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The Gabbers  JMC"JMC is fascinated by the politics of romance reading and writing, and by the genre’s position in the publishing and media worlds." read more...
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Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer
« The Erotic Secrets of a French Maid, by Lisa Cach | Home | Icing on the Cake, by Laura Castoro »  I discovered Georgette Heyer through the Gab a few months ago. The first Heyer I tried was a gorgeous reissue of her 1953 Cotillion, and it’s still a favorite. I highly recommend it if you’ve enjoyed Regency romance, or if—like me—you’re looking for something fresh to revive your love of historical romance. Cotillion has as frothy a plot as any of the Signet Regencies I used to devour. Nineteen-year-old Kitty Charing has two problems. First, her guardian is bribing his nephews to offer for her. Second, the man she wants has too much pride to propose on command. Rakish man-about-town Jack Westruther will be a tricky prize for a sheltered country girl to claim, and Kitty is mortified to realize that he’s perfectly aware she’ll come running whenever he asks. To get Jack’s attention, and get herself to London, she wheedles his cousin Freddy Standen into a sham engagement. Freddy is decidedly unnerved at playing the part of a betrothed man, but he’s an inspired choice. He’s a young Tulip of the Ton, harmless, good-natured, and knowledgeable about Society. In fact he’s so harmless that the sham engagement is less than convincing to his family, but it serves its purpose, and he’s the perfect companion for Kitty’s first steps in the big city. They’re two of a kind, stumbling through their lies to his parents and squabbling like the childhood friends they are. In this scene, Freddy’s sister Meg has pressed him into service as Kitty’s dance instructor. I think any Regency reader will recognize the discreet charge in Kitty’s first experience of dancing with a man, and the humorously un-lover-like dialogue that follows. To stand so close to a man, and to feel his arm about her waist, positively constraining her to move in whatever direction he wished, was an unprecedented and rather alarming experience, and one, moreover, which she knew would have been violently disapproved of by her guardian and governess. She kept her eyes shyly lowered, and could not help blushing a little. But as there was nothing in the least amorous in Freddy’s light, firm clasp, and such remarks as he addressed to her were of an admonitory nature, she soon recovered her countenance, began to move with much more assurance, and even, presently, dared to raise her eyes. (Enter the rake, stage left!) Cotillion features a sham engagement, several men jockeying for a fortune, two silly young people and a rake who needs to be taught a lesson, a shady cousin (or two), an elopement, and a host of additional plot complications. But it’s not all madcap nonsense. There’s a very sweet and believable romance growing steadily and quietly through the story. Kitty stakes her future on taming a rake, but what ultimately builds the romance isn’t her new town polish or the tension between good girl and bad man. It’s friendship, trust, and a slow-growing sentiment that’s less about breathless confusion and more about creating a lasting bond with a man who has more to him than his family and friends knew. There’s no need for Kitty to grow up quickly or force herself into a more sophisticated mold; she finds happiness just as she is. If you don’t know Heyer, I recommend her with all the fervor of a recent convert. I’d expected Cotillion to be a dated forerunner of what’s become the Regency romance subgenre, but I was wrong. It is a Regency romance, every word of it, and it’s a treat to see the madcap plotting and sly humor of the classic Regency played out in its original, longer form. The Austen-like wry commentary, the silly and all-too-human characters, and the sweetness of the love story make it one of my favorite romances this year. This entry was posted by RfP on Thursday, December 4th, 2008 at 10:54 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. 24 Responses to “Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer”Leave a Comment |
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December 4th, 2008 at 11:11 am
What a lovely review!
My mother is an avid reader and undoubtedly the impetus for my learning to read at age 4. She was always reading a book, therefore not focusing all her attention and adoration on me. She says I starting reading out of jealousy, and I’m sure she’s right.
Since then, books have been my passion, my escape, my companions, my adventures. There really is nothing I prefer to reading. Okay, good sex will take preference over reading, but then I’m back to the book. (Boy, I hope my partner doesn’t see this!).
When I was in my teens and early 20s, my mom read lots of British comedies of manners, and I remember tons of Georgette Heyer romances on her shelf (I think they are still there). I read many of the books she recommended, my favorites being E.F. Benson’s books about Miss Mapp and Queen Lucia (not romances, but wonderful!). I never picked up one of the Heyer books, though…it must have been the covers that turned me off back then.
