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The Scarlet Pimpernel (chronological order) #9
Sir Percy Hits Back
Book by Emmuska Orczy
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1927
19 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Emmuska Orczy
857 books1,101 followersFull name: Emma ("Emmuska") Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála Orczy de Orczi was a Hungarian-British novelist, best remembered as the author of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (1905). Baroness Orczy's sequels to the novel were less successful. She was also an artist, and her works were exhibited at the Royal Academy, London. Her first venture into fiction was with crime stories. Among her most popular characters was The Old Man in the Corner, who was featured in a series of twelve British movies from 1924, starring Rolf Leslie.
Baroness Emmuska Orczy was born in Tarnaörs, Hungary, as the only daughter of Baron Felix Orczy, a noted composer and conductor, and his wife Emma. Her father was a friend of such composers as Wagner, Liszt, and Gounod. Orczy moved with her parents from Budapest to Brussels and then to London, learning to speak English at the age of fifteen. She was educated in convent schools in Brussels and Paris. In London she studied at the West London School of Art. Orczy married in 1894 Montague Barstow, whom she had met while studying at the Heatherby School of Art. Together they started to produce book and magazine illustrations and published an edition of Hungarian folktales.
Orczy's first detective stories appeared in magazines. As a writer she became famous in 1903 with the stage version of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Baroness Emmuska Orczy was born in Tarnaörs, Hungary, as the only daughter of Baron Felix Orczy, a noted composer and conductor, and his wife Emma. Her father was a friend of such composers as Wagner, Liszt, and Gounod. Orczy moved with her parents from Budapest to Brussels and then to London, learning to speak English at the age of fifteen. She was educated in convent schools in Brussels and Paris. In London she studied at the West London School of Art. Orczy married in 1894 Montague Barstow, whom she had met while studying at the Heatherby School of Art. Together they started to produce book and magazine illustrations and published an edition of Hungarian folktales.
Orczy's first detective stories appeared in magazines. As a writer she became famous in 1903 with the stage version of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 4, 2024
5 stars. Never in a thousand years did I expect this story.
It’s a little less Pimpernel-y since he only how’s up towards the end—at least obviously, although he features several times throughout the first half of the book—but what he DOES makes up for how little he appears. This was so unexpected but so EXCELLENT and PERFECT a final fight between Chauvelin and Sir Percy!! The latter was so delightfully himself, and Chauvelin… he was very himself, yet you saw depths of him that you never expected to see. It was awesome. Somehow you pitied and hated him equally. He became so human!
Fleurette was adorable, and so was Amédé; and everyone else was so funny (or hateful); and I actually like Claire and the Frontenacs a lot, briefly as they appeared; and the setting was excellent…
This is a very bad review but I enjoyed the story a lot and it was a great addition to the series :)
A Favourite Quote: “We must practice to-day,” M. de St. Luce, the great scientist said lightly, “our attitude of to-morrow.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Who brought you here?” he reiterated roughly.
“An officer in a draggle-tailed uniform,” Louise replied, still speaking curtly, whilst with a glance that was distinctly hostile her eyes swept round the room.
It’s a little less Pimpernel-y since he only how’s up towards the end—at least obviously, although he features several times throughout the first half of the book—but what he DOES makes up for how little he appears. This was so unexpected but so EXCELLENT and PERFECT a final fight between Chauvelin and Sir Percy!! The latter was so delightfully himself, and Chauvelin… he was very himself, yet you saw depths of him that you never expected to see. It was awesome. Somehow you pitied and hated him equally. He became so human!
Fleurette was adorable, and so was Amédé; and everyone else was so funny (or hateful); and I actually like Claire and the Frontenacs a lot, briefly as they appeared; and the setting was excellent…
This is a very bad review but I enjoyed the story a lot and it was a great addition to the series :)
A Favourite Quote: “We must practice to-day,” M. de St. Luce, the great scientist said lightly, “our attitude of to-morrow.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Who brought you here?” he reiterated roughly.
“An officer in a draggle-tailed uniform,” Louise replied, still speaking curtly, whilst with a glance that was distinctly hostile her eyes swept round the room.
November 17, 2025
What to do when your Nemisis, Monsieur Chauvelin and his innocent daughter, Fleurette are now the targets of Revolutionary 'justice'? To help only the daughter? To help both, the daughter and her father, though Chauvelin is number one enemy of the Scarlet Pimpernel? Or to stand by and let both go to the blade because they wouldn't or couldn't be separated?
As always, our hero, Sir Percy, has the perfect solution.
As always, our hero, Sir Percy, has the perfect solution.
April 24, 2023
It has been a while since I have read a Scarlet Pimpernel story. This one was very well done. I truly enjoyed it.
