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An Infamous Army
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An Infamous Army Group Read Feb 2018 Chapters 1-12
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This is my second read, so I am looking forward to catching all the things I missed my first time through.I will be reading the book on my kindle.
It will be only my second (or third?) read as well--assuming I get around to it in a busy February! Because I have read it so few times, my copy is an old 1965 paperback (with quite a nice cover, as these things go) from Fawcett Crest. One of the few older editions I didn’t replace in the 1990s and 2000s! Here's the cover: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiUDXgSopps...
That is a beautiful cover, and matches how I imagined Barbara would look!
I have never read it, and am hesitant because of the Regency Buck connection (NOT a favorite), also the reviews I’ve read on Amazon and GR make it sound like a bit of a slog. If I take part I’ll read the Kindle edition, but can’t start right away.
Yep I reread this a year or two ago and did find it a bit of a slog, actually. But it also has a really beautiful romance and that made me keep on reading. IMO it's really worth persisting with this one. I will try to reread again this month if I can fit it in.@Susan I didn't love Regency Buck that much either, but don't let that put you off. This is its own book. And Charles Audley is much more likeable in this one - in fact he's one of my fav H's as he is in this book - we really see him in much more depth.
Thanks, Jan! I love to read books with this group, I learn so much.
Me too, Susan. I learnt a lot about Regency Buck from last month's group read. It's fun to read together, isn't it?
I'm excited to say that this is my first time reading, "An Infamous Army". In fact, I'm within a few pages of having the first chapter read. I seem to be getting more into this book than "Regency Buck", in which I only previewed the first few pages. So far, I really like "An Infamous Army" because it brings up places like England, and famous people like Bonaparte. History is one genre that I love getting into, therefore, I'm able to focus a lot on this book.
I'm not reading this one, at least not now. Though this book looks different and interesting, I was not really fond of the characters from "Regency Buck". But it's not just that, I don't want to "overdose" on Heyer, this is something I tend to do with authors and series I like (reading a lot one after the other), to the point when all the books blend together and I get tired and I don't enjoy them anymore.The next sure group read for me will be "The Quiet Gentleman" that was already on my to-read list, in between I'll see if I can join from time to time.
Have a good reading!
An Infamous Army is one of my top favourites and I must have read it more than 20 odd times over the last few decades. I never tire of it and I always find something new to delight or fascinate me. You really don’t need to have read the 3 earlier books in the series, but as Critterbee says - if you haven’t - there will be spoilers! Looking forward to the discussion as I know from previous discussion, this tends to elicit lively opinions! Reading my old Arrow paperback as I don’t yet have AIA on my iPad. Hope you all,enjoy it!
& I am starting today. It wasn't a favourite when I was younger but I loved it when I reread with this group.Edit: A couple of the characters from Devil's Cub appear in this book as well.
This will be my third or fourth time reading this book. It has been many and many a year since I last read it. When I was in my 20s I loved it--the romance, the historical details were my catnip. It will be interesting to see what I make of it this go-round.
I'm just about to start Chapter 11. I'm enjoying & interested in the history but I find myself longing for Bab's appearance. The book comes alive when it is one of her scenes.
& in Chapter 12 I'm finding a bit much info dumping - for example (view spoiler)With reading in order you can see that GH didn't foretell becoming the Queen of the Regencies & didn't want to waste any precious research!!!
I'm hoping to finish reading Chapter 12 tonight. First of all, I'm not a fast reader. Too I'm reading two other books. So I fit them into my schedule whenever I can.
Not sure if I'll read this one or not. Read it once before and didn't like it at all. But it's been a long time so maybe I'll view it differently now. I'll see.
Elizabeth wrote: "I'm hoping to finish reading Chapter 12 tonight. First of all, I'm not a fast reader. Too I'm reading two other books. So I fit them into my schedule whenever I can."Yes, I am doing the same - I have 4 group reads on the go - a bit silly really but they are all such great books! I will enjoy reading them -but possibly not contribute to all the discussions. I have read two of them before (including this one which I adore), so hopefully I won't be too overwhelmed!
