Ella Hepworth Dixon's novel My Flirtations is a captivating exploration of the complexities of love, desire, and societal expectations in late 19th century London. The protagonist, Violet Tempest, navigates the ins and outs of various romantic entanglements with eloquence and grace, making her a relatable and engaging character for readers.

Dixon's writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, delving into themes of gender roles, class differences, and the constraints placed upon women in Victorian society. The novel is filled with rich historical detail and vivid descriptions of the bustling city, bringing the setting to life in a way that transports readers back in time.

The relationships portrayed in My Flirtations are complex and realistic, illustrating the ways in which love and desire can both liberate and constrain individuals. Dixon handles these delicate dynamics with sensitivity and nuance, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, My Flirtations is a compelling read that offers a glimpse into the lives of women in the late 19th century, while also exploring universal themes of love, desire, and self-discovery. Dixon's skillful storytelling and nuanced character development make this novel a standout in the genre of Victorian literature.

Book Description:
Many novels, most notably Hannah Webster's The Coquette, focused on how terrible it is for a woman to flirt before her marriage. "I did not speak 20 sentences before sir Robert proposed to me", explained Lady Bidulph while teaching her daughter how to court properly in "Memoirs of Miss Sidney Bidulph". A coquette must be a fool, wicked, and immoral. But Peggy is none of these. She sees things as they are, sometimes too much for her own good, and flirts with men she finds interesting. She decides to tell about them, from her point of view. The feelings, the reasons they did not keep in touch, and her "notions" about them. This is her way to examine late Victorian society including the lives of other oppressed minorities. This novel is considered semi autobiographical. - Summary by Stav Nisser.