Roseanna M. White’s latest novel A Beautiful Disguise is a fun romp through glittering Edwardian society that will keep you on your toes where not everything is as it seems. Who else but White could pull together retired gypsies, circus animals, acrobats, a castle, nobility, and spies all in one story and have it feel completely logical?
White is a master of taking a seemingly random assortment of elements and pulling them together into a cohesive story with a common theme, and A Beautiful Disguise is clearly an example of that. From the very first page you’ll be drawn in to a world full of spies, disguises, and intrigue where nothing is as it appears – and that only makes it more fun.
I loved Marigold Fairfax as a leading lady. She’s bold, brave, and determined, yet she’s a bit tired of having to wear a mask. Sir Merritt Livingstone makes a formidable opponent in love as he, too, is determined to find out the truth – about who’s been murdering British agents. White explores the topic of truth, unity, and love in a variety of ways in this story through the characters’ engagement with acrobatics, intrigue, and circus animals. The contrast between the two – and White’s brilliance in making this scenario feel completely logical and realistic – create a novel that’s both entertaining and enlightening.
I always highlight pieces of text while reading a White novel, and I found myself pondering deep quotes with this one. The language is a bit lyrical and a bit provocative with a depth that made me look at it and linger. Lines like “The truth isn’t always pretty. But I like to think it’s always beautiful,” need to be on mugs and posters. The truth of A Beautiful Disguise will linger in my thoughts long after I’ve turned the last page – and I think that’s why this is a perfect book for book clubs and slow summer reads. It’s the kind of book you’ll laugh about and want to discuss both – so grab your copy now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
