These Old Shades

published	July 1st 2003 by Harlequin
first published	1926
binding	Mass Market Paperback
isbn	0373835590 (isbn13: 9780373835591)
ebook
pages	403
description	<blockquote> A gentleman was strolling down a side street in Paris, on his way back from the house of one Madame de Verchoureux. He walked mincingly, for the red heels of his shoes were very high. A long purple cloak, rose-lined, hung from his shoulders and was allowed to fall carelessly back from his dress, revealing a full-skirted coat of purple satin, heavily laced with gold; a waistcoat of flowered silk; faultless small clothes; and a lavish sprinkling of jewels on his cravat and breast. &...more [close] <blockquote> A gentleman was strolling down a side street in Paris, on his way back from the house of one Madame de Verchoureux. He walked mincingly, for the red heels of his shoes were very high. A long purple cloak, rose-lined, hung from his shoulders and was allowed to fall carelessly back from his dress, revealing a full-skirted coat of purple satin, heavily laced with gold; a waistcoat of flowered silk; faultless small clothes; and a lavish sprinkling of jewels on his cravat and breast. </blockquote> The gentleman in question is Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, known by friends and enemies alike as Satanas--the devil. On this particular evening, the dangerous rake crosses paths with Léon, a red-headed youth of low birth who is fleeing a certain beating at his brutal brother's hands. On a whim, Avon buys the boy and makes him his page. It soon becomes clear, however, that Léon is not what he seems, and that Avon has an ulterior motive for bringing him into his household. Set in pre-Revolutionary France, These Old Shades follows a twisting course as young Léon (or is it Léonie?) is swept up in a dangerous mystery: how to account for the page's amazing resemblance to the sinister Compte de Saint Vire, for example; and why will this man go to any lengths to get the youth in his power? Georgette Heyer's historical romances tend to fall into two different camps: later novels such as Cotillion, False Colours, and Sylvester feature larger-than-life comic characters and romantic pairings more akin to Beatrice and Benedick than Hero and Claudio. Earlier works such as These Old Shades, however, tend to be darker, tinged with mystery and overshadowed by very real menace. What both types share is Heyer's fine storytelling and encyclopedic knowledge of Regency mores and manners--her books are the next best thing to a time machine. These Old Shades's greatest asset, however, is the charming Léonie: beautiful, brave, and loyal to a fault, with a fondness for swordplay and pistols and a delightfully incomplete grasp of the English language. Heyer herself was so fond of this character that she featured her in two more novels, Devil's Cub and An Infamous Army. --Alix Wilber [close]
date added	06-23-07 edit book

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 346)

Abigail rated it:

(review of isbn 0000000000)

08/08/08

bookshelves: georgette-heyer

recommends it for: Not Really...

One of Georgette Heyer's most popular novels, These Old Shades is a Georgian romantic-adventure-novel, and the first in a series of three titles devoted to the affairs of the Alastair family. It follows the story of Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, dubbed "Satanas" as a result of his many scandalous and unworthy deeds. When Avon "rescues" the red-headed "Leon/Leonie" from the streets of Paris, it is with the intention of using him/her in a game of revenge a...more One of Georgette Heyer's most popular novels, These Old Shades is a Georgian romantic-adventure-novel, and the first in a series of three titles devoted to the affairs of the Alastair family. It follows the story of Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, dubbed "Satanas" as a result of his many scandalous and unworthy deeds. When Avon "rescues" the red-headed "Leon/Leonie" from the streets of Paris, it is with the intention of using him/her in a game of revenge against his old enemy, the Comte de Saint-Vire. But even the devil can fall in love, and soon the Duke has another goal in sight...

Reading These Old Shades is a bit like chewing on crushed glass - quite painful, and attended by the knowledge that it cannot be good for me. If I were not so intent on reading Heyer's entire ouevre as part of a project, I might have spared myself the discomfort. Set it down to my neat soul, or a completist nature. However that may be, my long-standing distaste at this work is mostly unchanged, with a few grudging caveats.

I am aware that many readers perceive in this novel a story of redemption, and I am constrained to acknowledge, after this re-reading, that Avon does indeed allow love to soften him somewhat (one of the aforementioned caveats). But though I came to believe in the sincerity of his regard for Leonie, I found him such a hideously vile "hero" otherwise - cold, manipulative and hypocritical - that I remained indifferent, much as I would if informed that some horrible mass-murderer had a secret fondness for puppies. Puppies are lovely (I have a soft spot for them myself), but let's keep our gaze focused on all those mutilated bodies, if you please...

