This true story of a mid-18th century English heiress duped into a marriage with an abusive, masochistic, fortune-hunting monster is jaw-droppingly fascinating. The period details are instructive and the laws regarding women's rights are enlightening, especially in this day of concern over rights for women in the Middle East. The book is impressively researched and foot-noted, and includes, on a large scale, engrossing information concerning the British society of the day, while examining, on a more intimate scale, the minutia of the daily life of one citizen. It is interesting to note what was transpiring across the sea even as England and the colonies engaged in war. Mary Eleanor Bowes is an ancestor of Queen Elizabeth II, so there is a connection between this woman's history and the history of modern England as well. The biography of Lady Strathmore and her two marriages contains every element to titillate and engage the reader -- from juicy marital "confessions" of wrong-doing to international kidnapping and fugitive chases. Wedlock reads like the non-fiction it is, but the style, I feel, merely enhances the veracity of the subject. I give this book five out of five stars.

The summary on the back of the book was much better, more exciting and more titillating than the actual book. It wasn't well written, I found myself counting how many times the author used the word "lately" in one chapter (nineteen). It had great potential but it failed miserably. Very disappointing............