What did you think about William’s personality and the way he interacts with Evelyn in the first part of the book? Are his actions and manner justified by his circumstances?
William was a rogue. He basically had nothing, so did not expect to find the woman of his dreams. He was caught up in daily life - hoping his uncle would again save his neck. Maybe his actions were not justified, but he was desperate. Trying to save his reputation above all else - while finding himself falling for Evelyn.
William has a hard time loving and believing in himself. The first time that he met Evelyn, he knew that she was of a higher status and felt that she was out of his league. Even at the book shop, he noticed how she dressed and carried herself. William was also allowing Evelyn to believe that he was a successful writer, so he was trying to appear more than he was at that time in his life. Luckily, William had Jack as a friend. He was an unlikely influencer of William.
I enjoyed the book contest William and Evelyn were participating in. Especially when William was giving her tips. Very cute interaction.
I think the author portrayed William as a good person, but one who was unsure of himself and needed approval from others above all else. He was insecure about not having achieved any success, and his upbringing (being rejected by his mother) didn’t help any. He also believed that Evelyn had more money than she really did, and this made him feel even more beneath her.
I liked William very much. I particularly liked the way he corrected quotes by others. His actions were justified by his circumstances and he had to have a definite chip on his shoulder when Evelyn took over HIS job (or so he thought.)