I have to pace myself when it comes to Georgette Heyer's books. Given the chance I could happily devour a stack of her novels one after the other, but I prefer to ration them out and save them for when I need something light and comforting. I've been trying to buy the newly reissued Regencies she wrote as Sourcebooks has been publishing them. It's nice to know I have a few of her books in reserve. Unlike many readers who have pleasant memories of Heyer's heroines from when they were young, I've only discovered her in the last few years, so there are loads of good stories still to look forward to.
I've only read a few of her novels, but each one seems to be as enjoyable as, if not more so, than the last. I decided that Lady of Quality would be perfect lazy-day long-weekend reading, and I was right. Although Heyer might be somewhat predictable in that you always know nothing too terribly tragic is going to happen, and whatever muddle the characters manage to get in will be resolved with a happy ending, that's not really such a bad thing. I've only read her romances so far (though I was told her mysteries are going to be published in the US by Sourcebooks in 2009), but the stories are always unique. When I'm reading her books, I tend to have a sort of Jane Austen-esque period drama visual running through my mind. And while there'll always only be one Jane Austen, Heyer's stories are always very witty and stylish.
Annis Wychwood is my favorite heroine so far out of the novels I've read. She's smart, attractive and independent, and she doesn't let anyone take advantage of her. She also happens to be on the threshold of 30 and therefore a spinster, left too long on the shelf. The thing is she needn't be if she chose otherwise. She's had more than a few offers of marriage, but she's turned them all down, valuing her independence more. In order not to be stuck in the role of spinster aunt and at the rest of her family's beck and call, she's moved from her home in the country to Bath. Although of an age to make her own decisions, she was persuaded by her brother to allow her cousin Maria come live with her and make sure there's an air of respectability to her household. While Annis is my favorite heroine thus far, Maria has to be the most annoying character I've yet encountered in a Heyer novel. A nonstop chatterbox, she is far too concerned about the propriety of everyone around Annis. Although she set my teeth on edge a few times, I could picture her perfectly.
One day when Annis is returning from her brother's home to Bath, she comes across two young travelers whose carriage has broken down. In one small act of kindness her life will be changed forever. Into Annis's capable hands falls Lucilla Carleton, not yet out in society, and her cousin Ninian. Lucilla has run away from home to avoid being forced into a marriage she doesn't want. When Ninian caught her in the act he couldn't let her run off alone, so agreed to take her to Bath. A broken wheel leaves them stranded. Annis rescues Lucilla leaving Ninian to follow them.
It doesn't take long for Lucilla's guardian to be told of her absence. When Annis and Oliver Carleton meet, watch out. More than sparks will fly. Carleton is known as the rudest man in London and his rakish behavior is known of far and wide. Alas, Annis can hold her own, which will surprise Carleton and pique his interest in ways none of his mistresses ever could. Rather than being repulsed by Oliver, Annis will find herself drawn to him as well. I'll leave the rest up to your imagination. This was a fun read indeed.
Along with making me want to pick up another Heyer novel (will ration myself however) I'd like to read more about the Regency period in general (any suggestions?). Conveniently I happen to have a copy of An Elegant Madness: High Society in Regency England by Venetia Murray. It seems to have received mixed reviews with lots of questions about the accuracy of dates and other details. I've already started reading, however, and I'm hooked, so I'll read it with those criticisms in mind. I'd mostly just like an overview and this seems to be an entertaining look at the period. A little taste:
"The educated classes during the Regency revelled in the written word. They were prolific correspondents, writing to their friends and families almost daily; kept diaries and journals, commonplace books and albums, menus and account books. They voiced their opinions on current affairs, dissected the latest scandal and described the characters of their acquaintances in acid detail. And it was an age when people put a high premium on the ability to express themselves with charm and wit. All this original material illustrates the reality behind the facade of the Regency period, the credits and debits of daily life amongst the privileged elite. It includes some of the most delightful and entertaining material for a social history ever written and is the foundation upon which this book is based."
The Regency period sounds like it was actually quite decadent, though Heyer's creations are fairly tame. It's interesting reading about the reality behind the books. I do trust, however, that Heyer's novels are accurate. I wonder what books she read while doing her research? I can easily see why she was so attracted to this time period.
Edited: Hopefully Lezlie doesn't mind, but I thought I would mention here that she's having a Georgette Heyer giveaway. She's got several copies of her newly reissued novels to give away, so this might be a good chance to give her work a try. Lezlie also mentioned that Nancy Pearl has chosen An Infamous Army as one of her recommended reads this summer. I read An Infamous Army last year and really enjoyed it. It's a novel about the Battle of Waterloo with a dash of romance thrown in. Heyer was praised for her careful attention to detail, and I almost wished I had a map spread out in front of me while I was reading.