Secondary characters are many and varied. None of Violet’s aunts, grandmother, father or beaus is developed to great depth and through much of the book seem more like one-dimensional characters than real people. However, by the end most have shown us a little of their motivation and do gain a level of dimension and believability. Aunt Birdie, with her intermittent and convenient amnesia, stretched my credulity the most. I’m not sure why she was there -- as a symbol of intuition perhaps?

The historical setting is one of the things that made the book worthwhile for me. Austin shows us glimpses of high society life, women’s struggle for rights, and the plight of the poor. We also see the Chicago World Fair up close with its educational and cultural exhibits, its casino and burlesque booths, and its latest big attraction -- Mr. Ferris' wheel.

Though the book talks a lot about romantic love, Austin also addresses the theme of finding love on a wider plane. After all, that’s what Violet’s search for her mother is all about. Violet ends up finding love in an even more satisfying way when she encounters the love of God at one of Mr. D. L. Moody’s evangelistic meetings. Austin also gives prominence to themes of parenting, Christian social action, the role of social convention, and women’s struggle to win equal rights with men.

A Proper Pursuit is a book that slips down easily. But along the way I realized it had raised questions and issues far weightier than I expected to find while hanging out with such a coquettish and lively heroine. Fans of romantic comedy and Americana will want to add A Proper Pursuit to their collections.