The Talisman Ring

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I have most of the novels of Georgette Heyer, and this is one of my favorites. Heyer stuffs her books with period detail and language, but it's never heavy going -- she writes like a light screwball comedy in hoopskirts. I particularly enjoy the characters and conversations in The Talisman Ring. The ingenues (Eustacie and Ludovic) make for sparkling comic relief with their enthusiasms, but it's the mature lovers (Sarah and Sir Tristram) who shine in their witty courting dance. Adventure, romance, a lost heir and murder most foul -- what more could you ask for?

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I won't recap the plot for you, since several reviewers have already done so. Suffice it say that everything they write about romantic Eustacie (whose primary requirement in a husband is that he ride "ventre a terre" to her deathbed); sardonic, inexcusably sensible Sir Tristam; romantic Ludovic; witty Sarah Thane and the host of supporting characters in this light, lovely farce is true.

In some ways, I like this better than some of her Regencies, which eventually became formulaic, or at least stylized. In those, characters who desire adventure or romance are sometimes mocked. By contrast, The Talisman Ring perfectly balances sympathy for Eugenie with a tongue in cheek treatment of the adventure itself.

My only criticism is the villain. I never feel that villains were Ms. Heyer's strong suit. I'm not sure why. Part of it may be her desire to make them ordinary; the other part may be her preference for associating effeminacy in men with villainy.

That's a minor quibble, however, in a highly enjoyable tale.

Rating:
Summary: One of Heyer's funniest romps - read it!
Review: The Talisman Ring is one of Georgette Heyer's best novels - funny, fast paced, with wonderfully witty dialog and a few surprises.

Most of the action takes place at a smuggler's inn, with characters like Eustacie (young French girl who escaped the Revolution), Sir Tristam Shield (is he a murderer or love interest?), Sarah Thane (spinster with nerves of steel) and her brother Sir Hugh Thane (justice of the piece or smuggler's friend?), Ludovick Lavenham (smuggler and cheat or wronged gentleman?) and more.

A great introduction to her work for new readers, and a must-read for Regency fans. Three thumbs up!