Teresa wrote: "Not sure if I'll read this one or not. Read it once before and didn't like it at all. But it's been a long time so maybe I'll view it differently now. I'll see."I'm in much the same situation, except that I've read it twice before and didn't particularly like it either time. The second time I read it was because I was doing a short course about Wellington and Waterloo and I thought I might enjoy it more as a result. But to me it still reads like two separate books, the romance on one side and the history on the other. If I'm going to read about Napoleonic warfare, I prefer Patrick O'Brian or Bernard Cornwell.
I've never read any of those authors. I love history but I think they might be too military for me.
This is my first time reading this one. I've got it on my Kindle, and I've just finished the first chapter. My brain is reeling a little from all these names: who *are* all these people? Maybe if I were English and had learned all about Waterloo in school, I'd be able to take it in stride better. As it is, though, it seems most maladroit of Heyer.
Doris wrote: "This is my first time reading this one. I've got it on my Kindle, and I've just finished the first chapter. My brain is reeling a little from all these names: who *are* all these people? Maybe if I..."Thank you, I thought it was just me. I read the first couple of chapters to try and get a taste and see if it “grabbed”me, and felt the same about all the names and personalities being thrown at me. I wondered, should I take notes? Are these important characters who will be relevant to the story, or just historical stage-setting?
The whole book was far too much of a military treatise for me. The major players appear in the history books and articles. You can even look on Wikipedia. The fictional characters include Charles and Barbara and their families. I don't remember if there are any more fictional characters. I don't intend to slog through the book again.
There doesn't seem to be many fans of this book so far.
Teresa wrote: "There doesn't seem to be many fans of this book so far."Oh I love this book & find Barbara one of GH's most complex heroines.
I know in my younger years I did skim the history though.
Carol ☀ Walking in Sunshine wrote: "Teresa wrote: "There doesn't seem to be many fans of this book so far."Oh I love this book & find Barbara one of GH's most complex heroines.
I know in my younger years I did skim the history tho..."
I however re-read it more for the history than for the romance. Barbara is complex, but I can't warm to her, and my estimation of Charles goes down the more he forgives her. It is interesting that this is the only time we see one of the secondary romances of eager young lad and comparatively quiet girl after marriage, and it isn't all roses! But I actually think Judith and Worth improve.
QNPoohBear wrote: "The whole book was far too much of a military treatise for me. The major players appear in the history books and articles. You can even look on Wikipedia. The fictional characters include Charles a..."Thanks, QN, I always forget about Wikipedia...raised with encyclopedias in the house, I’m an old fogie! My husband always reminds me, Google It!
So, if and when I get around to reading IA, I’ll remember to perk up and focus on Charles and Barbara, good to know there won’t be a test on the other characters! ;)
Carol ☀ Walking in Sunshine wrote: "Teresa wrote: "There doesn't seem to be many fans of this book so far."Oh I love this book & find Barbara one of GH's most complex heroines.
I know in my younger years I did skim the history tho..."
Carol this describes my reactions to the book too. And I LOVE Charles in this book, as well. I will give it another try, but I won't be surprised if I do a bit of skimming again this time.
This is a first read for me (I have a copy of the Sourcebooks edition). I liked Regency Buck well enough to be excited about meeting the characters again in An Infamous Army. Charles is worthy of his own book, I would agree. I just hope I can make it through the descriptions of battles--not my favorite thing to read!
Alathea wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Not sure if I'll read this one or not. Read it once before and didn't like it at all. But it's been a long time so maybe I'll view it differently now. I'll see."I'm in much the sam..."
Alathea, I can see from your library that you're a fan of Patrick O'Brian too! I have discovered this author recently and I'm loving his books so far (I'm making my way through the Aubrey/Maturin series, no spoilers please!! :-))!
January was busy, so I skipped Regency Buck, which I didn't like the first time I read it. I really didn't like AIA the first time I read it, so I probably will be skipping it too. If I change my mind, my copy is an old Pan edition.
