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This was exactly my type of ridiculous fun. I got it this afternoon from the library and was so absorbed that I finished it by dinner.
Unlike Sophy in "The Grand Sophy," who had few visible character flaws, Arabella's choices (and mistakes) throughout the novel are actually somewhat realistic. She's a bit airheaded, and doesn't think things through, but has a good heart and an irrepressible temper towards those who attempt to harm those are weaker than themselves. I was never terribly awed by her, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.
Mr. Beaumaris, her main admirer, is an entirely enchanting character, although I do see other reviewer's points that he seems like just another extension of the Heyer Man Archtype: rich, cynical, sarcastic, and seemingly poised to be won over by a charming, frank young woman. However, if my regard for K-dramas is any indication, I'm almost entirely immune to boredom with that style of literary or televised romantic interest. [EDIT: Just finished Frederica, the reading of which kindly exposed the fact that I'm not at all immune to that boredom.]
While I don't think this book's plot or ending will surprise anyone accustomed to the genre, it does what you'd suspect it means to do, and does it perfectly. Recommended reading for anyone who wants a handful of light-hearted hours.
Unlike Sophy in "The Grand Sophy," who had few visible character flaws, Arabella's choices (and mistakes) throughout the novel are actually somewhat realistic. She's a bit airheaded, and doesn't think things through, but has a good heart and an irrepressible temper towards those who attempt to harm those are weaker than themselves. I was never terribly awed by her, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.
Mr. Beaumaris, her main admirer, is an entirely enchanting character, although I do see other reviewer's points that he seems like just another extension of the Heyer Man Archtype: rich, cynical, sarcastic, and seemingly poised to be won over by a charming, frank young woman. However, if my regard for K-dramas is any indication, I'm almost entirely immune to boredom with that style of literary or televised romantic interest. [EDIT: Just finished Frederica, the reading of which kindly exposed the fact that I'm not at all immune to that boredom.]
While I don't think this book's plot or ending will surprise anyone accustomed to the genre, it does what you'd suspect it means to do, and does it perfectly. Recommended reading for anyone who wants a handful of light-hearted hours.