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

This book is best described by a word frequently used by the author herself: INSIPID.
If ‘Lady of Quality’ would have been the first Heyer-novel I laid my hands on, it probably would have been the last, too. Fortunately it wasn't. I discovered and loved her novels as a teenager and they (at least most of them) are still of the rare and cherished type that are always able to do the trick and let me forget my surroundings for awhile. But this novel is sadly devoid of the vivacious narrative usually so characteristic for her Regency romances.

While the ingredients are promising (a beautiful, intelligent and for the time remarkably independent heroine meets her match in a rude but ready-witted rake) the vital spark just never catches. My impression was that this book was done as a kind of a routine job using established skills, but without much love for the creation.The plot is scanty and the dialogues seem somewhat stale and artificial and in most parts lack the timeless wit that generally distinguishes her work. Furthermore Maria Farlow and her futile prattle didn't amuse me in the least as the usual Heyer-nuisance-character would, but made me downright aggressive.

My recommendation for Heyer-beginners: start with 'Grand Sophy', 'Regency Buck', 'Sylvester', 'Powder and Patch', 'Friday's Child' or almost every other title than 'Lady of Quality'. ( )

Light reading, not as funny as some but enjoyable. Well bred single lady meets inescapably rude man who makes her laugh, Love ensues.

I have't read a Georgette Heyer novel since I was in junior high, but when my mom told me that she had bought a few, I decided to borrow Lady of Quality to see if I enjoyed Heyer's books as much now as I did in my early teens. Lady of Quality begins when Annis Wychwood rescues Lucilla Carleton and her long-time childhood (boy) friend Ninian Elmore from the side of the road. Annis soon meets Lucilla's arrogant (and very rich) uncle, Oliver Carleton. What begins as mutual dislike between Annis and Oliver not-so-surprisingly turns to love.

Lady of Quality is very short in plot, but long in witty repartee between the characters. There are many similarities between this book and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, including the discourteous gentleman, a course of sickness to bring everyone together, and a lot of talk that furthers the relationships in the book. Lady of Quality does not reach anywhere near the heights of Austen's masterpiece, but it is much better than I expected. I understand this was the last book Heyer wrote before she died, and was definitely not one of her best. And it is a somewhat thin book. But for me, on a cold Sunday at the end of the holidays, it was a perfect afternoon diversion. ( )

In order to escape from a forced marriage of sorts, Lucy Carleton flees to Bath, her cousin and “intended” aiding her, until they reach the home of Miss Annis Wynchwood, a determined spinster who is really only 26 and quite beautiful. When Annis involves herself in Lucy’s affairs, she finds herself tied up with Sir Oliver Carleton, Lucy’s uncle, who is now responsible for her welfare, with unexpected results.

I think the best word to describe this book is delightful. I found the beginning somewhat confusing, but I think I just had to get used to the style, because I loved it afterwards. Heyer’s prose is sparkling, the battle of wits between the characters is engaging, and reading this book just left me wanting more. I’d say Annis’s struggle towards the end was most interesting; her choice between what she saw as her freedom and love. The comparison to Jane Austen is clear here with this an entirely character driven tale of relations and relationships. Very much worth a read for anyone interested in the period.

http://chikune.com/blog/?p=350 ( )