Scan barcode
theknightswhosaybook's review
1.0
I read this book because of that Phineas and Ferb episode where everyone dresses up as the Scarlet Pimpernel for some reason, and also because I thought the book that originated the masked vigilante trope must be really good. I was mistaken, and that Phineas and Ferb episode was much more entertaining than this book.
I don’t hold excess wordiness against classics that are otherwise enjoyable, but I’ll hold it against this book, along with how much of the book relied on the main characters just not telling each other anything, and how little Marguerite did during the climax. I was just so bored.
I don’t hold excess wordiness against classics that are otherwise enjoyable, but I’ll hold it against this book, along with how much of the book relied on the main characters just not telling each other anything, and how little Marguerite did during the climax. I was just so bored.
glazebrookgirl's review
5.0
An old childhood favorite that only gets sweeter with time. A re-read during a lazy weekend was as comforting as a mug of hot chocolate on a rainy day.
lordofthemoon's review
4.0
In France the revolution is well under way and Madame Guillotine's thirst is great for the blood of aristocrats, whether they be men, women or children. And yet, amidst all this bloodshed, some aristos are escaping from under the nose of the guards. Rumour has it that a band of bold and daring Englishmen, led by the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, are helping those condemned to flee to England. The villainous Chauvelin vows to track down the Scarlet Pimpernel and introduce him to Madame Guillotine himself.
This is a rip-roaring adventure story without any pretensions to social commentary or historical analysis. The story is mostly told through the eyes of Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a clever French former actress now married to one of the richest (and apparently stupidest) men in England. Despite her initial shallowness and contempt for her husband, we quickly warm to this woman and allow her to take us with her on her journey of self-discovery and adventure as she realises the truth about her husband and the danger that she has inadvertently sent him into.
A very entertaining book and, having read an abridged version when I was a child, I'm glad I have been able to read the full thing.
This is a rip-roaring adventure story without any pretensions to social commentary or historical analysis. The story is mostly told through the eyes of Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a clever French former actress now married to one of the richest (and apparently stupidest) men in England. Despite her initial shallowness and contempt for her husband, we quickly warm to this woman and allow her to take us with her on her journey of self-discovery and adventure as she realises the truth about her husband and the danger that she has inadvertently sent him into.
A very entertaining book and, having read an abridged version when I was a child, I'm glad I have been able to read the full thing.
nessochist's review
5.0
EDIT: DO NOT READ THE BOOK SUMMARY It gives away the most fun part of the book! Goodreads fixed it--hooray! Apparently it wasn't fixed in all of the versions--curses!
Anyways, I loved the crap out of this book in junior high/high school. Man oh man! LOVED IT.
Anyways, I loved the crap out of this book in junior high/high school. Man oh man! LOVED IT.
olive2read's review
2.0
A lively romp of an adventure that I probably would've loved when I was a kid. The sensationalism was just too over the top for me and there wasn't sufficient substance to the story to balance it out.
inkdrinkermal's review
3.0
I'm conflicted on this book. I waited a few days after reading it to write this review because I was hoping to work through some of my feelings and come to a conclusion. Yet here I am, a few days later, and still unsure of how to feel about it.
Pros: the story is compelling, the author was groundbreaking, and it launched a new era of storytelling
Cons: The constant (and creepy) descriptions of Marguerite as "childlike," the constant repetition of certain phrases and sentiments (towards the end, it was repeated over and over again how much Margueriteloved her husband and was devastated that she betrayed him. Like. A lot.), the blatant racism (albeit, the racism led to the downfall of Chauvelin because he was too prejudiced against the Jewish to get close to Percy in the disguise .) Also, my copy had SO MANY grammatical errors. I cannot believe no one has gone through and fixed them. It was ridiculous and distracting.
Pros: the story is compelling, the author was groundbreaking, and it launched a new era of storytelling
Cons: The constant (and creepy) descriptions of Marguerite as "childlike," the constant repetition of certain phrases and sentiments (towards the end, it was repeated over and over again how much Marguerite