Georgette Heyer's Venetia

Anne here, and we're trying something a little new. A few times a year, we're going to feature some snippets from the Georgette Heyer posts of Jennifer Kloester, her biographer.  Jen has graciously give me her permission to use them, so I hope you find them interesting.

If you don't know Georgette Heyer, she pretty much created the Regency Romance. Jane Austen was writing what was for her a contemporary novel, but Heyer, writing in the mid 20th century, made the period her own, and sparked a whole subgenre of books, for which I'm sure we are all grateful.  I am particularly grateful for it, as I fell in love with her books from a young age. She is also is the reason I write what I write. She started writing from a very young age — her first book was begun to entertain her sick brother and was published in 1921 when she was nineteen.You can read more about her here. 

We'll explore a few of her books in these occasional posts, but since Valentine's Day is coming up, I thought I'd choose to focus on one of her most romantic books — Venetia. 

Heyer said this in a letter to her publisher friend AS Frere: "It may not be quite like Me, but I’m pretty sure the fans will like it." (7 March 1958)

And indeed they did.

Left: The 1958 Heinemann first edition of Venetia with jacket design by Arthur Barbosa.

 

From Jen Kloester's page: "Venetia would be Georgette Heyer’s 17th Regency novel and also one of her finest books. It is a remarkable reflection of her enduring talent that more than forty years after writing her first novel, her forty-sixth book should be so fresh and new.

Venetia is a sparkling tale of newfound love, idyllic romance, and friendship. It is also a novel about selfishness, a book about honesty and, as Anne Lancashire, explains in her excellent article, “Venetia: Georgette Heyer’s Pastoral Romance”, . . .  Venetia belongs to the sub-genre of pastoral romance, with its beautiful heroine, whose life, lived for so long in her pleasant rural fastness, is interrupted by the arrival of the hero from the outside world. 

Heyer’s hero is the much-beloved, Lord Damerel, a rake with a past who enters into the romantic rural idyll of Undershaw and wins Venetia’s love, only to retreat when he decides he cannot give her the life he believes she deserves.

One of the novel’s greatest attractions is Jasper, Lord Damerel. Described by Heyer as “dark, his countenance lean and rather swarthy, marked with lines of dissipation” he also carries himself with “a faint suggestion of swashbuckling arrogance”. Venetia has never yet met him but years earlier she has dubbed him “the Wicked Baron” due to his reputation for rakehell living."

Her initial meeting with Damerel takes place when Venetia is out picking blackberries and her neighbor (who she long ago dubbed "The Wicked Baron" —though she'd never met him ) kisses her.  Then realizing she is not the village maiden he'd assumed, he introduces himself.

“Who are you? Or should I first present myself to you? I’m Damerel, you know.’
‘Yes, so I supposed, at the outset of our delightful acquaintance. Later, of course, I was sure of it.’
‘Oh, oh – ! My reputation, Iago, my reputation!’ he exclaimed, laughing again.”

From the very start the start Venetia is not at all flattered or flustered by his attentions. She tells him:
“How very odd, to be sure!’
‘What is?’
She walked on, her brow a little furrowed. ‘Wishing to kiss someone you never saw before in your life. It seems quite mad-brained to me, besides showing a sad want of particularity.”

Once they'd established their identities and fenced (delightfully) with lines of poetry, Damerel says, “Fair Fatality, you are the most unusual female I have encountered in all my thirty-eight years!"
"You can't think how deeply flattered I am!" she assured him. "I daresay my head would be quite turned if I didn't suspect that amongst so many a dozen or so may have slipped from your memory.”

 And at the close of their initial meeting she says,  “Goodbye!"
"Oh, not goodbye!" he protested. "I mean to know you better, Miss Lanyon of Undershaw!"
"To be sure, it does seem a pity you should not, after such a promising start, but life, you know, is full of disappointments, and that, I must warn you, is likely to prove one of them.”

As a love story, it is peerless — we see and feel Venetia and Damerel falling in love on the page. One of the things that most stands out about Heyer's stories, is the humor, and often one important thing the hero and heroine have in common is a particular sense of humor. Venetia says to Damerel: 

“Perhaps you have friends already who laugh when you do,’ she said diffidently. ‘I haven’t, and it’s important, I think – more important than sympathy in affliction, which you might easily find in someone you positively disliked.’
‘But to share a sense of the ridiculous prohibits dislike – yes, that’s true. And rare!”

