TJ Alexander’s A Gentleman’s Gentleman is a passion project done very well. I loved it so much.
Lord Christopher Eden is a “man of unusual make” who has built a quiet life for himself in the country that he loves. Unfortunately, his father’s will requires that he marry before his birthday in order to fully inherit the family estate. This means leaving going to London for the Season and trying to appear acceptable to society. This means he needs a valet, so he asks that his lawyers send him a suitable candidate. Enter James Harding, professional valet and stern man. James does not understand why Christopher won’t allow him to do his job and dress Lord Eden. James does his best to be respectful of Christopher’s boundaries and also be a good employee. He also has some thoughts about who Christopher might marry.
Christopher, Lord Eden, is the only point of view we get, and it is lovely to spend time in his head. It’s also a bit lonely. He has two servants who have known him since he was a baby, a school friend with whom he has corresponded, and one friend, his tailor in London, who knows his secret. Christopher lives with more ghosts than people. When James arrives, suddenly Christopher has a new person to talk to, and gradually a new friend. Of course, he falls in love with James, who is very serious, but also thoughtful and kind. Alexander gives us so many reasons to root for these two. This book has range from deep grief and despair to some sublime moments of ridiculousness. It would make an excellent tv series with its gorgeous costumes, sly wit, and emotional truths.
While I was reading, I thought some about the historical romances I read in the 1990s in which a young woman lives as a boy for reasons, sometimes as a servant, and falls in love with a man who thinks she is a boy. There are some nods to those gender and class tropes, and also a deeper meditation on gender and living as your authentic self. The moment of truth between Christopher and James is so full of love. I loved their friendship, and their romance felt like a reward.
When I read TJ Alexander’s debut, Chef’s Kiss, I felt like they were clumsy with some issues that deserved more care. In A Gentleman’s Gentleman, they treat all of their characters with care and respect. Right now, anti-trans messaging and anti-trans laws are being pushed hard by those in power. I would feel comfortable handing A Gentleman’s Gentleman to anyone to remind them that even in times of erasure and invisibility, the world is wide and full of grace; and to anyone screeching about “accuracy,” please reference my middle finger.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Vintage and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.