Pick up these 5 books if Bridgerton on Netflix has left you craving for more Regency-era romances, strong female characters and a lot of love!
[In Lady Whistledown’s voice]
Dear Reader,
As one traverses the pages of history and indulges in the splendid tales of the past, one cannot help but be captivated by the allure of a bygone era – a world of grandeur, romance, and societal intricacies. The resplendent spectacle that is Bridgerton on Netflix has transported one to the opulent portrayal of Regency-era London, where societal norms dance hand-in-hand with forbidden desires.
In the hallowed halls of the Ton, where every glance carries weight and every whisper can scandalize, one finds themselves enthralled by the tales of the Bridgerton family. From the elegance of its Regency-era setting to the inclusivity woven into its casting tapestry, Bridgerton on Netflix weaves a spell that transcends time. The narrative unfolds with the charm of high society, bringing forth social commentary and mystery, all while celebrating the strength of familial bonds and redefining the very essence of romance. Amidst the fluttering fans and clandestine meetings, the series presents a tableau of empowered and independent female characters who defy the constraints of their era.
As one embarks on a literary sojourn inspired by the splendors of Bridgerton, I invite you to delve into the pages of these carefully selected books. Here, you shall find echoes of the themes that make Bridgerton on Netflix a tapestry of elegance, intrigue, and passion. Let the rustle of silk and the fragrance of scandal guide you as you explore these 5 novels that mirror the grace and allure of a world enamored with love, secrets, and societal expectations.
Yours in anticipation of delightful revelations,
Lady List-ledown!
Regency – Era Setting & Aesthetic Appeal
Pick up any Jane Austen book for this, really. But – let’s talk about Emma, in particular.
Emma by Jane Austen
Emma is an English classic that follows the charming yet misguided ‘Emma’ Woodhouse, who is an affluent and confident young woman in England. Believing herself [mistakenly, of course] to be an excellent matchmaker, she sets out to arrange suitable marriages for her friends, most of them with unintended consequences. Starting with the marriage of her previous governess, which she credits herself, for introducing the couple, she moves on to bigger pursuits. As she continues to tangle herself into others’ romantic entanglements, her own romantic misgivings come to the surface. With this, the plot weaves a blanket of societal expectations, misunderstandings, and personal growth, most of all for Emma herself – with her exploration of love, self-discovery, and the follies of youthful arrogance.
The book has a spirited and mischievous heroine. The book’s main focus is on matchmaking maps with the unfettered intentions of the various wealthy “mamas” and “Lady Danbury”s of Bridgerton on Netflix. Along with the Regency-era aesthetic appeal of the book in general, the book is full of the regal language and formal undertones that Austen novels usually comprise. The keen observations of social hierarchy and the minute nuances of courtship will resonate with the sophistication seen on the show. Along with this, the 2020 film adaptation starring Anya Taylor-Joy offers a fresh take on the classic tale, while the 2010 Hindi film adaptation ‘Aisha’ provides a modern take with contemporary aesthetics and music.
Narrative Voice & Social Commentary
Did you enjoy Lady Whistledown and her neat, sneaky observations about her peers and other families? Then we have just the book series for you – Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar!
Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar
Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar is a riveting book series that immerses readers in the glamorous and scandalous world of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The story unfolds through Upper East Side’s omniscient, mysterious gossip blogger, who calls herself Gossip Girl, and that’s all people know about her. Her identity remains a well-guarded secret for most of the show, and she sends out text blasts about the niche group of wealthy teenagers in Manhattan – against the backdrop of elite prep schools and the city’s social hierarchy. The series kicks off with the return of Serena van der Woodsen, who had been sent to boarding school a year before, stirring the social dynamics among a group of elite teenagers. Gossip Girl’s fiery blog soon dishes out secrets, scandals, and private affairs of the socialites.
A snarky narrator, with salacious blog posts, dripping with controversial revelations and biting commentary, is a major part of both Bridgerton on Netflix as well as Gossip Girl. As secrets are exposed, the series delves into the complexities of youth, love, and the pursuit of social status. The characters, from the glamorous Blair Waldorf to the brooding Chuck Bass, navigate a world where appearances are everything, and Gossip Girl’s influence looms large over their every move. The mystery and intrigue surrounding Gossip Girl’s identity also makes up a big part of the book series, as well as the popular television show.
