863254781

This novel is written both in the present and also in the past as the narrator herself is immersed in the world of the Pink Carnation. The ending of the book leads well into having more books of the same world, as can be seen in the series created by the author. Overall, this book possesses ingenuity, proper manners and the right spice to keep it interesting and to keep the reader flipping through the pages.

The light and cheery tone sets a great pace that allows the reader to become immersed and reluctant to put the book down, just as the narrarator is reluctant to book down the story she is reading about the Pink Carnation. Until the very end of the book, we do not know for sure who the Pink Carnation is, but we know that the main character, Amy Balcourt, is determined become a spy.

Amy and her mother were sent to live in England while political turmoil was too dangerous for them to live in their home country of France. As a child, Amy loved to read about the Scarlett Pimpernel and practiced her spy skills so that one day, when she was able to return to France, she would be able to join his league. Finally her time has come and her brother, who is still in France, invites her to his house. Because the Scarlett Pimpernel has retired, Amy now hopes to join the league of the Purple Gentian.

The man of the story, Lord Richard Selwick, realizes that he is falling in love with Amy, but decides that it is to her benefit that he never reveal his secret identity - as the Purple Gentian. Amy believes she is falling in love with the Purple Gentian and this tangle continues to produce the outcome of the Pink Carnation. It's a great read, really able to hold a reader's attention and I highly recommend it!

This book was borrowed from a book exchange. I have received no compensation for writing this review.