By Zarabeth, guest blogger

I know a lot of people like Georgette Heyer and this post isn’t meant to step on your toes in any way if you do, but I really can’t read her! I am a huge fan of historical romance novels and was excited to try the genuine article. I tried, I really did, but she’s not for me and here’s why:

1. The Language. I can’t read Regency speak, it’s not only another time period it reads like another language!
2. The Diction. Not only do I need a Regency dictionary, I need an Oxford-English dictionary to get through the book! Talk about over my head. I would read and re-read, get frustrated with myself, the book, and the story. I put it down and vow never to force myself through another novel.
3. The Turns of Phrase. Thief Cant, Dandy Cant… I cant, cant, can’t! Can you say yikes?!
4. The Dialogue. What on earth are the characters saying? Really?
5. The Format. Why is all the dialogue ending in exclamation points!!!!!
6. The Descriptions. Down to the tie of the cravat and elegantly style coiffure… honestly who knows what they look like?
7. The Historical Accuracy. The difference between Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer is that Austen transcends Regency and becomes universal. Heyer is so wrapped up in Regency she can never leave it.
8. The Writing Style. Is it me or does Heyer read like narrator omniscient? A plot twist (and I use that word very lightly) occurs and I know all to well where it's going.
9. The Manners. I thought I liked Regency manners, but honestly in a Heyer all I want is for them to shake it up a little. So regimented.
10. Wasted space. Side characters get way too much time to talk and dither about. I want more focus on the main characters and their love story!

I think it is simply time to walk away, without the disappointment and state that I am just not smart enough to read her! I will stick with my guilty pleasures, Thank You!

P.S. Stay tuned, in a few days Keira will be posting her differing opinion in 10 Reasons to Love Georgette Heyer.

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Categories:

Georgette Heyer, Guest Blogger, Poll, Regency

Tags:

cravat, dialogue, diction, exclamation points, Georgette Heyer, historical accuracy, Jane Austen, love story, manners, narrator, oxford english dictionary, phrase, space side, style coiffure, thief cant, time period, toes, what on earth, writing style, Zarabeth