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books2018-05-06 10:36 pm
archangelbeth) wrote in books2018-05-06 10:36 pm
The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer
Adapted from https://archangelbeth.dreamwidth.org/1234173.html
For Reasons, the twins -- who did not have a very Proper upbringing, clearly -- are running around cross-dressing. The lass is a competent duelist. The lad does prettily in dresses. They are, however, inclined to fall for people of the opposite sex. When this happens to both of them... Well, complications ensue.
I found it a fun little premise, but the ending was slightly flawed by SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER Heyer's tendency to have the Terribly Intelligent Older Gentleman be, well, supernaturally intelligent and competent and thoroughly In Control Of The Situation. Personally, I think this worked better with Devil's Cub and These Old Shades (IIRC that title). In this situation, the heroine was so very competent that I was a bit disappointed that she didn't have a larger share of Making The Ending Come Out Right. She didn't have a total melt-down; she was, in fact, quite collected and took advantage of the situation very neatly. But in the slightly obligatory rescue scene, it didn't really matter, if you see what I mean. The rescue was proceeding quite swimmingly and would likely have been sorted out even if she'd just lounged around and said, "Ah, hullo, good of you to drop by."
And really, what silly person tosses a thoroughly good swordcane? Pfft.
So, perhaps ironically, thus far I prefer Heyer's Smart-but-Sheltered heroines, who have setting-reason to be in need of the occasional rescue by their Competent (sometimes Unexpectedly Competent) Love Interests in a manner According To Formula.
For Reasons, the twins -- who did not have a very Proper upbringing, clearly -- are running around cross-dressing. The lass is a competent duelist. The lad does prettily in dresses. They are, however, inclined to fall for people of the opposite sex. When this happens to both of them... Well, complications ensue.
I found it a fun little premise, but the ending was slightly flawed by SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER Heyer's tendency to have the Terribly Intelligent Older Gentleman be, well, supernaturally intelligent and competent and thoroughly In Control Of The Situation. Personally, I think this worked better with Devil's Cub and These Old Shades (IIRC that title). In this situation, the heroine was so very competent that I was a bit disappointed that she didn't have a larger share of Making The Ending Come Out Right. She didn't have a total melt-down; she was, in fact, quite collected and took advantage of the situation very neatly. But in the slightly obligatory rescue scene, it didn't really matter, if you see what I mean. The rescue was proceeding quite swimmingly and would likely have been sorted out even if she'd just lounged around and said, "Ah, hullo, good of you to drop by."
And really, what silly person tosses a thoroughly good swordcane? Pfft.
So, perhaps ironically, thus far I prefer Heyer's Smart-but-Sheltered heroines, who have setting-reason to be in need of the occasional rescue by their Competent (sometimes Unexpectedly Competent) Love Interests in a manner According To Formula.