So, look, I started herself on Georgette Heyer. I started when I was 11 (the Reluctant Widow) and she was keen to give them a go. She has already read all the Georgettes I have in Dublin: “The Grand Sophy” (twice), “Cotillion”, “False Colours”, “Arabella”,”The Foundling”, Pistols for Two”, “Friday’s Child”, “A Lady of Quality” and “The Reluctant Widow”. What volume should I give her next? On the one hand, we’re having great fun talking about them and quoting from them (I have finally discovered what my memory is filled with – huge chunks of Georgette text) but I’m not sure that I want her to read all the good ones before she turns 11. And are the ones I think good, the ones she will most enjoy at this age? For my money the only good ones left are “The Unknown Ajax”, “Venetia”, “A Civil Contract” and “Frederica”. In related news, these novels are deeply unsuited for the 21st century child (I definitely did NOT know exactly what libertine meant when I was her age).
Recommendations for Georgettes or, even, other novels gratefully received in the comments. She’s read “Pride and Prejudice” (twice).
