Georgette Heyer Fans discussion
This topic is about
The Masqueraders
Group Reads
>
The Masqueraders June 2021 Group Read *Spoilers Here!*
This is my third read, and this time I will be reading my kindle version, that has this cover:
My first read was ages ago, my friend lent me her copy and it was one of the first Heyers that I read. Very memorable! I read it again with the group in 2017.
I am looking forward to reading this one because I have only re-read it once.
This was my favorite Heyer when I was young, before I fell for Hugo Darracott. I’m a sucker for (view spoiler)!
I didn't like this one as well when I first read it - decades ago! - because I found the language a little more challenging, but now I love it. it builds to the major climax so skillfully and most of the characters are so interesting. I consider the secondary romance more bland, but the primary romance makes up for it. and who doesn't like swashbuckling?
This is not a favorite, but very entertaining- I’ve got the unabridged audiobook from my library
, but also borrowed the ebook with this cover
. Listening especially emphasizes the farcical elements, and bright, witty dialogue - this would make a wonderful transition to screen (can’t just say “movies” anymore, so much is right to Netflix or Amazon or something- what does one collectively call that? Digital content? Definitely doesn’t have the allure of saying to the budding hopeful starlet, “you’re going to be in the movies!” “You’re going to get your own platform!” Just, no - makes her sound like a statue...)
I don't remember this one at all, which worries me slightly. I'm reading a Pan book edition but they don't seem to have it here so I can't add it.
This isn't one I read very often, though I do like it. I look forward to the discussion
Teresa wrote: "I don't remember this one at all, which worries me slightly. I'm reading a Pan book edition but they don't seem to have it here so I can't add it."If you can scan your cover & add under your photos in your profile I can add it for you, Teresa.
Mod
I'll give it a go though.
My first read - I have a hard copy here at home that I bought on ebay a year or so ago, but have not got around to reading yet.
This is one of my top 5 Heyer books. I read this way back when I was a teenager and I have reread this book over and over many many times since then. A very enjoyable book. The dialogues are so witty and I love the main characters. The relationship between the siblings is wonderful and the character of the Viscount is hilarious. The only character I’m not that fond of is Letitia. She irritated me.
I really don't like this one very much, even whilst I can admire Heyer's skill as she weaves her tale and sets her characters on a merry dance. I cannot take to several of the main characters - especially the Old Gentleman. However, I am starting to read it again today and look forward to the discussion.
Susan in Perthshire wrote: "I really don't like this one very much, even whilst I can admire Heyer's skill as she weaves her tale and sets her characters on a merry dance. I cannot take to several of the main characters - esp..."Susan--the 'Old Gentleman' is such an irritating character that I'm positive GH deliberately wrote him that way! I do so much eye-rolling when he's on the page that it's a wonder I haven't sprained my eye muscles...
Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I don't remember this one at all, which worries me slightly. I'm reading a Pan book edition but they don't seem to have it here so I can't add it."If you can scan your cover & add ..."
Carol you're very kind but I'm afraid other than the basics I'm not very tech minded so haven't a clue how to do any of this. Personal technician (also know as son) is not around at the moment. But thank you.
The edition I have comes up on the home page but not when I click add book/author on this page.
Talk about stepping into another world! I am finding this a wonderfully immersive adventure. I was so confused when I first read this - partially due to the language and partly because of the way Heyer writes the main surprise. I asked the friend who lent me her copy "What the heck is going on?" and then when the switch was revealed, I had to go back to the beginning and read it up to the point I was at again. Just loved being tricked by Heyer.
The second time I read it through (with the group) I really appreciated it, and this time, I like it even more!
Teresa wrote: "Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I don't remember this one at all, which worries me slightly. I'm reading a Pan book edition but they don't seem to have it here so I can't add it."If..."
By on the home page, do you mean the group's home page?
Mod
Mine is a Pan too and it has a lady (in heavy 60s makeup!) sleeping in a barn while a gentleman stands in the doorway looking out. Is that the one?
Mod
Me too! I couldn't make out what was going on at all and wondered if something had gone terribly wrong at the printer's.
Is this it, Teresa?
This one is on the 5th page of 'other editions' when you add the book.
but I cannot see her face to tell about the makeup, so maybe it is not the correct one
The picture is the same but the cover is orange.
I have just finished this one. I also struggled with the language at the beginning and was thinking it might have been a dud, but then I just seemed to get into the rhythm of the language and overall it was an enjoyable read. Some thoughts...1. I thought the setting was perfect for the genre - Georgian fashion and culture lends itself to cross dressing...wigs, powder and heels for both genders.
2. I thought the romance between Prue and Tony was lovely and surprisingly (given the circumstances) very realistic. I sometimes find that the romance in Heyer novels lacks closure. Typically the Heyer couple realises their mutual love in the last 3 paragraphs of the novel and I am left feeling cranky because I wanted more. But in this novel the romance between these two seems more developed earlier int eh novel and I found the scene when they are in the barn really touching.
