Realage: Are You As Young As You Can Be?

I greatly enjoyed most aspects of this book. The only thing that irritated me about this was the subtle anti-Indian sentiment I picked up on. Often when describing certain aspects of Indian culture the term barbaric was thrown around. India was referred to as a dangerous place not safe for a child, with little consideration that perhaps decades of British colonisation had made it so. I understand that the book is set in a time period when the characters may have had even worse feelings about India and Indians. However, Putney does not shy away from unconventional heroes and heroines who don't agree with the popular sentiments of their era, so it is not unimaginable that her characters would have had anti-racist and anti-colonialist views if she so desired. I also understand that the book was written about 20 years ago, and certain sentiments concerning the terms ‘barbaric and savage' have changed greatly, so I am inclined to be less harsh in my assessment. However, it was something that diminished my enjoyment of this book.

Another book which tackles the aftermath of a traumatic event, this time the raid of a compound while in India which leads to the murder of the heroine's parents. Meriel returns from India a mute, content to spend her days in her extensive English garden communing with nature and ignoring the pain of the human world. When Dominic arrives, having never been able to stand watching any animal hurt, he finds a kindred spirit in Meriel, despite her silence.

Though the plot is fairly standard for historical fiction, as always, Putney's characters shine. Meriel has these inklings, a different understanding of the world. She sees beauty in weeds, auras around those who matter, and disregards societal rules. Which made for her seductive pursuit of Dominic rather entertaining. She had watched animals in rut for years, she thinks she understands what is to be done. Poor Dominic, though he had rakish years, is mortified, making for humorous and sensual scenes where he clutches the arms of chairs and refuses to look at Meriel as she pursues him.

I feel as though the treatment of the relationship between the twins Kyle and Dominic could have been explored more. I loved the tender and passionate relationship between Dominic and Meriel. Again, this is a story where the beta hero shines, helping the heroine come out of her shell so they can have a healthy, equal relationship. Read this book for an unconventional heroine, a wonderful beta hero that I'd want to bring home with me, and hints of Putney's Guardian series through the odd little quirks Meriel exhibits.