Avon demonstrates an inhumanity that I find hard to forgive, particularly in a romantic hero. His behavior towards women is exploitative and contemptuous, and I found myself thinking of him as a likely rapist. I realize that this might seem far-fetched to some, as it is never mentioned in the text (this is Heyer, after all), but I think it safe to assume that an eighteenth-century aristocrat who wouldn't hesitate to abduct a "lady," and who has such a reputation for debauchery, has probably used coercion with women of lower economic classes. His stricter standards, as regards his own sister, and eventually Leonie, thus struck me as arising from a hypocritical double-standard, rather than any honorable impulse.

Avon displays a virulent kind of class hatred that, while perhaps not surprising in a character of his time and background, was still grating to witness. In this schema, class is not a question of upbringing, but of blood. It is innate - nature rather than nurture. Thus the peasant boy who is foisted upon society as the Comte's son is discontented and dull-witted, and longs only for a farm, while the aristocratic girl raised by peasants is all delicate sensitivity - a diamond in the rough. The scene, early in the novel, in which they are compared, had almost the flavor of racism to it, as if he were an "animal" and she a "person."

While perhaps not as contemptible as Avon, the "heroine" of the piece is more irritating than charming, displaying exactly the kind of "my man can do no wrong" attitude that I find so obnoxious. Anyone placed, as Leonie was, in a position to observe the worst of human behavior, could not be unaware of the suffering that must accompany it, and her indifference to Avon's past cruelties seems incredible. Perhaps we are meant to believe that she is so grateful at being rescued from a life of misery, that she has abandoned all independent thought, as concerns the matter? How charming...

I have been taken to task by my fellow readers before, both for imposing my modern views on characters meant to be historical creations, and for reading too much social meaning into works that are meant, at most, to entertain the reader. I suppose my response would be that there is quite a bit of ugliness in These Old Shades, and however "appropriate" the attitudes and behaviors depicted may have been for characters of that time and place, they do NOT entertain me. If that is what Georgette Heyer meant to do, than regrettably, she has failed......less

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6 comments

Ana T. rated it:

05/13/08

bookshelves: borrowed, read-in-2008

Read in March, 2008

Under the reign of Louis XV, corruption and intrigue have been allowed to blossom in France, and Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon and proud of his soubriquet ‘Satanas’, flourishes as well. Then, from a dark Parisian back alley, he plucks Leon, a red-headed urchin with strangely familiar looks, just in time for his long over-due schemes of revenge on the Comte de St. Vire. Among the splendours of Versailles and the dignified mansions of England, Justin begins to unfold his sinister...more Under the reign of Louis XV, corruption and intrigue have been allowed to blossom in France, and Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon and proud of his soubriquet ‘Satanas’, flourishes as well. Then, from a dark Parisian back alley, he plucks Leon, a red-headed urchin with strangely familiar looks, just in time for his long over-due schemes of revenge on the Comte de St. Vire. Among the splendours of Versailles and the dignified mansions of England, Justin begins to unfold his sinister plans - until, that is, Leon becomes the ravishing beauty Leonie...

It's a compliment to Georgette Heyer that she can write a story with one of my personal pet peeves and make it work - this is a girl in pants story.

The story has a mystery, romance, friendship, a villain or two and a case of stolen identity.

The Duke of Avon is an arrogant, cynical and jaded man. He constantly refers to himself has the devil thus showing how fond he is of his bad reputation. One day while strolling on the streets of Paris he finds a young "boy" running away from a beating and decides to protect him. "He" becomes Avon's page and totally devoted to his saviour who "he" believes to be a noble and good man no matter what Avon, and everyone else, says to deny it. It is soon apparent that there is a motive for Avon's actions other than the kindness of his heart. Leon, or Leonie, will be his instrument of revenge towards an old enemy.

I love how Heyer shows the relationship between the older, jaded aristocrat and the young naive girl. He is always in control of his actions and emotions, she is very impulsive and emotional. She is always very honest, sometimes too honest in her remarks and about her situation but Heyer makes it work wonderfully. Unlike other stories with girls disguised as boys Avon immediately sees that Leonie is a girl and let's her continue the ruse to keep appearances and till he can discover more about her. Once he does he puts her in his sisters care what Leonie sees as a loss of his favour. It's clear from early on that Leonie loves Avon and that he fights what he feels for her because he feels he is too old and unworthy.

