Thank you very much to Pan Macmillan | Macmillan for granting me access to this ARC. This book was like a tender hug for someone who lives in England and identifies as English. It encompasses everything one loves about a captivating historical fiction novel. The dual timelines were easy to follow, and I found the writing to be absolutely delightful. Overall, this book is a masterpiece in storytelling!

I loved “The Attic Child” from this author, and was thrilled to receive this latest book to review. Really like the dual timeline, exploring ancestry, empowerment and courage that flows throughout this book. Enjoyed the first part of the book more than the latter stages but overall another really great read..Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.

Temi and Landri's journey is one of self knowledge and empowerment, although devided by more than a century. Their journeys of self-discovery and resistance against oppression are both empowering and heartbreaking.
The Manual for Good Wives is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of resilience and empowerment. Jaye’s storytelling shines as she delivers a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This book was heartbreaking and very different from the usual light stuff I read. It was also incredibly well written and very captivating.

It’s is a dual timeline with Temi in Victorian times and Landri in the present. The main story is about Temi, an African princess, who left behind her much older, abusive husband, and baby daughter, and fled her home country to be with her beloved Olu.

This book reminded me of the Lessons in Chemistry, it is a similar setup of an independent, strong minded woman who loses the love of her life and has to fend for herself and her family. This was however less depressing and I enjoyed it a lot more.
Don’t get me wrong, Temi’s life was full of pain and hardship, but there was strength in the way she dealt with it, which made this book one about hope rather than misery.
She was a Black woman in Victorian England, but she navigated that world like a true badass and it was a delight to read. She knew her worth and didn’t allow anybody to treat her like anything less.

The ending made me cry a little but it was absolutely perfect for both, Temi and Landri.

If you enjoy poignant, well paced historical fiction and dual timelines, this is definitely worth a try.

TW: forced marriage, sexual assault, loss of a loved one, grief, racism

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beautiful storytelling by Lola Jaye! Just like the Attic Child, The Manual for Good Wives puts the characters and their development in the spotlight - not just their hardships. I loved the jumps between the different timelines as well and how the stories of our two heroines become more intertwined over time. Great character development and beautifully written, I would recommend this book to anyone. 4.5 stars rounded up

The Manual for Good Wives is a historical novel of female resilience and connection across time.

As in The Attic Child, Jaye employs a dual narrative to unravel a gentle historical mystery. Though Temi and Landri are separated by over a century, both are on similar journeys to establish their own independent identities. When Landri finds Temi's old journals, she finds a kindred spirit who gives her the strength to face her own conflicts.

It's an enjoyable read, but I kept hoping for a little more. Temi has so much potential, but I felt the compacted narrative didn't quite allow her spirited character enough space to thrive.

I loved this book! I loved the strength of the women within its pages, I loved how Landri was able to honour Temi as she deserved and I loved how itdidn't shy away from the racism in Victorian England. The ending was so beautiful and emotional and I really enjoyed how everything ended up.
The writing!!! I thought it was incredible.
I'm not articulating this review very well but trust me when I say, this book is one you need to add to your tbr!

A very well written novel which takes the lines and stories of Jane Austen and uses a black victorian woman to turn it all on its head. I enjoyed it but sometimes it was a bit confusing as to what I was supposed to be feeling. The cultural differences and the strength of the women - the lead character - was someone I really enjoyed reading about.