In which we get to know our members a little better…
Name: Frances Turner
Nationality: English Australian
I am Frances, dual English/Australian. I was about 12 when my mother gave me The Grand Sophy saying I might enjoy it. My family consists of compulsive readers so we read broadly anyway. Heyer made Jane Austen easier to read when I was younger (and I do believe Jane writes with a sledgehammer albeit often disguised).
Most often read are A Civil Contract, Venetia, Frederica, These Old Shades, Devil’s Cub, The Toll-Gate… oh all of them frequently re-read except Cousin Kate, the mediaeval ones, Royal Escape and The Spanish Bride, all of which I read once and that was enough. Not too keen on the contemporary ones which she suppressed – a bit close to the embarrassing bone. I do like her detective stories (not Penhallow – too dark) as much for the contemporary English settings as the plots and characters.
Would choose to be Venetia – how can one resist Damerel? And as a couple they were so equally attuned. Would like to have the insight and self-control of Jenny Chawleigh but that’s beyond me.
Heyer’s books have influenced my life by offering delightful escape when required. Also helped me to observe and enjoy the behaviours of people around me by recognizing their foibles and accepting them rather than being annoyed by them.
About Frances: Brought up in London, Degree from LSE, emigrated with (now late-ex) husband to Sydney, Australia. Taught high school Mathematics. Am now 80 and caring for 50 yr old son with Muscular Dystrophy in Sydney; 38 yr old son in Melbourne. I swim competitively with Masters; I have cats and orchids.
