ON-DITS

Member Profile: AnneHH

In which we get to know our members a little better…

Name: AnneHH
Nationality: US

How old were you when you read your first Georgette Heyer novel?

Almost thirty years ago in my mid 30’s.

What was it?

Frederica.

How did you discover her work?

In my local library in audio format.

Did Heyer lead you to read other authors in similar genres?

No, I find her unique. I am a voracious reader and, years ago, I did try to find other authors who wrote in her style but none have come close. I do love Austen, Dickens and historical fiction in general. She is definitely my favorite author and I own all of her titles in both book and audio form except for the suppressed titles and Penhallow.

Which of her books have you read the most often?

These are my favorites and I have read each many, many, many times: Venetia, Black Sheep, The Foundling, Spring Muslin, Cotillion, Devil’s Cub and The Toll-Gate. Second Tier: The Grand Sophy, The Reluctant Widow, The Quiet Gentleman, False Colours, Arabella, The Unknown Ajax, The Nonesuch, Lady of Quality.

Which, if any, would you never read again?

Penhallow.

If you could be a Heyer heroine, which would you choose?

Venetia is my ideal but I would not want her circumstances.

Which Heyer hero (or heroine) would make the best husband/wife/partner?

Sir Gareth Ludlow but without the prior heartbreak.

How has Georgette Heyer influenced your life?

Her writing has brought me much joy, delight and laughter, and, when needed during a challenging or sat time, much comfort.

Member Profile: Sara Wisnia

In which we get to know our members a little better…

Name: Sara Wisnia
Nationality: Australian

How old were you when you read your first Georgette Heyer novel?

20.

What was it?

The Unknown Ajax.

How did you discover her work?

It was a text in a university subject “The Popular Novel”. I then spent the following summer holidays discovering her other books.

Did Heyer lead you to read other authors in similar genres?

Not with any success.

Which of her books have you read the most often?

The Grand Sophy. My other absolute favourites are The Convenient Marriage, The Corinthian, Sprig Muslin, The Masqueraders and more I’m sure.

Which, if any, would you never read again?

Cousin Kate.

If you could be a Heyer heroine, which would you choose?

Venetia for her passion, love of travel, sense of humour, intelligence (and beauty?).

Which Heyer hero (or heroine) would make the best husband/wife/partner?

Freddy Standen or Kit Fancot.

How has Georgette Heyer influenced your life?

Given me great pleasure. I find her funny and diverting. A sure path to relaxation at times of stress.

Member Profile: Jacqueline

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.

AFTER GEORGETTE: Weatherland (2016) by Alexandra Harris

In most of Heyer’s novels the weather is fine and characters are rarely stopped from driving in the park or doing some shopping. But in Sylvester the weather at the start is cold and miserable, Keighley gets a bad cold and Sylvester has to do more than he bargained for. Alexandra Harris’s excellent book Weatherland: Writers and Artists under English Skies is a fabulous look at changing English attitudes to the weather and how it is reflected in books, poems and paintings.

Susannah Fullerton

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU

ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

AFTER GEORGETTE: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (2009) by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows

If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you set aside and afternoon and curl up with Juliet Ashton and her letters to the people of Guernsey. The characters come to life and it will make you want to go to this Channel Island. A surprising novel, but such a compelling one. Delightful!

Jennifer Kloester

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ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

AFTER GEORGETTE: The Diary of a Provincial Lady (1930) by E. M. Delafield

From her often difficult neighbours to her always unsympathetic husband, her rambunctious children, and the household staff she in no way rules, this anonymous diarist shares the minutia of her life in an often wry and witty, but charmingly, adorably self-effacing, manner that is sure to delight any Heyer fan. The series continues as our lady leaves the provinces, and all are delightful, but the first is the best.

Rachel Hyland

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ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

AFTER GEORGETTE: Persuasion (1817) by Jane Austen

Many Heyer readers will know and love Jane Austen’s novels and Persuasion is a favourite reread. Anne Elliot reminds me of several Heyeroines and there are elements of Austen’s novel in several Heyer stories. Anne’s journey to love and freedom from her awful family is compelling and the romance is perfection.

Jennifer Kloester

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ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

AFTER GEORGETTE: The Crossing Places (2009) by Elly Griffiths

Crime writer Elly Griffiths is clearly a big Heyer fan, for her fabulous series featuring forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway and police officer Harry Nelson is dotted with references to Heyer. Start with The Crossing Places and you you will be transported to the Norfolk Coast, enjoy great dialogue, intriguing crimes, and fabulous romantic tension. Twelve books to give you satisfaction and reading pleasure for some time to come. I adore this series!

Susannah Fullerton

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ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

AFTER GEORGETTE: Catherine, Called Birdy (1995) by Karen Cushman

Set in late-13th century England, this journals the trials and tribulations (and occasional joys) of Birdy, the teen daughter of an uncouth minor noble of the time. Whether discussing the parasites that plague her, the maidenly occupations that annoy her, or the forthcoming marriage that disgusts her, she is a feisty, hopeful yet strangely pragmatic soul. The book does not shy away from some of the less pleasant aspects of Medieval life, nor does it romanticize the period. Funny, immersive, upsetting and thought-provoking, it is YA, but so much more.

Rachel Hyland

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ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

AFTER GEORGETTE: Vanity Fair (1848) by William Makepeace Thackeray

A hugely entertaining classic, Vanity Fair is full of marvellous characters. Clever, cunning Becky Sharp lives by her wits while her sweet, amiable friend Amelia Sedley falls in love with a ne’er-do-well. Having read Heyer you’ll enjoy an easy familiarity with much that is in the novel.

Jennifer Kloester

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU

ALL “AFTER GEORGETTE” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS