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alliewesterbur's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
avonleagal's review
5.0
THE CLIFF HANGERS AND PLOT TWIST
like no spoilers but you think you know something then it’s not like it
I love it
like no spoilers but you think you know something then it’s not like it
I love it
emelkay24's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fun! Though two thirds are definitely better than the last. VERY melodramatic, but I think the flowery, overwrought 1906 language actually helps me swallow it. Though, it has an annoying habit of repeating how Marguerite is feeling over and over again.
I think it’s so interesting as one of the first “masked avenger” stories — particularly how it forefronts Marguerite’s perspective. A lot of these stories subsequently ignore or flatten the love interest, but here she has such an interesting complex role in the story, with her dealing with the coldness that’s now between her and her husband and how she’s coerced into betraying him without knowing it. And Orczy did a great job of making me fall in love with her! It’s only a bummer once she leaves England to save Percy, which shocked and delighted me as being remarkably modern for 1906, but turned into disappointment when it turned out that was more to put our POV character in the midst of the action and things really wouldn’t have changed much if she hadn’t been there at all.
Also the Jew disguise thing taking up the whole 3rd act is very unfortunate and uncomfortable :\
It’s weird how it’s missing a scene between the Pimpernel and Marguerite before she figures out who he is, how much that dynamic remains untapped. It’s hinted at with how Marguerite privately swoons over the Pimpernel sometimes, but it’s definitely not the two-person love triangle thing that’s now such a staple of the genre. I kinda miss it, I was waiting for it.
Still, I enjoyed it very much! I would read the sequels if I knew Marguerite had more impact on how the plot ultimately resolves.
I think it’s so interesting as one of the first “masked avenger” stories — particularly how it forefronts Marguerite’s perspective. A lot of these stories subsequently ignore or flatten the love interest, but here she has such an interesting complex role in the story,
Also the Jew disguise thing taking up the whole 3rd act is very unfortunate and uncomfortable :\
It’s weird how it’s missing a scene between the Pimpernel and Marguerite before she figures out who he is, how much that dynamic remains untapped. It’s hinted at with how Marguerite privately swoons over the Pimpernel sometimes, but it’s definitely not the two-person love triangle thing that’s now such a staple of the genre. I kinda miss it, I was waiting for it.
Still, I enjoyed it very much! I would read the sequels if I knew Marguerite had more impact on how the plot ultimately resolves.
samcandalor's review against another edition
1.5
Congrats to the Baroness for inventing the masked vigilante but the “cleverest woman in Europe” is an idiot and oh no won’t someone think of the aristocrats?
cpruskee's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
heathernh1996's review
4.0
I liked this - read it in less than a day, but I have one thing against it - it's a bit redundant. The feelings and thoughts of the characters are repeated several times, amongst other things...I just got a little tired of it. But still, a great book and fun story. Well written (not as well written as some of the older classics, though).
ryan_cooke's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hnbb's review against another edition
5.0
This is my little sister's favorite book. I finally read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am ready to read more of them. I was surprised that it was such an easy fast read even though the language is a bit old. I love Percy Blakeney's character. Gad!
messy_dreamer's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0