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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
May 15, 2025:
I don't know if I was in the wrong headspace for this or what, but I didn't enjoy it as much the second time around. I had forgotten a lot of the plot and was expecting it to be different/funnier? The writing was still great and I love Heyer's savage character depictions, but I think I'll go with a solid 4 now instead of a 4.5.
July 14, 2017:
More like 4.5.
This was insanely good! I wasn't really sure what to expect from a Regency novel written in the 1950s, but this reminded me so much of Pride & Prejudice in the best possible way. Edmund was a riot.
Really the only issue I had was sometimes all the exclamation marks made me think Sylvester was joking with Phoebe when he was actually being a dick.
I don't know if I was in the wrong headspace for this or what, but I didn't enjoy it as much the second time around. I had forgotten a lot of the plot and was expecting it to be different/funnier? The writing was still great and I love Heyer's savage character depictions, but I think I'll go with a solid 4 now instead of a 4.5.
July 14, 2017:
More like 4.5.
This was insanely good! I wasn't really sure what to expect from a Regency novel written in the 1950s, but this reminded me so much of Pride & Prejudice in the best possible way. Edmund was a riot.
Really the only issue I had was sometimes all the exclamation marks made me think Sylvester was joking with Phoebe when he was actually being a dick.
Sylvester is probably my second favorite book I've read by Georgette Heyer and bonus the ending is perhaps the least abrupt of the books I've read by Heyer so far.
Sylvester, the Duke of Salford, is in search of a wife. He's 28 years old, and he thinks it's time to settle down. He speaks to his mother - whom he has a very close relationship with - and tells her what he is looking for in a wife, however, at the end of this conversation instead of being reassured that her son is looking to settle down she's left worried that her son has become arrogant and detached.
You see, Sylvester doesn't want to marry for love; he just needs someone to be a proper duchess. Pretty but doesn't need to be beautiful, agreeable, but not stupid, etc. He has widdled down the lift of potential douches to five young ladies, who all meet his requirement. His mother casually mentions that she had once hoped a long time ago that he would marry the daughter of her best friend (who died soon after childbirth). Sylvester, having never heard of this scheme, is intrigued and soon resolved to discover more.
Soon, he discovers that he does not like Phoebe Marlon, and she likes Sylvester even less. However, due to some, ah extraordinary circumstances, the two are trapped in a snowed-in Inn. They get to know each other, but while their opinions of each other change, it doesn't turn into some intense love affair. Nope, these kids need time to form a real bond, and for the rest of the book, that's exactly what they do. That and get on each other's nerves but that half the fun.
I liked Sylvester (the duke) instantly, but it took me a little longer to warm up to Phoebe, but once I did, I liked her very much. She's a trouble maker who says exactly what she thinks but doesn't always think before she speaks or acts, and that tends to get her in a bit of trouble more often than not. She's exactly what Sylvester needs. Someone who will challenge him and won't bend to his ducal will with the lift of one of his extreme arched eyebrows. The best part is that at their core, they are both good people who would do anything for the people they care about.
As usual in Heyer's books, the cast of secondary characters are a delight. From the wonderful Tom (if he doesn't have his own book, I wish he'd gotten one) to Lady Ingahm to the ridiculous Ianthy and her fiancé the ridiculous Ser Nugent Fatherbee
One of my constant complaints about Heyer's books is how abruptly they end. I'm getting used to it, but thankfully the ending to Sylvester wasn't too abrupt. I would have hoped for a little more, but I'm satisfied with it.
I enjoyed the narrator though I wish the voices between characters were a little bit more discernible.
Sylvester, the Duke of Salford, is in search of a wife. He's 28 years old, and he thinks it's time to settle down. He speaks to his mother - whom he has a very close relationship with - and tells her what he is looking for in a wife, however, at the end of this conversation instead of being reassured that her son is looking to settle down she's left worried that her son has become arrogant and detached.
You see, Sylvester doesn't want to marry for love; he just needs someone to be a proper duchess. Pretty but doesn't need to be beautiful, agreeable, but not stupid, etc. He has widdled down the lift of potential douches to five young ladies, who all meet his requirement. His mother casually mentions that she had once hoped a long time ago that he would marry the daughter of her best friend (who died soon after childbirth). Sylvester, having never heard of this scheme, is intrigued and soon resolved to discover more.
Soon, he discovers that he does not like Phoebe Marlon, and she likes Sylvester even less. However, due to some, ah extraordinary circumstances, the two are trapped in a snowed-in Inn. They get to know each other, but while their opinions of each other change, it doesn't turn into some intense love affair. Nope, these kids need time to form a real bond, and for the rest of the book, that's exactly what they do. That and get on each other's nerves but that half the fun.
I liked Sylvester (the duke) instantly, but it took me a little longer to warm up to Phoebe, but once I did, I liked her very much. She's a trouble maker who says exactly what she thinks but doesn't always think before she speaks or acts, and that tends to get her in a bit of trouble more often than not. She's exactly what Sylvester needs. Someone who will challenge him and won't bend to his ducal will with the lift of one of his extreme arched eyebrows. The best part is that at their core, they are both good people who would do anything for the people they care about.
As usual in Heyer's books, the cast of secondary characters are a delight. From the wonderful Tom (if he doesn't have his own book, I wish he'd gotten one) to Lady Ingahm to the ridiculous Ianthy and her fiancé the ridiculous Ser Nugent Fatherbee
One of my constant complaints about Heyer's books is how abruptly they end. I'm getting used to it, but thankfully the ending to Sylvester wasn't too abrupt. I would have hoped for a little more, but I'm satisfied with it.
I enjoyed the narrator though I wish the voices between characters were a little bit more discernible.
