Georgette Heyer: A Favourite and Underappreciated Author
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- Today I wanted to share my love of Georgette Heyer with you, a historical romance writer, who is far too underappreciated.
Music: ‘The Beauty of Love’ by Aakash Gandhi
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Georgette Heyer’s book are my comfort books. When I’m sad or upset and feel alone I sit down with one and am comforted. Her characters are so real, her heroes and heroines self-possessed and intelligent and funny (apart from some which is why I didn’t like those books, I think: April Lady for instance. I don’t like silly women). Her heroines help me gather courage when I’m sad. I also read her novels when I’m traveling and before sleeping or at the beach. Her books taught me some English that isn’t in use but I love it. Her expressions have joined my vocabulary, even if just for me snd the fun of it.
I love her way of making former times come to life. She’s an excellent historian.
My favourites are
- These old shades (and the other two Avon books)
- Frederica
- The Grand Sophy
- The Nonesuch
- The unknown Ajax (I love his broad Yorkshire and sense of humour 😂)
- The convenient marriage (yes, Horry is delightful!!)
- Cotillon (Foster is so funny!)
- Friday’s child (Sherry’s fear of Nemesis gets me every time)
- Black Sheep (I love Abigail’s and Calverleigh’s dialogues)
There are just very few that I didn’t like as much, like April Lady, False Colours or The quiet Gentleman
Heyer’s books make me happy.
Comfort books is a great description. I don't like silly women either but Heyer can still make me empathise with them.
Black Sheep has very witty dialogue, as does The Nonesuch. It's been years since I read Cotillion and Friday's Child (I didn't own them until recently) and will have to try them soon.
Thank you so much for sharing Chris.
@@NerdyKathi Yes, that’s true. She manages to get one interested in their fates as well, even if they are silly/too naïve for my taste. Let me know how you liked Cotillon. In my opinion, it should be a play and I’m still thinking about writing the script, even if only for myself :) Maybe it would be worth while to get a reading and writing club together that creates the plays and movies we want to exist :) What do you think?
@@chrisg7795 You can only try, but I would so love to see some on the screen.
My favourite is Venetia. ❤
5/10/23 Much like you, I discovered Georgette Heyer's historical romances in my late teens, and have been regularly rereading them for the last 50 years! As you say, her dialogue is truly excellent. In fact, a friend I lent some GH books to thought they almost read like plays, since the characters' dialogue is so descriptive. And I agree on her use of detail, as a way of authenticating the time period of the novels. She weaves it in very successfuly and it makes the scenes so rich! My FAVORITE Author, no question!!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who constantly re-reads them. Thank you so much for sharing.
I really appreciate all you are saying. I'm just discovering Georgette Heyer - she is exactly what I've been looking and hoping for as an author to lose myself in. Because I especially love Jane Austen, the Brontës, Thomas Hardy and PG Wodehouse, Heyer will compliment these favourite authors and be up there - I love minutiae and sheer escapism in the eloquent words. I've laughed out loud in ways that only PG Wodehouse has previously done. I really appreciate this video and all you say. Nice to find your channel 🌞🌷
Thank you for your very kind comment. And I'm so glad you are enjoying Georgette Heyer, as she truly is under appreciated.
I discovered Georgette Heyer in the 1970s as a teenager. In those days, we had a decent library system in the UK, and I ate them up. I think my first two were The Grand Sophy and The Reluctant Widow. As you say, the humour as well as the period detail, mark them out from any other historical romances. Once I started working, I bought up the paperbacks. I think Friday's Child and Cotillion might be my favourites. Freddy, the "hero" in Cotillion is so unlike the other leading men. And the leading man figure is an absolute scoundrel who doesn't get the girl, which was a refreshing change. Heinemann produced The Black Moth in hardback in 2021 to celebrate its centenary. I confess I keep going to their website, hoping there will be others following, but it hasn't happened yet!
