That Inevitable Victorian Thing

Reviews

"This book, by alternate-history wizard and all-around word genius E. K. Johnston, is both an enchanting modern fairy tale and an un-put-downable, utterly captivating, thoroughly surprising work of speculative fiction. I would be delighted to brush up on my curtsy and join these characters for a tea party or coming-out ball."—Robin Talley, New York Times bestselling author

“That Inevitable Victorian Thing is alternate history at its most intricate—woven with Victorian airs and a deeply optimistic vision of the future. I fell in love with E. K. Johnston’s world, along with the bright, beautiful characters who call it home.” - Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of Wolf By Wolf

“E. K. Johnston's British Empire offers adventure and intrigue balanced with delight and whimsy. Her tale uplifts and entertains, all the while meditating on the legacies of history and a better society that might have been. Joyfully immerse yourself in this gorgeously-wrought world with characters you yearn to have as companions and confidantes, and themes of hope that linger long after you've read the final pages.”—New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer

"Johnston is a literary chameleon and staggeringly versatile. ... [A]n alternate history that plunges present-day Muskoka into the Victorian era, while still incorporating some breathtaking modern twists."—The Globe & Mail

"[T]he world-building is so compelling you'll be drawn right in."—Bustle

★ "Compelling and unique—there's nothing else like it."—Booklist, starred review.

★ “A clever and self-aware novel set in a fascinating world, this witty and romantic story is a must-read.”—SLJ, starred review

★"[A] powerful and resonant story of compassion, love, and finding a way to fulfill obligations while maintaining one’s identity. As with the dragon-infested modern world of Johnston’s The Story of Owen, the thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and humor in this alternative Earth are rewarding on multiple levels."—PW, starred review

"A thoughtful exploration of class consciousness, genetics, and politics that doesn't lose track of the human story."—Kirkus 

"The world building is strong and imaginative and the plot cannily reeled out, but Johnston’s masterstroke lies in the conclusion, which avoids the usual YA tendency to squash love triangles... It’s a bold move well played." —BCCB

"This is one of those books you throw at people with no explanation, because you know that they’ve never read anything like it, and you want to share the beauty."—Rachel Strolle, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL.

"This delightful light sci-fi novel is just the thing for anyone and everyone who might enjoy Anne of Green Gables if only it were more inclusive and updated for the 21st century."—Angela Whited, The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN.

"Everyone knows (or should know) Johnston is a master of every genre she puts her hand to, and That Inevitable Victorian Thing is no different. Original, warm, humorous, and with real depth. Love it."—Allison Senecal, Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins, CO.

"This is the best kind of love story: complicated and thoughtful, with an entirely satisfying ending."—Cecelia Cackley, East City Bookshop, Washington DC


Praise for Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston

"E.K. Johnston has a seemingly limitless range."—The Globe & Mail

"Soberly triumphant."—Toronto Star Expand reviews