Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels are dominating our fiction reading during lockdown, at least on Amazon
Unsurprisingly, major success in one medium (in this case TV) can result in major sales of associated products. The Queen’s Gambit sparked a rise in sales of chess sets worldwide (and popularity of chess as a whole) and the same effect is now true for author Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels as a result of the popularity (see here) of the Regency romance. With Quinn the effect is direct (they’re her novels) and there’s a halo effect (read one, why not read the others?) and, no doubt, a lot more traffic to her website.
We’ve taken a look at the Amazon Best Sellers in Fiction page (here), which reflects actual sales and is updated hourly. The picture has changed in detail as we’ve produced this article, but the overall fact is there’s a remarkable success here. Of the top 50 titles in fiction (kindle, paperback or hardcover) there are 6 Bridgerton titles, and one is in twice (two formats).
What Bridgerton novels are people reading?
At #6 in the top 50 is The Viscount Who Loved Me, and we have to note the resemblance to a James Bond title. Yes it’s the second book in the series, and the topic of the second Netflix season (as we reported here). Read all about how eldest brother Anthony (the eight children are named in alphabetical order by birth) sets his sights on a bride only to encounter her sister Kate. Anthony is played by Jonathan Bailey.
At #8 is The Duke and I — the Netflix style cover makes it clear this is the book for the first season, telling how Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page) fall in love, marry and then learn to be a couple. This is the only title in twice, the paperback edition is at #27 in the chart.
At #17 it’s Romancing Mr Bridgerton — does Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) get her man? Is Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), back from his travels, ready to see Penelope in a new light? What will Lady Whistledown have to say about the matter? It’s the fourth book, so it could be at least 2023 before we find out on screen.
Moving to #19, An Offer from a Gentleman is the third book and is the story of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Beckett in a story owing just a little to the classic tale of Cinderella.
At #29 is To Sir Phillip, With Love. The fifth book and it’s time for Eloise (played by Claudia Jessie) to take centre stage. How will her independent spirit deal with the idea of romance and nuptials, particularly to a man she’s never met? All very challenging.
All the way down at #47 is When he was Wicked and infamous rake Michael Stirling sets eyes on Francesca Bridgerton (Ruby Stokes who was only in season 1 briefly) for the first time…
If you’re a fan of the show, why not try the Bridgerton novels? You’ve a long time to wait for all the gossip otherwise!