Well-written but not really escapist
This is as well-written as the other books in the Pride and Prejudice-imitations/sequels genre by this author. Clean, elevated style, delicate phrasing, interesting plots; not, of course, really like Jane Austen but with the names of many of her original characters, and more restrained language than is customary in the 21st century. But aspects of the plot, though recounted in restrained phrasing, are so horrifying (i.e. references to physical sadism) as to put it outside of pure escapist literature. I far prefer others of her books.