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The Talisman Ring Group Read Jan 2021 SPOILERS Thread
Finished first thing this morning & I still love this title - what a mad romp it is! The only GH with two romances of nearly parallel importance
This book just brings a smile to my face every time I re-read it. So much fun! Watching Tristram unbend and fall in love with Sarah is a delight.Carol--you are so right about both romances being important. I think GH managed to balance them quite well. She gives us just enough of Eustacie and Ludovic to lighten the atmosphere, but the romance between Sarah and Tristram has enough heft to keep the story from floating off into silliness.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "This book just brings a smile to my face every time I re-read it. So much fun! Watching Tristram unbend and fall in love with Sarah is a delight.Carol--you are so right about both romances being i..."
Very good point - having just listened to an exchange between Sarah and Tristram, I think it’s important, too, that she helps to balance his seriousness with humor, and helps him “lighten up” a bit, and move beyond the romantic disappointment of his youth.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "This book just brings a smile to my face every time I re-read it. So much fun! Watching Tristram unbend and fall in love with Sarah is a delight.Carol--you are so right about both romances being i..."
That is so true! An entire book of Eugenie and Ludovic would have been too much, but having Sarah and Tristam really balances the story and makes it so perfect.
Reading Sarah waking Tristam up and make him interested in life is swoony as! Oh, I love this book so much!
Critterbee❇ wrote: ".An entire book of Eustacie and Ludovic would have been too much.."I find Ludovic fine - just another of GH's rash young men- but Eustacie was in danger of going OTT - but underneath the histrionics she is a very brave young woman!
I can't help but link to my favorite review of this book:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wonderful! Right on point!!
I also liked Sarah's relationship with her brother, whom she shields from the shenanigans taking place and who, near the end, calling her "Sally." carefully demonstrates and explains to her the trick that she doesn't tell him she already knows. A little thing, but I found it touching.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "I can't help but link to my favorite review of this book:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wonderful! Right on point!!"
Thanks for the link, it is extremely well done.
This has to be up there as one of her best. She balances the two romances and the comedy is ongoing, but not overdone. I love Sarah's wit and the dialogues with Tristam who is the only person who really gets her. Such a fun way to start the year.
Carolien wrote: "This has to be up there as one of her best. She balances the two romances and the comedy is ongoing, but not overdone. I love Sarah's wit and the dialogues with Tristam who is the only person who r..."That’s what I felt - it perked me up so much! I love Sarah and the way she handles Tristram and her brother! You can see she loves and appreciates both men, she’s not rolling her eyes, as if to say, “stupid men!” She just keeps her sense of humor, staying who she is and accepting her brother, and then Tristram, Ludovic and Eustacie as they are, and enjoying them and coming to care for them all. A great and wise character.
Also, not much is mentioned about Tristram's lost love- but you can see he has come to value an intelligent, resourceful woman he can share a laugh with!
I also noticed this time that although Tristan and Beau are both grand-nephews and Ludovic and Eustacie are grandchildren, nothing is said on how the middle generation is disposed of. As far as I can tell, only Tristan's mother is still living. Beau is obviously Sylvester's brother's child, as he is a Lavenham. I guess the lack of details is just to reinforce Sylvester's claim that they were not a close family.
Susan in NC wrote: "She just keeps her sense of humor, staying who she is and accepting her brother, and then Tristram, Ludovic and Eustacie as they are, and enjoying them and coming to care for them all."Sarah strikes the right balance between sympathizing with Eugenie's desire for adventure, and trying to keep things respectable -- or at least as respectable as possible! And I have to say, points to her for taking on Eugenie voluntarily, because a little of that girl goes a long way. Sarah wanted adventure, and when she found it, she is all in!
I would say with Eustacie, Sarah really has to be on her toes! Reminds me of certain toddlers I used to work with many years ago as an assistant preschool teacher- you couldn’t be preoccupied having a conversation with them while doing something else, and just murmur “mm hmmm, yes, right, ok” distractedly while doing another task - you’d end up with a toy car parked on the roof or something! Not to infantilise Eustacie, but her mind flits from far out plan to far out plan, and you’d better mind what she says out loud!
I forgot how funny the conversations between Tristram and Eustacie are! Especially those from the first two chapters. :))) I must say Eustacie and Ludovic are very well suited, even though it probably means they will forever be making some mad plans and getting into trouble from which Sarah and Tristram will have to save them over and over again, lol.
Sarah is definitely my favorite character. I love how she manages people. Ludovic can be quite selfish at times. They're all doing their best to protect him yet he walks around the inn on a whim and intends breaking into the Beau's house without any thought of being caught.I agree though one of the funniest and definitely up there with the top reads.
I've just been reading the part where Sarah slips out of the inn and has the Runners following her because they think she's Ludovic disguised. I'm in absolute stitches :):) It's an hilarious piece of writing. The bit about the 'balmy breezes' and Sir Hugh says it's a 'north wind' out there nearly had me on the floor!!I've definitely found a cure for my reading slump. Read Heyer!!!
