By Georgette Heyer

Heyer’s books need no more encomiums. I will only add a few random thoughts. Venetia is probably one of her most admirable and charming heroines and Damerel one of her most romantic heroes. The book itself is probably one of the most romantic. The romance takes center stage here. Venetia and Damerel are lost in love and experience more romance, joy and heartache on the page than any other of her novels. In many of her novels one needs to imagine and read between the lines and much is only implied. What struck me most were the development of the secondary characters. Each one of them was priceless and well crafted, whether hilarious (Aunt Hendred, Nurse, the Steeples, Oswald, and Charlotte for example.) or maddening: (Edward, and Mrs. Scourrier.) Or just there (but with distinct and detailed personalities): the Dennys and Mr. Hendred, and the servants.
The one complaint about this one is Heyer’s over use of the affectionate terms, “Stoopid”, and “My dear Friend” or “dearest friend” It kind of made me roll my eyes after awhile.
***Edit*** There is one thing that really bothers me if I think about it too hard. And that is Damerel’s behavior with Venetia in the woods during what turns out to be a “meet cute.” However, he genuinely assaulted her. It was only when he realized that she was not what she appeared (his tenant and thus in his power, and powerless) that he stopped. She was in real danger. thank God she had the ability to quote poetry. What really bugs me is that many readers take Lord Worth of Regency Buck into dislike because of his behavior on the road to Judith, yet give Damerel a free pass. Damerel’s behavior is so so much worse.**5 out of 5 stars**

March 5, 2017

By Georgette Heyer

I enjoyed this much more than I did when I read it in my youth. Then, I did not like the fact that Ancilla was a governess and as such a lower form of life in the community she lived in, despite the fact that she was so superior in “breeding”, intelligence, wit, and elegance. It was just so unfair! I also was not used to the “older” heroine (25?!) romance. Ancilla was just so-o-o-o-o-o very very mature, and not just in age. I think I also had a problem with the name “Waldo”.

Although I did enjoy their romance much more this time, I got more of a kick out of her charge, the spoiled uncontrollable beauty, Tiffany Wield. She just kept me on the edge of my seat whenever she appeared on the page. I suspect, like Lawrence, she was a bit dicked in the nob. I loved the gentle romance between her former swain, the thoroughly nice Julian, and the sweet, but high-character Patience Chartley. The scene in Leeds when she rescues the little ragamuffin from Tiffany’s rage was a riot. The “big misunderstanding” regarding Waldo’s “children” did not bother me as much this time. When Ancilla refused Waldo’s proposal, his reaction revealed the depth of his feelings for Ancilla. As for Ancilla, she needed a little shaking up, as I found her just a bit too even-tempered and sensible. I couldn’t help but think of Emma Thompson as Eleanor in Sense and Sensibility. Her silliness made her a bit more likable.
I found the ending too abrupt, and I don’t think Lawrence, who was partially redeemed in the last chapters, got sorted satisfactorily either. The narration by Eve Matheson was “bang up to the knocker”. There were many entertaining characters and she really captured even the most minor ones, to a T. **4 out of 5 stars**

April 1, 2018

By Georgette Heyer

What a delight Georgina Sutton’s reading of The Corinthian was! Because of her interpretation, I enjoyed this just as much as I did in my teens. There has been much silly speculation in some circles as to Sir Richard’s attraction and love for young boyish Penn, disguised, as she was, throughout the whole novel as his nephew. Somehow Sutton’s interpretation of Richard and Penn leaves no doubt as to the health of the attraction and love he develops towards his young “brat.” She gives Penn the tomboyish charm that Heyer sparked in my youthful imagination. Richard is so funny with his calm insouciance in the face of her exuberance and naivety. She even conveys a bit of his vulnerability along with his cool management of every threatening situation they get into on their adventure. All of the minor characters are distinct and so dead on. Cedric is hilarious in his affected accents, Lydia Daubenet’s father with his huffing and puffing is a hoot, Lady Luttrell conveys much needed sanity and common sense, and even the little maid is sweet with her humble shyness. The bow street runner, Beverly Brandon, and Jimmy Yarde are perfect. I’ve never listened to a bad narrator of Heyer’s works, but Georgina Sutton’s was “Top of the Trees”. I just wish there had been at least one more chapter and an epilogue. **5 stars out of 5**

March 10, 2019

by Georgette Heyer

This has never been one of my top Georgette Heyer novels and still isn’t. there really weren’t any stand-out personalities in this one unless you count Sir Bonamy Ripple. Amabelle the mother was as frustrating as usual. I just find her extravagance and foolishness in money matters contemptible. She comes within a hair’s breadth of ruining her son’s lives while she loves them so much. I won’t rant any further about her. The two leads were likable and sensible but didn’t exactly sparkle on “the page.” And Phyllida Nash, who I think did such a great job with Cotillion, didn’t add anything to the characterizations with this one.

The one thing worth noting and was nice about this book is that the reader gets to see the couple’s relationship and interaction after they declare their love for each other. Heyer’s novels (I can’t think of an exception-Maybe These Old Shades?) end almost immediately after the first kiss. I’ll qualify my 2 1/2star reading by explaining that it is 2 1/2 stars for a Georgette Heyer novel. **2 1/2 stars out of 5 **

May 14, 2019