Title: Faro's DaughterAuthor: Georgette Heyer
Published: 1941, Dutton
Category: Historical Romance
Rating: 8/10
I'm still making my way through Heyer's Regencies. Because I love them so.
Max Ravenscar, a wealthy gentleman, is called upon by his frantic aunt to disengage her son, Lord Mablethorpe, from an infatuation with "a creature -- oh, a hussy! -- out of a gaming-house!" Miss Deborah Grantham lives with her aunt, whose reduced circumstances have forced them to open her house for card parties and gaming. Though Deb's money troubles are bad, she has no intention of actually marrying Lord Mablethorpe, because he is too young and silly. But when Max tries to buy her off from the supposed engagement, she's totally insulted and decides to teach him a lesson.
I think this is one of my favorite Heyers! It's not actually very romance-ish -- the hero and heroine spend most of the novel fighting with each other. Deb is one of Heyer's older, wiser heroines; she's really feisty, has a terrific temper, and wants more than anything to get the better of Max. "It was not long before a scheme, so dazzlingly diabolical as almost to take her breath away, was born in her mind." Both she and Max are horribly stubborn, and they go to some rather ridiculous extremes to best each other, which makes for some great hijinks.
So definitely not in any way a treacly romance. Deb says to Max, "You are rude, and stupid, and I was never so plagued by anyone in my life!" But their similarities of character do make it believable that they should fall in love. I loved the book for its snappy dialogue and funny situations.
10 comments:
Excellent! I never read any Georgette Heyer but I keep reading these good reviews, so I picked up Cotillion! Let's see how it goes.
Have you read Diane Farr's 'Under a Lucky Star'?
It begins with the hero helping the heroine avoid Sir James Filey. Fun moment for Heyer-lovers.
Marianne McA
I tried a Heyer a few years ago but couldn't get into it at all. (I think it was The Quiet Gentleman or something.) But maybe I'll give her a second shot and pick up this one.
Oh dear, my message somehow disappeared! Anyway, I wanted to say that I love stories of this nature, with lots of hijinks (what a fun word)! I read Fredrika and I liked it. I will have to add this one to my ever growing TBR pile. :)
Ana--I've enjoyed most of the Heyer regencies I've read -- a couple I found slightly tedious, but overall they're a riot. I haven't read Cotillion, but it's in my TBR. If I remember right, it's got one of Heyer's silly young heroines, so prepare yourself to put up with her. She's sure to grow up before the end of the book. ;)
Marianne--No, I haven't -- I don't think I've read anything by Diane Farr. But I love it when authors put little tributes in their books like that.
Samantha--Yeah, The Quiet Gentleman was okay, but definitely not a favorite. I'd suggest this one (though I think it's one of the harder ones to find), or try Venetia, Devil's Cub, or The Grand Sophy. They're her most popular and really goods ones.
Jill--I hate when blogger eats comments! So rude. ;) I read Frederika and remember liking it, though I can't remember much about it right now. I'll have to see if I blogged about it (how nice to have a reading journal to remind myself). :)
I love Georgette Heyer! "Faro's Daughter" is a fun one. I really liked "The Grand Sophy" and "Arabella." I think "Arabella" is a bit harder to find, but it's very cute and funny.
Rachel--I don't think I've read Arabella--I'll have to see if I can find a used copy. The Grand Sophy is a classic. ;)
I have read two Heyer's and I really mean to read more! You know what they say about good intentions though!
BTW, I've given you an award on my blig.
Er.....that would be my blog!
*blushing*
Marg--Thanks! And I think we should start calling them bligs. Because that's funnier than blog. :D
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