Ironic, but both Cotillion and Friday's Child were my least favourite when I was young. In fact I don't think I owned them until recently so will have to try them again now I'm older and possibly wiser (or more cynical 😂).
I would love to own all in hardover but they are extremely difficult to find. In Australia the hardcover publisher seems to be cornerstone.
Thank you so much for sharing.
@@NerdyKathi Those were the two books that I converted my friends at college with! What you said did make me wonder if I should reread A Civil Contract, which I bought and read, but didn't really go back to. Mind you, you made me feel like re-reading everyone you mentioned! Yes, my copy of The Black Moth was Cornerstone/Heinemann. I noticed the Folio Society have Arabella and Venetia, but obviously their books are premium with a cost to match. There's no-one producing all of them, though. Perhaps that will change once the copyright expires.
I think that the way that they did such a hatchet job on "The Reluctant Widow", she decided to never have any movie or such like ever created again. If you have read the book, the movie is very different. I agree that some of her stories would make a very good movie if they would keep her story and not make up a different story. Agatha Christie's name has recently been used in this way, and her stories changed completely when made into a movie.
I agree the film is very different and I much prefer the book to the film. It just seems sad that no other books have been filmed. It isn't just Agatha Christie's books that have been subjected to substantial change. In fantasy it has also happened with The Witcher books and The Wheel of Time.
Thank you for sharing.
'The Grand Sophy' my all time favorite. Been reading Heyer since my teens and just love them. Thank you for bringing it all back again.
Thank you for sharing! The Grand Sophy is a great choice. I have too many favourites.
“Venetia” was the first Georgette Heyer book I read in my teens 55 years ago and I have been a big fan ever since. I have read nearly all of her books multiple times and, with the advent of the audiobook, have also listened to many of them over and over. Hearing the different voices of the characters is like visiting old friends. My favorites of the romances are “The Reluctant Widow” and “The Talisman Ring”, followed by a lengthy list of other titles that I have also really enjoyed.
In addition to the historical romances, I highly recommend Georgette Heyer’s mysteries, which are well plotted and include a good mix of detection and humor. The exception is “Penhallow”, which is quite a dark book, unusual for this author. I didn’t like it when I first read it years ago, but I recently listened to the audiobook and thought it better than I had the first time. It completely lacks the usual wit and humor that make Miss Heyer’s books so delightful and has a number of unlikeable characters. The other 11 mysteries include 3 with different detectives and 4 featuring Scotland Yard Superintendent Hannasyde, with Sergeant Hemingway, who is promoted to the chief investigator in the remaining 4 mysteries. The audiobook versions are my favorites for listening while driving my car.
One caveat about the audiobooks of the romances: there are abridged versions of some of these books. Personally, I do not like them. I am so familiar with the original texts that I know what is being omitted, which I find highly irritating! Most of the abridged versions are labeled as such, but there is a version of “The Grand Sophy” which says it is “complete and unabridged”, but it isn’t.
Miss Heyer’s books have given me many hours of pleasure over the years and I am continuing to enjoy them. They are indeed a literary treasure!
There is something special in Heyer's books, and I know exactly what you mean about them being like old friends. Reluctant Widow is another favourite of mine as well.
I will definitely try some of her mysteries in the future. I personally don't listen to audiobooks as I get easily distracted, but I would dislike any abridging of her books as well.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences Marsha. 😊
I just read Arabella and it was such a refreshing and wholesome read. Someone recommended me Georgette Heyer because i was craving for period novels most especially regency period like Jane Austen and so i started to read Arabella and i love it. I am trying to find a copy of Grand Sophy in our local bookstores because i have been hearing how great it is and want to read it mediately. I haven't been excited in reading a particular author's books this much.
It's wonderful to see that people are still discovering Heyer, and I know exactly how you feel about a new author. I'm sure you will love The Grand Sophy, and Arabella is a great character, but I think the dog stole the show. 😊
Love this author! Sylvester is my fave as it makes me laugh and cry no matter how often I read it
I adore Sylvester because he actually evolves throughout the book, and Phoebe is just too funny. Thank you so much for sharing.
