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mibookobsession's review
5.0
This is a new twist on the old classic, The Scarlet Pimpernel. After her late husband's friend is one of the first upper-class French, or aristos, to be beheaded on "Madame La Guillotine", Scarlet is determined to save other innocent lives. Using disguises and a league of helpers, she becomes the Pimpernel and rescues many people. One of these is Comte Matteo Durand. In the process of smuggling him out of France, Scarlet realizes she's falling in love with him. Marriage to anyone might threaten the secrecy of the Pimpernel, but after much hesitation she decides to marry Matteo, realizing shortly after that he has secrets of his own that strain their new life together. Danger and great escapes continue as the committee get closer to discovering the identity of the Pimpernel.
I remember staying at my grandparent's house one night when they rented the Scarlet Pimpernel and grumbling about old movies. I still remember how wrong I was... What a good movie! I love this twist on the story of writing a female as the Pimpernel. Her gender becomes the biggest disguise as no one in that time would believe that a flighty, fashion-obsessed English lady could be the hero of the French Aristos. Scarlet's dialogue was fun and clever and really showed her personality.
A big thank you to Jen Geigle Johnson, Covenant Communications, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fascinating book!
I remember staying at my grandparent's house one night when they rented the Scarlet Pimpernel and grumbling about old movies. I still remember how wrong I was... What a good movie! I love this twist on the story of writing a female as the Pimpernel. Her gender becomes the biggest disguise as no one in that time would believe that a flighty, fashion-obsessed English lady could be the hero of the French Aristos. Scarlet's dialogue was fun and clever and really showed her personality.
A big thank you to Jen Geigle Johnson, Covenant Communications, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fascinating book!
always_reading_a_novel's review
4.0
This book is an interesting retelling of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”. I enjoyed how the Pimpernel is a woman, and it was fun to see the parallels between this story and the original by Baroness Orczy.
The historical aspects of this story were very well written; the French Revolution was a terrifying time in history, and that fear is clearly shown in the scenes dealing with the blood-thirsty citizens of France. However, none of the scenes are overly graphic, which I appreciated.
Unfortunately, I didn’t much like how the romance began between Matteo and Scarlet. It seemed as though they were meeting for the first time on one page, and declaring their undying love for each other on the next page. I don’t mind stories where the main characters fall in love quickly, but this was a little too fast for my tastes. I did enjoy the development of their romance throughout the story, and I found it interesting how their secrets played out in their relationship.
Overall, there were a few things that I would have liked to see changed, but this is a good retelling of a much-beloved classic.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
The historical aspects of this story were very well written; the French Revolution was a terrifying time in history, and that fear is clearly shown in the scenes dealing with the blood-thirsty citizens of France. However, none of the scenes are overly graphic, which I appreciated.
Unfortunately, I didn’t much like how the romance began between Matteo and Scarlet. It seemed as though they were meeting for the first time on one page, and declaring their undying love for each other on the next page. I don’t mind stories where the main characters fall in love quickly, but this was a little too fast for my tastes. I did enjoy the development of their romance throughout the story, and I found it interesting how their secrets played out in their relationship.
Overall, there were a few things that I would have liked to see changed, but this is a good retelling of a much-beloved classic.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
rachearl's review
4.0
Lady Scarlet Cavendish is an absurd member of the ton, outrageous gowns, giant headpieces and close friends with the prince. But by night she is the Scarlet Pimpernel, smuggling innocent people out of Paris. One night she rescues Matteo Durand, and the two are instantly drawn to each other, just when it seems they will live happily ever after chaos ensues.
This is a retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel, I have only seen the movie years ago so I can't say how it stacks up against other versions, but this book a great story. The story was fast paced, but still an excellent read.
This is a retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel, I have only seen the movie years ago so I can't say how it stacks up against other versions, but this book a great story. The story was fast paced, but still an excellent read.
nickieandremus's review
5.0
*** I received an advanced e-copy of the book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
This work of historical fiction takes place during the French Revolution, when French Aristocrats are being sent to the guillotine. Lady Scarlet Cavendish is a member of a clandestine group trying to save those from imminent death. This is a story of intrigue, love and above all....bravery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The rescue missions kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put this book down. A great story for all historical fiction fans out there!
This work of historical fiction takes place during the French Revolution, when French Aristocrats are being sent to the guillotine. Lady Scarlet Cavendish is a member of a clandestine group trying to save those from imminent death. This is a story of intrigue, love and above all....bravery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The rescue missions kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put this book down. A great story for all historical fiction fans out there!
wannabe_bibliothecary's review
2.0
To be fair, I haven't read Baroness Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel, but I thought this was a good twist on the original story, with action and suspense and mostly interesting characters. What I didn't like was the character of Scarlet. Although she is wonderful as the Pimpernel, she is not wonderful as a wife. It all works out in the end, though, and I suppose that's what matters.
sarahsbookstack's review against another edition
4.0
I have always loved The Scarlet Pimpernel as a story/play. I liked having it twisted on its head having a woman as the Pimpernel.