Reviews

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

theowinch's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

jake_the_pirate's review

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

scandleriv's review against another edition

5.0

The fact this book was written at approximately the halfway point between the events it describes and my present reading of it helps to bridge the two worlds. Lush with melodramatic storytelling and high personal stakes, this adventure story is as much about the inner turmoil through which the narrator treads as it is about the heroic - legendary even - exploits of the book’s namesake. While the overall arc may have been predictable, I was never tempted to abandon my suspension of disbelief - and still found myself surprised at many of the thrills.

greevianguy's review

3.0

The main character, though trying to be progressive for her time, was still boring and rather stupid. Read like something I would enjoy reading while waiting for a doctor's appointment; simply a fun adventure that doesn't have much substance.

sportula's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

norabelle's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Antisemitism and Classism

midwifereading's review

4.0

This book reminds me a lot of Zorro type stories. Some swashbuckling action, a hero in disguise, a little bit of romance, a villain you love to hate, impossible situations, rescuing the helpless, and more. It was a fun book to read.

It takes place during the French Revolution, and revolves around the mystery of the superhero-esque Scarlet Pimpernel, an Englishman who has taken it upon himself to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine. He hides in plain sight, with brilliant disguises, ridiculous daring, and a strong sense of honor. The writing style is straightforward, with just enough melodrama to make it really fun.

With plenty of drama, interesting characters, and mystery, all wrapped up in proper English garb, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a satisfying read. It's not overly meaty, but it's brilliant, fun, and plain old enjoyable. This is a book I will likely read again and again, when I'm in the mood for something fun.

lfpbooks's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

bookshelvesoverflowing's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

4.5

votesforwomen's review

5.0

Oh my goodness. I have always loved the classics, but this is truly the best I've read in a very long time. The suspense and the romance and all of it is simply stellar. I have not loved a book the way I loved this one for what feels like forever.