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sophiarose1816's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A swashbuckling ‘powder and patch’ early Georgian Era romantic adventure for two vivacious siblings who evaded the purge of Jacobites after Culloden and hide in plain sight amongst London High Society in a sparkling and witty gender bender.
Georgette Heyer is most known for her sparkling, light Regency Romance. However, she did not limit herself to one era and proved she could carry that engaging dialogue and wit into early historical eras like this mid-eighteenth century charmer. What could be more fun than a brother and sister who have adventured with their father ‘the old gentleman’ all over Europe and lastly with the devastating lost Scottish cause and the Highland defeat at Culloden. Being a Jacobite- or at least being thought to be- is dangerous in those times so Prudence and Robin choose impenetrable disguises as a brother and sister, but Prue takes the part of young Mr. Merriot and Robin as the coquettish Miss Merriot who rescue a damsel, anger a rogue, fall in with the phlegmatic Sir Anthony, and take up residence with the charming and French lady leader of society all the while wondering what scheme their eccentric parent will cook up next.
There is romance for both siblings, but yes, it’s somewhat complicated with their chosen disguises and the fact that they aren’t exactly what the English high society would consider respectable. But, they navigate these ticklish issues along with the old gentleman’s maddest scheme of all. Pru falls for formidable and deceptively quick-witted Sir Anthony who she must constantly stay one step ahead of while Robin falls for a sweet, dreamy poppet of a girl. I enjoyed them both and their love interests, but their father Robert, Lord Barham stole the show with his outlandish conceit and prowess to scheme and best everyone. The villains are the types one cheers when they get their just desserts, but the focus was very much on how the family of adventurers find their way through their difficulties.
The narrator, Ruth Siller, was new to me. I had to adjust to her voice which was wonderful for Terese’s French and the variants in class. However, the nasal way she did all the male voices except Robin’s and particularly, Sir Anthony’s voice I found the most distracting since he is a huge ‘mountain’ of a man so I expected a low, resonating voice for him. But, as to her storytelling, that was entertaining and I had no trouble enjoying that.
All in all, this was another fun classic Heyer romp and I can recommend it for those who enjoy witty dialogue, light and sparkling plot with fabulous historical description and setting.
Georgette Heyer is most known for her sparkling, light Regency Romance. However, she did not limit herself to one era and proved she could carry that engaging dialogue and wit into early historical eras like this mid-eighteenth century charmer. What could be more fun than a brother and sister who have adventured with their father ‘the old gentleman’ all over Europe and lastly with the devastating lost Scottish cause and the Highland defeat at Culloden. Being a Jacobite- or at least being thought to be- is dangerous in those times so Prudence and Robin choose impenetrable disguises as a brother and sister, but Prue takes the part of young Mr. Merriot and Robin as the coquettish Miss Merriot who rescue a damsel, anger a rogue, fall in with the phlegmatic Sir Anthony, and take up residence with the charming and French lady leader of society all the while wondering what scheme their eccentric parent will cook up next.
There is romance for both siblings, but yes, it’s somewhat complicated with their chosen disguises and the fact that they aren’t exactly what the English high society would consider respectable. But, they navigate these ticklish issues along with the old gentleman’s maddest scheme of all. Pru falls for formidable and deceptively quick-witted Sir Anthony who she must constantly stay one step ahead of while Robin falls for a sweet, dreamy poppet of a girl. I enjoyed them both and their love interests, but their father Robert, Lord Barham stole the show with his outlandish conceit and prowess to scheme and best everyone. The villains are the types one cheers when they get their just desserts, but the focus was very much on how the family of adventurers find their way through their difficulties.
The narrator, Ruth Siller, was new to me. I had to adjust to her voice which was wonderful for Terese’s French and the variants in class. However, the nasal way she did all the male voices except Robin’s and particularly, Sir Anthony’s voice I found the most distracting since he is a huge ‘mountain’ of a man so I expected a low, resonating voice for him. But, as to her storytelling, that was entertaining and I had no trouble enjoying that.