So happy to have found this video.
Georgette Heyer is one of my favourite writers. When reading heavy themed literature I tend to fall back on her stories and novels to brighten my mood.
My mother used to love her books and as a boy I couldn't understand that. I thought her silly. But when in my twenties she gave me "Powder and Patch" for a longer train journey, me being without a book. It took me a time to start reading it. But when I did...The rest is history as they say.
Got all her books, in print and digital (on my phone) and read them time and again.
My favourite is "Cotillion", a book with a less dashing male hero than normal for GH. But a knight in superfine blue cloth at the end.
I would love to see good adaptions of all her books. Hopefully somebody will see the potential of her work.
Thank you for your enthusiasm, for this video!
Thank you so much for the kind words. It is great to see that it's not just women who love Heyer.
I can't remember Cotillion well so will have to re-read it soon, but as a girl growing up I was often frustrated when the main characters in romances were always extraordinarily good looking.
I'm hopeful at some point her books will be adapted.
My favourites are Devils cub and Faro's daughter. I find these capable easy going women fun to read about. It's sad that libraries don't hold them as they are considered too old. I rarely see them in charity shops.
The stronger females are definitely my favourites. Perhaps Heyer will come back into popularity. In the '80s I often found them in charity shops.
These are my favourites too 😊
Heyer has been a favorite of mine since I was about 15 or 16 and to this day (more than 40 years later), my sister and I still read the books and discuss our favorite books, characters, and lines. Our mutual favorite is Friday's Child.
The humor in these books make them so much more than just romance novels. I think I'm going to start another re-read today.
I love meeting other Heyer fans who, like me, fell in love with her books at a young age. And I love that to this day they are still some of my favourites. Thank you so much for sharing.
Heyer actually grows with you as well. I didn't like at all A Civil Contract when I was younger but I love it now.We are doing her detective novels in our book club this month 'They Found Him Dead'.they are really quite good and would make great TV series if they stuck rigidly to the script.
That's a very good point that the books grow on you. We tend to have a more idealistic view of life when we are younger. I am looking forward to trying her mysteries sometime soon.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so glad to have found this! No one I know reads her but I do!! She is fabulous! I love all her romances so far. I’ve been reading her books for several years. I was less to her through my love of Jane Austen. Georgette is so inappropriate but you know what, I’m glad! She is too special for the common person. I would love to here your reviews. These Old Shades is my top fav!
I very much appreciate that Margo, and I'm glad to find other Heyer fans.. I'm not sure why you think she is inappropriate, but she is definitely underappreciated.
When I read some of her books again, I'll consider doing a review.
Thank you for sharing.
@@NerdyKathi haha! That was auto correct! She is not inappropriate at all! Yes!
I too discovered Georgette Heyer as a young teenager, I was home sick and needed something to read and Mum had many of her books. I dove into them with intense joy. I also found her meticulous detail helped me appreciate Jane Austen's novels to a greater degree as I had an understanding of the dress, etiquette and social settings from the details I had learned through Georgette Heyer's' books. although the wit and humor between them differs I appreciate them both for the many hours of joy they have brought me over many re-readings throughout the years. Thank you for sharing your views in this video that reflect my own.
Thank you so much for sharing. It seems quite a few of us were introduced to Heyer at a young age. Perhaps that's why they had such an impact on us.