3. Unlike Jenny (above) I thought that the descriptions of Kate and her various outfits were fabulous
4. I agree that Letty was somewhat annoying, but most Heyer novels include at least one annoying (usually female) character
5. What is it with Heyer and the 'large gentleman'. This persona has appeared in a couple of novels. To me it conjures up images of an overweight man and not the normal romantic figure that I look for in this type of novel......which brings me to no. 6
6. Despite my reservations of the description of Tony as the 'large gentleman' I loved him as the romantic figure. I think he is now up there now in my top 3 Heyer males....Dominic Vidal from Devil's Cub is still number 1. I find this interesting as they are polar opposites really, nice man vs naughty boy
an excellent post, Susan. I get the "large gentleman" type: when life gets scary or hard, there he is all tall and (especially) Broad Shouldered. He is extrememley competent and you feel the utmost confidence in him to take care of whatever needs taking care of.
especially if it's something dangerous!
I agree the language is intitially difficult, but after some re-reads it becomes not only easy but enjoyable; at least that's how I felt.
Regarding the 'large gentleman' usually I do think of someone overweight when I read that, but that could be a product of the time I live in (and the place!) where there are a lot of people who are overweight. During Heyer's time, (looking at the average sizes of people and the clothes in museums and historical society displays -especially those TINY shoes!) people seemed to be less large and less tall in times past. So, while the "mountain" does not immediately strike me as a romantically attractive figure, for Heyer, I have to re-imagine 'large gentleman' as someone heroic like Virgil Van Dijk or Chris Hemsworth. Tall but not overweight, with an aura of being large because of their height and bearing.
Critterbee❇ wrote: "Regarding the 'large gentleman' usually I do think of someone overweight when I read that, but that could be a product of the time I live in (and the place!) where there are a lot of people who are..."Oh the idea of Chris Hemsworth has put a totally different spin on Tony! (I am so shallow!)
Susan in Perthshire wrote: "...Oh the idea of Chris Hemsworth has put a totally different spin on Tony! (I am so shallow!)"You're never that, Susan!
Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Oh the idea of Chris Hemsworth has put a totally different spin on Tony! (I am so shallow!) I'm right there with you!
I must be in a benignant mood right now because on this reading I’m not bothered by either the language OR the Old Gentleman! (Interesting how a couple of his nicknames are also sobriquets of the devil.) His words and actions certainly justify Prudence’s craving for security and stability.It also seems like a nice touch that Robin stands partway between the polar opposites of his father and sister, and sometimes serves as a mediator (I just read the scene where he is the one who tells his father that he and Prudence both want to turn respectable). It makes Robin’s position much more complicated and turns him into a more interesting character than he otherwise would be. I like the closeness and trust that has grown between him and Prudence as a result of their parent’s unreliability—that seems psychologically convincing.
I really admire the way the plot is constructed, with so many characters set up to play a role that nevertheless comes as a surprise. It’s a subtle mind that sets up the duo of Rensley and Markham instead of putting all the villainy in one person, so Rensley is Barham’s antagonist and Markham is Prudence’s, and the two act together to amplify each other’s villainy and drive action.
And I love Anthony almost as much as I love Hugo. Speaking as a tall woman, I can say that there’s tremendous allure in a very tall, broad-shouldered, quiet man. Most such men seem to be attracted to delicate, petite women, alas! And it’s the runty men who go crazy over tall women. There must be some natural-selection imperative there, driving the overall population to normalize height.
Abigail wrote: "... I like the closeness and trust that has grown between him and Prudence as a result of their parent’s unreliability—that seems psychologically convincing...."Great point! I agree, the relationship makes sense, and seems to be written by someone familiar with the situation - with first-hand experience. They way that they look after each other is really sweet, and another excellent non-romantic relationship created by Heyer.
I love their relationship! Robin wants to protect Prudence but he also respects her ability to think for herself and take care of herself, at least up to a point. remarkable for the time period.They seem to respect and tolerate their father more than he deserves, but I am not bothered by him. I find him amusing.
If they have grown by learning to rely on each other rather than him, I'm sure he would say he planned it that way for everyone's benefit!
I haven't read this one inn ages, so I'm looking forward to it. The language hasn't bothered my thus far.
Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Critterbee❇ wrote: "Regarding the 'large gentleman' usually I do think of someone overweight when I read that, but that could be a product of the time I live in (and the place!) where there are a l..."Oh, I don’t know...I kind of agree! ;)
This time around I listened to the audiobook, and it's been worth it! Even though I've read the book zillions of times, I will read for plot and romance, and tend to skim over Tremaine of Barham's monologues. With every word read out to me, I've finally come to appreciate how totally hilarious he is: 'You assume a mighty lofty tone, to be sure –’ [says Rensley]
‘No, no, it comes quite naturally,’ my lord interpolated sweetly.
And I'm very fond of the brother-sister constellation, too, although their masquerade had me completely baffled the first time I read this.
Where does the style Heyer uses here come from? What were her models? I'm sure I've seen it elsewhere, but can't remember where. Daphne du Maurier?
