Title: Cotillion
Author: Georgette Heyer
First published January 1, 1953
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780061001789 (ISBN10: 0061001783)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
“Whoever wins her heart will also win my fortune,” declared the wealthy Mrs. Penicuik to her three great-nephews.
They set their sights on her step-daughter, the beautiful and lively Miss Kitty Charing, who seemed destined for a loveless marriage. However, Kitty had other plans.
She yearned to escape to London, where anything was possible. With wit and charm on her side, Kitty sets off on a journey to find herself and true love, all while navigating the glittering society of the ton.
Will she find what she’s looking for or will fate have other plans?”
About the Author
Georgette Heyer was a talented writer who achieved great success in both historical romance and detective fiction. She got her start in 1921, when she transformed a story for her brother into her first novel, The Black Moth.
In 1925, Heyer tied the knot with George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer who later became a barrister. Rougier often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers.
Starting in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Despite her popularity as a best-selling author, Heyer was a very private person who never sought publicity. She never made public appearances, avoided interviews, and only responded to fan mail if it contained an interesting historical tidbit.
Using the pen name Stella Martin, she wrote one novel.
Heyer’s Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by her love of history. Although some critics found her novels to be overly detailed, others saw the level of detail as one of Heyer’s greatest strengths.
Even today, Heyer is a beloved author, credited with establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre, Regency romance.
Editoral Review
Georgette Heyer, a renowned historical romance writer, published Cotillion in 1953. The novel is set in Regency-era England, a period of elegance, sophistication, and complex social norms.
Heyer is famous for her witty and engaging characters, and Cotillion is no exception. The protagonist of the novel is Kitty Charing, a young woman who inherits a fortune from a wealthy uncle.
However, the inheritance comes with conditions: Kitty must marry one of her uncle’s nephews to secure the funds. This leads to a hilarious and captivating journey to find a suitable husband, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Heyer’s attention to detail shines throughout the novel, as she transports the reader to the time and place with vivid descriptions of the settings, characters, and customs. Her characters are all distinct, and their personalities drive the storyline forward.
Readers will enjoy the witty banter between Kitty and her suitors, and the various schemes they hatch to win her heart. Cotillion is not just a romantic comedy.
It also sheds light on social and economic class structures during the Regency era. Heyer explores the rigid rules of society and the limitations they impose on women, providing a commentary on gender roles that still resonates with readers today.
One of the strengths of Cotillion is Heyer’s mastery of dialogue. The witty conversations between characters are reminiscent of Jane Austen’s novels but with a unique style and voice.
The pacing of the book is excellent, as the plot twists and turns keep the reader engaged until the very end. However, some readers may find the plot formulaic or predictable.
The novel follows a traditional romance structure, and some of the characters’ actions may feel contrived at times. But these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall reading experience.
Fans of historical romance and witty banter will enjoy Cotillion. Heyer’s skillful writing and engaging characters make the novel a delightful read.
Recommended for all lovers of sweet romance and Regency-era England. Overall, Cotillion rates 4 out of 5 stars.
Heyer’s writing is excellent, and her characters are entertaining, but some readers may find the storyline predictable. Nevertheless, it is a must-read novel for fans of the genre.