Thank you for your video dear Mrs Kathi! My favorite book in the world is Devil's Cub, and my all-time favourite character is its hero the Marquis of Vidal. I do love Mary as well, except that in the end I found her too at ease when she is at the table with the Marquis and his father - which is inconsonant with the scruples she still had on the eve... If Ms Heyer was still alive, I'm very sure I would have brought her treats to thank her for the years of utter delight I had and am still having thanks to her, and I would request her to draw pictures of some of her characters to see how they looked in her eyes, and not in my imagination alone.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I agree that Mary's behaviour with Vidal's father didn't seem in line with her character, and I don't blame you for loving Vidal, he's such a tempestuous character. 😊
Devils cub is also my all time favourite..I am rereading it because I couldnt find any bettee classic book than it....both mary and vidal are my favvv.I waa just looking for a comment talkimg aboyr devils cub..❤❤
I love all of Georgette Heyer’s books! I would recommend reading her mysteries as well. Although probably not Penhallow as I found that a bit dark and disturbing. But in most of her other mysteries, the whodunnit part wasn’t the most interesting but they all have a subtle romance that I found very enjoyable.
Thank you for the suggestion. I intend to try a few of her mysteries to see if I like them, but I can be difficult to please with mysteries.
I have read all of her mysteries and just loved them. There are some hilarious characters.
Oh yes! I've read These Old Shades to bits literally, two paperbacks, saving for a good hardback edition now.
Have read all her romances, but that one is my fav.
I love how she can write about narcissists, before that disorder was ever identified. Her language, affectations, characters, love of the era she wrote about, and her historical accuracy. So good, my escapism read.
Now that you've mentioned it, yes she did write about some narcissists and they too are my escape or comfort read. Thank you so much for sharing.
I have reread Cotillion many times over the years and it never fails to amuse me and lift my spirits. The dialog is priceless!!!
I can't recall it well and now want to re-read it. I love the dialogue in many of her books.
My introduction was Grand Sophy at 13 years...ongoing at 70yrs
What a great introduction. Truly, Heyer doesn't date or lose her appeal over time.
Thank you for your video. Such a treat to come across another Georgette Heyer fan. I too discovered Georgette Heyer when I was a teenager and have been a life long fan( now in my sixties) I have also reread her books countless times.
You're very welcome. I'm so glad to see that there are many people who love Heyer as much as I do.
I just read my first Heyer romance lately after trying one of her mysteries also. I did it for Miranda Mills Comfort book club on TH-cam. It was called The Nonesuch and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much more fun than had imagined. I didn’t realize she wrote with such humor. I know I will be reading more. Thanks for listing your favorites!
I'm so glad you enjoyed The Nonesuch which is another favourite of mine (I have so many 😂). I hope you enjoy the others as well.
@@NerdyKathi I’m reading Frederica now and finding it even more delightful! It seems the fun started earlier in this one. Happy reading!
I’ve read all the Heyer mysteries and really love them.
I'm intending to try them at some point in the future.
I too started reading Georgette Heyer when I was 14, and have all her books, including the mysteries. Regency Buck, the Grand Sophy, the Reluctant Widow, the Unknown Ajax, Talisman Ring, the Masqueraders, These Old Shades... All of them are wonderful, funny, informative and I keep re-reading them, as do several friends here in India.
I have to try her mysteries, but her romances have not dated. They are just as enjoyable today as they were 40 years ago. Thank you for sharing.
I love the way you burst into laughter just by mentioning the names of the books. That's what I feel about GH too. I'm slowly going through her catalogue of historical romances now. Reading her books is like reading fantasy for me with all that immersive experience of world building.
Thank you very much. I just can't recall her books without remembering the joy they give me. So glad you are enjoying GH.
Love your video on Heyer. Have read all of them over and over . Like you, These Old Shades was my introduction to her books. I got hooked and they are the only ‘romance novels’ I read. They are so superior to others who try to copy her. She writes with wit and breathes life into her characters that makes them real . Love Frederica, The Grand Sophy, The Unknown Ajax, Convenient Marriage, and high on the list I have read the most times is A Civil Contract. Jane Austen , I think would have appreciated these books.
I think Austen would have enjoyed them too. I agree her books have great wit and charm. Thank you for sharing.
