The Scarlet Pimpernel

Baroness Orczy (1865-1947) – What a great adventure this book holds! I couldn’t put it down. The story was a little different than what I anticipated, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Scarlet Pimpernel is an unknown English gentleman helping to rescue countless French noblemen from their doom on the guillotine. The identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel is so well concealed that even his wife has not the slightest suspicion. The story mostly follows Lady Blakeney. She has to decide between betraying the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel (which is unknown to even her) and the life of her brother. This decision leads her on an adventure to find her husband and warn him of the danger that is coming. Fortunatly he is not as dumb as most think he is. His cover of being a fool makes him unsuspected and leads to his success. There is rekindled love between Lady Blakeney and her husband Percy. This of course is interesting to read. It adds a little flavor to the story. I think it is quite obvious that a woman wrote this book. The characters and the story line are definitely following a woman’s ideas. The contrast of a woman’s romantic story is quite different from a man’s. I do recommend this for anyone that is looking for a quick read of an adventure with a dash of romance.