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The Proposition by Judith Ivory
 | The Proposition Judith Ivory Romance novel 1999 Rating: B+ |
It's hard to believe it's been eight years since I last read The Proposition. I remember so clearly Ellen's review of this book. Eight years! How time does fly. And unfortunately it's flown with far too few new Judith Ivory books appearing between then and now.
Anyway, I re-read this book for the dog. Which is ironic because the dog only makes a few appearances, really. But I remembered that Magic, the dog, is a ratting dog, and having run into a few dogs recently with strong ratting tendencies, I was reminded of that dog and wanted to reacquaint myself with him. I also remember Jennifer Crusie saying this book was perfect except for what happened to Magic in the end [Spoilers (highlight to read): Mick sells him to an associate when he decides to pursue a new career as a valet, deciding that Magic will be happier as a working dog.] Why I remember this and where it originally was said, I'm not sure. Having read the book with my Humane Society experience behind me, I think Magic has an appropriately happy ending, given his instincts and energy level.
So, The Proposition. This is basically a retelling of Pygmalion/My Fair Lady with the gender roles reversed. Lady Edwina Bollash is a marquess's daughter who lost her privileged life when her father died and her cousin inherited. Since then she's supported herself as a linguist, training debutantes and other would-be parvenus to speak with a more upper class accent. One day as she is taking tea in a public cafe, there is a commotion when a man enters followed by an angry crowd of people. He has one of the most interesting appalling accents she has ever heard, a mix of cockney and Cornwall. In a strange twist, after attempting to save him from a beating, she is presented with a challenge from a couple of wager-happy bystanders, a dare if you will: if Edwina can transform this man, Mick Tremore, into a gentleman in six weeks and pass him off as so at a ball, they will pay them both a generous stipend. Edwina is tempted only because the ball will be given by her cousin, the one who caused her current situation. She would like to know she put one over on him. Mick on the other hand, could use the cash. So the two of them begin an awkward, tension filled acquaintance which soon results in a different kind of tension building.
The thing is, I remembered this book as being one of Judith Ivory/Judy Cuevas's lighter efforts - a romp, really. And Mick is fairly angst free for a hero - an alpha male who's nonetheless kind and generous, willing to take life a day at a time and wring what he can out of it. He's a joy of a character - virile and sexy but a nice human being at his core. Edwina, on the other hand, is a bit more broken. Her background, while luxurious, was emotionally barren. Her mother left the family when her daughter was young, and her father was only interested in linguistics. Edwina is also a great gawk of a girl - taller than most men, beaky-nosed, small-breasted, and wide-hipped. She hasn't had any opportunities to marry and expects none. To protect herself she abides by every social rule she knows. She takes no chances, never puts herself out to be mocked or criticized. Yet her life is a self-imposed exile. She is lonely. Mick, with his exuberance and charisma sweeps in and tempts her with what life could be. She tutors him on how to be more gentlemanly. He tutors her in how to be more human.
This is a sexy book. The sexual tension between Edwina and Mick is thick and only gets thicker. No one writes sexual tension like Judith Ivory. There is also a power struggle as to who is in charge in this endeavor. It takes a long time for Winnie to realize it's not her, nor does she really want it to be. However, as sexy and fairytale-ish this book is, it's also a story of a woman who has been made so afraid of life that she would rather talk to plants than people. I felt for Winnie. Her angst was real and I could relate to it. Hardly any woman feels truly attractive all (or even most?) of the time. There is always someone prettier, someone socially more adept. The tone of the book was sadder than I'd remembered it being, though, because of this. Mick is the heart of this book, but Winnie is the soul, and the soul is in pain. Also, the difference between Mick and Winnie's social standings is very great; so great, it's hard to believe there can be a happy ending for them. With his energy and work ethic, Mick can never be an idle gentleman, and Winnie doesn't want to live in even more reduced circumstances or give up her work.
Ivory solves this problem in a way that is consistent with the book's fairy tale premise, a fact that made many readers angry. I can understand this, in a way. She does rather wave a wand and sweep 300 pages of serious conflict under the rug. I was willing to go along with it, though, as I wanted Mick and Winnie to be happy and I think, in fairy tales at least, sometimes things should just work out. Ivory tends to rush her endings. It's a weakness for her. This one isn't so much rushed as contrived, and may be a make it/break it factor for readers. For me, it made it. If this isn't problematic for you, dear reader, I'd recommend The Proposition as a solid romance with many heart-tugging moments.