I adore Georgette Heyer and like you it is the detail and especially her witty conversation that I love. She is the true incomparable in my estimation. ❤
I completely agree about her being incomparable. 😊
Hi Kathi, I have not read any Georgette Heyer books but I did pick one up at my local thrift shop a couple of weeks ago. I got No Wind of Blame but I think it's a mystery novel. After hearing you talk about her I am really looking forward to reading her.
I have not read any of her mysteries, but am going to try one. I'd love to hear what you think of her. I think you'll love her, Dana. 😊
I have always read her detective novels and have not read her romance novels but I will get to them. Book Depository is a great place to get some books. I am going to read a biography of her called The Biography of a Bestseller by Jennifer Kloester; its a paperback. I want to learn more about early women writers because I think its pretty incredible that they had writing careers when women were not taken seriously as writers.
I've yet to try her detective stories but will do so at some point. And I agree that early women writers had it hard. It's a shame there weren't more published. Thank you for sharing.
I read Heyer first when I was 13 as well... I agree with so many of these summaries. And I'm glad I found your podcast! Such fun.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
I’ve loved Georgette Heyer’s novels since I was 13. I’m now 62. My favorite is “Devils Cub, These Old Shades, The Tollgate, Friday’s Child, The Grand Sophie, Frederica, so many. I wanted to name my daughter Leonie but my husband said no….still regret that.
Strange how some authors don't date and you can enjoy them throughout your life. I think that's what makes her books so special. Thank you so much for sharing.
Your comment makes me think that one day I would also be in my 60s.
I am nodding away as I listen to you as I agree with everything you say. I absolutely love Georgette Heyer
I love meeting other fans of Heyer. 😊
LOVE Heyer but am not a fan of romance novels. The writing is fantastic and the plots are complex and well worked out. And FUNNY. So funny.
-Yank - been reading GH since 1970’s
Hello Kathi 👋
My mother is around your age and she introduced me to Georgette Heyer. The Gift Shop. Also Charlotte Armstrong. When men were men and women were women. The mutual respect.
Thank you nerdy lady Kathi. You are a jewel of a girl.
Thank you very much.
The author's name definitely rings a bell. Thanks for the recommendation Kathi. :)
I hope you enjoy her as much as I do. 😊
Faro's Daughter is my all time favourite. When she kidnaps the male character it's hilarious. 😊 Great fun!
And he was so outraged. 😂 It's one of the better ones, I agree.
thank you your video has definitely hasconvinced me to try some Georgette Heyer. i managed to find a copy of "these old shades".soI will start with that.
Thank you very much Nathan. I'd love to hear what you think of it.
I so identify 😂. I started reading her as a teenager also,and just loved her. I remember sitting and giggling through many of Heyer’s books. She introduced me to the time period and taught me so much. ❤ 7:35
😊 I love meeting other lovers of Heyer, and we seem to share very similar experiences with her. She's a delight.
Avon always had a David Bowie essence to my mind
😂 I never thought of him as Bowie as Avon was far too haughty.
Heyer has been recommended to me as I was a tremendous fan of Victoria Holt who wrote Victorian gothic romance and I reread one every couple years. I’ve been wanting to pick a Georgette Heyer but I can never find them at the library or at stores. I’ll have to order on a thrifting site.
I've read some Victoria Holt but Heyer doesn't write gothic romances. Hers are more historical comedic romances, though not all.
I hope you can find some.
I reread her books every year (I'm in the process right now of rereading her mysteries).
I still haven't tried her mysteries but hope to sometime soon. I've lost count of how many times I've re-read her romances. 😊
The Grand Sophie is wonderful (but you must skim over a SHORT section in which there is some anti semetic views about one character). Really worth the read in spite of this.
The thing I most appreciate about Heyer's writing is that she sticks to the mores of the era she's writing about unlike many modern copiests who write main characters who have modern views stuck within the restrictions of the era of the book. I find the modern method unsatisfying and completely unrealistic to the point of being unreadable.
I also love Heyer's language and learned to read (and later write) complex ideas without getting tangled.
She is such a rewarding author.
