A friend had recommended Georgette Heyer to me a while ago, and when I saw this book on the shelves at my local library I decided that it was now or never. Besides it promised to be a light and fun read, and the link to http://www.austenfans.com/ on the back cover promised Austenian fun and wit.
Well, that link was misleading. I was severely disappointed from the very first page because Heyer was clearly no Austen. However, once I got over my disappointment, and decided to enjoy the book solely on its own merits, I discovered that this was a light and funny read (laugh out loud in many parts).
I think the main difference for me was that Austen traded more in satire and wit, while Heyer traded more in the absurd/caricature. Horry Winwood was also not a very engaging heroine. Despite her youth (which was often emphasised), she still comes across as a spoilt brat. One wonders why/how she enchanted the Earl of Rule. While the book tries to make a case for her charm lying chiefly in her naive frankness and honesty, it sometimes comes across as a childish lack of maturity. Luckily for Horry then she is quickly married off to a rich (hence negating the need to earn her keep) protective (allowing her her escapades, from which she escapes with nary a hurt except for a couple of anxious moments) older (who will sometimes train her like a child, using laws of reverse psychology and the like) husband.
The Earl of Rule, on the other hand, is painted as an attractive man of the world, happily sowing his wild oats until Horry came along. He is prone to settling arguments with violence or threats of violence. He wouldn't be an attractive man in real life - except of course what woman can resist the charms of the domesticated wild oat sower?
Overall, this book read very quickly, and was laugh out loud funny in many parts. Be prepared for plenty of the absurd, and some wit, and some very interestingly caricatured minor characters. I was later informed that this was not one of Heyer's best. Since I really did enjoy this thoroughly after (1) getting over my annoyance at it not being more like Austen, and (2) indulging in the fantasy that I am Horry and can do what I want and not suffer any consequences, and not have to work, and can buy jewel-encrusted shoes on a whim. This would make awesome airport/airplane reading material.
***** for being a jolly good read, despite not being Austen. And the detailed descriptions of clothes and fashion and hair!
An interesting thought: When Austen wrote her books, they were contemporary romances. When Heyer wrote hers, they were historical romances. Makes one wonder who is the Austen of today?
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