Humor, history and female empowerment: 3 reasons why Georgette Heyer’s writing is still relevant
by Grethe Bjerregaard Schafranek, Editor
“I think myself I ought to be shot for writing such nonsense… But it’s unquestionably good escapist literature.”
said by author Georgette Heyer.
According to Georgette Heyer herself, her regency romance could, at the most, be considered gratifying entertainment. Still, almost a century since the original publication, her romance novels are as popular as ever. At Saga Egmont, we are riding the wave of Bridgerton and the regency romance genre’s popularity, publishing a selection of Georgette Heyer’s titles, in both German and Danish – with more languages to follow. Here’s 3 reasons why we think Heyer’s books are still worth the while:
1. Heyer depicts the social rules of the English high nobility in the 19th century. The characters are dynamic and have complex relationships, which makes the stories authentic. Heyer’s novels are never just about finding love, but also about understanding yourself and growing as a person. This gives the cast of characters a depth that often lacks in modern romance.
2. Women aren’t just men’s sidekicks and simple romantic interests, but empowered, intelligent and independent. Their sense of their own personal value speaks very much to the present.
3. Sense of humor! Heyer’s characters are always good for a quick one-liner, delivered with cool precision:
“Talking to you is like – like talking to an eel!” “No, is it? I’ve never tried to talk to an eel. Isn’t it a waste of time?” “Not as much waste of time as talking to you!”
from Georgette Heyer’s, “Black Sheep”.
Georgette Heyer’s authorship is great for regency romance readers who also enjoy the following authorships: Jane Austen, Barbara Cartland, Danielle Steel and Anna Godbersen.
About Georgette Heyer
The English author Georgette Heyer (1902-1974) is best known for her historical regency romance set in the first half of the 19th century. Publishing her first novel at the age of 19, Heyer quickly became popular with readers. Heyer has been particularly praised by posterity for her ability to capture the tone and detail of the historical settings she describes.