Also Read: The 10 Best Romantic Comedy Movies of 2022
Family Dynamics & Sibling Relationships
If you enjoyed the sprawling families in Bridgerton on Netflix, with their complex family and sibling dynamics, our recommendation would be The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney.
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
At the heart of this book is a shared family trust referred to by the children as The Nest, which is expected to be distributed among the Plumb siblings when the youngest, Melody, turns forty. The siblings – Leo, Jack, Bea, and Melody – spend their lives anticipating their impending windfall from The Nest. However, their expectations are shattered when Leo, the eldest and the catalyst for the family’s fortune, jeopardizes the trust with a reckless incident. The revelation of Leo’s misdeed sends shockwaves through the family, and the once-certain future becomes uncertain. Soon after, the siblings have to come to terms with their impending financial doom, and they are forced to confront their individual challenges and insecurities. Leo, a former bad boy, struggles with addiction and a tarnished reputation; Jack, an antiques dealer, faces financial ruin; Bea, a writer, contends with her stalled career and personal choices; and Melody, a stay-at-home mom, grapples with marital discontent.
The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks, providing insights into the siblings’ shared history and the events that shaped their relationships. The book is full of themes of love, betrayal, and the impact of financial expectations on emotional tolls. The book ultimately explores how financial obligations and entanglements can either strain or strengthen familial bonds, often both. It reflects the family life, pursuit of happiness together, and unpredictable turns in a family’s fortune, that Bridgerton on Netflix also has as subplots. A passionate and warm read overall!
Redefining Romance Tropes
Whether it be Daphne and Simon’s fake-relationship-to-true-eternal-love trope, or Penelope and Colin’s wallflower romance, the series takes up multiple typical romantic storylines and makes it its own. If you enjoyed these romantic escapes in the show, you will love Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
The novel starts off being a quirky story with a quirky protagonist, Lou Clark and ends up being a heart-wrenching love story, which is not a phrase we use light-heartedly. She lives in a small English town, and her life takes an unexpected turn when she has to become the caregiver for Will Traynor, a once-successful and adventurous man who is left quadriplegic after a tragic accident. Initially terribly bitter and perennially upset due to his altered circumstances, he slowly forms a deep connection between himself and Louisa, much transcending the boundaries of caregiver and patient. Eventually, the book devolves into the ethical complexities surrounding the right to choose one’s fate – and the limitations of love and life in general. Moyes skillfully navigates a delicate subject matter, weaving a narrative that prompts readers to reflect on the value of life and personal autonomy.
Me Before You is a story that elicits a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, as it grapples with the complexities of love and loss – two most important themes in the show itself. The book also supplies a myriad of well-written supporting characters, each contributing to the story in their own way. The writing is tender and insightful, challenging the readers to contemplate the meaning of a life well-lived, and the profound impact we can have on one another. If interested further, you can also catch the 2016 film adaptation starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke.
Empowerment & Independence of Female Characters
If you loved the fierce Kate Sharma and her era-defying behaviour, wholeheartedly supported by Lady Danbury – another wilful and witty female character in the series, you will love The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
A historical novel that delves into the tumultuous world of the Tudor Court and the people surviving in it, this story is told through the voice of Mary Boleyn, sister to the infamous Anne Boleyn, as she navigates the treacherous waters of court-related intrigue and romance. It begins with Mary catching the eye of King Henry VIII, leading to her becoming his mistress. However, her ambitious family has greater plans for her, and they thrust her into the dangerous game of politics. Anne’s arrival further complicates matters, as both their goals clash and drive a wedge into their sisterly relationship. As Anne’s popularity increases, the family’s fortunes seem to be in order for some time, but due to the scheming politics, twists abound. However, soon Anne breaks with the Catholic Church and thirsts for influence. This tests the sisterly bonds between two fiercely independent women, as they take actions with both familial and self-preservation in mind.
Women having to juggle family ties with their own autonomy, and sometimes sanity, is nothing new. However, the book also explores the other side – the cost of ambition in a world where political alliances are as fragile as the many whims of the king himself. Both the book and the show are captivating tales of aspirations, intrigue, and the indomitable spirits of families trying to wade through the perilous struggles of power through one of the most interesting periods in history.
