The Manual for Good Wives

Everything about Adeline Copplefield is a lie . . .

To the world Mrs Copplefield is the epitome of Victorian propriety: an exemplary society lady who writes a weekly column advising young ladies on how to be better wives.

Only Adeline has never been a good wife or mother; she has no claim to the Copplefield name, nor is she an English lady . . .

Now a black woman, born in Africa, who dared to pretend to be something she was not, is on trial in the English courts with all of London society baying for her blood. And she is ready to tell her story . . .

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I find books written in multiple timelines tricky. Keeping track of who knows what and when they found out and how that flashback affects the current day - it can get a bit much. But I have discovered when the timelines are far enough apart, it's a much easier read. There are two timelines in this novel, one in the Victorian era and one contemporary.

The blurb covers only a tiny fraction of what the story is actually about. I don't want to spoil too much, as watching it unfold and come together was so wonderful. Just know that both storylines are amazing and heartwarming, there is found family and some wonderful "Ah hah!" moments. This is the perfect read for a cosy afternoon with some good choc and a glass of bubbly. Highly recommended.

Book recommendation: Weyward by Emilia Hart. Echoing the timeline structure, many of the themes are also similar, and the writing will draw you in.

Film recommendation: If you appreciated the themes of identity and defying societal expectations in Adeline Copplefield, Hidden Figures is a must-watch. It tells the inspiring true story of three African-American women mathematicians who made vital contributions to NASA's space program, breaking barriers in a racially segregated and male-dominated world.