Presenting Author - Georgette Heyer

[Alexandra Steele]

Name of the author: Georgette Heyer

Main genre: Regency romance (non-explicit), comedy of manners

Main audience: All ages, but clearly directed at a female readership

Main books: The Grand Sophy (1950), Frederica (1965), The Nonesuch (1962)

Short summary of the author: Georgette Heyer authored several dozen novels over her 50-year career, and she is credited with single-handedly establishing the genre of "regency romance" that was later absorbed and reshaped by the paperback romance industry. Her first book, The Black Moth, was originally written to entertain her sick brother, and it was later revised by Heyer and published in 1921 when she was only 19 years old. While Heyer primarily wrote light romantic novels reminiscent of Jane Austen, she also authored several mystery and gothic novels. Her final novel, My Lord John, was published in 1975, a year after her death in 1974 at the age of 71.

Good points:

- Self-aware heroines. While Heyer does not aspire to the type of broad social critique that has made Austen's works so enduring, her female protagonists offer a more modern take on women during the Regency era. Heyer's protagonists are older, usually between 25 and 30, and know themselves well enough to see both their own faults and others' clearly. They never lose their heads to a flirt, and can quickly take the measure of anyone they encounter. There are a lot of opportunities for humor that Heyer takes full advantage of, but her characters almost always remain sympathetic and likable.

- Extremely accessible historical fiction. Despite the extensive research which Heyer employed in writing her books to be somewhat accurate in their depiction of Regency England, she was highly aware that most readers were not familiar with the mannerisms and rules of etiquette which ruled people's lives in those days. Part of what keeps her books accessible for today's readers is that Heyer does an excellent job of gently educating the reader on these details without letting them detract from the actual story.

Bad points:

- Predictability. Heyer was an immensely successful author during her lifetime, and it is clear that she did not feel a need to tamper with a winning formula. As a result, it is difficult to binge-read her novels, since it becomes very easy for the reader to spot exactly who is supposed to end up with who, turning the experience into an exercise in patience while you wait for the characters to hurry up and figure out what you already know. The witty, reasonably attractive lady spars with a witty, extremely wealthy and sporty gentleman, they work together to rescue a youthful acquaintance from their own foolishness, and in the process realize that they have finally met their match. While I enjoy each book, I cannot deny that they various couples quickly begin to blend together.

- Mid-century sexism. While I do credit Heyer with depicting her female protagonists with complexity and realism, I would not call her a progressive author. Despite her heroines often refusing to marry for reasons other than love, marriage is still very clearly the pinnacle of a woman's happiness. A woman might be clever and resist acting "missish" but she is always respectable, whereas a man can get away with almost anything as long as he is wealthy, fashionable without being a dandy, and an athletic sportsman. In most cases, the sassy heroine is transformed into a demure and satisfied woman when she finally agrees to become the hero's wife.

[Alexandra Steele]

Title of the book: Black Sheep (1966)

Author: Georgette Heyer

Series: No

Genres: Regency romance, comedy of manners, historical fiction

Short summary of the story: Having reached the age of 28 without finding a gentleman who could inspire anything beyond friendly cordiality, the wealthy and attractive Miss Abigail Wendover has resigned herself to remaining the unmarried guardian of her teenage niece Fanny. The tranquility of this arrangement is interrupted when Fanny falls violently in love with a charming fortune-hunter, and it is left to Abigail to find a way to drive the suitor away. She enlists the help of the man's uncle who has recently returned from a 20-year stint in India, Mr. Miles Caverleigh, but finds herself both frustrated and amused by his complete disregard for social etiquette. Still, he is Abigail's best ally for saving Fanny from her own melodramatic ideas of love.

Good points:

- Believable plotting. There is nothing more frustrating to me than when a book with characters you enjoy seeing interact is ruined because the author looks for any stupid reason to drive a rift between them. Fortunately, Heyer resists this potential pitfall, and Black Sheep does an excellent job of weaving plot threads together into a nexus where many characters have the opportunity to mingle and misunderstand one another. In the case of the main couple, the two first meet when Abby hears the name Mr. Caverleigh and mistakes Mr. Miles Caverleigh for his nephew Stacey Caverleigh and marches over to read him the riot act for his flirtatious ways. Such moments are entertaining and interesting, rather than annoying and overly-contrived.

