Georgette Heyer Fans discussion
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The Reluctant Widow
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Regency Buck Group Read Jan 2018 Chapter 1-12
Hello Sally!I think Georgette Heyer's voice is her own - it's not quite like anyone else's. It has something of the regency, but something of the early 20th century too. She does have a wonderfully succinct, expressive way of describing things, doesn't she?
Nice that you highlight Heyer’s language in this way, Sally! It’s a sort of casual elegance that’s very restful to read. It’s hard for me to read some of her imitators because words that are just wrong jar me completely out of the story. Just been reading one that used the expression “get a jump on” and said that some architectural detail “pulled the buff brick house visually together.” Nails on blackboard!
Yikes, I am only at chapter 4 and I definitely can see why some of you described Worth as "alpha"! So far he's been "insufferable", to quote the book, definitely not my type of hero, let's hope his behavior changes along the way. The scene with the carriage is pretty horrifying to modern eyes (like Sally says).I like the two siblings, and I enjoyed the boxing match. I am intrigued by the "mystery" part you're talking about.
He has a lot to overcome, doesn't he?!?
I’m only at about chapter 9 but am concentrating on finishing a library book I thought I wouldn’t be able to get for months, but it became available and I must finish before it’s due! Renewing is not an option for new books in our system, only fair. I will try to get back to RB, but I’m finding it’s just not keeping my interest like other Heyer’s. Worth is still a high-handed alpha (typical for an aristocrat of the age), Judith is more sympathetic (thanks to many of the group’s insightful comments), but still not seeing the humor and what I think of as “Heyer sparkle” in this one.
I haven't started it yet and reading some of your comments here I'm very interested in how I'll view it. If I stayed off GR I might get more reading done:-)
Teresa wrote: "I haven't started it yet and reading some of your comments here I'm very interested in how I'll view it. If I stayed off GR I might get more reading done:-)"Lol - you and me both! I will get back to it, but I can’t believe my luck in getting the library book I requested! I want to read it first so I can return it and someone else gets a chance...
I miss the humor, too. I suppose we can laugh at Judith, but temper isn't really funny to me!
Me either - guess that’s why I don’t like the current climate of cable news slugfests!
I quit watching the news decades ago. And not just because it drove my in-laws crazy, either...
Wise woman, I think.
God yes, I wish I could quit watching the news. It just makes me mad - but I keep getting sucked back in! I can't resist having opinions!
There are a lot of us on that ship Nick!!
Oh, yes, I try to limit my intake, but it’s hard to resist - and maddening!
I can read the news without too much blood boiling, but, seriously, I can't do it face-to-face, when the other face won't listen to me.
Karlyne wrote: "I can read the news without too much blood boiling, but, seriously, I can't do it face-to-face, when the other face won't listen to me."Lol, me too - I read newspapers online, and watch local news for the weather and PBS NewsHour for the in-depth reporting and civility- no yelling aloud!
Oh and update on my reading progress- I confess I skimmed the cockfighting talk and the duel. Someone mentioned how spread out the action is (over the timeline of the novel), and I think the second half of the book will be more to my taste.
There really is a lot of description, but I liked it, because it's so different, exotic even.
Just the idea of cockfighting- ick! The duel wasn’t so bad...
Susan in NC wrote: "Just the idea of cockfighting- ick! The duel wasn’t so bad..."I agree! Turns my stomach. I don't mind grown men fighting each other if it is mutually willing. Not my favorite thing, but much better than watching animals fight.
By coincidence, today I began listening to the audible version of Isabella Barclay's (Jodi Taylor's) book A Bachelor Establishment. Based on the first chapter of that book, I hypothesize that Jodi Taylor read Regency Buck and either subconsciously or consciously rewrote Judith and Worth's meeting in a manner that made both characters likeable. Anyone else read that one?
I haven't read it, but now I'm intrigued.
Diane wrote: "By coincidence, today I began listening to the audible version of Isabella Barclay's (Jodi Taylor's) book A Bachelor Establishment. Based on the first chapter of that book, I hypothesize that Jodi ..."Nick wrote: "I haven't read it, but now I'm intrigued."
Now that I've thought it about more, it's closer to the start of Venetia. But I'm still convinced that Taylor has read Heyer.