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November 10, 2011Sir Percy Hits Back is one of many sequels to The Scarlet Pimpernel. It spends most of its time examining an unknown side of the series' villain, Chauvelin. Usually portrayed as a calculating, cold-hearted executioner, the character's softer side is shown as the reader discovers he is a father. It was an excellent example of how to make a character--even a villainous one--sympathetic to the reader. In the other books, Orczy habitually describes Chauvelin's hands as talon-like and sinister. However, in this volume the perspective changes to that of his daughter and she uses much softer terms to describe them. This book showed me how point of view changes how the author portrays the same object, person, etc. which I have implemented many times in my own writing.
April 8, 2018
I just love this series, I always have. These books gave me an interest in the French Revolution (because they reference real people and real events).
In this one we get to see the unwitting hypocrisy of Monsieur Chambertin.
The thing is, I always felt terribly sorry for Adèle. Orczy doesn't seem to be hugely sympathetic to her, but I think her situation sounds just awful :(
I also tend to favour the ones in which we get to see the Sir Percy side of the character as well as the Pimpernel. But there's no denying I raced through this with more excitement than I've felt for quite a while at any novel - loved it.
In this one we get to see the unwitting hypocrisy of Monsieur Chambertin.
The thing is, I always felt terribly sorry for Adèle. Orczy doesn't seem to be hugely sympathetic to her, but I think her situation sounds just awful :(
I also tend to favour the ones in which we get to see the Sir Percy side of the character as well as the Pimpernel. But there's no denying I raced through this with more excitement than I've felt for quite a while at any novel - loved it.
January 25, 2015
It's a good story but the idea of Chauvelin raising such an innocent sweet daughter while he's off murdering and scheming across the French countryside seems rather improbable. But then again, I guess everything about the Scarlet Pimpernel books is improbable. They're just pure escapism.
October 15, 2008
My reaction to Sir Percy Hits Back.
I wish I could rewrite it. Maybe I'll do that as a school project, it'd be kind of fun. Now, why what would I change? Well, it's a bit ranty. She spends such a long time going on about what's going on and describing what people are thinking and the climaxes are all weird and there seem to be things that are just plain contradictory.
How can someone be at the same time "calm" and "terrified" in the same moment? The emotions she sets, I can't quite flow with them.
All that being said, I enjoyed and I am glad that I read it. There are some surprising and fascinating things in here. It has some definite potential for being a fantastic book. I wish I could have been her editor when she wrote it.
It was disappointing how much of a background character Sir Percy was. Marguerite is uhh... not even hardly in this book. You never see her and her name is not mentioned more than 10 times. So, really this book is about a different set of characters and how their lives are affected by Sir Percy, which is fine I guess, but not what I was expecting. I ended up really liking the people in it.
One thing it did for me was paint a very clear picture of exactly how horrible the French Revolution was. It was terrible, for everyone. It was evil. I really do think this book is worthwhile. Chauvelin is amazing. You'll understand what I mean when you read it, he paints the clearest human picture.
I just find myself wishing it were a better book! It has so much serious potential, she's got great material and thoughts. Maybe I will rewrite it. I want it to be read and enjoyed.
Yeah, read it.
I wish I could rewrite it. Maybe I'll do that as a school project, it'd be kind of fun. Now, why what would I change? Well, it's a bit ranty. She spends such a long time going on about what's going on and describing what people are thinking and the climaxes are all weird and there seem to be things that are just plain contradictory.
How can someone be at the same time "calm" and "terrified" in the same moment? The emotions she sets, I can't quite flow with them.
All that being said, I enjoyed and I am glad that I read it. There are some surprising and fascinating things in here. It has some definite potential for being a fantastic book. I wish I could have been her editor when she wrote it.
It was disappointing how much of a background character Sir Percy was. Marguerite is uhh... not even hardly in this book. You never see her and her name is not mentioned more than 10 times. So, really this book is about a different set of characters and how their lives are affected by Sir Percy, which is fine I guess, but not what I was expecting. I ended up really liking the people in it.
One thing it did for me was paint a very clear picture of exactly how horrible the French Revolution was. It was terrible, for everyone. It was evil. I really do think this book is worthwhile. Chauvelin is amazing. You'll understand what I mean when you read it, he paints the clearest human picture.
I just find myself wishing it were a better book! It has so much serious potential, she's got great material and thoughts. Maybe I will rewrite it. I want it to be read and enjoyed.
Yeah, read it.
August 28, 2009
An excellant adventure of another mission that the Scarlet Pimpernel takes to save the innocent, and in this instance, some familiar faces are in need of saving! Though this was quite an injoyable read, I didn't find it to be quite as reviting as some of Orczy's other books in her Scarlet Pimpernel series. I would suggest reading Orczy's more exhilerating books first such as, El Dorado, The Elusive Pimpernel, and of course, The Scarlet Pimpernel, before starting with this book.
Though with all of that said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Though with all of that said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
April 20, 2010
So this book was good in that the story is mostly told from the enemy's point of view and Chavlin has been put in a tight position... But I still like The First Sir Percy, The Scarlet Pimpernel, El Dorado, and The Elusive Pimpernel the best. Two more to Go!
March 8, 2024
This deserves the full 5 stars; I had such a good time and I can't stop thinking about the last chapter.