- Balanced character development. Although the various dramas of the book are undoubtedly leading up to a climactic shift in the relationship between Abby and Miles, I felt the relationships grew very naturally, and that Heyer spread her attention across enough of the supporting characters that the dynamics of the pair's social circle never feels flat or lifeless. The so-called villain, Stacy Caverleigh, is given the opportunity to explain his motives to the reader, while we are simultaneously given more insight into Miles by seeing him from Stacy's perspective. Similarly, while Abby is the primary narrator of events, Heyer gives us input from other people about Abby's behavior that we can better understand how Miles affects her.

Bad points:

- Unapologetic trope characters. The plot of the book may be believable, but it is in no way original. A young girl falls in love with a selfish man, the adults must swoop in to save her because she is too lovesick to be sensible. Abby is clever but lonely. Her sister is well-intentioned but gullible, and her niece is lovable but stubborn. While Miles is an entertaining hero, he is not complex, nor does Abby have any more of a storied background than that she didn't like her restrictive father, so she is willing to be entertained when Miles throws off convention (although she still struggles with doing so herself). Everyone is very human, but Heyer does not burden readers with any of the lingering emotions which must weigh on the characters from earlier chapters in their lives. It is easy to enjoy reading Black Sheep, but not so easy to remember much about it when you've finished.

[Alexandra Steele]

Title of the book: Frederica (1965)

Author: Georgette Heyer

Series: No

Genres: Regency romance, comedy of manners, historical fiction

Short summary of the story: Frederica is the eldest sister of a clutch of siblings, and with no parents to help her see them well-established, she decides to call on a distant relative for help - the Marquis, Vernon Alverstoke. Alverstoke agrees to help launch the family in London society in order to spite his greedy sisters, and to find some entertainment for himself, but he never intends to involve himself in the affairs of Frederica and her troublesome family. However, he finds himself growing increasingly fond of them all - Frederica in particular - and begins to reconsider whether its time to leave his indolent but dull bachelorhood behind.

Good points:

- Well-drawn character interactions. Heyer's novels often rely on a varied cast of side characters to differentiate her romance stories, and while they are usually entertaining, it is an unfortunate trend that they also tend to serve as filler to pad the main story and fill time before the protagonists can fall in love. However, in Frederica, I felt that characters such as her younger brothers, Jessamy and Felix, as well as others, were very well utilized to actually demonstrate character growth. Alverstoke's development is very clearly traced in how his view of Frederica's brothers is altered by the end of the novel, and in the meanwhile they add a sense of color and fun to the story that prevents the plot from languishing in drawing rooms and evening parties.

- Developed male protagonist. Because Heyer pretty clearly writes to target a female audience, she often favors a lot of in-depth description of the woman's side of a romance, with only occasional scenes to depict the current status of the male hero and whether he is in love yet. Alverstoke is a definite exception to this, and I think the novel balances the narrative between him and Frederica very well. Readers are given many opportunities to see events from different angles, and to better appreciate how the two function as a couple.

Bad points:

- Convenient character flaws. For the most part, Frederica is a very well balanced protagonist. She has flaws that occasionally get the better of her, but she is at least self-aware enough that she also attempts to check them. However, Heyer occasionally douses her with moments of naivety for that feel extremely out-of-character for an otherwise practical and good-humored person. This could perhaps be attributed to her age (she is only 24 and essentially trying to parent her other 4 siblings), but since it only seems to crop up later in the book when she is thinking about Alverstoke, it's frustrating that her version of lovestruck more often comes across as a little bit airheaded.

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

Title of the book: These Old Shades
Author: Georgette Heyer
Series: Yes (Alastair/Audley Tetralogy)
Genres: regency romance, historical fiction, classic, cultural (France)

Short summary of the story: Lord Justin Alastair (the Duke of Avon) has an ancient enemy, who he would do anything to destroy. Like a "cannon-ball shot from a dark alley", Leon comes into his life ... and Justin thinks to use Leon as a weapon to use against his enemy. The actual gender of Justin's new page is quickly detected by the Duke and he takes action to protect her reputation, bringing Léonie to his sister, and saying she is his ward and that Fanny is to acquire for Léonie a wardrobe, as well as teach her the manners and mores of their social class and introduce her into society. Soon the Duke finds out that Leon not only is possibly a viable weapon, but also someone who changes the life and lives of those around him.

