You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
I really liked the story, the dialogue and the characters but for me it dragged a little in the middle. Still, I’m very happy I finally started reading Heyer in the last year or so.
4.5stars
It was perfect except for the ending. But hey! Can't complain much.
Frederica was such an enjoyable read and believe it or not, has displaced 'The Grand Sophy' from my favourite Heyer book spot.
I loved the wit, the characters, the banter.
It was perfect except for the ending. But hey! Can't complain much.
Frederica was such an enjoyable read and believe it or not, has displaced 'The Grand Sophy' from my favourite Heyer book spot.
I loved the wit, the characters, the banter.
funny
I have been reading Georgette Heyer novels since I was a teen. Ms Heyer wrote dozens of 'regency' novels, and a number of others, including historical fiction and mysteries. With such a large ouevre, there is bound to be variation in quality. 'Frederica', one of the later novels (1965), is one of the better novels. It does follow a formula and there is little doubt as to what the outcome of the story will be, but there is pleasure to be had in getting there.
The protagonists of the story are the Marquis of Alverstoke and Frederica Merriville. Frederica, the eldest of five siblings, has brought her family to London to launch her sister Charis into London society. Charis is fabulously beautiful, which draws a number of suitors. The drawback is that Charis is exceptionally tender-hearted and a ninny. Naturally, she falls in love with a distant cousin who is also a dim bulb and gorgeous. Frederica, who is anxious to settle her sister in a comfortable marriage, does not look kindly on this attachment. She herself, at the age of twenty-four, regards herself as too old for marriage. But Frederica has called upon Alverstoke, a distant cousin, to assist her in making the entry into London society. Alverstoke, wealthy beyond imagining and bored by every woman he has ever met, is a reluctant partner in this endeavor. What changes his mind, and lifts this story above the average regency novel, is the introduction of Felix and Jessamy, Frederica's young brothers. They are curious, rambunctious, and constantly getting into scrapes that necessitate the intervention of Cousin Alverstoke. Will Alverstoke finally admit that he has met a woman who fascinates him, and will he be able to persuade Frederica to accept his proposal? The answer is never in doubt, but it does involve rudimentary train engines, steam pipes, and aerial balloons, which is a departure from the typical regency novel.
If you enjoy regency novels and Jane Austen's polite society, give 'Frederica' a try.
The protagonists of the story are the Marquis of Alverstoke and Frederica Merriville. Frederica, the eldest of five siblings, has brought her family to London to launch her sister Charis into London society. Charis is fabulously beautiful, which draws a number of suitors. The drawback is that Charis is exceptionally tender-hearted and a ninny. Naturally, she falls in love with a distant cousin who is also a dim bulb and gorgeous. Frederica, who is anxious to settle her sister in a comfortable marriage, does not look kindly on this attachment. She herself, at the age of twenty-four, regards herself as too old for marriage. But Frederica has called upon Alverstoke, a distant cousin, to assist her in making the entry into London society. Alverstoke, wealthy beyond imagining and bored by every woman he has ever met, is a reluctant partner in this endeavor. What changes his mind, and lifts this story above the average regency novel, is the introduction of Felix and Jessamy, Frederica's young brothers. They are curious, rambunctious, and constantly getting into scrapes that necessitate the intervention of Cousin Alverstoke. Will Alverstoke finally admit that he has met a woman who fascinates him, and will he be able to persuade Frederica to accept his proposal? The answer is never in doubt, but it does involve rudimentary train engines, steam pipes, and aerial balloons, which is a departure from the typical regency novel.
If you enjoy regency novels and Jane Austen's polite society, give 'Frederica' a try.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The romance bored me but what I did find fascinating were the different rivalries, feuds and jealousies playing out in the background between the married society women. So much detail and world building was in this book (it’s Georgette Heyer after all) so despite the unremarkable romance and extremely rushed ending, this was still a decent read
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.25 stars. A wonderful read. Told with a lot of humour, perhaps a few many too details, but nevertheless an entertaining read. Frederica is a top heroine taking responsibility for her brothers and sisters. She thinks of everyone but herself. Along comes the Marquis of Averstoke who tends to think of nobody but himself. However he finds himself being largely entertained by Jessamy and Felix - Frederica's two younger brothers. They do get into scrapes. They have him doing their bidding. As we go along Averstoke develops and grows and so does his admiration and appreciation of Frederica. Not even a kiss in sight, just what Felix calls a cuddle! (An arm around a shoulder. Yet its a very enjoyable romance.