The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Tue August 9th, 2011, 6:28 pm

For me Royal Escape was somewhat monotonous. Charles narrowly escapes Cromwell's forces, finds shelter with a family sympathetic to the Royalist cause, is in danger of discovery and therefore forced to move on (in disguise) and find shelter somewhere else. This basic plot is then repeated over and over for nearly 400 pages. I got kind of bored with it.

The other thing I was dissatisfied with was the lack of climax, conflict or resolution which are essential to the structure of a novel. Although I am sure Heyer's account is true to history, I would have enjoyed it much more if she had used more of her novelist's skills rather than just recount history in a rambling narrative. For me, it wasn't one of her stronger books.

Coincidentally, I am current reading a Heyer: A Civil Contract. Not your usual Regency romance. I am really enjoying it.

SGM · Post by **SGM** » Tue August 9th, 2011, 8:20 pm

[quote=""Michy""]For me Royal Escape Coincidentally, I am current reading a Heyer: A Civil Contract. Not your usual Regency romance. I am really enjoying it.[/quote]

Although, probably a more traditional Regency, I can recommend Venetia as particularly delightful. A commentator remarked that in Heyer's Regency novels one of the main protagonists is usually very much stronger than the other but in Venetia both the hero and the heroine are equally nuanced.

I first read Georgette Heyer so many years ago it is worrying (I had run out of Scarlet Pimpernels and was looking for a replacement) and I have been through many many changes of heart as I grew up about my favourites. Of course, every one has their own favourite from a choice of many.

I barely remember Royal Escape as I have only read it once which is why I must go back and read it at some point.

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Tue August 9th, 2011, 9:41 pm

Thanks for the recommendation. There are a few Heyers that always seem to be ranked as favorites: A Civil Contract, The Grand Sophy and These Old Shades are the ones that come immediately to mind. I just started reading Heyer a few years ago (she never interested me in my younger years) and I plan to hit the "faves" first.