The Transformation of Philip Jettan, by Georgette Heyer (3 stars)

[KateNZ]

It is the mid 1700s. Young Philip Jettan is happy in the country, and has no desire for town dress or mannerisms. But, dare we say it, he is just a little bit boring. Then Cleone, the young woman he wants to marry, pushes him aside, and his doting father hatches a scheme to make him go away and grow up a bit … whereupon he dashes off to Paris and becomes the city’s new favourite. Of course he makes his way back to London and to Cleone, triggering a round of misunderstandings…

This is one of the few Heyers that I had never read, either under this title or as Heyer’s amended version ‘Powder and Patch’. It’s only the third novel she wrote and she is definitely still finding her voice - the narrative style is very different from what she settled on shortly afterwards. But her distinct humour is really starting to come through, both in dialogue and in absurd goings-on, and there are some character features that recur in her later work. The description of aristocratic men’s fashions of the time are delightful as is the liberal use of French (without translation or explanation, but it’s relevant to the story). Some references are eyebrow-raising for modern readers (it was published in 1923, when references to a little Black page called Sambo, or discussion of women wanting to be dominated by their men would have been less jarring). Not enough to spoil it altogether though.

Apparently ‘Powder and Patch’ cleverly omits the final chapter. That would make the ending very different and, I think, much more satisfying - a good call by Heyer to improve her work.

All round, a lot of fun.

[Robin P]

I was surprised I had never heard of this one, but I did read Powder and Patch. Georgette Heyer is very fun, and she has several books that don't fit the usual tropes. One I especially like is The Foundling, where the hero isn't the usually tall, strong, masterful type. Instead he is described as very ordinary in appearance and "A diffident young man of 24 years, easily pushed around". He has to use his wits and develop his courage (the role usually assigned to the heroine.)

Another unusual one is Cotillion, where it's not clear who the heroine will end up with, and it's again not the tall, dashing man. And the The Masqueraders is about a crossdressing couple!

[KateNZ]

The Foundling is a favourite of mine too! Maybe it’s time for a re-read!