I just finished reading Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton. It was fantastic! It was the first book in a long time that I just couldn’t put down, and when I had to put it down (to, you know, cook dinner for the family and stuff like that) I would smile fondly at it.
I picked this book up because Melissa @ Avid Reader’s Musings compared it to Pride and Prejudice. I can see what she meant, as both books could be described as a novel of manners. However, Tooth and Claw reminded me much more of a mini-series I watched recently called He Knew He Was Right (it features David Tennant in a key role 🙂 ). He Knew He Was Right was written by Anthony Trollope, who Jo Walton credits as a major influence on Tooth and Claw. So, now I have to read some Anthony Trollope. 🙂
Okay, I bet you’re wondering why I’m so enamored of a faux Victorian novel, right? Because all the main characters are dragons! Yes, you read that right. Not only do we have a witty Victorian plot full of quirky characters, but there is the added fun of marvelous fantasy world-building! Be still my heart!
For a more in depth review, try The Book Smugglers.
Okay, on to the outfit! Here is my quote:
“You may not be the eldest, but you are a dragon grown. We are just useless females,” Selendra said, her violet eyes flashing. “Afterthoughts. Nobody tells us anything. We are doubtless to be dinner for the rest of you, and I would have appreciated a little time to prepare myself for that.”
And my look:
I chose this sweater because the color reminds me of Selendra’s purple eyes and, more importantly, the sequins remind me of dragon scales.
Of course, after writing all this, and picking the top portion of this outfit, I remembered that I told Maricel and Anne that I would read a 1930s book and combine T3 and Anne’s 1930s link up. Oops!
Luckily for me, this belted sweater is perfect for a 1930s look! The puffed shoulders and fitted sleeves, skinny belt, color, and sequins, are all elements drawn from 1930s fashions. The look is completed with a long, striped skirt, featuring beautiful godets.
I’m linking up:
And of course, T3! Now it’s your turn!
OH! Dragons! You should’ve said that in the first place! Now I’m definitely gonna read it! The Pern fanatic in me demands it. Oh, and the outfit is fab, btw. It’s because it’s purple, and sparkly. ;p
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Well, I almost borrowed from you and called this “Of Dragons and the 1930s”, but I decided I wanted it to be a bit of a surprise. 😀
Tooth and Claw is SO good! It could’ve been super gimmicky, but it didn’t feel that way at all. It was just a perfect blend of 2 of my favorite kinds of literature!
Yep, purple and sparkly, that’s me. 🙂
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Oooooh! Sparkly!
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Haha! Yep, I bought this years ago for my husband’s work Christmas party, and then struggled to style it for a long time. I think I’m getting the hang of it now. 🙂
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Interesting idea, but you lost me at dragons. I just can’t see them swanning gracefully through a little stone village wearing long skirts and pretty velvet hats with feathers. I do love your purple sequined top, though!
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Well, they don’t wear clothes, but they DO wear hats! 😉 I completely understand that the combination of Victorian & dragons isn’t for everyone. If you like the sound of the story (minus the dragons), try Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope. It was heavily influential to Tooth and Claw.
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I have read some Trollope’s works before (not “He Knew He was Right” yet) and enjoyed them. This books sounds so fascinating with the dragons that I think I’m going to have to read it.
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You’re Lois from You, Me and a Cup of Tea, right? If you like Trollope and fantasy, you’ll probably love this as much as I did!
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First, thank you so much for posting about this book; I’ve added it to my reading list! And I love the sequins as dragon scales. That is just too perfect!
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Thank you, Gracey! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
One of the dragons is described as looking purple, which is where the idea to wear this sweater came from. But he was the bad guy, do I didn’t want to dress like him. 🙂 Thankfully, Selendra’s violet eyes saved me.
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Excuse me while I have a mini heart attack. There’s a mini series out there starring David Tennant and based on Trollope and I haven’t seen it?!? I need to watch that immediately. Sorry, is my loev of Doctor Who showing? Seriously though, I’m so glad you loved Tooth and Claw too!
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LOL! You never have to apologize for being Whovian here! Tennant isn’t the main character, but he has a significant role, and he’s brilliant – check it out on Netxflix. 🙂
I’m so glad I tried Tooth and Claw! Thanks for the recommendation!
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This is great! Especially your purple scales. My intention of the 30’s book/ outfit sync failed as well. I started the book (a while ago) and can’t seem to pick it back up and finish it. Oh well, onward! Just checked — next T3 week coincides with 40’s week on 52 Pick-me-up. I’m sensing a pattern in my scheduling of themes.
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Thank you, Anne! I was really pleased with how it worked out. I’ve got a Pinboard full of 1940s inspiration, especially the more casual sportswear & menswear looks. I’m looking forward to it!
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They’re dragons?! Yep. Definitely going to check it out.
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😀
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Sounds like a delightful book! Definitely going on the TBR list. (sighs… the Everest-like TBR list…)
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Hee hee – the TBR is always huge, right?
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