The Grand Sophy

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Stereotypes are products of ignorance, and of the times, and let me disillusion people who think WWII magically changed the prejudices of hundreds of years. Anti-Semitism was alive, well and institutionalized up until the 1960s when the civil rights movement made discrimination of most kinds not only uncool but illegal. I want to make it clear, although I would hope this would be clear already, that just because I didn’t like it doesn’t mean I think less of anyone who thinks this book is awesome and isn’t as bothered by the scenes as I am. This book didn’t work for me. But I don’t think less of people who hold it as one of their favorites. It’s not like I’m huffing on my tuffet over here thinking that anyone who likes this book likes anti-Semitism or anything like that. You’re welcome to argue with me if you’d like and tell me why you adore this book. After a particularly disappointing read from another author what is really great with the better GH novels is how you are launched into the story straight away. Even minor characters are clearly delineated & you don't have trouble following the story! Jessica Thompson: Mary Roberts Rinehart, too, and the Nancy Drew books, although those were apparently sanitized in later re-issues. I’d like to think that Maya Angelou is right, that when we know better, we do better, but, honestly, it is such an uphill battle.

The day of the Ombersley Ball approaches with the Duke of York promising to make an appearance. Among the 500 guests Sophy meets the dashing Lord Charlbury and Ceci makes a startling announcement. Editor of Austenprose.com, Jane Austen Made Me Do It, and director of Austenprose PR, Laurel Ann is a champion of historical books, period drama, and Jane Austen.

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The Grand Sophy is the perfect read when you need a lull from denser, darker ones. It is fast-paced, clever and funny. Charles] turned his head to look at her, his eyes narrowed, and their expression was by no means pleasant. “Are you thinking of being so unwise as to cross swords with me?” he demanded. GENRES Fiction ClassicFiction ModernClassics ContemporaryFiction Non-Fiction The Arts Biographies History Music Philosophy Religion Other Drama Shakespeare OtherDrama Other Poetry JuniorClassics Young Adult Classics Collections&Sets Unabridged And, like Arabella, the cast of characters are so funny and well done, I wish I could give them each a proper bio. The men really do rival Austen gentlemen, and I think Mr Darcy shall have to watch his place very carefully in my regard. I love how Heyer manages to give insight into the thoughts and emotions of characters without actually needing to delve into them, it is much easier to like someone when you don't have to listen to their every thought. It also makes the reading processes so much more enjoyable, subconscious interaction! What ensues is a series of hilarious escapades and machinations by Sophy to rescue her family members from their various predicaments and steer their lives in much happier (and also more exciting) directions, while never failing to enrage Charles and upset some societal norms and expectations in the process.

The queen of Regency Romancers is Georgette Heyer, who invented not only the genre but historical romance in general, through the 50 or so novels she published between 1930 and 1974. She was known for her punctilious historical accuracy; not only does she know exactly what kind of phaeton a lady shouldn't be driving, but she can confidently teach you such phrases as: I loved The Grand Sophy when I was young so recently I put it on my Nook. Like you, I was somewhat disappointed. I still loved the dialogue and the way the plot is put together like a jigsaw puzzle. However, “the jew” did bother me. I also, at the end of the book, found myself wondering what it would be like to have to live with Sophy for a prolonged period of time. She is “high-spirited.” Yes, but managing and without a hint of insight. Kind of like the ladies I knew at church who were convinced that they could run your life better than you ever could without realizing that it was your life. If that makes sense. So, yes, I was a little disappointed with the re-read though there are still Heyers I enjoy. Regency romance novels often feature heroines who are capable and often have to take their destiny into their own hands. But Sophia Stanton-Lacy beats them all. Growing up in Spain and Portugal during wartime, Sophy's education largely dispensed with the useless and unnecessary restrictions placed on women. When she reaches an age to get married, her father leaves her with her aunt in England. Because really, Sophy's a great character and, that one scene excluded, this is one of Heyer's best novels. I would love to hang out with Sophy - we could braid each other's hair and she could fix all my problems.

I was thinking it may not be too bad - Olivia Hatreed has a pretty good pedigree as a script writer. Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin. The setting is Regency England, and the Grand Sophy is a well-born young English woman who happens to be a British spy; her father is also a British spy; they are wealthy and fashionable and dashing; and their task is to help defeat Napoleon, the second time around. Sophie rides horses like an Olympian, drives a carriage like she’s Mario Andretti, and has clothes that turn into all sorts of weapons and devices — which I want to put a lot more of into the movie.And she’s a big flirt — she has no desire to be married. Why would she? She’s a spy in the service of her King.