For anyone who is reading this for the first time, I'd love to know at what point you were sure who was had the ring/murdered Plunket. I've read it so many times I can't imagine not knowing, and really how many suspects were there? I suppose at the very beginning you might suppose Ludovic had done it.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "This book just brings a smile to my face every time I re-read it. So much fun! Watching Tristram unbend and fall in love with Sarah is a delight.Carol--you are so right about both romances being i..."
yes, I agree with this - if the only (or main) romance was the wild kids it wouldn't be nearly as good.
And Sarah is a wonderful character! Also, a saint to put up with her brother.
At what point does he Sir Tristam know he is in love with Sarah?
victoria_tonks wrote: "I forgot how funny the conversations between Tristram and Eustacie are! Especially those from the first two chapters. :))) I must say Eustacie and Ludovic are very well suited, even though it pro..."
Yes, I have to say I thought so too - Ludovic and Eustacie are indeed well-suited, but setting those two loose on the world as a couple, when both are so impulsive?!!
This read, I am more sympathetic to Sylvester, where before I thought him domineering. But he does ask Tristamseveral times how he feels about marrying Eustacie, and even warns him in the letter 'summoning' him that he plans him to wed Eustacie. Also by writing to Tristam about Eustacie, I feel that Sylvester is telling Tristam to look after her when Sylvester is no longer around. He trusts Tristam to do the right thing, more than he trusts Beau, and likely more than he trusts Ludovic. And he cannot get in touch with Ludovic.
The one person I feel sorry for is Sarah's brother who will now have to find a wife. Sarah must have been an excellent housekeeper for him.
Carolien wrote: "The one person I feel sorry for is Sarah's brother who will now have to find a wife. Sarah must have been an excellent housekeeper for him."That is a great point! I never really thought about who would take care of Sir Hugh! Whoever it is, they will never take care of him half as well as Sarah has...
Well I've just realised how to get out of a reading slump. Read a Heyer!!!! I LOVED this. Can't understand how it's been so long since I read it last. I was in stitches laughing throughout. The comedic side of it is done so well. I never thought Ludovic had done the deed. Too obvious. Sarah, or Sally, as they call her, is definitely the lynch pin of this story. She holds them and the story together. Eustacie and Ludovic on their own would have gotten very wearisome, very early on.
I've moved it well up my list of favorites.
Teresa wrote: "Well I've just realised how to get out of a reading slump. Read a Heyer!!!! "So true! Glad you enjoyed it teresa!
I think the funniest scenes of all - and that's saying a lot - are when Ludovic and Sir Hugh are talking. They are both so self-absorbed or something.
This was my second time reading The Talisman Ring, after about five years, and I definitely appreciated it much more this time! Probably in my top 5 now! My two favourite things about this book are the Thane siblings.
Sarah is just amazing, I wish I could be half as inventive and witty! I love how she draws/goads Tristram (who is pretty swoon worthy) into the various plots and gets him all worked up by her teasing - it's so cute!
Sir Hugh just stole the show for me - all of the scenes with him are hilarious. I especially love the moments when he suddenly realises what the others are planning and is like "Now wait a minute! You can't do that - that's against the law!" only to end up getting distracted by wine or card games.
Teresa wrote: "Sarah is definitely my favorite character. I love how she manages people. Ludovic can be quite selfish at times. They're all doing their best to protect him yet he walks around the inn on a whim an..."Me, too!
I adore Sir Hugh too - I'd love to see him in action as a Justice of the Peace. He would surely never grasp the details of any case and make all sorts of strange decisions and end up letting everybody off scot-free, but it would certainly be hilarious.
I read this once, a long time ago, and can't believe it didn't have more of an impact. It's wonderful! I don't know if I realized how "screwball comedy" the dialogue is--it's a shame Billy Wilder didn't get ahold of this (I see Kate Hepburn as Sarah). And the pace is breakneck: within the first 3 chapters, we've established the "who dunnit" backstory, been party to an marriage of convenience arrangement, watched the seeming heroine (to that point, since we haven't met Sarah yet) do a daring midnight flit, run into "free traders," run from excise men, and seen Ludovic shot. I'm dizzy! Sarah, in particular, cracks me up as the completely amused "conspirator," following Eugenie's wild rambling explanations without laughing; daring to tease Tristram from the start. So good! I'm about halfway through and am savoring each chapter.
Emma wrote: "This was my second time reading The Talisman Ring, after about five years, and I definitely appreciated it much more this time! Probably in my top 5 now! My two favourite things about this book a..."
Totally agree Emma. Sir Hugh was a hoot!!