All in all, this was another fun classic Heyer romp and I can recommend it for those who enjoy witty dialogue, light and sparkling plot with fabulous historical description and setting.
kathrinpassig's review against another edition
4.0
Wegen dieser Rezension https://katemacdonald.net/2016/09/26/gender-performativity-at-its-best-georgette-heyers-the-masqueraders/ gelesen, bitte dort nachlesen, es steht alles drin. Zweitbester Heyer-Roman bisher (nach "Cotillion"). Das Ende ist naja, vorhersehbar, es wird geheiratet, aber sich darüber beschweren ist wie bei Krimis bemängeln, dass der Fall gelöst wird.
aggressive_nostalgia's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a total sucker for a good wholesome-crossdressing story, and this didn't disappoint. It's kind of like a romantic comedy, except without all the terrible relationship advice and constant mortification that make romantic comedies unbearable. I did think Robin's part (while charmingly flamboyant) could have been better fleshed out—a grown man posing as a woman should have to rely on more tricks than just being naturally slight and graceful, and his romance with Letty was woefully underdeveloped. On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Pru's badassery and watching Tony respect the heck out of her while falling in love; and Pru and Robin get in some excellent (and sometimes even heartwarming) sibling banter. And the humor, especially following the appearance of father dearest, did not disappoint in the least. There's loads of wit, a touch of slapstick, and a heavy dash of irony, and it's all hilarious.
Fluffy and absurdly outrageous. There's no hint of Austen-esque satirical commentary to be found here. On the occasion when you're looking for sheer entertainment and a neatly-tied happy ending, this is the book to crack. Heyer's style, while very historical in feel, is appealingly light and readable (and I hear at least one more of her novels involves crossdressing); I think I might have found a new author to add to my running library list.
Fluffy and absurdly outrageous. There's no hint of Austen-esque satirical commentary to be found here. On the occasion when you're looking for sheer entertainment and a neatly-tied happy ending, this is the book to crack. Heyer's style, while very historical in feel, is appealingly light and readable (and I hear at least one more of her novels involves crossdressing); I think I might have found a new author to add to my running library list.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my all-time favorite historical novels, and I was overdue for a reread. What could be more fun than a pair of escaped Jacobites hiding in plain sight in London? Not just there, but making a splash in Society, with no one suspecting that the charming Miss Kate Merriot is actually Robin Lacey and her sober brother is his sister Prudence?
The story opens with a bang as "Peter" and "Kate" rescue a young lady from an ill-advised elopement. Their quick thinking was impressive, and I laughed out loud at the confusion they rained down on the head of the frustrated suitor. I loved seeing Robin's immediate protectiveness toward young Letty. It isn't long before another rescuer appears in the form of Sir Anthony Fanshawe, a family friend. Sir Anthony is a large man with a calm disposition, and it was fun to see his reactions to the Merriots and Letty.
I loved watching the Merriots slip effortlessly in London society. Prudence, as Peter, becomes a popular young buck. He makes friends with others his age and participates in the usual activities of such young men. He has also drawn the attention of Sir Anthony, who feels responsible for his well-being. Robin and Prue initially believe that Tony is too "sleepy" to suspect the truth about them. But the more time Prue spends in his company, the more she suspects he's sharper than they thought. I laughed every time Robin referred to him as the "mountain" or "mammoth," suspecting he was in for quite a surprise. There are some great scenes with Prue and Tony as she struggles to maintain the deception. I loved watching their relationship develop as Tony is drawn into their lives.
Meanwhile, as Kate, Robin befriends young Letty, giving her a more mature companion who will hopefully keep her out of trouble. Letty is naïve and irrepressible in her desire for adventure, and it is all Robin can do to try to redirect her antics. But her unlamented suitor hasn't given up on trying to gain her inheritance. It's left to Robin to rescue her again, this time in a most dramatic fashion. However, there are unintended consequences that create problems for Robin and Prudence.
