The Corinthian [Paperback]

Sir Richard Wyndham is a Man of Fashion, a dandy, but he prefers the term Corinthian, if you please. He is somewhat bored with his life as a trendsetter of the haut ton, and is being forced to seriously consider a somewhat irksome marriage of convenience when he is waylaid by circumstance to aid Miss Penelope Creed, an heiress not yet out in society, on a quest to elope with her childhood sweetheart in an effort of avoid a match with her fish-faced cousin.

The plot of the story is light-hearted and fun, full of adventure and misadventure. But it is Heyer's style, much reminiscent of Jane Austen's yet more colorful and engaging, that makes this book truly delightful. It is a must read for her description of a proper dandy alone. There were many places where I could not help but chuckle aloud.

I know you will find it more than worth your effort to hunt down and read this book!

So now this is for sure...I'm officially hooked on Georgette Heyer. The last time something like this happened I plunged head first into anything and everything Plaidy and never looked back- it's not the same, I know; but there are certainly many similarities. There's just something about historical fiction writers who keep the language of the times and make the dialog seem so real as though it were actually written back then.

The details of the setting, the perceptions, the fashion, the attitude and behaviour of the people- there's something to be said for this kind of historical accuracy. And when an author has got that under check, well then it's all a matter of storyline and plot. That followed through beautifully for Heyer in this incredibly comical story that caught me laughing out loud quite a few times. I love it when a period read can keep me entertained this way- what a wonderful way to unwind with an amusing tale that manages to keep you hooked until the end.

The Corinthian is a story about a worldly, fascinating and wealthy gentleman, Sir Richard Wyndham, and the young, very impressionable and mischievous Miss Penelope Creed. How these two very unlikely people get caught up into eachother's lives is what this amusing book is all about. While Sir Richard's family's match-making gets him almost hitched into a marriage of convenience; Miss Creed's own planned marriage throws her literally 'over the edge' to find both of these exasperated individuals who have lost hope in convincing others of their non-compliance meet on a not-so- coincidental evening. An incredibly original night out on the town, and a series of unexpected events, changes their fate forever.

I absolutely loved this fast-paced read. There was not a moment of boredom or even time to ponder in this one. Like a domino effect, the pieces of the story just tumble into place regardless of all the sidetracking events that plead to yet again sway you into an ever developing and changing plot. Amazingly entertaining and as usual, a tender loving story -endearing throughout, but especially in its finale.

Wonderful!

[...].

This has always been one of my favorite Heyer novels and I am so glad it is finally being reprinted in the US. I first read this book in India of all places and got my own copy in London. If you like witty dialogue, situations and tons and tons of british humor this is a must for you. It seems deceptively simple, Young girl running away disguised as a boy, hitches up with cynical but gorgeous hero .. . In the hands of Georgette Heyer it will have you laughing out loud and absolutely unable to put it down until its done!