I ordered These Old Shades from Amazon because I'd recently read and reviewed Georgette Heyer by Jennifer Kloester. I enjoyed the biography more than the novel, though.My experience with Heyer has been mixed. I've thoroughly enjoyed some, while others have OK.
These Old Shades is an early Heyer and a disappointment. The characters are not terribly appealing, although I admit to liking the Duke better as the novel progressed, Leonie remains insipid throughout. Plot is pretty predictable, but kept me reading.
Although this is a favorite for many Heyer fans, I didn't much care for it.
It does, however, provide a good example of some of Heyer's earliest work, and that is always interesting. Authors develop in so many ways as they continue to write, and Heyer published over 50 novels throughout her long career.
Historical Fiction. Original publ. 1926; republished 2009. 384 pages.
Thanks for reviewing this one, it's always interesting read reviews of books that you yourself have en opinion of. I read this one quite a while ago and really felt the same way as you. Luckily there are so many other Heyer novels that are much more interesting!
ReplyDeleteYes, with so many to choose from, Heyer's novels offer some delightfully amusing reading. This one didn't work for me, but many have.
ReplyDeleteFor me GH is a comfort read. One I go back to quite often.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree about her books being comfort reads--the ones I really like satisfy me every time.
ReplyDeleteJenclair, sorry this book didn't live up to your expectations. Isn't it funny how some books just leave their print on our lives and others just don't even stay in our memories! I hope your next book is a great one!
ReplyDeleteI've at least liked, if not loved, every Heyer book I've read. But, they're definitely a mixed bag.
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