In which we get to know our members a little better…
Name: Jacqueline
Nationality: German
How old were you when you read your first Georgette Heyer novel?
19 or 20 years. There was a new edition of her novels in a German translation. Until now I only read the German translation although I read other English literature. I tried it with two Heyer novels but it was too difficult for me. I only know “modern” English and the slang and the dialect is – sadly – nothing I understand properly.
What was it?
I don’t remember exactly. It was either Ehevertrag (A Civil Contract), Brautjagd (The Masqueraders), Eskapaden (Devil’s Cub) or Bezaubernde Arabella (Arabella).
How did you discover her work?
At our local library.
Did Heyer lead you to read other authors in similar genres?
No, not really. I tried a few… Barbara Cartland and Jane Austen and some in between but they never captured me the way Heyer did.
Which of her books have you read the most often?
Brautjagd, Eskapaden, Bezaubernde Arabella, Geliebte Hasardeurin (Faro’s Daughter), Junggesellentage (The Nonesuch) and Venetia und der Wüstling (Venetia).
Which, if any, would you never read again?
Her detective novels. I tried one once – don’t remember the title. I read it at the library, but gave it back after a few pages.
If you could be a Heyer heroine or hero, which would you choose?
Sir Gareth Ludlow.
Which Heyer hero or heroine would make the best husband/wife/partner?
Freddy Standen would be the best husband, understanding, kind, and knows which clothes to wear!
How has Georgette Heyer influenced your life?
I love how she wrote witty banter and dialogue – so when I started writing myself I often go back to her work just to look up how it’s done. She helped me a lot in that regard.
Thank you, Jacqueline! It’s lovely to meet you.