Long Live the King by Fay Weldon is the second installment in the Love and Inheritance trilogy. Set in Edwardian England, the novel is a sharp and witty exploration of the lives of the aristocratic Dilberne family as they navigate the social and political changes of the era. With her characteristic humor and incisive social commentary, Fay Weldon crafts a vivid portrait of a class clinging to tradition while facing the winds of change.
The story picks up from where Habits of the House, the first book in the series, leaves off. Lord and Lady Dilberne are preoccupied with securing their family’s future, including finding a suitable match for their daughter, Rosina, and solidifying their social status. Meanwhile, the servants downstairs have their own intrigues and ambitions, mirroring the upstairs drama. The novel delves into themes of wealth, class, love, and power, capturing the tension between maintaining appearances and adapting to a rapidly evolving society.
Weldon’s writing is richly descriptive, with an eye for historical detail and a sharp sense of irony. She brings the Edwardian era to life, portraying its opulence, hypocrisy, and underlying fragility.
