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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
This is a 4 1/2 stars...it is so incredibly charming (thanks to my HPB buddy Jaime for recommending it)! It put me in mind of Jane Austen or North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell but with a lot more wit--I couldn't stop laughing at some scenes! I definitely look forward to reading more by Georgette Heyer :)
Cinderella story
Not bad but not my favorite. As usual period-typical classism, racism, anti-Semitic language used. This one was not as funny as some others the dog saved it
Not bad but not my favorite. As usual period-typical classism, racism, anti-Semitic language used. This one was not as funny as some others the dog saved it
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dnf the audiobook. The narration is utterly devoid of difference from person to person and coupled with the kind of old fashioned writing and I can't follow it. Try reading this one instead.
I really liked Mr Beaumaris in this book. Arabella was just okay, she was a little immature, I did like that she cared so much about others. My biggest problem is that Mr Beaumaris is barely in the book the entire first half. The second half is mostly of him and that’s where it gets really good. This book ( at least the second half) is more romantic than a few others I’ve read of Heyers, which is lovely. This one reminded me a lot of Frederica.
Excellent. Love all of Georgette Heyer's books, but this one is a favorite.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Heavily inspired by Pride and Prejudice, but remaining its own thing too. Arabella is a sweet mixture of naive and head-strong, aware of the social game while not being a slave to it. Mr Beaumaris I thought I wouldn't like, but I quickly ended up loving him. His love for his "adorable idiot" Arabella and delight in all things ridiculous was such a joy to find behind the haughty facade he presents to the world at first impressions.
Georgette Heyer included many references to P&P throughout the story, and I enjoyed not just the literary references - like Mr Beaumaris being described as a "proud, disagreeable sort of man, though only the most daring would have uttered aloud such a criticism" - but also recognising who is the Lydia, the Lady Catherine de Bourgh etc of the story. But though there are many nods, there are also many differences, and "Arabella" is a joy from start to finish.
Georgette Heyer included many references to P&P throughout the story, and I enjoyed not just the literary references - like Mr Beaumaris being described as a "proud, disagreeable sort of man, though only the most daring would have uttered aloud such a criticism" - but also recognising who is the Lydia, the Lady Catherine de Bourgh etc of the story. But though there are many nods, there are also many differences, and "Arabella" is a joy from start to finish.
4.5 stars rounded up because I read the second half straight through. This is my first Heyer book and it won’t be my last. This sits nicely between an Austen and a modern Regency novel. I loved the character of Arabella and the male lead was likable in a Darcy way. The dog was a nice touch. Recommend for regency readers.
I love this book with a passion and I would die for these characters, Even with all this "Tulip of Fashion" talk.