Set in the time of Louis XV, most likely in 1756 **.

The story flows so easily and sweeps the reader into the world of 'Leon' without effort. Well crafted, it's a joy to read. The author does a lot of research into what was going on during those times in France. The clothing, the food, the modes of transportation, the social mores of that time and group of people all ring authentic.

Goodreads says this about These Old Shades
Under the reign of Louis XV, corruption and intrigue have been allowed to blossom in France.

Lord Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon, known for his coldness of manner, his remarkable omniscience, and his debauched lifestyle. Society believes the worst of Justin, who is clearly proud of his sobriquet, 'Satanas'. In a dark Parisian back alley, he is accosted by Leon, a young person dressed in ragged boy's clothing running away from a brutal rustic guardian. The Duke buys Leon, a redheaded urchin with strangely familiar looks...

**As best as I can figure out the date of the story, it is set 1756. -- M. le Prince de Condé is 20 in the story (page 417).
Louis Joseph de Bourbon (9 August 1736 – 13 May 1818) was Prince of Condé from 1740 to his death. A member of the House of Bourbon, he held the prestigious rank of Prince du Sang.

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

Title of the book: Regency Buck
Author: Georgette Heyer
Series: Yes (Alastair/Audley Tetralogy #3)
Genres: regency romance, historical fiction, classics, mystery, British literature

Short summary of the story: Judith and Sir Peregrine (Perry) leave their country home to come to London, after the death of their father. They hope to encounter and enjoy being in high social circles. Their father left them to the care of a guardian, "Julian St. John Audley, Fifth Earl of Worth". When they wrote the Earl, stating their intention of coming to London, he responded, saying he didn't want them to come to town. They came anyway, and immediately what might be considered a comedy of errors transpires, before they even reach London. When finally arriving in London, the plot thickens ...

Heir to a large fortune, Judith is sought after both for her money and her looks. Perry, a year younger than his sister, finds himself enjoying the pleasures of society, and is introduced to the different clubs. He quickly finds himself in trouble, and their guardian (reluctantly) helps him out. The plot twists and turns, as it seems that Perry lands in trouble of a kind which could end up with him dead -- and more than once.

Points of interest: Georgette Heyer knows this time period. The story is filled with people of that particular era, who they were, what they did and how they spoke. Their clothing, foods, drinks, and manners, of not only the ton but of a variety of the social classes, enriches the story as it unfolds. It's a pretty good mystery, too, albeit it's not very subtle a one!

The story doesn't flow with the ease of These Old Shades (the first of the series), but all in all is a good read.

Goodreads has this:

After their father's death, the brothers Judith and Peregrine Taverner travel to 1811 London to meet their guardian, the Earl of Worth, expecting an elderly gentleman, to their surprise and utter disgust, their guardian is not much older than they are. Lord Julian St. John Audley, they both agree, is an insufferably arrogant dandy. But unfortunately for the orphans, he is also the Fifth Earl of Worth, a friend of the Regent, and, quite by chance, their legal guardian. Lord Worth doesn't want the office of guardian any more than they want him, and is determined to thwart all their interests and return them to the country.

But when Judith and Peregrine begin to move in the highest social circles, Lord Worth cannot help but entangle himself with his adventuresome wards. Beautiful Judith Taverner had captivated all London society. A bevy of elegant bachelors swarmed about her, vying for her favors. But then her brother suddenly vanished, she was forced to seek the aid of her mysterious guardian, the powerful Earl of Worth.

Once Judith had looked upon the Earl as a protector -- and then as something far more. But now she was gown up, worldly-wise... and prey to a chilling suspicion. For Judith was not only a bewitching young lady, but also heiress to a great fortune -- a bewildered creature trying to discover the difference between a man's love and a man's greed. Heiress Judith Taverner fights her loathing, and her desire, for the iron-willed but handsome man who is her suitor.

