Friday Book Talk: The Grand Sophy

I’d never heard of Georgette Heyer, which is crazy, because The Grand Sophy is one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve come across. Heyer’s style is similar to Jane Austin (an author I can listen to over and over because it’s highly cognitive content). Heyer’s Regency romances take place in the same time period, even though Heyer wrote 100 years later. This gap in time forced Heyer to include many more details and explanations of the period Austin took for granted, and I love her for it. We get a clear picture of the physical minutiae of Austin’s contemporaries. I value this immensely, coming 200 years after the Regency Period! Seeing life through another culture is my personal addiction, and such a great time leap means I’m visiting a completely different era in my imagination. 

I have since realized Heyer wrote many novels in her time, and I’ve enjoyed several. The Grand Sophy remains my favorite. There are many reasons, but let me share a few.

The character development is second to none. Consistent with weaknesses and strengths and people you want to like but realize as you get to know them you don’t like them. There are also characters you don’t like, but have to admit they are decent in the end. It just kept me guessing. And the plot is highly character-driven, so if you enjoy mucking around in social dynamics, this is a book for you. 

The heroine is a strong, incorrigible young woman named Sophy. She’s brilliant and she reads people like books. She uses her uncanny insight to advance her agendas, but never in spiteful, selfish ways. Just enough for us to giggle with glee at her mischief… all of which the author justifies in the end (even though we all know she plays a dangerous game here and there). There’s never a dull moment with Sophy, and we’re kept out of her head, which is necessary for the surprises in this story. 

Sophy is set opposite her cousin who, rather than being mischievous, handles himself in a way he would consider upright, moral, and flawless. He has everyone cowering in fear that they might displease his sense of decorum. In fact, he’s the only one who sees through Sophy’s shenanigans. To his great irritation, she never takes him seriously. Through the story, she wears down his rough edges, and we see a decent person with a good heart. 

All of the side characters have distinct and interesting personalities, as well. I love how Heyer uses Sophy to ruffle and churn them. 

I could say so much more, but hopefully you have heard enough to pick it up at the nearest library and read for yourself!