Another satisfying Heyer Regency romance. Such incredible wit and humor! Takes a while for our hero/heroine to get there, but she has a way of making you feel they are in it for the long haul, that the love is based on a real understanding of each other. And that makes for a great tale.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I hated Salford, and Phoebe was so entertaining. This was a fun one.
UPDATE: Richard Armitage strikes again. I love the audiobook.
UPDATE: Richard Armitage strikes again. I love the audiobook.
A book characterized by sparkling wit, keen observations and a tremendous sense of fun. I laughed at parts, my eyes became slightly moist at other parts, and I enjoyed almost the whole book. My only quibble is that some parts to perhaps feel a little slow and a little unnecessary to the overall plot. However they do convey a sense of the different pace of life of that time, so that's something.
Fantastic!
Fantastic!
Why does so much romantic tension hinge on misunderstanding? It feels like an overused device, but it still works every time.
I listened to the unabridged audio version performed by Nicholas Rowe and loved every minute of it.
More than two decades ago I discovered the delight of reading Georgette Heyer. At the time I certainly read Sylvester, and probably more than once. I still remembered the scene with his mother, when he talks about choosing a wife, and the way he does so worries her. And I knew about Ianthe and how she wanted her child with her, because someone told her how beautiful she looked as a mother... The rest was a blur.
I have just started with this re-read (or rather re-listen) of her work, so I cannot speak about all of them. But this must be one of my favorites for sure. The characters are so incredibly well written, the dialogue, the wit - but also the all too human emotions. I felt deeply for Phoebe and Sylvester, and was as happy as Tom when they finally found their way to each other.
This was in fact so good that I am tempted to now listen to the abridged version narrated by Richard Armitage. Just to find out if I will be affected as deeply as I was just now.
More than two decades ago I discovered the delight of reading Georgette Heyer. At the time I certainly read Sylvester, and probably more than once. I still remembered the scene with his mother, when he talks about choosing a wife, and the way he does so worries her. And I knew about Ianthe and how she wanted her child with her, because someone told her how beautiful she looked as a mother... The rest was a blur.
I have just started with this re-read (or rather re-listen) of her work, so I cannot speak about all of them. But this must be one of my favorites for sure. The characters are so incredibly well written, the dialogue, the wit - but also the all too human emotions. I felt deeply for Phoebe and Sylvester, and was as happy as Tom when they finally found their way to each other.
This was in fact so good that I am tempted to now listen to the abridged version narrated by Richard Armitage. Just to find out if I will be affected as deeply as I was just now.
I enjoyed Sylvester so much. It was so good! I couldn't say whether this or Arabella is my current favorite of Heyer's works, it is that good. I chuckled abominably (sorry, my dear family), I was brought to tears, I couldn't put it down. (Can I please go reread that ending now?)
First, Sylvester. (Oh, Sylvester!) I felt like throttling him at times, but for the most part he was swoon-worthy (okay, not really - he was funny and kind and an awesome character, though). I loved him. And we can't talk about Sylvester without talking about Phoebe, our heroine. She was Lizzie to his Darcy, and they were absolutely perfect together. Phoebe helped Sylvester along on his character arc, and Sylvester taught Phoebe some valuable lessons along the way.
Speaking of Pride and Prejudice, I must share what appears to be a somewhat unpopular opinion about this book. Sylvester reminded me of P&P so much! Phoebe is prejudiced (perhaps in a different way than Elizabeth, but still). And Sylvester is proud (also in a different way than Mr. Darcy). If I expound too much on why the heroes and heroines of these two beloved novels are similar, I'd end up sharing spoilers, so I shall refrain.
Not only were the characters similar, but some scenes were also reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. (And I don't have any problems with that. The more P&P, the better!) For the sake of keeping this review spoiler-free, I'll just say that it was awesome and sad and I almost cried because of one scene. If possible, that scene was even more awkward and full of misunderstanding than in Pride and Prejudice!
I loved Sylvester, and if you enjoy Jane Austen's works or anything by Georgette Heyer, I heartily recommend this book.
Content: mild language suitable for the Regency Era but not bad at all for modern standards; romance; not only one, but two somewhat scandalous trips (nothing bad happens). Recommended for readers 12+.
First, Sylvester. (Oh, Sylvester!) I felt like throttling him at times, but for the most part he was swoon-worthy (okay, not really - he was funny and kind and an awesome character, though). I loved him. And we can't talk about Sylvester without talking about Phoebe, our heroine. She was Lizzie to his Darcy, and they were absolutely perfect together. Phoebe helped Sylvester along on his character arc, and Sylvester taught Phoebe some valuable lessons along the way.
Speaking of Pride and Prejudice, I must share what appears to be a somewhat unpopular opinion about this book. Sylvester reminded me of P&P so much! Phoebe is prejudiced (perhaps in a different way than Elizabeth, but still). And Sylvester is proud (also in a different way than Mr. Darcy). If I expound too much on why the heroes and heroines of these two beloved novels are similar, I'd end up sharing spoilers, so I shall refrain.
Not only were the characters similar, but some scenes were also reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. (And I don't have any problems with that. The more P&P, the better!) For the sake of keeping this review spoiler-free, I'll just say that it was awesome and sad and I almost cried because of one scene. If possible, that scene was even more awkward and full of misunderstanding than in Pride and Prejudice!
I loved Sylvester, and if you enjoy Jane Austen's works or anything by Georgette Heyer, I heartily recommend this book.
Content: mild language suitable for the Regency Era but not bad at all for modern standards; romance; not only one, but two somewhat scandalous trips (nothing bad happens). Recommended for readers 12+.
This book slaps. Wry, fun and unique… A strong, independent heroine who escapes her oppressive immediate family to finally be surrounded by people who love and support her as she is. Probably the best part of the book though, is seeing Sylvester’s character grow into somebody who can love and appreciate those around him.