Since so many readers shared their favorite Georgette Heyer books, I had to take advantage of the suggestions and add a few more to my collection. I know I shouldn't have, but I did. My newest Heyers include Sprig Muslin, Sylvester, and what seems to be a favorite of many, The Grand Sophy. I will mention that the top two books are not published by Sourcebooks, but by HQN, or Harlequin Books. To be honest they are not as nice as the Sourcebooks editions. They use flimsier paper, thinner cardstock for the covers, and the cover designs don't quite match the rest of the books already in print. They aren't bad (they have introductions even), but they are just not quite as nice. Sourcebooks editions use heavier, white paper (with easier to read type), thicker covers, and they match the UK edition's design (and they also have no advertisements inside for other books not by Georgette Heyer). Just something to keep in mind if you decide to buy the HQN editions. The contents are the same, I'm sure, but when you've been spoiled by the nice Sourcebook editions, it's hard to turn back!
When I was browsing the Pushkin Press website, I decided I had to give them a try. They seem to have such an interesting list of books. I ordered a copy of Antal Szerb's Journey by Moonlight, which is translated from Hungarian. I don't think I've ever read a book by a Hungarian writer, so I'll be glad to broaden my horizons a bit. My other purchases include Gil Adamson's The Outlander, Emilio Calderon's The Creator's Map and Daina Chaviano's The Island of Eternal Love.
And I scored two new Bookmooches: Janet McNaughton's To Dance at the Palais Royale (can't remember who recommended this to me, but it's a YA novel set in 1920s Toronto) and Rebecca Stott's thriller Ghostwalk.
Now the age old question. Where to start?
'To Dance at the Palais Royale', we drive past this venue every time we go into Toronto. If you're very lucky you will catch a wedding party going in, just gorgeous! There would have been some swell dances there back in the day.
Posted by: Darlene | July 13, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Darlene--How cool--I had no idea that the Palais Royale was an actual place--and still there! I'm looking forward to this book--it's about a young Scottish woman who emigrates to Canada and goes into service. It must be an old building! I should Google it!
Posted by: Danielle | July 13, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Hey, lovely set of books. I myself went bookshopping and got myself 'The House on the Strand" by Daphne de Maurier and 'The Oxford Murders' by Guillermo Martínez. Will sent you a link once I am done reading and reviewing "The House on the Strand" - its kind of awesome - horror and time travel in one combination.
Posted by: Vipula Gupta | July 14, 2009 at 01:11 AM
I have a Heyer book sitting on my shelves begging to be read. I now wonder who the publisher is.
I read Ghostwalk last year and wanted to love it, but thought it was just ok.
Posted by: Mike B. | July 14, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Up til last week I would have said that The Grand Sophy was my favorite Heyer also. Then I read These Old Shades, and I believe it has edged its way to the top.
Posted by: Lindymc | July 14, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Those Heyers look just about edible. I know you say the quality is not as good but boy they're pretty!
I don't know if you're still adding to your list of WW1 books, but if so I have a title for you. Grey Souls by Philippe Claudel. It's a kind of murder story, set in France, near the front, during WW1. Of course... it may already be on your list; if so, ignore me. :-)
Posted by: Cath | July 14, 2009 at 07:41 AM
Sourcebooks really does a great job with the books don't they? I really want to read more Heyers but am curious if Sourcebooks will continue publishing more of her books.
Enjoy your Pushkin Press books. I don't think I have anything from them -- yet. Maybe I should go do a bit of shopping :)
Posted by: iliana | July 14, 2009 at 09:18 AM
The Creator's Map went straight into my to'read list! :)I had not heard of Pushkin Press before. Thanks for mentioning it. Their selection of authors and titles is very interesting. And about Heyer: These Old Shades is my favorite Heyer book.
Greetings,
Tiina
Posted by: Tiina | July 14, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I really don't know how you manage to sleep at night -- all those great books to read by the bedside!
Finished A Rather Lovely Inheritance and really enjoyed it. I hope to do a review soon.
Posted by: Debby | July 14, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Vipula--Please do let me know when you finish and write about the du Maurier. That's one I have not read before and have heard that it's one of her best!
Mike--I think whichever Heyer you have will likely be very entertaining. The Sourcebooks editions are especially nice. In comparison the HQN's just seem a little bit cheaper made. I have heard mixed things about the Stott book, which is why I was happy to get it free through Bookmooch. If I don't like it I will just send it out to be mooched again!
Lindymc--Isn't it funny how you will love one Heyer, but then read one you like even better! That's happened to me a couple time now as I read more of her work.
Cath--The covers are the nicest part of the books! At least they are all similar. Still, the contents are the same, so I am sure I can get over the flimsier paper. I've heard of Philippe Claudel but I've not read him--I'm off to look that book up as it sounds like something I would really liked!
Iliana--For some reason I was thinking that HQN is a subsidiary of Sourcebooks, but maybe I am wrong as the quality is so different between books. I do hope Sourcebooks continues to publish her work--I think there are still lots of titles to bring out. And the Pushkin Press books are really nice, though some are on the small side. I broke down and ordered a few--will have to share them at some point.
Tiina--Doesn't The Creator's Map sound good? I wanted it when it came out in cloth, but am glad I waited for the paper edition. Pushkin press seems to publish lots of books in translation, which is nice. I'm trying to read more broadly (though still tend to stick with European authors--need to expand that a little)! Another mention of These Old Shades--I will have to check that one out as I don't have it! :)
Debby--You see the dilemma--and why I am always reading too many books at once? Too many good ones to choose from. And I can't wait to hear about A Rather Lovely Inheritance--I have that one, too. It looks good, but I haven't gotten around to it....
Posted by: Danielle | July 14, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I know just what you mean about liking certain editions. I'm willing to pay a bit more for nicer editions and really don't like reading mass market size books. I don't mind used books, but I want the book to feel comfortable in my hands and be easy on the eyes.
Posted by: Dorothy W. | July 15, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Dorothy--I also rarely buy mass market books. I prefer trade size for their readability and like you say they do fit much more nicely in your hand. Also a really good book can lay open flat when you're eating your lunch, so you don't have to hold it And your sandwich! :) I used to not like used books, but now I sort of like them--they have a certain personality that new ones don't. The Sourcebooks editions are jusrt nice--nice paper and type, sturdier. The other books are okay, but the paper looks like it will fade fast and the print is smaller. It's sort of strange how much they differ--I wonder why Sourcebooks isn't just publishing all of Heyer's books.
Posted by: Danielle | July 15, 2009 at 09:22 PM