I cannot abide historical romances which imbue the characters with modern and unrealistic (for the times) views or beliefs.
Yes I agree Heyer was an excellent writer and very rewarding to read.
Thank you very much for sharing. 😊
@@NerdyKathi I've only recently discovered your channel and intend to keep looking in. Do you read P G Wodehouse? Although he writes about the early 20th century Britain he uses beautiful English. His plots are very clever too, weaving the characters in unexpected ways. And he is humorous with a kind take on human foibles.
I haven't read Wodehouse yet. I think he wrote the Jeeves books? He's on my list though.
@@NerdyKathi I only started on Wodehouse a year ago while ooking for free audiobooks to crochet with. Jeeves is a good place to start but there is a whole group of friends and acquaintances that open up other areas of the upper crust. They are humorous, witty, very observant of the human condition, and evoke an era that is long gone. I would put him as one of my favourite authors now.
Under rated “The Quiet Gentleman”. A crime uncovered and romantic conclusion saved from saccharine by some wit and humour. Humour enhances the romantic themes. Can’t regard any of her novels unreadable
Agree many could have been successful plays
I love The Quiet Gentleman, partly because the female lead (Drusilla?) isn't a beauty and yet so worthwhile a character.
I liked her use of contemporary Regency slang in the dialogue it was akin to jive talk and very witty.
That is a very good point. It just adds to the authenticity.
@@NerdyKathi Dare I ask you to consider reading a work of mine due to be published next month?
Jack I'm flattered and would consider reading it, depending upon what it's about.
@@NerdyKathi It's about my observations of life around me as a teenage airmen in the 60's in Libya. The publisher describes it as ''a gloriously irreverent look at life on an isolated RAF base in the 1960's.'' It has been illustrated by cartoon sketches by a Canadian artist Steve Meyers. It is called Sweating On My Chitty Box.
Where will it be available?
I’m reading on of her crime novels called ‘A Blunt Instrument’. And yeah you’re right she does make you chuckle.
I'm looking forward to trying them in the future.
Folio Society is publishing Heyers books - three so far.
Oh my. I don't know if it was a good idea to learn that. I am so tempted to buy them.
GH 's heroines are a dream girl for every teen aged girl
Perhaps, but certainly not for me. 😊
You picked my favorites! ❤
I have more, but I had to limit myself. 😊
😊❤😊
Love and enjoy all you videos Kathi xxoo
Thank you for such a lovely, sweet comment. 😊
Dear Kathi,
I have always wanted to start reading Georgette Heyer novels. Which ones are the best to start with please? I would appreciate Georgette Heyer's decency because I am Catholic.
How wonderful to listen to you.
Please allow me to give you the dates if you do not mind.
Georgian 1714 to 1837
Regency 1811 to 1820
King William lV 1830 to 1837
Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901.
Edwardian 1901 to 1910
King George V 1910 to 1936
King Edward Vlll 1936 to 1936 Abdicated
I hope this is helpful or intersting!
Best wishes to you,
Elizabeth in Yorkshire/Derbyshire border in England.
My apologies for the late reply but I have been away.
Thank you for that Elizabeth. I would recommend you read any of Heyer's books that I mention in the video. I hope you enjoy them.
@@NerdyKathi Thank you, Kathi.
I came across a Georgette Heyer novel set in the 1930s. It's a murder mystery.
My parents have all her books in german and I have a lot of them in english. As paperbacks and/or audiobooks. First though, I read them in german, at about the saame ag,you did. Both, my parents and I re-read them a lot. My Mom actually is reading These old shades (Der Page und die Herzogin, in german). I prefer Devils Cub. My absolute favourites are Frederica and The Nonesuch.
Her books would translate well into any language I think. Nonesuch is also another favourite of mine too. Thank you for sharing.
Did you knit your sweater? It's beautiful. I love the Art Nouveau design.
Thank you so much. Yes, all the jumpers are mine. I think this pattern was a free one, but it's a favourite of mine.
💙