The date in the Goodreads write-up is backed up by this on page 3: "And that," concluded Miss Tavener, "was written three months ago--you may see the date for yourself, Perry: 29th June 1811-- and not even in his own hand."
On page 322, a letter written by the Earl of Worth to Judith Taverner, is dated June 25th, 1812. The letter talks about them meeting the next day to conduct some business.

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

Title of the book: Devil's Cub
Author: Georgette Heyer
Series: Yes (Alastair/Audley Tetralogy #2)
Genres: regency romance, historical fiction, classics, historical, history - Georgian

Short summary of the story: Dominic Alastair, son of Justin and Léonie Alastair, Duke and Duchess of Avon, has the reputation of being a true son of his father (called 'Satanas' in his youth) and earned the sobriquet of 'Devil's Cub'. Getting into trouble in England, he is ordered by his father to go to France ('to the continent') in order to spare his mother "anxiety regarding his safety". Thus the adventure starts ... and continues in France. It's delightful to meet again so many people we know from These Old Shades, see how they have been, and how they are now.

Points of interest: I am very fond of These Old Shades. I was delighted to find out what was going on with Rupert, Fanny, Justin and Léonie, as well as others from that book. Georgette Hey has again created a story with a background carefully researched and beautifully presented. Léonie remains the same, 24 years later, and, much to her dismay, her son has much of her own temper and temperament. Dominic is his own person, though, and the story is definitely his ... and Mary's. It is a delight to read and a treasure to have in one's own library.

The Wikipedia entry for Devil's Cub:

Devil's Cub is a Georgian romance novel written by Georgette Heyer. Set in 1780, it is the sequel to These Old Shades (1926). The book was published in 1932, and has not been out of print since. It is one of Heyer's most popular novels.

Goodreads says this about Devil's Cub -

Duellist and gamester, the young Marquis of Vidal had fairly earned the sobriquet 'Devil's Cub' - a tribute to the wilder excesses of his father, the Duke of Avon.

When Mary Challoner discovered Dominic's plans to run away with her lovely sister, she donned cloak and mask in a daring impersonation and found herself bound for France with the most notorious rake in Georgian London.

The many admirers of These Old Shades will meet some familiar friends.

**This book was published in 1932

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

Title of the book: A Christmas Party (former title: Envious Casca)
Author: Georgette Heyer
Series: Yes (Inspectors Hannasyde and Hemingway #6)
Genres: mystery, holiday, Christmas, historical, romance

Short summary of the story: Lexham Manor, home of Nathaniel Herriard, is the place of a Christmas celebration, as orchestrated by Joseph, Nathaniel's brother. Nathaniel didn't want to have a gathering of people at his home, let alone a Christmas party, let alone the people who are gathered there.

As said in the book - ”It was Joseph who had been inspired to organize the house-party that was looming over Nathaniel’s unwilling head this chill December. Joseph, having lived for so many years abroad, hankered wistfully after a real English Christmas. Nathaniel, regarding him with a contemptuous eye, said that a real English Christmas meant, in his experience, a series of quarrels between inimical person bound to on another only by the accident of relationship, and thrown together by a worn-out convention which decreed that at Christmas families should forgather."

So various members of Nat's family are there, with their assorted fiances, playwrights, and, rounding it off, is Nat's business partner. Almost everyone is at loggerheads with each other -- but this is as usual for them. However, when Nat is found dead, in his rooms which were locked from the inside, and almost everyone cannot prove their whereabouts after he'd gone into his rooms, new factions show up within the group.

Points: This is a good read, in that the story/mystery is great (I didn't guess 'who dun it' for ages), the characters are so well written that I'd recognize them even out of the book, and, as always, there is a lightness and precision in Georgette Heyer's writing making it fun to read.

Goodreads says this about A Christmas Party:

Also published as "Envious Casca."
It is no ordinary Christmas at Lexham Manor. And the mood is anything but festive.
Six holiday guests find themselves the suspects in a murder inquiry when the old Scrooge who owns the substantial estate, Nathaniel Herriard, is found stabbed in the back.
Whilst the delicate matter of inheritance could be the key to this crime, the real conundrum is how any of the suspects could have entered the locked room to commit this atrocity.
For Inspector Hemingway of Scotland Yard, the investigation is complicated by the fact that every guest is hiding something throwing all of their testimonies into question and casting suspicion far and wide "

First published 1941