Tag Archives: georgette heyer

November 10, 2023 · 5:12 am

Black Sheep – Georgette Heyer

I think I have read this before, but it would have been sometime ago. I listened to the audio version, which was very lovely.

Here’s the blurb …

The novel is set in Bath, Somerset and centres on two main characters: Miss Abigail Wendover and Mr Miles Calverleigh.

At the beginning of the novel, Abigail’s niece Fanny claims to have formed a mutual “lasting attachment” with Stacey Calverleigh, to Abigail’s dismay. Stacey is reputed to be a “gamester”, a “loose fish”, and a “gazetted fortune-hunter”—that is, he has a gambling habit, is a libertine, and is on the look-out for a wealthy marriage. Abigail enlists the assistance of Stacey’s cousin, Miles Calverleigh, to prevent a clandestine marriage between Stacey and Fanny. Miles is the black sheep of the Calverleigh family, but Abigail finds herself attracted to his wit and unconventionality.

This was published in 1966, which must have been at the end of Heyer’s writing career. It has (what became a bit of a thing for her) a flighty young heroine and a mature one (mature being in her late twenties!). The relationship between Abigail and Miles is beautifully portrayed. We know early on he is keen on her, and they have a lovely friendship. It reminds me a bit of the relationship in the The Unknown Ajax.

This novel has all of things I love about Heyer; fashion, wit, weird regency slang and independent heroines. There are a few things that date it a bit; the name Fanny for one. There is a conversation between Abigail and Miles where they discuss ‘her poor dear fanny’. Making your fortune in India is probably frowned upon nowadays, and she does describe a singer wobbling like a blancmange.

I love how Stacey Calverleigh is routed horse, foot and artillery so to speak.

A review.

The Nonesuch – Georgette Heyer

I love a good regency romance and Georgette Heyer is one of the best.

Here is a link to my book review blog with a review of The Nonesuch.

Frederica – Georgette Heyer

I like Georgette Heyer novels (here is one I read earlier and here). They’re fun and a quick read and obviously well-researched. However, sometimes that research can get in the way – all of those regency expressions can get annoying.

Here is what Georgette Heyer wrote to her publisher about Fredrica …

Where was I? Oh, yes! DRIP FOR THE TRADE! Here you are! This book, written in Miss Heyer’s lightest vein, is the story of the adventures in Regency London of the Merriville family: Frederica, riding the whirlwind and directing the storm; Harry, rusticated from Oxford, and embarking with enthusiasm on the more perilous amusements pursued by young gentleman of the ton; the divine Charis, too tenderhearted to discourage the advances of her numerous suiters; Jessamy, destined for the church, and wavering, in adolescent style, between excessive virtue and a natural exuberance of spirits; and Felix, a schoolboy with a passion for scientific experiment. In Frederica, Miss Heyer has created one of her most engaging heroines, and in the Marquis of Alverstoke, a bored cynic who becomes involved in all the imbroglios of a lively family, a hero whose sense of humour makes him an excellent foil for Frederica.

The Private World of Georgette Heyer – Jane Aiken Hodge

Lord Alverstoke is definitely a Mark 11 hero – Suave, well-dressed, rich and a famous whip. The Merrivilles are a distant connection and when Frederica asks him to help her launch Charis into the world of the ton he agrees to help because it will annoy his sisters. He is bored with his life – all of those people ‘toadying’ and find the Merriville’s refreshing. He rescues them all from many scrapes (some very contrived) and a long the way falls in love with Frederica (because she, of course, hasn’t tried to attract his attention).

This book is full of regency detail – clothes, carriages, social life, medical treatment, which make it an interesting read. I can’t think of anyone else who writes regency romances like Georgette Heyer.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say lovers of Austen will also like Heyer, but I am sure there is a substantial intersection.

More reviews …

http://austenprose.com/2010/08/29/frederica-by-georgette-heyer-–-a-review/

http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/frederica-by-georgette-heyer-a-review/

http://bestfriends-books.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/book-review-frederica-by-georgette.html

The Reluctant Widow – Georgette Heyer

Reading too much Heyer is a bit like eating too much sugar in one sitting – I feel slightly sick and usually get a headache. I like Heyer (and sugar), but a little goes a long way. I think this is one of her best romances.

Here’s the blurb on the back …

A fateful mistake…

When Elinor Rochdale boards the wrong coach, she ends up not at her prospective employer’s home but at the estate of Eustace Cheviot, a dissipated and ruined young man on the verge of death.

A momentous decision…

His cousin, Mr Ned Carlyon, persuades Elinor to marry Eustace as a simple business arrangement. By morning, Elinor is a rich widow, but finds herself embroiled with an international spy ring, housebreakers, uninvited guests, and murder. And Mr Carlyon won’t let her leave …

This novel combines intrigue and romance in a compelling page turning manner (and there is not too much regency slang, which I always find a tad annoying). It is light and sparkling and very easy to read.

Elinor is on her way to her new post as a governess and steps into the wrong carriage – she ends up at Highnoons where it is thought she has answered an advertisment to marry Eustace Cheviot. The advertisment was placed by Mr Ned Carlyon – Eustance’s cousin – as a way of not inheriting Highnoons (the Grandfather’s will was unusual). Mr Carlyon thinks Elinor should marry Eustace despite the mistake because Eustace won’t live for long – he is a disolute young man – and once he is dead she can live a life of relative comfort with than drudgery as a Governess. They then hear (Via Mr Carlyon’s younger brother Nicky) that Eustace has been accidently stabbed (By Nicky) and probably won’t live out the night. They rush to the inn where Elinor and Eustace are married, Eustace writes his will in Elinor’s favour and dies before morning.

Elinor is settled at Highnoons and receives a visitor late at night who claims to have let himself in the side door (not being aware that Eustace is dead). How did he get in? All the doors and windows were locked and what was he looking for? Hence the mystery.

I enjoyed reading this novel. If you haven’t read any Georgette Heyer this would be a good one with which to start.

Here are some links …

http://janitesonthejames.blogspot.com/2008/11/reluctant-widow-by-georgette-heyer-book.html

Tag Archives: georgette heyer

Black Sheep – Georgette Heyer

The Nonesuch – Georgette Heyer

Frederica – Georgette Heyer

The Reluctant Widow – Georgette Heyer

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