Without giving much away of the plot Leonie will be put in danger by Avon's old enemy, The Comte de Saint Vire, and it will take several adventures to rescue her and uncover the truth of Leonie's past. In the mean time we get to know a few more members of Avon's family and have some insight on his past. I liked that it had action, witty and funny dialogue, a good plot and believable characters. Heyer does a good job with portraying the Georgian atmosphere and mannerisms (the book is set circa 1756) making it a very good read.

Grade: A...less

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3 comments

Trin rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

08/26/07

bookshelves: historicalfiction, romance

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in August, 2007

Most fandom people I've talked to either love or at least rather like this book, but it seems it's my turn to feel all "bwah?" and left out, as Punk does with The Dreyfus Affair and Siria does with Swordspoint. I hated it. I despised pretty much all the characters, other than Hugh and Rupert—Leonie was irritating, and Avon was just creepy. I know he was sup...more

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6 comments

Res rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

04/11/07

bookshelves: romance

Read in January, 2005

The character of Leonie is immensely likeable (though, like Amanda in Sprig Muslin, she'd make more sense as a 15-year-old than at her stated age, which is 19). I don't quite see in her what Avon says he sees, the results of a life of terrible, constant loneliness.

Avon is more problematic. Partly it's a Georgian-culture problem -- it's hard for me to distinguish between an ordinary, irresponsible nobleman of fashion and an actual rake in the old, non-playful sense of the word. We know he kid...more

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Natasha rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

09/22/07

Read in March, 2007

recommends it for: anyone that enjoys true Regency style!

This is a story that I just had to read. The type of story that grips you right away; you're THERE experiencing it and that makes for very exciting reading! These Old Shades begins it's story in the streets of Paris! A wonderful adventure and mystery; you continue reading because it's almost impossible to put this book down! Meet such charming characters as Leon (who becomes the Duke of Avon's page!) Hugh Davenant ~ the Duke's close friend; and then there's Rupert; the Duke's mad-cap younger bro...more

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anenko rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

03/07/08

bookshelves: crossdressing-and-genderfuck, romance

Read in March, 2008

Overall, I liked this book.

I had two major problems with the story, though.

The class issues made me deeply uncomfortable. One's birth parents (wealth and nobility, or lack thereof) have more impact upon a person's wit, grace and manners than the environment in which they were raised. A peasant's son is always a peasant at heart, and a noble's daughter is always a lady, no matter her upbringing. I'm sure it's historically accurate, but the ease with which the characters dismissed the...more

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Kelly rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

06/05/07

bookshelves: brit-lit, favorites, fiction, worth-rereading

recommends it for: all women, victorian lit fans

This is one of my favorite romance novels, ever. I am not even afraid to review it here on this pretentious book site, I love it so much. I have worn through my copy of it. It is lovely beat up and bent back to the pages of all my favorite parts. The Heyer hallmarks are all here: great characters, hilarious plot, breaking the genre rules, a somewhat effete hero (but in a manly way). The main character, Leonie, is absolutely adorable. I don't even care if others find her annoying, she makes me la...more

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5 comments

Seanachie rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

07/25/08

bookshelves: romance

Read in July, 2008

I stayed up late last night to finish the book. After reading the gushing forward about how Justin is the best male romantic character ever, we meet Justin on the first page mincing down the street in red high heeled shoes and throughout he carries a women's fan made out of chicken skin. Bizarre! At the same time, I think that is the sort of affectation a person of his station might have. Honestly, it made me laugh.

I've read a ton of romances and have a few writers that I make me remember b...more

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1 comments

Janille rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

11/07/07

Read in January, 2006

recommends it for: historical romance

I have read just about every Georgette Heyer book there is and have loved every one of them. She writes two types of genre - historical romance and mystery books. These are old-fashioned relationship/mystery books, written true to the language and customs of their day. Well written, great research - real page turners, every one of them.

"These Old Shades" is one of my particular favorites. It has a very clever plot and dynamic, engaging, even sometimes wonderfully irritating cha...more

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Maria rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

08/26/07

bookshelves: crackalicious, fiction, historical, i-own

Read in August, 2007

recommends it for: Jane Austen and/or Patrick O'Brian fans, romance fans

While the romance in this book is kind of skeevy to modern audiences, that's what it was like in eighteenth-century novels. And this book imitates the writing style of the period beautifully. That and its wry sense of the humour reminded me of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series.

