This book was a light, refreshing read. For the scores of books that had a setting in the 18th century era, what I rally liked about this book was that less emphasis was placed on carnal activities between the 2 protagonists and more on the non-lustful development of their romance. I have always find this form of narration of romance more interesting, more believeable and much, much more romantic. Kudos for this book not ending on my no-politer-word-for-porn shelf. 
 One selling point of this book is that its writing style is quite different from what I have ever read. This book focuses on hyperbole, with the plot bordering on ridicule and slapstick. Not a single character is spared from the author's sadistic humour. More often that not I have cringed and laughed out loud simultaneously. While I must must admit that I am not a fan of such brain-cell-depleting, humour, the narrative style of the author was good enough to draw me in to the storyline, and kept me sufficiently hooked so as to finish the book in an entire sitting, absurdity or not. 
 That said, I do have a few strictly personal opinions on the book which I think could have been improved on. However, not only are these comments strictly a matter of personal opinion, they are also relatively minor and do not really affect the quality of this book in any way. 
 1. The plot is hardly original. While reading this book, famous tales such as My Fair Lady, Anastasia and Pocahontas 2 come to mind. Because of that, the story was rather predictable. However, such a plot could never ever go wrong, especially when a female reader is concerned. Who doesn't like an underdog-turned-ms-perfect story? It sure makes me feel less hopeless of my own disposition. Especially my love life haha 
 2. This is, again, my personal opinion, but I did not find the main character, Penelope, as endearing as I would have liked to have. While I did appreciate her for her lively mind, originality and her unpredictability, sometimes her eccentricity got onto my nerves. Many times did my eyebrows shoot up to my hairline in horror/shock/utter disbelief. I do believe there is a limit as to how much eccentricity and ignorance to basic etiquette can be found to be endearing. Furthermore, I felt that her luck was more often than not smiling down her most of the time. Her good qualities, while existent, was highly overrated by the other characters (again, THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINION). However, i did like Lady Anne, Penelope's good good friend, and her story very much. No spoilers here, but you'd have to read the book to find out. 
 3. I did hope that more insight was given as to the lifestyles an cultures of the characters during that era. I felt that the setting did not play an important role at all in improving the storyline much. And a peek into the era then would have been an excellent form of escapism. As rather little reference was made to the settings and the plot of the story, it was insufficient for me to reach an epiphany/hypnosis while reading this book. 
 On the whole though, it was a fantastic, light, and entertaining read. I definitely recommend it.