Georgette Heyer Fans discussion
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Sylvester Group Read May 2019 Spoilers thread
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Elza, getting into both MC's minds is a prime requirement for me for any romance - very well articulated by you. And yes, the best part of this book si how Sylvester, so self-possessed otherwise, loses his head so spectacularly around Phoebe!
Elza wrote: "This read has helped me realize why my favorite Heyers are my favorite Heyers. Sylvester, A Civil Contract, Frederica all let us into the hero's mind and heart, as much as the heroine's. We see the..."So true! I love Sprig Muslin and Arabella for the same reason. In both, we get a healthy dose of the hero's viewpoint and what he is thinking and planning and are able, therefore, to see his gradual change.
I have to think that Sylvester would be horrified at this, but I think it's hilarious! me, too, and imagine how Phoebe would feel!
Abigail wrote: "He does have a legitimate concern that neither Ianthe nor her fiancé would be a responsible parent, and in a ducal family any male scion would be an important figure. If Sylvester has no male heirs..."Don't you think that Ianthe is both an irresponsible and selfish mother and that she loves her son? I think Heyer gives quite accurate details of that dilemma. She wants it all, but without any stress. Her late husband knew she was unfit and left the care of the child to his brother.
Elza wrote: "This read has helped me realize why my favorite Heyers are my favorite Heyers. Sylvester, A Civil Contract, Frederica all let us into the hero's mind and heart, as much as the heroine's. We see the..."Elza - I relate so well to this! I too am particularly fond of the Heyers where the hero's POV is so well provided -- Frederica, Venetia are my all time favorites. But my recent re-read of Arabella pushed it to the top as well for much the same reason. Plus most of these also have entertaining children and animals (usually a dog) in them, adding a level of chaos and humor as the means by which the heroes (usually rather than the heroines) are forced to exert themselves in unusual ways, and learn about caring and loving.
Dear Elza, have you read The Grand Sophy? If not, I believe you'll find in it the most adorable animal appearances of all the Heyer books. Indeed, her use of animals to prove the innermost honesty of a character comes to light in the Grand Sophy in most surprising ways!
Abigail wrote: "Funny, one of the things I like about this book is that both hero and heroine are so passionate that they don’t always behave well! Their emotions overtake them. So I take his cruelty in the ballro..."I absolutely agree with you Abigail. Sylvester is passionate and finding it difficult to control himself - absolutely the sign of a man deep in love. Of course, his behaviour is inexcusable but it certainly adds to the dramatic tension. I think this is a great book - one of Heyer's most interesting and complex both in terms of examining love in all its incarnations, loss, loyalty, pride and forgiveness. I love it.
I agree, the characters aren't simply acting in type, they are fleshed-out human beings. I admire Heyer so much because she delivers fantasy that feels real.
This was a fun read! I liked all the adventure! At first I was what is all this getting into trouble all the time but then I realized that it was all part of the story. The characters were all good.I think Sir Nugent is much more clever than people realize yes I know he is a dandy but you have to admit that was a clever move to have the captain sail away while everyone was below dealing with the sister and the nephew pretty slick.
And he gets what he wants, to dress fine with a fancy wife and able to show off to everyone.
Speaking of getting what they want I like that in the end everyone does get what they want even when they do not know what they want.
Yep I liked it!
Heyer certainly is an inventive plotter! And her plots rarely feel contrived, they seem to flow naturally out of the characters' personalities.
Jackie wrote: "nicely put, Gretchen!"Thank you!😊
Abigail wrote: "Heyer certainly is an inventive plotter! And her plots rarely feel contrived, they seem to flow naturally out of the characters' personalities."Very true!
I would dare say that it is Sylvester's emotional development that is the heart and soul of this story, an example once again of Heyer's ability to confound genre expectations.I agree that Sir Nugent is clever and far from stupid. Contrast him with Anne's father in Persuasion, a similar character. But Sir Nugent is far cleverer and more astute than Anne's dandy father. His narcissism just is primary.
Theresa wrote: "I would dare say that it is Sylvester's emotional development that is the heart and soul of this story, an example once again of Heyer's ability to confound genre expectations.I agree that Sir Nu..." Oh I agree! Nice catch on Anne's father yes he is clever.
Gretchen wrote: "Jackie wrote: "nicely put, Gretchen!"
Thank you!😊"
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Georgette Heyer Fans
Books mentioned in this topic
Persuasion (other topics)Pistols For Two (other topics)
False Colours (other topics)
Glenarvon (other topics)
Glenarvon (other topics)
[S]he did not suspect that every member of the household who had the slightest business in the hall had contrived to be there to get a glimpse of her. ... No one could have told whence had sprung the news that his grace had chosen a leg-shackle at last, and was finding his path proverbially rough; but everyone knew it ... ."
I have to think that Sylvester would be horrified at this, but I think it's hilarious!