Arabella

by Georgette Heyer

[ladygrey]

Arabella is a delightful romantic comedy. I love that [author:Georgette Heyer] writes it with such an archaic voice. Admittedly, this means it's a bit difficult to follow at times but its also fun to read something that is written so differently from most of what I read. And the characters are so true to the Regency era that their reactions are off kilter to a modern audience, but that's also one of the things I love about them. I love that they haven't been modernized. Which is not to say I don't like a good modern regency romance from time to time. I do thoroughly enjoy [book:The Season]. But I also really like a good, authentic regency romance.

Arabella is mostly a delightful heroine; smart and beautiful and appropriately strong willed and compassionate. She did turn a little foolish at the end but Mr. Beaumaris more than makes up for it. I like that he's charming and smart and confident enough to take the appropriate action. He is the sort of hero that makes the story. And I love that as much as the story is a comedy, he's never portrayed as a fool.

I didn't love Bertram's storyline because it was quite uncomfortable for a good portion of it. But, like the rest of the story, it ended well enough that it's not much of a detraction.

I enjoyed the conversations and the politics of the season and the flirtations that are so unique and delightfully high handed. I could have used a bit more dancing but otherwise this is a lovely book.