If the first book in this series focused on feminism (or the need for it) in Victorian England, this sequel centers class politics in the time period. Of course both are intertwined, and the intersection of race is interestingly included here as well. One of our main character’s friends is from India, where she also spent most of her childhood, as part of the British Empire’s occupation. I’m curious to see how their relationship plays out in the next book of the series! I think I enjoyed the first book slightly more than this one, for the dark academia vibes, but Christmas time in London is a great Victorian setting as well. The other thing Bray does quite remarkably is to capture the intricacies of teenage female friendships. I had forgotten how much little daily dramas there were. Something I’m happy to have left behind! 😅