May I just say that, as a Barbara, I loathe the nickname 'Bab' (or 'Babs'). {{{shudder}}}. That was one of my few stumbling blocks with regard to our heroine.However, GH did a fabulous job with her. So often the 'scandalous' gal isn't really; in this case Lady Barbara certainly is very scandalous and seems to take delight in being so.
I did enjoy the small scene in the park when Judith (and crew) encounter Barbara in her very, very dashing riding habit. (view spoiler)
I love this book; I always feel sad when I read that some folk don’t enjoy it - but I recognise that it is very much a Marmite book. It is different from her usual, rather light hearted books and I appreciate that people often either love it or loathe it. Personaly, I adore this book and have done so since I first read it 50 years ago. I have re-read it many times and always get something extra from it. I think it is one of GH’s best books. I love the historical analysis and detail about Waterloo. There is no glamour here - just the unflinching detail of the horrors of war. I think the way in which characters who have become very real during the course of the book are used to illustrate the sad effects of battle is incredibly moving. I think GH’s characterisation in AIA is as skilful as A Civil Contract. These are real people with flaws and weaknesses and also incredible strengths and qualities which surprise us. If would be strange if we all loved, all of the same books by GH. It is interesting to see the different perspectives even if I don’t share them!
I'm in chapter 8 or thereabouts. Enjoying it. The first couple of chapters somewhat heavy going but I've settled in and don't feel the need to look everyone up anymore.A case of insta-love.
Good for you Sheila. Wish I felt that way about it.
Teresa, we'll see if it lasts!
I'm really falling behind in this book, not because of interest. It's just that I get myself wrapped up in watching a program on TV or doing something else. Going to try and finish up a chapter today and if time allows start the next chapter.
I definitely won't be getting to this one. Wasn't keen on it anyway and life is allowing me little time for anything lately. I'll be back for next months read.
Clearly folk are different. I love AIA: but from the comments in this group read - others dislike it, find it boring or even:- cannot be bothered to finish it!! Sad - but then there are books that others adore such as Cotillion and Friday’s Child that leave me cold. I am sure it would be utterly boring if we all felt the same about every book! It makes for interesting discussions at least!
I love An Infamous Army’s account of the battle but I dislike the romance. Join others in wishing they were in two different books!
Abigail wrote: "I love An Infamous Army’s account of the battle but I dislike the romance. Join others in wishing they were in two different books!"Whereas I do love the romance! I like Barbara more every time I read AIA. There is no real detail, but one can imagine what the horrors of marriage to a very much older man might have been. She relishes her freedom as a widow and is clearly determined never to be ‘controlled’ ever again. I think these characters are so well drawn (rather like A Civil Contract) in their ‘warts and all’ reality. I like the fact that love is a redeeming feature in this book perhaps more so than any of them. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this one again.
I really love the romance in this book too. Barbara in some ways isn't a sympathetic heroine, but I agree with your comments, Susan. I can't help liking her. And Charles loves her so much.
It is how hard Charles worked for her that is so touching. I read a poem today that made me think a bit about Barbara, Mr Childe, and Charles. It is by Amanda Lovelace, from The Princess Saves Herself in this One:Before he left
he wrapped my heart
in layers of
briars & barbed wire
to make sure
that no one else
could ever get in,
but you were
more than willing
to bloody
your hands
for me
❇Critterbee (aka Vivian Darcy) wrote: "It is how hard Charles worked for her that is so touching. I read a poem today that made me think a bit about Barbara, Mr Childe, and Charles. It is by Amanda Lovelace, from [book:The Princess Save..."Wow! Just wow - thanks for sharing!
Oops!I meant to type Critterbee!
Thank you for posting that poem!
This great discussion is inspiring a desire to want to read AIA again. I didn’t think I’d want to revisit this book.
Thanks for sharing that poem.
You are right, it really does fit!
That's lovely, Critterbee. Thanks.
Is this anyone's first time reading An Infamous Army?
If not, how many times have you read the book?
Which format/edition are you reading?