Now, I’m tickled to think that my mom was reading romances. I always thought that would be something she turned her nose up at (she turns her nose up at a LOT of things). Who knew? Actually, I really should have known better…she is a passionate member of the Jane Austen Society and spurred me to pick up my first Austen.
I’ve taken your recommendation and requested Cotillion from my library. I won’t worry about buying the books to support the author in this case (she died in 1974), and there are plenty of living breathing authors I want to support.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this thoughtful review and recommendation!
December 4th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Every time I read about Georgette Heyer, I think, why have I not read her yet? I have several of her books and I must get to them, because I think I’d love her. Sounds so refreshing.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I discovered Georgette Heyer a long time ago and have read most of her books. I enjoy stories written about this period and she seems to capture the essence of the Regency period.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Thank you for sharing about Georgette Heyer and her book! She is unknown to me, but definitely fits into what I love to read… I look forward to reading her work in the future!
December 4th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I’ve never read Georgette Heyer. I will have to remedy that now.
December 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite writers. Cotillion remains one of my favorite novels by her. I bought a copy for my teen daughter. She was reluctant to read it. But I persuaded her. She loved it.
December 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Almost all of the modern “trad” Regencies I’ve read (admittedly I’ve not read many, as they’re not exactly easy to get hold of in the UK) have seemed to me like imitations of Heyer. Possibly that’s because I read all of her romances first, but I think it’s also because when Heyer’s good (and she usually is), she’s very, very good.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Thanks for the recommendation! I love regency romances, but somehow have never read a Georgette Heyer book. Having just read your thoughts on Cotillion, I now feel as if I have been missing out on something that I would really enjoy.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I’ve never read Heyer. I know I should.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:30 am
I enjoy regency romances and have read some of Georgette Heyer’s books. They are excellent! Thanks for the review and recommendation.
December 5th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Heyer would be a new author for me. I enjoyed the conversation in the excerpt reminded me a bit of Catherine Coulter’s banter in her historicals. I’m going to look for Heyer’s books!
December 5th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I have read several of her stories but I have not read Cotillion. I do enjoy her writing but haven’t read one of her stories in some time. From the stories of of Heyer’s that I’ve read Frederica is my favorite.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I’ve never read anything of Georgette Heyer’s, but I’ve noticed that her books seem to be coming back in vogue recently.
Deidre
December 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I read Georgette Heyer’s books when I was a teenager and enjoyed them very much. For those who like period romances she is a must read at least once.
December 5th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I read Georgette Heyer several years ago. As I recall, her books were very good. I’ll have to see if I can find some of her books again. Thanks for the recommendation!
December 5th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Thank you for the review. I’ve never read Georgette Heyer. Sounds like it’s time I should.
December 6th, 2008 at 3:53 am
I had seen more of her books in the bookstore but have not stopped to do more than read the spine. Described in the review is a fresh, clean story which sounds like an interesting read. Thank you
December 6th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Thank you for that review. Having never read Georgette Heyer before I will soon remedy that.
Carol L.
December 6th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thank You for introducing Georgette Heyer and her latest book. The review of Cotillion is enticing. As a fan of Regency I am looking forward to an excellent read.
December 6th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Thanks to everyone who’s chiming in to agree or recommend. And those interested in trying Heyer, I hope you’ll like her as much as I do.
MsValerie, I enjoyed the Queen Lucia books too. Hope you’ll enjoy Heyer–and quizzing your mother about her romance habit.
Flip, I remember you recommended Heyer’s Friday’s Child and also Jane Morgan. I wasn’t able to track down Morgan, but she’s still on my list.
Laura, that’s fair; clearly they are all inspired by Heyer. I hadn’t realized the extent of her influence until commenters here pushed me to read her. That said, years ago I read “trads” that I remember as having very clever dialogue and interesting characters–that’s why so many of us are nostalgic about them. I don’t think most of the longer single-title Regencies have the same feel, but some of the Heyers I’ve read fill that niche. It’s nice to find longer works with sparkle *and* room for a fuller story.
Maureen, Frederica is the next book I’m looking for.
December 7th, 2008 at 3:28 am
Georgette Heyer was an unknown author to me but I will definitely be checking out her books now. I loved the excerpt for The Cotillion, especially when Freddy says he keeps forgetting about their engagement.
December 8th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Thanks for the review. I most probably have read Georgette Heyer but can’t remember any titles!
December 8th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
(drumroll)
Laurie G and Marelou, you’ve each won a copy of Cotillion! I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Thank You!! I’m looking forward to reading “The Cotillion”!