Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I bought this book at the same time that I bought the Grand Sophy as they were both highly rated on Goodreads and happened to be heavily discounted at the time. I'd never heard of Heyer but she seemed to be a generally well liked author so I was encouraged. Though I enjoyed the Grand Sophy, I was disappointed by some overtly antisemitic passages in it which, after some reflection, made me hesitant to read this book. I really liked the book but those brief passages unfortunately left a lasting impression. With some time and distance, eventually I came around to read my other Heyer purchase and I'm glad I did. I actually liked Frederica more than I expected. Much more so than the Grand Sophy. The dialogue between Frederica and Alverstoke was the highlight of the book. And though the manufactured drama with Frederica's sister towards the end was rather annoying, I enjoyed the rest of her family's colorful exploits. My biggest criticisms of Heyer (the racism aside) is in her beginnings and endings. In both the Grand Sophy and Frederica, there were several pages in the beginning where I can say that I only understood about 75% of what she was trying to get at and I find that it takes a few pages (and just a little bit of patience) before she hits her stride and is off to the races. As for the endings, she tends toward the annoying habit of building all the romance up to the very last page and then ending the story rather abruptly which is very unsatisfying to say the least. But it doesn't ruin the experience of Frederica which, on the whole, is a delightful and fast paced read.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Splendidly witty and comedic dialogue with truly vibrant characters. Really enjoyed. Excited to try another Heyer original.
Holy cow, I could not get through page 2 because of the cringey butchering of the English language. I wanted a fluff read but would have strained my eyes because of how often I rolled them if I had read more.
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