Diane wrote: "By coincidence, today I began listening to the audible version of Isabella Barclay's (Jodi Taylor's) book A Bachelor Establishment. Based on the first chapter of that book, I hypothesize that Jodi ..."'Bitchface' Barclay writes regency romance? That's... interesting. Based on Jodi Taylor's other books I'm sure it's very well done and I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't a coincidence :), I'll have to add it to my to read list!
'Bitchface' Barclay?How on earth did she earn that nickname? I've never heard of her before.
LOL Isabella Barclay is one of the villains in Jodi Taylor's, Chronicles of St Mary's series. It's what the main character calls her, and not without reason. ;)She's a time travelling historian in the series so it sort of makes sense, it might even be a reference in the books, I can't remember.
Jodi Taylor is a great author, and the books are both funny and heart breaking, I'd recommend giving her a try.
I have finished chapter 14, so I can now safely read all your posts here and comment a bit.It's a pleasant enough read, Lord Worth became more tolerable, but, like someone else said, I don't really "feel" the romance on this one, I mean I don't care much about him and Juliet getting together in the end to live happily and look supercool and elegant and exchange witty banter ever after. I am much more interested in the "mystery" plot, in Perry and his friends and their wild ways and in the side characters (I love the poor and gentle cousin, and I hope, as he will surely end up not "getting the girl", he may come back in other books in the series) and the lovely period sketches.
Speaking of which, someone commented before that this was Heyer's first Regency novel. It's a just a feeling, but I think it shows a bit. The historical accuracy is flawless as usual, but there are parts where it feels a bit "wooden" and the name-dropping of prominent figures a bit too on the nose sometimes. I believe she managed to intersperse period details into the story more skillfully and smoothly in later books.
Moloch wrote: "I have finished chapter 14, so I can now safely read all your posts here and comment a bit.It's a pleasant enough read, Lord Worth became more tolerable, but, like someone else said, I don't real..."
Agree wholeheartedly with all your statements.
I liked this better as it went on, so I'm hoping that's what everyone finds, too.
Louise Sparrow wrote: "LOL Isabella Barclay is one of the villains in Jodi Taylor's, Chronicles of St Mary's series. It's what the main character calls her, and not without reason. ;).."That's wonderful! I'd never thought of turning a character into a pseudonym!
Pseudonyms can come from the oddest places. I had a friend, raised in New Jersey, who planned to use “Elizabeth Seaport.” (Makes sense in a freakish sort of way if you know northern New Jersey.)
Louise Sparrow wrote: "LOL Isabella Barclay is one of the villains in Jodi Taylor's, Chronicles of St Mary's series. It's what the main character calls her, and not without reason. ;)She's a time travelling historian i..."
I've just read A Bachelor Establishment and really enjoyed it. I think if you enjoy Heyer's novels with older couples like Black Sheep and Lady of Quality, then you'll enjoy A Bachelor Establishment as well. I love Jodi Taylor's humour and she moves the plot along briskly in this one.
Carolien wrote: "Louise Sparrow wrote: "LOL Isabella Barclay is one of the villains in Jodi Taylor's, Chronicles of St Mary's series. It's what the main character calls her, and not without reason. ;)She's a time..."
I just finished A Bachelor Establishment last night. Unfortunately, I did this one as an audio book and the reader was not the greatest. I enjoyed the story, though, and plan to actually read it sometime in the future. I suspected there was a good book behind the painfully slow reading, attempts to execute voices that didn't fit the characters, etc. I will look for more Jodi Taylor - in print!
It's a shame about the narrator but don't give up on her audiobooks, the st mary's stories are usually read by Zara Ramm, and she's very good.I've noticed some of the Jane Austen's are read painfully slowly, its another reason I always up the speed!
I'm previewing the first two chapters now. Not sure everyone's reading preference. I personally like having a book in front of me; old school you might say.
Louise Sparrow wrote: "It's a shame about the narrator but don't give up on her audiobooks, the st mary's stories are usually read by Zara Ramm, and she's very good.I've noticed some of the Jane Austen's are read painf..."
I’m new to audio books and didn’t realize you could change the speed, but now I see you can. Thank you!
I spend my days reading on a computer screen, and I’m finding listening in front of the fire to be very restful.