Another source of the delight of this novel for me, are the vivid and various minor characters in the book, from Venetia's selfish, brilliant injured younger brother, to elderly Nurse, who fusses and comes out with some superbly biblical warnings and forebodings. Then there are Venetian's two other admirers, the young Oswald Denny who attempts to model himself on The Corsair and the dull, pompous Edward Yardley of whom Venetia can only describe him as "worthy". And then there's the truly wonderfully appalling Mrs Scorrier who arrives to upset everything. It's a book that never palls on me.

If you haven't read Venetia, I strongly recommend you do, and if you have, I hope this small piece has inspired you to read it again. 

If you'd like to read Jen Kloester's more academic take on Venetia, with some fascinating background, it's here.

Have you read Venetia, or any other of Georgette Heyer's novels? There have been many different editions, and the ones I've shown here are just a few. Do you have any of these covers? Which one of the covers above do you prefer?

Comments

[Philippa Carey]

I read it, and re-read it, and..

[Nicole]

Frederica is also one of my favorite.

[Tami]

I just checked out Venetia. I look forward to the read.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Wonderful, Anne! VENETIA is possibly my favorite Heyer and it's time for a reread. You and Jennifer both nail what makes is so special, which is surely a fine Valentine's gift.

[Mary T]

I have read a couple of her books, but not this one. I went out on Amazon to order Venetia, but ended up ordering Friday's Child instead. I noticed that her books are a lot more expensive than they were a few years ago. It must be a sign of a resurgence in her popularity. I'll order Venetia next. I can only afford one at a time.

Thanks for the reminder of what a wonderful writer she was.

[Susan Allan]

Venetia is absolutely my favourite Heyer and I have lost count of the number of times I have read it. The development of the relationship between Jasper and Venetia is beautifully done and I think it’s one of Heyer’s most romantic and most adult books.

They are so many wonderful plot lines and side issues in the book but we never wonder too far away from the essential and major focus - Venetia and Jasper.

[Patricia Franzino]

I've read Heyer's Regency novels, and "Venetia" is one of my favorites. I like "Cotillion" very much, too.

She was so brilliant in showing the essential disposition of characters through dialogue and action right away.

I'd like to read her mysteries, too.

[Susanne Lercher]

My late mother loved Georgette Heyer and bought Heinemann hardcovers first from the UK and then from the US. She also bought Pan paperbacks from the UK. She introduced me to Heyer. My favorite is Devil’s Cub

[Jane]

You know, I was happily steaming through Ruby Dixon's blue guys when you reminded me about Venetia, Annis, Abigail and all the other ladies. If only I could read two books at a time!

[Teresa Broderick]

I do like Venetia mainly because I find Damerel swoon worthy!!! I've read it quite a few times and the GoodReads group I'm part of are reading it this month.
I have the second last edition above but I also have a beautiful folio edition that my brother bought me for my birthday. I love Heyer's books. They're a real comfort read to me.
Lovely post!

[Anne Gracie]

Me too. It's like getting together with an old friend, isn't it?

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Nicola. I might talk about Frederica in a future post. Stay tuned.

[Anne Gracie]

Tami, I think you'd love Venetia. Try it out.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Mary Jo. It's Valentine's Day already in Australia, and I thought I'd get away from the hearts and flowers into some wonderful reading. I think Venetia is probably Heyer's most romantic book, but I can never pick one favorite — and I noted your "possibly" which I take to mean you're much the same.. She wrote so many keepers.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Mary. ALL the books -- e-books and especially paper books have become more expensive, reflecting I think the shortage of materials. I've been shocked by the cost of some e-books, though.

Friday's Child is about one of her younger couples, with a young and naive — but very sweet — heroine, and an immature hero who starts to grows up. I love it, but it's very different from Venetia. And it has some wonderful minor characters, and one exchange that is probably my favorite funny passage in all of Heyer. I hope you enjoy it.