It’s decades since I read this one, and I had forgotten most of it. It’s one of Heyer’s best adventures, well paced, beautifully plotted and with lots humour. I didn’t particularly like Eustacie first time round, and found her even more irritating this time. She was in danger of being utterly OTT. Her behaviour was more like a 13 year old than a 18 year old. However she was brave and at times she reminded me of Leonie in TOS with her sense of realism and pragmatism- and her tenacious loyalty
The Sarah/Tristram coupling was by far the OST engaging and interesting. Sarah really was the lynchpin of the whole story and I would have liked even more with those 2 and less of the others. Sarah was just perfect - the older heroine who had confidence and a sense of adventure and great wit.
I thought Sir Hugh was reminiscent of Rupert from TOS and DC.
A fast paced, entertaining romp!
Barbara wrote: "I adore Sir Hugh too - I'd love to see him in action as a Justice of the Peace. He would surely never grasp the details of any case and make all sorts of strange decisions and end up letting everyb..."What a great idea!
So wonderful to rediscover this one. Absolutely one her best. I loved Sarah and the dialogue and romance with the not-so-lamentably-cautious Tristram. Their romance was the the perfect counterpoint to Eustacie and Ludewig - I agree with others that they on their own would have ended up being a bit tedious. As it was they provided the energy and the source of a great deal of humour and drove the story forward ventre-a-terre.
I finished it having decided the funniest scene of all is the break-in at the Dower House with Ludovic disappearing, Sir Tristram coming to the rescue, and Mr. Bundy at the window "like a jack in the box". The Beau's Butler takes a beating but this is something of a rough crowd and, after all, he deserves it. I found the romance between Sarah and Sir Tristram to be thoroughly satisfiying.
I have finished and it was just what I needed right now: captivating, humorous, adventure and lovely to see the two very different romance between our two couples.Fierce, sudden, complete, noble passion for Eustacie and Ludovic vs measured, unstoppable, mature, even-tempered and respectful love between Sarah and Tristam.
I love that part when Sarah and Tristam are in the Dower House, preparing to search for the secret panel, and Tristam is so captivated by Sarah and her ridiculous, bird-witted guise that he for a moment forgets that they are there to search the room.
I like how Ludovic strolls casually back into the library during the break in, seemingly not concerned with the danger at all. Such a snapshot of his character - more brave than brainy, seemingly in control of the situation, and so romantical!
Sandra wrote: "So wonderful to rediscover this one. Absolutely one her best. I loved Sarah and the dialogue and romance with the not-so-lamentably-cautious Tristram. Their romance was the the perfect counterpoint..."Welcome to our group, Sandra! :)
Barb in Maryland wrote: "I can't help but link to my favorite review of this book:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wonderful! Right on point!!"
I’ve just now read this - what an utterly delightful review!! Thanks for the link.
Carol posted this interesting link a few years ago, and as it is about the Talisman Ring (even a photo of the Red Lion at Hand Cross!) and still a working link, I thought I would post it herehttps://jenniferkloester.com/talisman...
Thanks for the link. What a truly hideous cover!!!
Hello Everyone!Can you believe what a crazy year we have just finished! And 2021 has started full steam ahead!
I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and a Happy New Year! I had no idea how anything wad going to turn out but it ended up really nice.
I have started The Talisman Ring so far so good.
So onward and upward with 2021!
May we all have a better year!
I hope you enjoy it Gretchen! I totally loved it and it gave me a great lift of spirits.
Teresa wrote: "Thanks for the link. What a truly hideous cover!!!"I assume it's Ludovic and Eustasie pictured, but what's wrong with their eyes?
Poor Sarah really takes a beating in this book. Not only roughed up by the Bow Street Runners, she gets punched in the head by Beau (who'd have thought it?). I think she comes off the worst of any Heyer heroine in that regard. Fortunately Tristram is right there and has no need to prove himself by riding ventre-a-terre to her side!
Gosh - I must be an outlier here as I really did not enjoy this. It was way too slapstick for my liking. I had just read a fairly traumatic book and was looking forward to a fun read on the beach, but I just found this silly. Eustacie was too silly and unbelievable. Ludovic was also rather annoying. I found it hard to believe that he had managed to go two or three years without being captured given his impetuous nature and the stupid things he kept doing, The whole premise was quite unbelievable. I usually just “go with it” with these types of plots but I could not do it this time. I did persevere to the end as it was an easy read. Someone above asked someone who was doing a first read to comment on when they first realized it was “the beau” who was the villain. I think it was after Eustacie had moved to the inn and met Sarah.
I agree Ludovic was a pain in the behind and Eustacie was very young and acted accordingly but the comedy overall made it a worthwhile read. I laughed out loud several times and that was good enough for me. I think sometimes you have to read a Heyer book twice to get to the real story.
Sorry I’ve been silent—Goodreads seems to have booted me off all my active discussions, as well as my daily digest of reviews etc. I have sent them a message asking they look into the problem, and am now engaged in the tedious process of manually rejoining all the discussions I was on. Am enjoying catching up with everyone’s comments, though!
Happened to me some time ago Abigail. It's a right nuisance.
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What did you think? If this was a re-read, did you discover something new or did your feelings change about the book?