Well. I just finished chapter one with some trepidation as I remember this was not one of my favourites but I found it mildly enjoyable. The friendship and affection between Judith and peregrine is nice and you have got to hand it to GH, she knows how to write about men and male pursuits well. I like the fact Judith doesn’t rate her own beauty highly. I like the fact worth is such a make GH type one hero alpha type. He obviously had great horsemanship and can drive to an inch but has affected dandyism which is what Judith particularly dislikes. I think the best sleepy gentleman was sir Anthony - the man mountain from the masquerades. Now there was a dandy that was likeable!
I just finished chapter two. Your right. I don’t think any other GH book has such a detailed blow by blow description of a prize fight as this. Henry fitzjohn is quite a nice likeable side kick though isn’t he? If we were to line him up with other ‘side kicks’ or side characters in other GH books he would stack up quite well. Bound to lead Perry astray of course.
Yes, Fitzjohn was a nice secondary character. I liked his friendship with Perry and I liked that they tried to act like "wild boys" but when things get serious (as you'll see later on) they both get a little scared like the kids they are.
This book also sets the scene for many others. It describes gentleman Jackson and 13 old bond street boxing saloon which must be referenced in at least five other GH books?
Chapter four. The dual roles of lord worth. In what other books do we see the guardian also play the role as lover/protagonist?
Belinda wrote: "Chapter four. The dual roles of lord worth. In what other books do we see the guardian also play the role as lover/protagonist?"Wow, when you put it that way it sounds creepy, doesn’t it? Guardian and lover, I mean.
Moloch wrote: "Yes, Fitzjohn was a nice secondary character. I liked his friendship with Perry and I liked that they tried to act like "wild boys" but when things get serious (as you'll see later on) they both ge..."True, with a 22-year-old college senior son who’s got his share of pride (as do they all), and has been in a few similar situations like Perry at the prize fight - being alone in a crowd, grateful for friendship but not wanting to appear needy - I really appreciated Fitzjohn’s friendly openness. I think any mother of a reserved introvert, no matter what their age, hopes for people like that in our child’s world!
Belinda wrote: "Chapter four. The dual roles of lord worth. In what other books do we see the guardian also play the role as lover/protagonist?"There is no suggestion that Worth is attempting to play the lover role while he is her guardian.
Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Belinda wrote: "Chapter four. The dual roles of lord worth. In what other books do we see the guardian also play the role as lover/protagonist?"There is no suggestion that Worth is attempting to ..."
Nope, when he steals his kiss, he doesn't know who she is. And, after that, he keeps himself out of the lover role to a nicety!
Gh does do well with so many secondary male characters - they are some of my favourite Heyer creations.
Carol ☀ Walking in Sunshine wrote: "Gh does do well with so many secondary male characters - they are some of my favourite Heyer creations."Mine, too, and it's odd that I can't think of too many secondary female characters that aren't annoying...
I do get the impression from Heyer characters that masculine silliness is rather endearing and feminine silliness is rather annoying.
Karlyne wrote: "Mine, too, and it's odd that I can't think of too many secondary female characters that aren't annoying..."Now I want to see if I can think of likable secondary female characters, even those who were a little silly. haha!
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I really enjoy the language she uses in her regencies. I haven't read other works of hers (except regencies - tried a mystery but didn't like it nearly as much as the regencies) and I wonder if it's a voice she assumes for the Regency period? Or is it her own personal voice? Or a remnant of writing in 1935? I'm always disappointed by other writers of regencies because no one can really capture that voice the way she (and Jane Austen) can. I don't mean the references she makes to all the regency cant and customs of the times. I mean her witty, rich vocabulary and turns of phrase. For example: "Miss Taverner's annoyance found expression in abrupt speech..." or the whole episode where she tells him she's a ward of Lord Worth (quintessential wit and humor of GH).
As much as I love her writing, I find some of her books to be somewhat misogynistic. Interesting that this one has a character in it that she declares straight out to be misogynistic (Worth's post boy, think his name's Henry.)
And finally I think it's really interesting that her main character kisses Miss Taverner without permission - an offense meant by Heyer to be titillating (Worth says he's doing it to provoke her to punch him again) but which today would amount to grounds for an assault charge!
Here's a quote from the Huffington Post: "Anti-sexual violence organization RAINN includes “fondling or unwanted sexual touching” with their definition of sexual assault, while the National Sexual Violence Resource Center defines “unwanted sexual contact or touching” as a type of sexual violence."
In today's climate the lord of the realm would be in trouble!