[John Alger]

I began reading Georgette's books while she a
was still writing them. I can nearly recite "These Old Shades", I've read it so many times. By the time I left home, I had nearly her entire body of work but had no place to store them. When my younger sister married, she took all of them with her and, at some point, disposed of them. I've been trying to reassemble my collection ever since.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Susan, I absolutely agree. I am in awe of her mastery of plot, and I adore her minor characters. I conducted a writing workshop last weekend in Sydney and I told the participants there (who were not generally romance writers but who wanted to incorporate a thread of romance in their books) to read Heyer, especially Venetia, and that with Heyer, you see them falling in love on the page. I also said that what so many of her heroes and heroines have in common is their particular sense of humor.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Patricia — yes her brilliance at bringing a character — even a very minor one — to life with just a few sentences is amazing. I also love Cotillion, and even named one of my heroes Freddy, in homage. My Freddy wasn't an imitation of hers, of course — I couldn't manage that even if I wanted to, which I wouldn't — but he was the same sort of lightweight beta hero who doesn't at first glance seem to be the stuff of which romantic heroes are made.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks Susan, I hope you still have her books. When I was first published I received two large print copies, and sent one to my aunt whose eyesight was fading. She told me that my grandmother had a standing order with a bookseller to send her every new Heyer as it came off the shelves, and that she had a full collection. The whole collection was donated to the church when Nana went into care. You can imagine the scream I let out at that news. Imagine having a full collection of first edition Heyers! (Actually I think Jen Kloester has one.) But Nana died when I was twelve — a year after I'd discovered Heyer (These Old Shades) in the library. But I still think wistfully of Nana's Heyers. . .

I might write about Devil's Cub in a future Heyer post. Thank you..

[Anne Gracie]

LOL Jane — I think quite a few of us at the Wenches have that problem. I don't know Ruby Dixon but I'll check her out now. Thanks.

[Anne Gracie]

Teresa I wholeheartedly agree that Damerel is utterly swoonworthy — one of Heyer's most appealing heroes. What fun to be discussing it in your reading group. Your folio edition sounds lovely. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you.

[Anne Gracie]

Oh John, I'm gasping that your sister disposed of your treasures. It's so hard when you move, isn't it, and not everyone understands how beloved certain books are to some of us. These Old Shades was my first Heyer and it's very dear to my heart. I have several editions — some falling apart, but will I ever get rid of them? Never! It's like tossing old friends in the rubbish because they're old and battered and no longer operate so well.
Best of luck reassembling your collection.

[Kareni]

What a fun post, Anne. I read Venetia and a host of other books by Georgette Heyer some years ago.

Happy Valentine's day to you, the other Word Wenches, and all the readers here.

[Betsy s]

Venetia and Frederica are my two faves but I love Georgette Heyer, she also introduced me to Regence Romance and here I am 50 years later. Still reread at least one of her books monthly

[Janice J.]

I'll be honest, I place this one in Heyer's midrange, because I think the hero's an idiot; everything is all about him. He's got the emotional maturity of a sulky self-pitying 14 year old (with which I'm famiiar because I was one myself). I don't feel Venetia herself to be a very interesting heroine either.

I do occasionally reread this one for Aubrey (I've met several Aubreys in my life; some were as talented as they thought they were, and others not) and Nurse, and for Mrs. Scorrier, surely one of the most tyrannical mamas ever created (I am sorry there is no scene in the book when Conway arrives home and sends her packing, which he will do because that's what he does).

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Kareni — and happy Valentines to you, too. It's not a big deal here, though there is now a lot of commercial pressure to make a big deal out of it, so it's growing.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Betsy, yes I think she's definitely an addiction and those of us who love her books need a regular "fix."

[Anne Gracie]

Oh dear, Janice — I cannot agree with you about Damerel — but there, that's the sign of a well drawn character, isn't it, that readers can disagree strongly about their like or dislike for him, and provide "proof." And both be (at least theoretically) right.

I love Mrs Scorrier — haven't we all met people a little similar, though surely she's, as you say, "one of the most tyrannical mamas ever created." And yes, I would have loved to see a scene where Conway arrives home. But it's the Damerel and Venetia story that is central, so that's where we had to follow.
Had Heyer been writing today, she might have given us that in a novella. Perhaps there's a story in fan fiction, who knows?

[Saloni]

I personally have a very soft spot for Heyer, but she is seen as problematic my a section of modern romance readers and writers, I understand this is partly because of her classist stance in some books (see A Civil Contract), as well as her antisemitism. What do you think about this modern framing?

