The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher:
Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (December 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402219504
• ISBN-13: 978-1402219504
Rating: 5.0
Blurb:
In an age of slippery politics, Robin and Prudence Tremaine, the children of the notorious and brilliant Viscount of Barham, find themselves on the wrong side of the Jacobite rebellion. The Viscount sends his offspring on the road to London, each masquerading as the opposite sex.
In her guise as a young gentleman, Prudence attracts a mentor in Sir Anthony Fanshawe, who soon uncovers her true identity and becomes an accomplice in their escape. Robin and Prudence rescue the lovely Letitia from an unwanted elopement, and Robin, disguised as a lady, becomes her confidante. The plot unwinds with a great deal of adventurous doings—sword fights, narrow escapes, blackmail, and highwaymen—until Robin must reveal his true identity and woo Letitia in earnest. But when she finds out the truth, will she accept an adventurer for a husband? Or will his masquerade be Robin's undoing?
Review:
This is really a wonderful read. I had read Georgette Heyer when I was in my late teens….many years ago! So I really had forgotten the style. The interesting thing with this is that the writing is “antique”. All of it has an authentic historical sound and flow.
The characters are brave, appealing and witty. Prudence makes a charming young man and she and Robin are obviously smart and skilled to pull off the masquerade in the public circles they travel in. Sir Anthony, “The Mountain” or “Mammoth” as Robin calls him, is a great male character. He is the silent, thoughtful, conservative, watching type. Decisive when action is needed, and although he wants to protect her, he is strong enough to let Prudence be strong too. Even the secondary characters, the father, the aunt and the villain, are presented with depth so that you can picture just the type of people they are.
The plot twists are great fun and the story is full of action. The romances are sweet with nothing more needed than looks, sweet talk and a few kisses to get the point across. It is all in the feelings of the characters. The language may be disconcerting at first but once you realize that it is so in line with the times it presents then it becomes natural and even charming.
I can highly recommend this delightful story. I myself will look forward to reading more Georgette Heyer books sooner than years from now!!
The book was provided for review by Danielle at Sourcebooks - Thank you for a wonderful read.
Since I have really enjoyed the comment Tuesdays I want to continue that and the drawing from all of the comments. Here is a part of the excerpt that can be found at the page linked at Sourcebook above.
Excerpt from Chapter One: A Lady in Distress
It had begun to rain an hour ago, a fine driving mist with the sky grey above. The gentleman riding beside the chaise surveyed the clouds placidly. "Faith, it"s a wonderful climate," he remarked of no one in particular.
The grizzled serving man who rode some paces to the rear spurred up to him. "Best put up for the night, sir," he grunted. "There"s an inn a mile or two on."
The window of the chaise was let down with a clatter, and a lady looked out. "Child, you"ll be wet," she said to her cavalier. "How far to Norman Cross?"
The serving man rode up close to the chaise. "Another hour, ma"am. I"m saying we"d best put up for the night." "I"d as soon make Norman Cross," said the gentleman, "for all it"s plaguily damp."
"There"s an inn close by, as I remember," the servant repeated, addressing himself to the lady.
"En avant, then. Produce me the inn," the lady said. "Give you joy of your England, Peter my little man."
The gentleman laughed. "Oh, it"s a comforting spot, Kate."
The inn came soon into sight, a square white house glimmering through the dusk. There were lights in the windows, and a post—chaise drawn up in the court before it.
The gentleman came lightly down from the saddle. He was of medium height, and carried himself well. He had a neat leg encased in a fine riding boot, and a slender hand in an embroidered gauntlet.
Now that you have read the excerpt tell me what you think of the language, or comment on the review, to be entered in the drawing. Leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you win the drawing which will close Thursday at midnight. Winner to be announced Friday morning.
This is my SaSR Tuesday post today too.
