"Doctor Cupid: A Novel" by Rhoda Broughton is a delightful Victorian-era romance infused with humor, drama, and matchmaking intrigue. Broughton, renowned for her skillful storytelling, weaves a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and societal norms. Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the novel follows the antics of Doctor Cupid, a humorous and endearing character who takes on the role of matchmaker, stirring up romance and drama among the members of high society. Through Doctor Cupid's unconventional methods and witty banter, Broughton creates a lighthearted atmosphere filled with laughter and charm. As love blossoms and relationships are tested, readers are drawn into a world of matchmaking mishaps and unexpected twists. Broughton's exploration of social norms and expectations adds depth to the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of Victorian society. With its blend of romance, humor, and intrigue, "Doctor Cupid: A Novel" stands as a delightful portrayal of love in all its forms, showcasing Broughton's talent for crafting engaging stories that resonate with readers across generations.
Rhoda Broughton was a Welsh novelist and short-story writer. Her early works were known for their sensationalism, thus critics often overlooked her later, stronger work, despite her being dubbed the "queen of the circulating libraries." Her novel Dear Faustina (1897) is known for its homoeroticism. Her novel Lavinia (1902) portrays a supposedly "unmanly" young man who wishes he had been born a woman. Broughton was a granddaughter of the 8th baronet, hence she descended from the Broughton family. She was Sheridan le Fanu's niece, and he helped her begin her literary career. Rhoda Broughton was born on November 29, 1840, in Denbigh, North Wales, the daughter of the Rev. Delves Broughton, youngest son of the Rev. Sir Henry Delves-Broughton, 8th baronet, and Jane Bennett, daughter of George Bennett, a prominent Irish barrister. Her aunt, Susanna Bennett, married the renowned fiction writer Sheridan le Fanu. Rhoda Broughton acquired an interest in reading as a young girl, particularly poetry. She was influenced by William Shakespeare, as seen by the frequent citations and allusions in her works. Presumably, after reading Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie's The Story of Elizabeth, she decided to test her own talent. Broughton, in turn, introduced Mary Cholmondeley to her publishers in 1887.
