I am all for comedic books and light reads, and regency romances...but this one is just plain silly. Based on the premise, I expected a tale of intrigue, romance and danger. What I got was a tale of idiocy, sex and bumbling. The present-day Harvard student and the 1803 "well-bred" lady who traipses about like a street urchin and practically loses her virginity on a canal boat in front of a boatman without even a second thought think the same, speak the same and act the same. The only reason that this book can be said to be set in 1803 is because Amy didn't have an airplane or a car, and because the author kept beating us over the head with famous people of the time with whom the heroine could interact (One of whom she admittedly fudged into the story a year too early). I felt throughout the book as though the author doubted my ability to understand her and therefore had to simplify things to the point of inanity. Although, this book got enough good reviews that I suppose Ms. Willig has her audience. I certainly won't hang around for the sequel!

My suggestions to the author:
1. Your readers are not 12-year-olds
2. Read a book of Regency etiquette if you are going to write about it
3. Don't lure your readers to your book by talking of intriguing subjects such as the Scarlet Pimpernel and then leave them hanging without the return on the promises it suggests.
4. You lost me completely when the heroine said "Argh"

I gave this two stars because I actually finished it, and because the author used the word "Pulchitrudinous" more than once, even if it was parodically. ( )

http://books.moonsoar.com/archives/20... ( )

I bought this book to read as a between-books read. It was light and campy, without too much depth. Like sherbet that is used to cleanse ones palate, The Pink Carnation was able to clear my mind of more serious books. Ms. Willig did a nice job blending history and romance. Graduate student, Eloise Kelly, stumbles upon 19th century papers revealing links to the Pink Carnation – a famed spy – and his possible identity. The story is told from two timeframes – the present which is narrated by Eloise and the past which is narrated by Amy Balcourt (a 15 year old caught up in all the spy drama). I am not a fan of romance novels; however, I found this one to be an enjoyable read. I recommend to those who like historical romances or anyone looking for something light and fun to read. ( )

I loved this book! I found it on the shelf at Borders, read the first page and was laughing in the store. It combines mystery, love, and history. It is everything I could ever ask for in a book, and now I am hooked on the series. At times there can be an overload on vocabulary, but it does add to the descriptive nature of the novel. I have been recommending this book to all of my friends and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mystery, chick lit, and romance. ( )

Great fun, a take off on the scarlett pimpernal and others ( )