Curtsies & Conspiracies Book Summary - Curtsies & Conspiracies Book explained in key points

Curtsies & Conspiracies summary

Brief summary

Curtsies & Conspiracies is a captivating young adult novel by Gail Carriger. Set in a steampunk Victorian world, it follows the adventures of Sophronia as she navigates espionage, etiquette, and deadly conspiracies at a finishing school for young spies.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Curtsies & Conspiracies
    Summary of key ideas

    A School for Espionage and Intrigue

    In Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger, we rejoin Sophronia Temminnick and her friends at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. This unique school is not just a place to learn etiquette, but also espionage, as it trains young women to be spies in a steampunk Victorian England.

    Sophronia, armed with her intelligence and a few unconventional gadgets, continues to navigate the complexities of finishing school, including the social intricacies of curtsies and the more dangerous art of subterfuge. She is also still trying to figure out the sophisticated machinery at the heart of the school, which holds a dangerous secret.

    High Society and Deadly Secrets

    As the story unfolds, we see Sophronia and her friends attend a grand ball in London, where they must put their training to the test. The ball is a hotbed of political intrigue and high society, and our protagonist finds herself embroiled in a deadly conspiracy involving a mysterious prototype that could change the course of history.

    Amidst the glittering gowns and polite conversations, Sophronia unravels a plot to use the prototype to create an army of mind-controlled, unstoppable super-soldiers. She and her friends must race against time to prevent this catastrophe, all while maintaining their cover as proper young ladies.

    Friendship and Loyalty in the Face of Adversity

    Throughout Curtsies & Conspiracies, Carriger skillfully balances the excitement of action and intrigue with the warmth of friendship. Sophronia's bond with her friends, including the mechanically gifted Dimity, the daring Sidheag, and the enigmatic Soap, is a central and endearing aspect of the story.

    As the girls unite to thwart the evil plans of their adversaries, they demonstrate their loyalty and resourcefulness, proving that they are more than just the polite young ladies society expects them to be. They show that they are clever, courageous, and capable of facing any challenge thrown their way.

    Unraveling Mysteries and Embracing Unconventional Roles

    As the plot unfolds, Sophronia continues to uncover the secrets of the academy, including the true nature of their headmistress and the enigmatic figure known as 'Professor Braithwope.' In the process, she also discovers more about herself and her own capabilities as a spy.

    By the end of Curtsies & Conspiracies, Sophronia and her friends have averted disaster, but the mysteries surrounding the academy and its staff remain. The story concludes with a sense of anticipation, leaving readers eager to embark on the next adventure with these remarkable young women.

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, Curtsies & Conspiracies is a delightful blend of steampunk, espionage, and high society drama. Carriger's vivid world-building, engaging characters, and clever blend of historical and fantastical elements make for an entertaining and immersive read. The novel is a celebration of female friendship, intelligence, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, all wrapped up in a thrilling, high-stakes plot.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Curtsies & Conspiracies about?

    Curtsies & Conspiracies is the second book in the “Finishing School” series by Gail Carriger. Set in an alternate Victorian era, it follows the adventures of young Sophronia as she navigates espionage, etiquette, and mysterious conspiracies at a school for spies. With wit, humor, and a touch of steampunk, this book is a delightful blend of action and social intrigue.

    Curtsies & Conspiracies Review

    Curtsies & Conspiracies (2013) intertwines etiquette lessons and espionage at a Victorian finishing school. Reasons to dive into this intriguing read:
    • Featuring a secret society and steampunk elements, the novel offers an exciting blend of mystery and adventure.
    • The main character, Sophronia, challenges gender norms and embraces her intelligence and independence, adding depth to the storyline.
    • With its engaging plot twists and dynamic character dynamics, the book keeps readers thoroughly entertained, ensuring it's anything but dull.

    Who should read Curtsies & Conspiracies?

    • Readers who enjoy young adult fiction with a steampunk twist

    • Those who appreciate strong, witty female protagonists

    • People who are drawn to stories with a blend of humor, mystery, and adventure

    About the Author

    Gail Carriger is a New York Times bestselling author known for her unique blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and humor. With a background in archaeology and a love for all things Victorian, Carriger creates captivating worlds filled with strong, witty heroines and charmingly eccentric characters. Her popular series, including "The Parasol Protectorate" and "The Finishing School", have garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Carriger's delightful storytelling and imaginative plots make her a standout voice in the steampunk genre.

    Categories with Curtsies & Conspiracies

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    Curtsies & Conspiracies FAQs 

    What is the main message of Curtsies & Conspiracies?

    Navigating etiquette, espionage, and intrigue, Curtsies & Conspiracies explores the trials of young ladies at a finishing school.

    How long does it take to read Curtsies & Conspiracies?

    Reading Curtsies & Conspiracies takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.

    Is Curtsies & Conspiracies a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Curtsies & Conspiracies is a delightful tale blending manners and mystery, making it a charming read for historical fiction fans.

    Who is the author of Curtsies & Conspiracies?

    The author of Curtsies & Conspiracies is Gail Carriger.

    What to read after Curtsies & Conspiracies?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Curtsies & Conspiracies, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
    • In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
    • The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
    • I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
    • A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
    • ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
    • Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
    • Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
    • The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
    • Genome by Matt Ridley