Georgette Heyer

[liesje]

Just wondering if anyone else here reads Georgette Heyer's books?

 

[soblessed53]

Just wondering if anyone else here reads Georgette Heyer's books?

I just recently learned of her from the forums(communities) at Amazon but she is definitely on my TBR list,probably starting with The Grand Sophy.http://www.amazon.com/Grand-Sophy-Georgette-Heyer/dp/140221894X/ref=pd_sim_b_19

 

[liesje]

Cool! The Grand Sophy is a really good book, I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot.

 

[soblessed53]

Cotillion also interests me a lot,as I especially enjoy humorous situations in my romances,but her books are so highly rated that I'm sure they will be a pleasure to read. Which have been your favorites so far,and why?

 

[liesje]

Cotillion also interests me a lot,as I especially enjoy humorous situations in my romances,but her books are so highly rated that I'm sure they will be a pleasure to read. Which have been your favorites so far,and why?

To be honest, I don't think I could choose a favourite because they are all so good. If I had to narrow it down I would probably choose Devils Cub, These Old Shades, Arabella, Friday's Child and Sylvester. I like the humour and the wit in them, and also the plots in general, but the same would go for most of her books which I have read. Although the romance is definitely there, its not soppy like a lot of more modern romances. Its subtle while still being one of the main ideas. If you like the humorous situations, I would suggest you read Friday's Child and Bath Tangle as well.

 

[soblessed53]

To be honest, I don't think I could choose a favourite because they are all so good. If I had to narrow it down I would probably choose Devils Cub, These Old Shades, Arabella, Friday's Child and Sylvester. I like the humour and the wit in them, and also the plots in general, but the same would go for most of her books which I have read. Although the romance is definitely there, its not soppy like a lot of more modern romances. Its subtle while still being one of the main ideas. If you like the humorous situations, I would suggest you read Friday's Child and Bath Tangle as well.

Ok,I'll make a note of that,thanks!

 

[Raina P]

Heyer is wonderful. I began reading her because of my love for Jane Austen (I've read all six novels). I was pleasently surprised to find them rather similar in style and tone. They write with the same formal, precise tone which lends itself so well to that devastating wit and subtle humor. They also have much the same feel with the balls and calls and social restrictions. I think the main difference is where Austen is exploring universal truths, Heyer is writing mainly for amusement. Austen always has a lesson in her books- a very subtle one, perhaps- but its there. Heyer's works are pure fun. I think this is what makes Austen's books classic masterpieces and Heyer's historical romances read mainly by girls and women in love with men in breeches (not me!).
I've read Powder and Patch, Arabella, and Sylvester so far. I would really reccomend the second two. I just love Arabella's character- naive but clever, who solves each problem that comes her way and isn't afraid of anything. And of course, her men are always impossibly arrogant and superior until SHE comes into their life, which is always a charming set up. I hope to read more of her.

 

[soblessed53]

Heyer is wonderful. I began reading her because of my love for Jane Austen (I've read all six novels). I was pleasently surprised to find them rather similar in style and tone. They write with the same formal, precise tone which lends itself so well to that devastating wit and subtle humor. They also have much the same feel with the balls and calls and social restrictions. I think the main difference is where Austen is exploring universal truths, Heyer is writing mainly for amusement. Austen always has a lesson in her books- a very subtle one, perhaps- but its there. Heyer's works are pure fun. I think this is what makes Austen's books classic masterpieces and Heyer's historical romances read mainly by girls and women in love with men in breeches (not me!).
I've read Powder and Patch, Arabella, and Sylvester so far. I would really reccomend the second two. I just love Arabella's character- naive but clever, who solves each problem that comes her way and isn't afraid of anything. And of course, her men are always impossibly arrogant and superior until SHE comes into their life, which is always a charming set up. I hope to read more of her.

Oh I love situations like you describe for Arabella,I think I'll start with that one,LOL! Thanks for that info.

 

[rebornfree]

Just wondering if anyone else here reads Georgette Heyer's books?

YES! I have only just discovered this forum, and was wondering about starting a thread on Georgette Heyer when I saw yours! I first read some of her books as a teenager in the sixties - that dates me! - but was delighted to find they were back in print. This time around I have read all of her Regency romances, except The Spanish Bride. I found an Infamous Army a bit upsetting because of the war scenes, so decided to avoid this one. All the rest are lighthearted, although Cousin Kate deals with mental illness, and is a heavier book than the others.

I found the Grand Sophy hilarious when I first read it. I think Sophy can be quite interfering, but if you take that as par for the course the book is great fun. Cotillion is my favourite - I love Freddy, so unasuming and amusing! Regency Buck is an adventure as well as a comedy of manners, and Venetia a beautiful romance. I could go on, but I don't want to bore everyone!

Like Raina P I love Jane Austen, and have read her six. I agree about the moral tone of Austen. I wonder if that is because of the era in which she wrote. Was literature meant to be improving then? By Heyer's era, maybe it was okay to be entertaining. (She was contemporary with Agatha Christie wasn't she?)

Great thread liesje!

 

[rebornfree]

Oh...can I just add that another thing I love about Georgette Heyer novels is that they capture my attention from the first page. The Grand Sophy is a particularly good example. Straight away I'm interested!

 

[Rois]

My mom loves Georgette Heyer, I think she has collected all of her books (including some of her mysteries). I've read a few, Faro's Daughter and The Corinthian.

 

[liesje]

My mom loves Georgette Heyer, I think she has collected all of her books (including some of her mysteries). I've read a few, Faro's Daughter and The Corinthian.

I've read some of the mysteries...they're pretty good too.

It's cool to see other people here like this fantastic author too

 

[rebornfree]

I've read some of the mysteries and enjoyed them, but not as much as the regency novels. Has anyone else read The Quiet Gentleman, (which is a mystery set in Regency times)? I enjoyed it, though I preferred her lighter but funnier books. Lady of Quality is another favourite.