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Book Review: The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous by Jilly Cooper - Romance, Music, and Scandal in Rutshire

Writer's picture: Joao NsitaJoao Nsita

Updated: Dec 5, 2024


Book Review: The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous by Jilly Cooper - Romance, Music, and Scandal in Rutshire


Introduction


What happens when a charismatic heartbreaker turns his charm into a business to fix broken marriages? Jilly Cooper's The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, the fourth installment in her beloved Rutshire Chronicles, is a delicious blend of romance, drama, and scandal, centered around the mischievous yet endearing Lysander Hawkley. Set against the glamorous world of classical music and upper-class British society, Cooper delivers an exhilarating, character-driven journey that keeps readers hooked from page one. Lysander’s journey is one of passion, redemption, and tangled relationships, making it an irresistible read for lovers of high drama.

First published in 1993, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous showcases Cooper's ability to mix humor, romance, and complex character dynamics in a way that is both entertaining and touching. If you're looking for a story brimming with charm, intrigue, and plenty of "witty banter," this book is an absolute must-read.


Book Summary


The story centers on Lysander Hawkley, a devastatingly handsome young man with a troubled past and an unconventional career. After a series of personal and professional setbacks, Lysander finds his unique calling: using his seductive charm to help rekindle the passion in faltering marriages by making husbands jealous. This unusual job quickly turns Lysander into a local sensation, earning him both admiration and ire.


As Lysander weaves his way through the lives of several couples, we meet a cast of unforgettable characters: there is the troubled rock star Ferdie Fitzgerald and his wife Kitty, the formidable and tyrannical conductor Roberto Rannaldini, and the sweet-natured heiress Kitty Rannaldini, who longs for a more fulfilling life. There's also Tabitha Campbell-Black, an ambitious young soprano with dreams of stardom, and the formidable Dame Hermione Harefield, a patron of the arts who takes Lysander under her wing.


Against the backdrop of the classical music scene, from local amateur orchestras to prestigious international festivals, these lives intersect in unexpected and often hilarious ways. The novel takes readers on a wild ride through love, lust, betrayal, and redemption—all with Cooper's signature wit and warmth.


Author's Style and Craft


Jilly Cooper's writing style is nothing short of enchanting. Her prose is marked by its wit, vibrant descriptions, and unabashed sensuality that transports readers directly into the glamorous world of Rutshire. Cooper’s narrative is fast-paced and rich with detail, drawing readers into her opulent world full of both scandalous and touching moments. She deftly balances humor and heartfelt moments, which makes her characters feel both larger-than-life and relatably human.


The novel's structure is organized around Lysander's journey, chronicling his growth as both a lover and an individual. The timeline stretches over several years, allowing for significant character development and change, which gives depth to the otherwise frivolous lives of the rich and famous. Her pacing keeps readers thoroughly engaged, from high-stakes love affairs to the lighter comedic interludes.


Dialogue is a particular strength of Cooper’s—her characters converse with such wit and charm that their exchanges become a delightful aspect of the story. The sparkling repartee between characters like Lysander and Tabitha or Kitty and Roberto are both hilarious and illuminating, providing insight into their complex relationships and emotional struggles.


Themes and Deeper Meaning


Beneath its glamorous facade, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous explores several profound themes that add emotional heft to the narrative.


Love and Fidelity is the central theme of the novel. Cooper paints a nuanced picture of love in all its forms—passionate, unrequited, destructive, and redemptive. Lysander’s role as a "catalyst" for rekindling passion in others' marriages forces characters to confront their true feelings, resulting in moments of both heartbreak and tenderness.


Redemption and Self-Discovery are also major motifs. Lysander’s journey is as much about finding his own self-worth as it is about saving others’ marriages. His path to redemption involves confronting his troubled past, learning about the consequences of his actions, and striving to become a better version of himself.

The theme of Power Dynamics runs throughout the novel as well, especially within relationships. From the domineering conductor Roberto to the fragile yet resilient Kitty, the imbalance of power in love and work is examined and ultimately challenged.


Art and Passion serve as an emotional backdrop to the story. The classical music setting allows Cooper to explore the intersection of art and personal life, where creativity and love collide to produce both triumphs and disasters.


Strengths


The immersive setting is one of The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous’s greatest strengths. Jilly Cooper does an incredible job painting a detailed picture of the classical music world, showcasing her extensive research and love for the subject. Whether it's the rehearsal rooms of amateur orchestras or glittering European music festivals, the authenticity of these scenes makes the reader feel as if they are part of the high-society drama.


