The Scarlet Pimpernel
by Emmuska Orczy
Published: 1905
Genres: Classic, Historical Fiction
Format: eBook (204 pages)
Source: Purchased
Armed with only his wits and his cunning, one man recklessly defies the French revolutionaries and rescues scores of innocent men, women, and children from the deadly guillotine. His friends and foes know him only as the Scarlet Pimpernel. But the ruthless French agent Chauvelin is sworn to discover his identity and to hunt him down.
The writing of The Scarlet Pimpernel hooked me from the first page. It was deliciously sarcastic and funny. I was having a grand old time until I noticed this pattern of the writing getting kind of repetative. See, the main character, Marguerite has to make a hard choice. I mean it’s a really hard choice. Did you know she has to make a hard choice? Since I haven’t mentioned it in 3 pages – she has to make a hard choice. Oh whoa is Marguerite! She has a choice to make! And it’s going to be so so hard!! Without all the repetition the plot of the story could have taken up half as many pages even though it’s still very short as it is at about 200 pages.
The thing I loved most about this book were the characters. Okay just one character. Sir Percy/Scarlet Pimpernel is such an interesting, vivid, and immediately likable character. It was so cool to see a hero win with wit and charm while wearing the latest fashions. I’m really pretty sure that Ironman takes after him.
Overall, the writing was witty and the characters were charming but the writing got a little repetitive at times.
Content Rating: None.
This post contains affiliate links and I receive a small percentage of sales made through these links.
About Emmuska Orczy
Emma ("Emmuska") Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála Orczy de Orczi was a Hungarian-British novelist, best remembered as the author of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (1905). Baroness Orczy's sequels to the novel were less successful. She was also an artist, and her works were exhibited at the Royal Academy, London. Her first venture into fiction was with crime stories. Among her most popular characters was The Old Man in the Corner, who was featured in a series of twelve British movies from 1924, starring Rolf Leslie. Orczy's first detective stories appeared in magazines. As a writer she became famous in 1903 with the stage version of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
My name is Jessica. I love to read Young Adult and classic literature. I’ve been a book blogger for six years and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. I’m a very curious reader. Writing about all the questions and thoughts I had while reading a book is the best hobby ever.
I’ve thought about reading this. So many people love it, and it is a classic. Sadly, this book was scarred for me when I was in Middle School. I had a really dumb history teacher that talked about this book.
I read this book a few years ago because I love the movie with Anthony Andrews. I mean seriously love. But I wasn’t madly in love with th ebook. The writing is so, so, and there are some stereotypes that make me a little uncomfortable.
BUT that character! Percy is just marvelous, and i love that she created such a totally fantastic person in Percy. Have you see that movie? It doesn’t follow the book directly, but it’s soooooo amazing! And have you read Diana Peterfreund’s retelling Across the Star-Swept Sea? Because she knocks it outta the park.
I have heard of this book, but I have not read it. I didn’t realize how short it was. I will have to read this one.
I’m glad you enjoyed this book! I love the story and the characters! Have you seen the 1982 film with Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews? SO AMAZING. I love it. And may or may not be obsessed with Sir Percy.
Great review Jessica!
xoxox, Inky