Venetia (Hqn) (original 1958; edition 2009)

Well, this book made me experience a lot of Feelings. Not all of them entirely welcome.

I enjoyed the writing, it was light and sparkling and delightfully witty. I also enjoyed Venetia, she too was light and sparkling and delightfully witty. Her brother Aubrey was entertainingly and sympathetically grumpy. The hero, Damerel ... tried to be light and sparkling, even when it went against his nature. I didn't love him, but Venetia did in a believable way, so I was ok with it.

I did not enjoy the setting. I've read many times that Heyer writes historically accurate Regencies, and I absolutely believe that. Unfortunately, I find many of the social mores of Regency England grotesque -- the slut shaming, victim blaming, patriarchy soothing that Venetia experiences and has to respond to -- in many cases apologizing to her suitors because she didn't make them understand that no means no, she's not interested in being courted by them -- that all conspired to make me seethe through a good portion of the book.

The classism bothered me less, possibly because people weren't shown apologizing for being in the wrong class in the same way that Venetia was shown apologizing (basically) for being female.

I consider myself a cultural relativist in many ways, but I do have my limits. And the normalized abuse that most of the women in this book experienced (and propogated) is a limit for me.

In any case, I did enjoy the writing enough that I'll try another Heyer. This time with the foreknowledge that it might make me stabby. ( )

My first Georgette Heyer book and I absolutely loved it! I could not put it down. You can read my review of the novel over at my blog (major spoilers ahead!): http://www.rulethewaves.net/blog/?p=2817 ( )

A good Heyer with more humor and less mystery than some. Otherwise notable chiefl;y for the large size of the heroine, if I recall. ( )

Venetia is not your average girl. She's incredibly smart and uncommonly outspoken. Venetia's life has been what most people consider abnormal. Her mother died when she was only nine years old and no one in the house was allowed to refer to her. Her father's grief was so deep that he locked himself away in a wing of the house and would not allow house guests. Sir Francis also did not pay his children much attention. When it was time for Venetia to be brought out she was not allowed to go to London to her aunt. When Sir Francis passed, Venetia's older brother Conway was in the war and could not be bothered to come home or to take care of affairs through regular correspondence. Venetia couldn't bring herself to leave her younger brother Aubrey alone so she stayed at her home in Undershaw. She managed the estate in Conway's absence. Venetia hasn't had much experience with the world and doesn't worry too much about appearance and everything a lady of her day should.


Lord Damerel is Venetia's neighbor but is rarely in residence. When she runs into him while picking berries one day she is quite surprised. His reputation proceeds him and she knows herself to be in the company of a rake. Venetia also knows, that while there may be some truth to the stories that surround Damerel, that there must be some exaggeration in the stories. Venetia entertains Damerel's company and Damerel is quite fond of Aubrey. Before either Venetia or Damerel is aware of what has happened they've fallen in love with each other. Damerel wishes to reform for Venetia but doesn't believe himself to be worthy.Venetia is a determined girl and won't have just anyone.


I loved Venetia. It was a comfortable read. Venetia is incredibly likable and her interaction with Damerel is witty and enjoyable. Damerel is the perfect reformed rake. He retains just enough of his bad boy ways to make him seductive and sexy. He has a streak of honor that he doesn't get enough credit for. Venetia and Damerel's relationship is unique in historical romance and it's refreshing. If you're a fan of Jane Austen-esque fiction take my advice and do not miss Georgette Heyer or Venetia! ( )

I liked Venetia and Damerel and Heyer's usual cast of the good, the bad and the ugly, particularly the awesomely awful Mrs Scorrier and the unbelievably obtuse Edward. The final plot twist seemed ludicrous, but delivered Lambton to the page and so can be forgiven for being incredible.

In this book, though, that double standard that is never discussed in Heyer's other books, or is brushed past or blinked at, is really discussed and it can't be blinked away. Boys will be boys: women have to wear it. I suppose I'll have to stop reading Heyer's for a bit. Good thing I've run out of my borrowed pile. ( )