Character development is another strong suit of the book. Lysander is a well-crafted protagonist whose transformation drives the novel. His growth from a charming but directionless young man into someone capable of genuine love and empathy is satisfying to witness. Other characters, like Kitty Rannaldini and Tabitha Campbell-Black, are equally well-developed, with complex motivations and relatable struggles that keep readers emotionally invested.


The humor and social satire embedded in the story add another layer of enjoyment. Cooper's witty insights into the upper-class society of Rutshire offer an amusing and sometimes biting critique of privilege, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness. Her gentle pokes at high society are balanced with empathy, which gives her storytelling a compassionate edge.


Areas for Improvement


While The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous is entertaining, some readers may find the explicit sexual content to be excessive. Cooper’s signature sensuality is ever-present, and while many readers find this aspect enjoyable, those who prefer more understated romance may feel overwhelmed by the frequency and detail of the intimate scenes.


The length of the novel may also be a point of contention for some. At over 700 pages, it requires a significant time commitment, and the multitude of characters and subplots can occasionally feel overwhelming. A tighter narrative focus might have enhanced the story's pacing, ensuring that each subplot received the appropriate attention without detracting from the main storyline.


The portrayal of gender roles can at times feel a bit dated. Characters like Roberto embody traits that might be considered problematic today, and his treatment of others, particularly women, may be difficult for some readers to reconcile. This aspect of the book reflects the time it was written in but could alienate more modern readers.


Comparative Analysis


The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous shares its DNA with earlier works in Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, such as Riders and Rivals, which also explore the lives of high society with equal parts scandal and sentimentality. Compared to Riders, this book places a greater emphasis on redemption and character growth, giving Lysander’s journey a depth that makes it more than just a scandalous romp.


For fans of Jackie Collins, Cooper’s writing will feel comfortably familiar—both authors blend romance, glamour, and drama with unashamed relish. However, Cooper’s distinctively British wit and focus on character transformation set her apart from Collins' more Hollywood-centric tales. Readers who enjoy Sidney Sheldon’s intricate plotting and interweaving subplots will also find much to appreciate in Cooper's ability to juggle multiple storylines.


Target Audience


This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romantic sagas brimming with scandal, humor, and multi-layered characters. It will particularly appeal to fans of equestrian settings and the classical music scene, as the novel incorporates both in a deeply immersive manner. Those who enjoy stories involving flawed but ultimately redeemable characters will find plenty to love here.


Due to explicit content, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous is best suited for an adult audience. Fans of escapist fiction who like a good mix of romance, scandal, and social satire will find this novel a delightful page-turner.


Personal Impact


Reading The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous was like stepping into a world of glittering events, complex characters, and heartfelt moments. Jilly Cooper’s ability to blend humor and high stakes is second to none, and Lysander’s journey resonated deeply as a tale of redemption and the search for genuine connection. Cooper’s vibrant prose and character-driven storytelling made this an experience that lingered long after the final page.


Conclusion


The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous by Jilly Cooper is an unabashedly entertaining and emotionally satisfying novel that excels in combining humor, romance, and drama. For anyone looking for an immersive and thoroughly enjoyable escape into a world of passion, jealousy, and love, this book is highly recommended. Jilly Cooper’s signature wit and empathetic approach to her flawed characters make this installment in the Rutshire Chronicles unforgettable.


Book Review: The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous by Jilly Cooper - Romance, Music, and Scandal in Rutshire

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FAQs

1. What is The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous about?It follows Lysander Hawkley, a charming young man who helps neglected wives rekindle passion in their marriages, all while navigating his own path to redemption.

2. Who are the main characters in the book?The main characters include Lysander Hawkley, Kitty Rannaldini, Roberto Rannaldini, Ferdie Fitzgerald, Tabitha Campbell-Black, and Dame Hermione Harefield.

3. Is this book part of a series?Yes, it's the fourth book in Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, which explores the lives and loves of high society.

4. What themes does the book explore?It delves into themes of love, fidelity, redemption, power dynamics, and the intersection of art and personal life.

5. How explicit is the content in this book?The book features explicit sexual content, so it is best suited for an adult audience.

6. Do I need to read the previous books to enjoy this one?While it helps to know some of the recurring characters, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

7. What genre does the book belong to?It is a romantic drama with elements of humor, social commentary, and an insight into the classical music world.

8. What makes Lysander Hawkley a compelling protagonist?Lysander’s charisma, combined with his journey from superficial seducer to a person capable of genuine love, makes him both entertaining and deeply relatable.

9. Is the portrayal of classical music accurate?Yes, Jilly Cooper’s detailed research brings authenticity to the music world, depicting orchestral and opera scenes vividly.

10. Who would enjoy this book the most?Fans of romantic sagas filled with scandal, complex characters, and humor will thoroughly enjoy The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous.


Additional Reading and Resources

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