Venetia by Georgette Heyer

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Title: Venetia
Author: Georgette Heyer
Genre: Historical fiction, romance
Published: 1958
Source: Library
Read for: Fun

Venetia has lived a secluded life with her crippled and sardonic brother, Aubrey. Her beautiful mother died when she was young, and her reclusive father prevented her from being presented to society or meeting anyone. Despite this, she has two devoted suitors, eager to win her hand. However, she is completely thrown overboard when the scandalous rake Lord Damerel returns to his abandoned estate near Venetia's home and takes into his head to woo her.

This is my first Georgette Heyer, and I loved it. While the primary focus of the story was love (and a little bit of scandal), it did not fall victim to fluffiness. Venetia was sharp and witty; despite her reclusive upbringing, she is neither naive nor innocent. She is unwilling to settle just to escape from her circumstances; if she doesn't find love, she declares she will live independently, throwing aside the propriety of her age and following her own desires. She was spunky and did whatever she wanted, and in her rigid, manners-minded context, it was absolutely delightful.

The supporting characters were just as delightful. As this is a Regency romance, it is impossible to avoid a comparison to Jane Austen; just like Austen, Heyer incorporated a strong supporting cast that was hilarious in their social interactions. My favorite character was without a doubt Aubrey, who is sympathetic in that he suffers from his physical handicap, but at the same time cynical and anti-social, constantly insulting people that he doesn't like. The overbearing mother of her sister-in-law was one of those delightfully caricatured characters that is a joy to detest.

The plot was also an enjoyable ride, full of twists and turns. While certain elements were predictable -- I wonder if the rake will feel guilty for romancing the innocent? I wonder if the innocent will listen to his qualms? -- there were also several unexpected twists.

It wasn't an earth-shaking or brilliant story, but it was an extremely pleasant ride with many unexpected plot elements. For a fun romantic read in the style of Jane Austen (but with a little bit of modern independence from our heroine), Venetia is an excellent place to turn.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Vague allusions to Lord Damerel's scandalous past.

14 comments:

  1. I've only read Heyer's book The Grand Sophy, but I highly recommend it! It's supposed to be one of her most popular novels. I'll have to check out Venetia - great review!

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation! I have been wondering what to try next; there are so many different Heyer novels!

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  2. I love Georgette Heyer books, although I haven't read any of her mystery books yet.

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    1. I haven't yet, either! My sister bought one at the last library sale we went to, and if she enjoys it I am going to borrow it.

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  3. Haven't read this one, but it sounds fun. If you're in a mood to read more Heyer, I personally recommend The Grand Sophy, which is as fun a romp through the Regency era as I have ever read!

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    1. Oh, someone else also recommended that! I just added it to my TBR on Goodreads. :)

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  4. I have several Georgette Heyer books but haven't read any yet. I got them for free from the library. Someone had donated them and for whatever reason, rather than selling them, the library had them in a *free, take me* box. I knew her reputation for Regency Romance was solid.

    I also bought some of the reprints of her mysteries. I'm going to add to my TBR pile.

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    1. My sister just bought a mystery at our library sale as well! I am curious to know if she enjoyed it.

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  5. I've never read anything by Heyer before. I keep meaning to, though. I'm glad your first experience with her was good. That encourages me.

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    1. This first experience was a lot of fun! It was highly recommended by a blogger I trust. I am hoping to read more, though. There are so many out there.

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  6. I haven't read any Heyer books either, despite being a big Jane Austen fan. It's hard to know where to start as there are so many of her books, so I'll keep this one in mind.

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    1. I've had the same problem. I saw this one recommended and picked it to start. Several other commenters are saying that The Grand Sophy is good, so I think I am going to go there next.

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  7. I love Georgette Heyer, so I'm so glad that you enjoyed your first book by her! I don't love Venetia the book (mostly because of the secondary characters), but I do love Venetia the character and the friendship that builds into love between Dameral and her. So lovely :-)

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    1. Their relationship was definitely my favorite part. I love friends-to-lovers stories as my own love story is that way. :) What are some Georgette Heyer books that you did enjoy? I am baffled as to where I should go next because there are so many.

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