Mod
That's very enlightening - you've pointed out quite a few virtues in a book I don't like much, which will help me enjoy it more in future. Thank you.
Elizabeth wrote: "Where does the style Heyer uses here come from? What were her models? I'm sure I've seen it elsewhere, but can't remember where. Daphne du Maurier?I think GH's style here (and especially in 'Beauvallet') owes a lot to Rafael Sabatini and Baroness Orczy. Both were best-selling authors in the early 20th C who specialized in swashbuckling historical novels. I devoured a great number of their books as a teenager.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Where does the style Heyer uses here come from? What were her models? I'm sure I've seen it elsewhere, but can't remember where. Daphne du Maurier?I think GH's style here (and e..."
Yes!
Good point about Sabatini and Orczy, Barb! Maybe bits of Robert Louis Stevenson novels too.Just read chapter 29 (the night ride)—sooooo romantic! I have Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Someone to Watch over Me” running through my head right now. I’m almost aggressively independent, but the idea of surrendering control to a person you trust has its allure.
Yes the language in this title is some of GH's most romantic!
Abigail wrote: "Good point about Sabatini and Orczy, Barb! Maybe bits of Robert Louis Stevenson novels too.Just read chapter 29 (the night ride)—sooooo romantic! I have Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Someone to W..."
I agree, the night ride was really romantic and made me a little teary. It would have to be one of the more romantic of Heyer's scenes.
I'm struggling big time with this one. I've laid it aside for a day or two and I'll try it again.
Teresa wrote: "I don't remember this one at all, which worries me slightly. I'm reading a Pan book edition but they don't seem to have it here so I can't add it."perhaps it is a first read? or you attempted it earlier and then didn't finish.
it IS a challenge, until you get into the story. I'm not going to spoiler anything, but how far have you gotten? if you are right at the beginning, maybe you'd like a PM with a clue, LOL.
If you like Heyer, and why else would you be here, I think you'll find it worth reading.
I agree, the night ride was really romantic and made me a little teary. It would have to be one of the more romantic of Heyer's scenes.it really is, I love how Anthony combines a willingness to admire Prudence for traits that are not (supposedly) traditionally female - brains and bravery - while still wanting to protect her.
Teresa wrote: "I'm struggling big time with this one. I've laid it aside for a day or two and I'll try it again."That’s why I like audiobooks, Teresa- I can knit while listening, fast forward if needed! I agree, this one does not draw me back.
Theresa, Susan (NC)--Don't worry about not clicking with this book. Not all GH books work for every reader. No one will badger you about not liking it--that's what makes this group so enjoyable!
I think Pru finding a man she could depend on and was attracted to was a relief for her. Her brother seems mostly dependable, but growing up with that father - ick!
Critterbee❇ wrote: "I think Pru finding a man she could depend on and was attracted to was a relief for her. Her brother seems mostly dependable, but growing up with that father - ick!"Very true! He wasn’t exactly a model of dependable manhood, was he?
Barb in Maryland wrote: "Theresa, Susan (NC)--Don't worry about not clicking with this book. Not all GH books work for every reader. No one will badger you about not liking it--that's what makes this group so enjoyable!"
Thanks, Barb - and I know we can’t all like the same books. Keeps it interesting, and I enjoy reading everyone’s various insights.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "I think GH's style here (and especially in 'Beauvallet') owes a lot to Rafael Sabatini and Baroness Orczy."How could I forget! I was thinking Daphne du Maurier and Frenchman's Creek, but of course, Scaramouche! Captain Blood! In our misspent youth, my brother and I used to get up at noon after a night on the town, and have breakfast in front of the telly while watching old films – for some reason noon on Sunday was the time the swashbucklers ran. Or Valentino. Or Marilyn Monroe, for all love! Thanks for reminding me, Barb.
Good point, Jackie! There’s talk of Prue being an obedient wife, but really Sir Anthony admires her for her strengths.
Elizabeth wrote: "Barb in Maryland wrote: "I think GH's style here (and especially in 'Beauvallet') owes a lot to Rafael Sabatini and Baroness Orczy."How could I forget! I was thinking Daphne du Maurier and French..."
What a lovely memory Elizabeth!!
Georgette Heyer Fans
Books mentioned in this topic
The Talisman Ring (other topics)The Masqueraders (other topics)
The Masqueraders (other topics)
The Masqueraders (other topics)
The Masqueraders (other topics)
This is one of Heyer's Georgian romances, set shortly after 1745, and featuring a healthy amount of swashbuckling adventure.
The Masqueraders is also the Heyer that is the most difficult to discuss without spoiling the story for first-time readers. There really is no way to discuss this book without allowing spoilers.
We advise any first time readers that this thread will have open spoilers about this book.
I was lucky enough to read it for the first time without having it spoiled, and loved the twists! If you would like that experience, you can check in and discuss the book here after you are finished (or at least whenever you have no worries about spoilers).
This is our second group read of The Masqueraders; the last time we read it as a group was four years ago.
Be Warned, Here Be Spoilers!