mini-series from 1999 we decided it was high time we read the book. Which worked out quite well for me since I had joined the Classics Challenge from Stiletto Storytime. The best thing about reading classic literature? You can find it for free at your library like I did; my bank account rejoiced. The Scarlet Pimpernel
was first a play written by Baroness Orczy and it was so popular that she transcribed it into a novel in five short weeks. The story follows the french émigré, Marguerite Blakeney who is the toast of society in London but who is unhappy in her marriage to the fop, Sir Percy Blakeney. Meanwhile on the Continent the French Revolution rages on and a new hero has emerged from it. The Scarlet Pimpernel is responsible for saving the lives of numerous French aristocrats destined for the guillotine. But when Marguerite's brother falls into the hands of French authority she is forced to turn in the grand hero, that is if she can discover his identity.After a slow beginning I found myself encapsulated in the wonderful world of 18th century London. I was also pleasantly surprised that the book was totally different from the movie. Marguerite seemed like she was modeled after Georgiana; at one point she was described as the leader of fashion. But it was Sir Percy who stole the show! Bored with society, and always amused with himself, this fashionable fop was not just amusing but a bit mysterious. I can't explain why he turned into a literary crush, but he did! Sadly though, as the book went on I found it dragged in all parts that did not contain Sir Percy. I think I can pinpoint this to when Orczy's main character went from a strong female to a weak, trapped female role.
Still, I really enjoyed The Scarlet Pimpernel despite my need for more Percy! Any historical romance lovers should give this book a try. Although the novel is labeled a mystery I find it more romantic than anything. The true mystery is why I can't help but be attracted to a fop!
Heather, you might want to watch the TV movie with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour or even the 1930's movie with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, both capture the spirit of the book better in my opinion than the Richard Grant/Elizabeth McGovern miniseries.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the Jane Seymour adaptation is really fun, although I think Richard Grant is better at capturing Percy's character.
ReplyDeleteI actually had just put it in my queue! I was curious to see if it followed the plot more, plus Seymour had fabulous-looking hair so I couldn't resist ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour one is the best. I absolutely love Andrews in that role. Yummy. He epitomizes the difference between handsome and sexy.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating Percy and a fashionista-Giorgiana type lady...I think I'd love to read this! Thanks for the review,Heather:)
ReplyDeleteHaving seen all the versions, and read the book, I have to place my vote with Richard Grant. He just IS the Pimpernel. I was never much of a fan of his before, but now? I adore the man.
ReplyDeleteOh la, my favorite pimpernel is Leslie Howard--something wonderful and very sexy about his metamorphosis from fop to hero. If you only know him from Gone with the Wind, watch his Pimp--with the beautiful Merle Oberon. Watch, too, for the scene in the library where he pretends to sleep on the couch while his nemesis waits to entrap the Pimpernel. Katherine Louise
ReplyDeleteAshley Wilkes as the Scarlet Pimpernel? Now I have to see it!
ReplyDeleteI loved the 1930's version of that film. Hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you wrote this book up! It's one of my favorite old books. Sir Percy makes me laugh so much in the beginning of the books. He makes himself out to be such a pompous ass. (Leslie Howard did such a good job with this. And I loved Merle Oberon as Marguerite too.) And the story gets even better when you realize that he's the Scarlett Pimpernel, and I love the part when he and Marguerite reconcile. I agree with you on Marguerite's character going through a disappointing development too. She shouldn't have become such a damsel-in-distress after starting out so strong and independent just so that she and Percy could have an excuse to reconcile (as much as I loved Percy--he's a literary crush for me too), IMO.
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