I read this book several years ago, but it's one of those I keep returning to. It's just plain fun. This last re-read was because I discovered that it is actually the first novel in a series. I am currently reading my fourth Pimpernel novel, and they continue to be...well...just plain fun!
Add up dashing heros in disguise, damsels in distress, and a flashing guillotine and you've got the most famous novel of Baroness Orczy. This is the story of Marguerite St. Just in a passionless marriage to one of the richest men in England, Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart. Marguerite is thrown into a world of danger and intrigue when M. Chauvelin, abassador of the French government, demands that she discover the identity of the wily Scarlet Pimpernel — an English spy who spirits away the would-be victims of Madame Guillotine. If she refuses, Chauvelin will denounce her brother Armand to the tribunal with enough evidence to send him straight to the guillotine. Will Marguerite discover the dashing hero? Will Armand's head roll? Will Sir Percy invent a new way to wear his cravat? Read and find out.
I only have one beef with this book, actually. If you love The Princess Bride but think that Buttercup could have done a little more of her own saving, then you will feel a double dose of that here. Even though written by a woman, it gives in to every stereotype of the strong male protectorate and the weak female dependant. Marguerite is not a complete dummy, she's even called "the cleverest woman in Europe," but if that's the cleverest woman, I hate to think what every other woman's IQ must be. Can we say less than 20. Regardless, The Scarlet Pimpernel is an escapist novel that takes you back to a time when men were men and women were vain and fluffy, Okay, okay, beautiful and...beautiful...and...a nice accessory. No, that's not right either....*grumble, grumble* Read the book and don't think about it.
When you've read the book drop me a line.I'd love to hear what you think!
|
Related books:
|
