Anny P. (wolfnme) reviewed on + 3389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Lady of Quality is a brilliant book, one of Heyer's best and the last she wrote before her death. It is the story of the relationship between Annis Wychwood, a mature lady who hasn't ever married as she hasn't found the right man, despite being offered marriage on numerous occasions, and Mr Oliver Carleton, a brash and forthright man who isn't particularly attractive and has a reputation as a rake.
The book is utterly convincing in showing how these two widely different people come to care for each other. Although Mr Carleton acknowledges that Miss Wychwood is beautiful, it is not that about her that attracts him; she certainly doesn't fall for him because of his looks or manners but something about the way that he speaks to her honestly and that they have a meeting of minds. It is interesting to watch them sparring with each other over his Ward Lucilla's care and how to help her keep out of trouble.
What I really enjoyed about this book was its honest portrayal of the faults of people - particularly Mr Carleton's - but the acknowledgement that people can and will change if the right circumstances arrive. The humorous interaction between Annis and her family members, particularly her garrulous chaperone, are very amusing. The final scene where Mr Carleton storms into Annis's bedroom and throws out Maria the chaperone is everything that women who like masterful men could wish for!
As all Heyer books, this one is chock-ful of fascinating period detail, the language that they use is accurate, and the description of life in Bath in the early 1800s is fascinating.
The book is utterly convincing in showing how these two widely different people come to care for each other. Although Mr Carleton acknowledges that Miss Wychwood is beautiful, it is not that about her that attracts him; she certainly doesn't fall for him because of his looks or manners but something about the way that he speaks to her honestly and that they have a meeting of minds. It is interesting to watch them sparring with each other over his Ward Lucilla's care and how to help her keep out of trouble.
What I really enjoyed about this book was its honest portrayal of the faults of people - particularly Mr Carleton's - but the acknowledgement that people can and will change if the right circumstances arrive. The humorous interaction between Annis and her family members, particularly her garrulous chaperone, are very amusing. The final scene where Mr Carleton storms into Annis's bedroom and throws out Maria the chaperone is everything that women who like masterful men could wish for!
As all Heyer books, this one is chock-ful of fascinating period detail, the language that they use is accurate, and the description of life in Bath in the early 1800s is fascinating.