The book has many fantastic laugh-out-out lines, a kickass heroine, and an absolutely outrageous, almost gothic plot that you can read as sincere or parody or a mixture of both. Also, it has more homoeroticism th...more

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Minh rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

08/21/07

bookshelves: romance

Read in January, 2007

This one was a re-read as I'd read it over my trip. I've been disappointed by a few of the Heyer novels, but this one is definitely one of my favourites.

The main characters an unrelenting Vidal (monsigneor) and the imp Leonie (infant) with a supporting cast (Hugh Davenant for the win!) just bring this book to life. Vidal finds Leonie (then better known as Leon) and noting her resemblance to his nemesis buys her from her brother. He brings her out into society in France and England and it go...more

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Annie rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

06/14/07

Read in January, 1985

recommends it for: everyone!

Sparkling dialogue - a hero just as bad as he should be - a heroine who can actually stand on her own feet (even if she's only 19). The Duke of Avon (aka Satanas) buys a page - Leon - who is really Leonie, with a sordid family history. Avon has an interesting history of his own, including fighting in the '45 rebellion.
Heyer is brilliant - others just try to reach her level. I'm pretty sure I read a Barbara Cartland take-off, but that would have been over 20 years ago... so hard to remember!

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Reeve rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

05/02/08

bookshelves: historical-fiction

recommended to Reeve by: Jane
recommends it for: vacationers, anyone looking for a light, fun read

One of my favorite Georgettes. All, or at least most, of her historical romances are excellent vacation reading - light, fun, witty, well-researched in terms of dress, speech, mannerisms, etc, and with little/no deep significance. Perfect for the beach. I started reading them at about age 12 and never stopped. Note of warning - don't read her modern mysteries - bad plan! Stick with the historical romances and you're in great shape. BTW these aren't bodice-ripper-type books.

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Jennifer Nennifer rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

01/22/08

Georgette is the queen of "regency" romances, though she has written books that are earlier than regency, and some that are almost farces. Her dialog is fantastic, her grasp of the period (and the slang) is amazing. I like some a lot better than others, but worth reading all of them.

My husband and I believe that this is based on the characters from her novel "the black moth". "The devil's cub" is definately the same people.

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Vicki rated it:

04/04/08

bookshelves: regency-period-romance

This is such a fun, mixed up romance. If you like period romance, you will love this one as well as most of Georgette Heyer's (but not her mysteries). I'm a nut for all things that resemble Pride and Prejudice, so can't help loving all Heyer's Regency romances! They don't have the depth of Jane Austin, but are so light hearted and good, clean fun as well as being quick, easy reads. Great escape literature!

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Kate rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

07/15/07

I'd heard so many wonderful things about Heyer but I really didn't like this book. In fact I thought it so ridiculous I couldn't even finish it. The characterisation of Leonie, the supposed heroine was very unconvincing. She didn't have an inch of common sense, and acted like a toddler, complete with random fits of tears and a strange adoration/obsession with Avon. It all felt far too implausible for me.

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Sarah rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

02/26/08

Read in January, 2006

This is one of my favourite books, albeit a guilty pleasure. It was the first Georgette Heyer that I had read and I just found it utterly delightful. Disguises, kidnappings and intrigues underpin an unconventional love story full of old-fashioned romance (a bodice-ripper this is not!). And the Duke of Avon has to be one of Heyer's most compelling and attractive characters. Perfect.

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Siria rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

06/05/07

bookshelves: 20th-century, british-fiction, historical-fiction, romance

Read in April, 2005

Utter cliched fluff, but at least it's historically accurate fluff which is passably well-written. Leonie bugs the hell out of me, and I keep wanting to smack her; Avon is like a slightly soppier, more romantic version of Valmont. But GAYER. There is no way on earth that man was straight, and there is no way on earth that Hugh Davenant is not his boyfriend. *goes looking for the slash*

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Sue rated it:

(review of isbn 5557076093)

03/16/08

bookshelves: fiction

Read in September, 2007

One of Heyer's earliest books, this features the arrogant Duke of Avon and the page he adopts on a whim. Lots of excitement, though it takes a while to get going and there are rather too many minor characters for my tastes.

But, overall, enjoyable.

Read first in 1987, then in 1991, then in 1996.. mostly forgotten, however, even by the fourth read through!

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Sai rated it:

(review of isbn 0099465825)

07/01/08

silly they may seem, these historical romances that one can flip through in an hour or less, but i really appreciate georgette heyer's regency era books for their language, the atmosphere she creates and the meticulous attention to detail. i believe between my cousin, my sister and i, we own them all, all accumulated years ago when we first discovered them.

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