[Binnie Syril Braunstein]

Anne-I don't believe I've ever seen so many comments! Yes, I've read Venetia, and I believe the cover you show with red in the background is the one I own.
My first Georgette Heyer was The Devil's Cub, which is actually the sequel to These Old Shades. A friend loaned me the book to "see if I would like it." Did I like it? I was hooked forever! Her books introduced me to the Regency world. I had read Pride and Prejudice years before, but it was Heyer who let me envelop myself in the period. I think it's a fabulous idea for the Wenches to do the occasional homage to the doyenne of the Recency. She's given so many such reading pleasure that she most assuredly deserves the spotlight. Kudos!

[Suzanne Brownrigg]

Hi Anne. I must be in the minority because my favorite Heyer is "Arabella". I did like Venetia and I have yet to read all her books, but the love story in "Arabella" is one of the sweetest I have ever read. The way that Beaumaris gradually falls under her spell as her compassion for all creatures--human and canine--reveals her strength of character and fearlessness in confronting evil, is so touching and realistic. Also love the fact that he starts discussing his romantic dilemmas and consequent decisions with the mongrel she has forced on him, much to his servants' amusement. One of my all-time favorite romances.

[Karin]

I've read it, fairly recently actually, and enjoyed it, although it's not my favorite. I've probably read about half of Heyer's books, I guess? I love The Toll-Gate, Devil's Cub, The Unknown Ajax, and The Grand Sophy. Except for the last one, I guess you could say those are books that focus more on the hero than the heroine. I think Heyer does that well.

[Anne Gracie]

Turns out I have read Ruby Dixon -- the Ice Planet series. Thanks for the reminder

[Anne Gracie]

Saloni, I see no point in judging writers of the past according to modern values. What you call 'her classist stance' was very much a feature of the Regency era and to be honest I really quite enjoy that. It adds a level of tension to an "unequal" romance, like a Civil Contract. And are those attitudes Heyer's own, or they the characters? The same with "her antisemitism" — as I recall, there are a couple of references to Jewish moneylenders. The thing is, moneylending was a very Jewish profession for centuries because of legal (Christian-based) restrictions on what professions Jews were allowed to follow. Christians were forbidden by their religion to charge interest, but Jews were not. Showing these historical aspects in her novels indicate Heyer's respect for history not her personal prejudices.
Also to dismiss all her books for her assumed prejudice and overlook her brilliant characterization, dialogue and plotting is, IMO, very sad and quite foolish.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Binnie Syril. I think it's a feature of Heyerites that we all recall our first Heyer with great fondness. I'm glad you liked this idea. I'll do my best to make future posts as interesting.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks Suzanne, yes, this is the reason I can never pick a favourite Heyer — Arabella is delightful, I agree. The rich Miss Tallant. And the conversations with Ulysses. And . . . so much to love about it. It's another one of my regular rereads. Thanks for the reminder.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Karin — yes, the romance with Charles in The Grand Sophy is tremendously subtle. I'm glad you mentioned the Toll Gate — it's one I'm very fond of too, but I've heard people say they dislike it. Not sure why. And I adore Hugo's sense of humor and the way he plays up to the initial prejudice against him. And you're right about her men — in fact among Heyerites there is a term for Heyer's heroes — Heyeroes. *g*

[Mary Lynne]

I love the Heinemann cover, but I think my fave for Venetia is the amazing Charles Geer cover done for the 1970s Jove paperback editions. It's lush and detailed, with an amazing use of color.

[Anne Gracie]

I nearly included that cover, Mary Lynne — it is lovely, I agree — and it relates to the story, which some of the ones I did include don't.

[Ruchama B]

I fell in love with Georgette Heyer when I was a Lit major back in the 60's. I've kept my original paperbacks and bought replacements when some of those fell apart. I've had to forgive Georgette for the viciously anti-Semitic scene in my favorite, The Grand Sophie. I prefer Arabella to Venetia. When I started to re-read it a few months ago, I was immediately put off by the assault, aka unwelcome kiss. I doubt even Georgette could get away with introducing a hero in such a fashion now that we are all so conscious of the negative consequences of the type of attitude and behavior he displays.