Iolanthe by W. S. Gilbert is a delightful and whimsical piece of literature that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and political satire. The story follows the beautiful fairy Iolanthe, who has been banished from the fairy kingdom for marrying a mortal. When her son, Strephon, falls in love with Phyllis, a young shepherdess who is also sought after by half the peers in the House of Lords, chaos ensues.

The characters in Iolanthe are charming and endearing, each with their own quirks and distinct personalities. I found myself rooting for Strephon and Phyllis to overcome the obstacles in their path and find true happiness together. The dialogue is witty and clever, filled with puns and wordplay that kept me entertained throughout.

One of the aspects of the book that stood out to me was its satirical take on the British political system. Gilbert uses the absurdity of the fairy world to poke fun at the pomp and circumstance of the House of Lords, creating a lighthearted commentary on the power dynamics and social hierarchies of the time.

Overall, Iolanthe is a charming and whimsical read that is sure to entertain readers of all ages. With its mix of romance, fantasy, and satire, it is a unique and enjoyable piece of literature that I would highly recommend.

Book Description:
Iolanthe is a fairy banished from fairyland for the crime of marrying a mortal. Her half-fairy, half-human son Strephon is a fairy down to the waist, but his legs are human. He loves Phyllis, but she is courted by the whole House of Lords and the Lord High Chancellor himself! Strephon decides the only way to win his love is to go into Parliament, with the help of his mother and all his fairy aunts. None of them understand politics, but that doesn't matter. He will soon make some changes, starting with throwing the Peerage open to competitive examination! But how will Phyllis react when she catches Strephon with an impossibly young and very beautiful lady who he claims is his fairy mother? This is a spoken "poetic" version of the libretto written by W. S. Gilbert, where a full cast of voices brings the sparkling wit of Gilbert to the fore, and will enhance understanding and appreciation of this comic light opera. Narrator/Phyllis: Beth Thomas Strephon: Shakira Searle Queen of the Fairies: Jennifer Fournier The Lord Chancellor: Hamlet Iolanthe: Kristin Gjerløw Celia: Lydia Leila: Vanessa Cooley Fleta: J. E. Vorble Earl of Mountararat: Rob Board Earl of Tolloller: Todd Private Willis: Alan Mapstone Chorus Fairies: K. Hand and Roohi Haq Chorus Peers: John Burlinson and Alan Mapstone Audio edited by Kristin Gjerløw