Cornflower Book Group 2009 : Volume 5

     Is this choice going to provoke gasps of delight or shudders of disgust from the Cornflower Book Group's discerning membership?!
I have never read any Georgette Heyer, though ages ago when I asked for suggestions of where one might start with her I was amazed at the response: so many true fans, and for every one a different favourite book. She has a great following, all of whom appreciate her impeccable research and her "exquisite" dialogue, her vivid characters and what is in sum "the best kind of escapist literature". I'm quoting there from Julia Keay's article in Volume 16 of Slightly Foxed, and here's how she begins it:
"I am a Georgette Heyer fan. There. In the full knowledge that many, probably most, of those who consider themselves serious readers will react to such a statement with a disdainful curl of the lip, I've said it." But she goes on to say that she knows she is in good company, so I hope that with this month's book, the fans will rejoice and those who have yet to discover her will do so with an open mind - and no hint of a curling lip!
    But which of her many books to choose? I read various articles (including Elaine's in Estella's Revenge) and reviews and was swithering between two books, but in the end I've gone for A Civil Contract, one of the more mature novels and not a 'bodice-ripper' or a 'fluffy' romance!
    As usual, I've checked availability, and this should be on the shelves of the libraries and the retailers, though if any readers abroad have trouble finding it, The Book Depository can supply it with free worldwide delivery.
   Next Saturday we'll be talking about Fifth Business (the introductory post is here), but let's come back to discuss A Civil Contract in five weeks' time (Saturday 9th. May), and if you haven't joined in with us before but would like to do so now, you'd be very welcome.