Splendor (A Luxe Novel) - Anna Godbersen

June 21, 2010

New beginnings. Shocking revelations. Unexpected endings.
As spring turns into summer, Elizabeth relishes her new role as a young wife, while her sister, Diana, searches for adventure abroad. But when a surprising clue about their father's death comes to light, the Holland girls wonder at what cost a life of splendor comes. In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites chase dreams, cling to promises, and tempt fate. Only one question remains: Will they fade away or will they shine ever brighter? (Chapters, CA)

     This book starts off far from the usual polished scene of early 20th century New York, and instead presents a vibrant and zesty Cuba. Diana and Henry are both on the island; she with short hair and no inhibitions, and he upon the pretense of being at war. Elizabeth is already married when the book begins, and seems to be embracing said life. Penelope and Carolina are the same status-whores as always; no surprise there.

     Throughout the series I have loved Diana and been most interested in her story, and this book was no exception. Needless to say, I was glad that she seemed to be showcased a bit more than the others. Don’t get me wrong, the different stories were all realized to their full potential, but Diana was definitely the heroine of this one.

     I probably liked Splendor the best of the books, but only slightly more than The Luxe. Overall, I have to say I am satisfied with how everyone ended up. In some cases I was pleasantly surprised that the outcome wasn’t predictable; it made the books seem that much more real. There wasn’t exactly any more character development necessary, leaving so much more room for plot development, which was just right in my opinion for the last book of the series.

     I loved every moment of each book, and found that every aspect was enchanting yet believable. I strongly urge you to read this book; this is a series which won’t disappoint!

     I have to say, I just knew there was something not right about Snowden. I rarely pick up on cues like that, but Godbersen’s writing style really speaks to me. What a cold, calculating creep! Having Will murdered, and being there in the wing the whole time, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce on Elizabeth and her golden oil field. Admittedly, for him to have held on so long, and remained undiscovered so long is an impressive feat, but of course it just makes the deed that much more repulsive. I was surprised when he died; the description of how fragile was Elizabeth, and how strong and sturdy Snowden stood didn’t add up to her pushing him down the stairs, to his death.

     I love Teddy (see my Book Beau post for more luscious details). I spent the entire book waiting for him to come back from war. As soon as he and Diana were talking at Schoonmaker Sr.’s funeral, I knew he would rescue Elizabeth, and they would end up together. I really liked that ending for Liz; she had a fairly shitty last few years, so I felt that this conclusion really suited her. And of course she and Teddy are perfect for one another.

     Referring back to my earlier Luxe posts, I really hate Lina, "aka Carolina" (blah-blah-hoity-toity-nonsense). I didn’t want to see her out on the streets, and Longhorn’s fortune made it possible for her to still appear as a society girl, therefore giving me more chances to hate her. Such a shallow little girl, with ridiculous hopes of marrying the likes of Leland Bouchard. *here is where I roll my eyes* I will say though, that I personally hate Lina, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate her story or character. I was hooked the entire time. That said, I felt bad for Leland the whole time he was falling in love with Lina. I still don’t think she knows what love is, unless it’s love of self or wealth. The fact that Tristan kept popping up annoyed me, I really felt like his time had come and gone. His presence did however, offer me more opportunities to scoff at Lina for trying to pay him off the way she did. Obviously that wasn’t going to end well. I was very happy for Claire (who I’ve been silently rooting for all along) when she was finally able to step out of the position of maid, and live with her sister in sweet naïve, ignorant bliss.

     I did have a very short moment of sympathy when Leland finally broke up with Carolina. Granted, what she did was wrong in so many ways, but I feel that him not forgiving her, or giving her a second chance, despite how he felt just proves that he is shallow like the rest of them. Perhaps they deserve each other. Out of all the characters, Leland is perhaps the only one who I feel I didn’t get to know very well. Throughout the book I thought that his story was building slowly and something big would happen at the end, but then he breaks it off with Carolina and *poof* all gone. I found that a little strange, and I still don’t quite know what to make of it.

     Penelope. What a character. She cares so much about keeping up appearances, so I found it odd when she was out so soon after her "miscarriage" and while her husband was at "war". But of course, Penelope reminds me a bit of Scarlett O’Hara; all she wants to do is dance and flirt with rich men. Obviously her condition wasn’t going to prevent her from appearing in society for too long. Penelope’s first public appearance was at Carolina’s party at the latter’s new house, where the former met the Prince of Bavaria. He too has a wild side, and Penelope felt their relationship was perfect. She even began to give up fighting for Henry. She didn’t actually stop trying to make his life miserable, but she did temporarily distract herself with games and royal sex.

     Is it harsh for me to say that she finally got hers in the end? Penelope is a bad person. Sure, she’s relatable and human, but that doesn’t mean she’s not bad. She spent the entire series trying to win Henry over, resorting to force and blackmail when her sexual allure lost its fire, threatening to ruin the reputation of his true love, and cheating on him with someone with a higher title. Princess trumps Schoonmaker. I too thought she would end up with Bavaria, but I suppose we both should have known it was nothing more than a Prince taking what he wanted in the impressionable new-world society before settling down with a comptesse, as is his duty. And I am satisfied with the way this turned out. Penelope needed to learn once and for all that being conniving will come back to haunt you.

     I left Diana and Henry until the end, because I’m still savouring their story, and I wish it wasn’t over.

     I have believed in the strength and magic of their connection since halfway through Rumors; there is no way for them not to end up together. Despite all Penelope’s threats to ruin her, Diana is so much stronger than to allow society to dictate her life. Through Envy, I still thought they would be together, but I didn’t have full conviction that Henry would find a way to leave Penelope. As soon as the Prince appeared, I knew there was nothing stopping him anymore, and practically started holding my breath waiting for him to finally go to his father. Of course, the shock of Henry asserting himself was enough for the old man to kick the bucket. Even after the death, I was still convinced that Henry would take his inheritance and run away with Di to Paris. Clearly, that never happened.

     I was really happy when Elizabeth made the suggestion for the two of them to run away to Paris. She was right in saying that they could never truly be together in New York, and I was so sure that Henry would see that too. He’s such a cad, thinking that Diana would be his always and anywhere, but that was never the point. I was surprised when she agreed to be his Mistress (which I think happened in Envy?) because she just seems too proud for that.

     Though I would never turn down another chance to read about Diana, I feel as though her story was complete, if bittersweet. I was drop-jaw shocked when Diana left Henry standing sadly alone on the pier. Some part of me still feels a little cheated by this, but another part feels that it’s the perfect ending. I understand her not wanting to stay in New York, and not wanting Henry to follow her just because, but I almost expected him to tie everything neatly up in New York and follow her to Paris later. Instead he sent letters asking her to come back? .... Maybe that’s how this would have ended up in todays world, but back then you often married your first love, and often young. It felt very ahead of her time what she did, and that is perhaps the only thing which I feel doesn't fit perfectly.

     I love stories, or at least the idea of stories, which do not have a predictable and sappy ending. There is just something about this book, and Diana’s character in particular, which really made me want love for her. And not just any love, but Henry’s love. Her first love. The passion and energy and intensity they had was so pure, it just makes sense for them to end up together after everything.

     Despite all that, I really loved the way Henry ended up. Married unhappily – dumbfounded perhaps – to Penelope. Two peas of the same pod; brought together by stale lust and threats, remaining together out of convenience and because there is nothing else for either of them to do. They are condemned to a bejeweled life of false pretenses, disingenuous parties and melancholy.