Beau Scamp by CM Harris
This review first appeared on Reedsy Discovery. Read the Reedsy Discovery version here.
Charlotte Goddard has been going by Charlie for as long as anyone can remember. Her father told her it would be safer to be seen as a boy. But, what did that man know of safety? He was hanged a year ago for being a highwayman. But, subjugated by a wealthy family for generations, Charlie has continued his father's legacy by presenting as a highwayman who steals riches and romances willing ladies. But when his childhood friend, Lady Catherina Pemberton realizes that not only is Charlie the infamous Beau Scamp, but Charlotte, life gets much more complicated. Adding more complexity, Charlie/Charlotte has loved Catherina since they were children. And, unbeknownst to Charlie/Charlotte, Catherina knows that only women excite her romantically. But, can the two find a way to be together, support each other, and escape any societal expectations that may exist for women of their respective stations?
Author CM Harris has done an impeccable job of providing enough historical context to give Beau Scamp a profound sense of reality, but also writes with such passionate prose that readers will maintain hope that the two women can find a true way to believe in each other as well as establish a true life together.
While "Charlie" and Catherina come from impressively different socioeconomic classes, they do both feel restrained by the expectations of their sex and their station. Charlie believes that no one who is rich truly perceives those poorer than them and could not possible care about their plights--so taking their money and any of their morals is well within her rights. Catherina believes she must find a way to fit in with upper society or all of her life will be for naught. Yet, even with a convenient offer from a man who is also looking for an easy relationship knowing that they cannot be true loves, Catherina feels that she yearns for more.
Harris has portrayed each of her characters with vital clarity. Yes, there are villains in her story, but there were evil people like that in the late 1700s (and, as one could point out, there are still in the this millennium). However, Harris also shows how queer people and allies have existed, even if their lives, choices, and advocacy looked different than they do today.
Too often, queer characters (especially those portrayed in historical novels) meet untimely and/or horrific ends. Harris shows how two women, who are deeply in love, could find a way to commit their lives to each other and make a meaningful life together.
Yes, Beau Scamp is a historical romance novel with enticing and exciting intimate moments (and this alone is no small feat), but it is more than that: it is a reminder that the queer community has always existed, and will continue despite any obstacles erected by cruel actors. "Beau Scamp" is both an erotic and an empowering read.
Comments
Post a Comment