The Merriots' arrival in London was done at their father's direction, whom they call "the old gentleman." They have traveled Europe with him as he moves from one scheme to another. About halfway through the book, he arrives in London claiming to be Viscount Barham, the long-lost brother to the previous viscount. This is unwelcome news to the distant relative who currently holds the title. Robert Tremaine is flamboyant, charming, and gregarious and is hilarious in his antics as the claimant. He delights in his role as a puppet master, pulling the strings of those around him. Prue and Robin have no idea if he really is the viscount or if it is another one of his scams, and can only watch and wait.
The ending is a delightful romp of rescues and revelations, disappearances and reappearances, and a pair of happy-ever-afters. I would love to see this as a movie.
The story opens with a bang as "Peter" and "Kate" rescue a young lady from an ill-advised elopement. Their quick thinking was impressive, and I laughed out loud at the confusion they rained down on the head of the frustrated suitor. I loved seeing Robin's immediate protectiveness toward young Letty. It isn't long before another rescuer appears in the form of Sir Anthony Fanshawe, a family friend. Sir Anthony is a large man with a calm disposition, and it was fun to see his reactions to the Merriots and Letty.
I loved watching the Merriots slip effortlessly in London society. Prudence, as Peter, becomes a popular young buck. He makes friends with others his age and participates in the usual activities of such young men. He has also drawn the attention of Sir Anthony, who feels responsible for his well-being. Robin and Prue initially believe that Tony is too "sleepy" to suspect the truth about them. But the more time Prue spends in his company, the more she suspects he's sharper than they thought. I laughed every time Robin referred to him as the "mountain" or "mammoth," suspecting he was in for quite a surprise. There are some great scenes with Prue and Tony as she struggles to maintain the deception. I loved watching their relationship develop as Tony is drawn into their lives.
Meanwhile, as Kate, Robin befriends young Letty, giving her a more mature companion who will hopefully keep her out of trouble. Letty is naïve and irrepressible in her desire for adventure, and it is all Robin can do to try to redirect her antics. But her unlamented suitor hasn't given up on trying to gain her inheritance. It's left to Robin to rescue her again, this time in a most dramatic fashion. However, there are unintended consequences that create problems for Robin and Prudence.
The Merriots' arrival in London was done at their father's direction, whom they call "the old gentleman." They have traveled Europe with him as he moves from one scheme to another. About halfway through the book, he arrives in London claiming to be Viscount Barham, the long-lost brother to the previous viscount. This is unwelcome news to the distant relative who currently holds the title. Robert Tremaine is flamboyant, charming, and gregarious and is hilarious in his antics as the claimant. He delights in his role as a puppet master, pulling the strings of those around him. Prue and Robin have no idea if he really is the viscount or if it is another one of his scams, and can only watch and wait.
The ending is a delightful romp of rescues and revelations, disappearances and reappearances, and a pair of happy-ever-afters. I would love to see this as a movie.
wendymoira_darling's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-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? No
5.0
Another great Georgette Heyer
rebroxannape's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. A very cinematic novel: little internal exploration or witty dialogue but lots of confrontation , action and scenes that would be great in a movie. Got a little tired of the affected "period" language. "Child" this and "child" that between grown brother and sister, lovers, and parents/children, for example. This would be a great one for a young or pre-teen's first Heyer.
readingtheend's review
4.0
well this is by far my favorite Georgette Heyer book that I have read thus far. It's about a brother and a sister who both have to dress up as the opposite sex, and they have all sorts of hijinks and fall in love. I quite liked the large insightful man that the sister falls in love with. I liked this so much that it almost made me want to read other Georgette Heyers, which is not an impulse I have had in quite some time!
lauriestein's review against another edition
4.0
A fun one - women dressed as man and man dressed as woman, plus their ridiculous father.
madhamster's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favourite Heyer's - more of a romp than my other favs.
Robin & Prue cross-dress in order to find out what their father is up to - and, as he has a very shady past, keep their secrets and lives.
Both fall in love in the course of their masquerade. But it all comes right in the end, of course.
Robin & Prue cross-dress in order to find out what their father is up to - and, as he has a very shady past, keep their secrets and lives.
Both fall in love in the course of their masquerade. But it all comes right in the end, of course.