Oh this was so FUN. I can't say I ever wondered what Chauvelin did while he wasn't chasing after Percy, but it certainly wasn't this. Him having a daughter who was facing the guillotine and needed to be saved by Percy was such a crazy turn of events.
First off, it's insane that not only did Chauvelin have a daughter but that she was basically against the revolution. You'd think he would've taught her better to be as bloodthirsty as everyone else. Anyway I really liked Fleurette. She was kinda naïve and had the typical "innocent pretty girl" thing all Orczy's female protagonists got going on, but she was selfless which was especially noteworthy because of who her dad was. I will say I didn't like how Adele, the serving girl, was once again portrayed as ugly. I wish Orczy wouldn't write all the lower class girls to be ugly and undesirable. But anyways. (Also Louise preferring Fleurette to Adele who was her own biological daughter was messed up on so many levels.)
Its also hilarious that Chauvelin was more successful at fooling Percy unintentionally (keeping his identity secret) than he ever was at catching him. The scene where Percy and Chauvelin accidentally confront each other made me laugh so hard. It's typical Percy and Chauvelin shenanigans and they never disappoint me.
On a serious note, this book really shows us the differences in both of their characters. Chauvelin is not only selfish, but a hypocrite. He relishes in sending many innocents, including young women, to their death. Yet when it is his own daughter, he tries to spare her even while not changing his mind that other innocents deserve the guillotine. He also cannot comprehend Percy's selflessness. Since he sees Percy as his bitter enemy, he can't understand that Percy isn't consumed by hate and revenge like he is. I found Percy's last line of the novel to be such a testament to his selfless and caring character, and it was actually the standout line of the book for me.
Reading this one before Triumph of the Pimpernel is extra wild because wow... Chauvelin did not grow from his experience at all. I think it would've been interesting to see how this maybe affected his character more, but I guess that's the point. Chauvelin is selfish and apparently nothing will change that. Not even love or gratitude for the life of his daughter.
Oh this was so FUN. I can't say I ever wondered what Chauvelin did while he wasn't chasing after Percy, but it certainly wasn't this. Him having a daughter who was facing the guillotine and needed to be saved by Percy was such a crazy turn of events.
First off, it's insane that not only did Chauvelin have a daughter but that she was basically against the revolution. You'd think he would've taught her better to be as bloodthirsty as everyone else. Anyway I really liked Fleurette. She was kinda naïve and had the typical "innocent pretty girl" thing all Orczy's female protagonists got going on, but she was selfless which was especially noteworthy because of who her dad was. I will say I didn't like how Adele, the serving girl, was once again portrayed as ugly. I wish Orczy wouldn't write all the lower class girls to be ugly and undesirable. But anyways. (Also Louise preferring Fleurette to Adele who was her own biological daughter was messed up on so many levels.)
Its also hilarious that Chauvelin was more successful at fooling Percy unintentionally (keeping his identity secret) than he ever was at catching him. The scene where Percy and Chauvelin accidentally confront each other made me laugh so hard. It's typical Percy and Chauvelin shenanigans and they never disappoint me.
On a serious note, this book really shows us the differences in both of their characters. Chauvelin is not only selfish, but a hypocrite. He relishes in sending many innocents, including young women, to their death. Yet when it is his own daughter, he tries to spare her even while not changing his mind that other innocents deserve the guillotine. He also cannot comprehend Percy's selflessness. Since he sees Percy as his bitter enemy, he can't understand that Percy isn't consumed by hate and revenge like he is. I found Percy's last line of the novel to be such a testament to his selfless and caring character, and it was actually the standout line of the book for me.
Reading this one before Triumph of the Pimpernel is extra wild because wow... Chauvelin did not grow from his experience at all. I think it would've been interesting to see how this maybe affected his character more, but I guess that's the point. Chauvelin is selfish and apparently nothing will change that. Not even love or gratitude for the life of his daughter.
October 29, 2023
FINALLY A GOOD INSTALLMENT
I ATE this book UP
I just LOVE a good come-uppance. So Chauvelin's own daughter getting nabbed??? And him trying to not have Percy find out, then pretty much breaking down once Percy does find out because of course Percy would never save his enemies' daughter? Yeah. This is some fanfic-level drama over here.
There were a few things I didn't like:
-
- Fleurette had no character traits. At first I thought she might have some, but no. This author is great at writing emotions, but only for male characters. And Fleurette, in this case, is the mcguffin that makes it all possible.
- When she's in prison, Fleurette gets a message from Percy. How does he do it?
I ATE this book UP
I just LOVE a good come-uppance. So Chauvelin's own daughter getting nabbed??? And him trying to not have Percy find out, then pretty much breaking down once Percy does find out because of course Percy would never save his enemies' daughter? Yeah. This is some fanfic-level drama over here.
There were a few things I didn't like:
-
- Fleurette had no character traits. At first I thought she might have some, but no. This author is great at writing emotions, but only for male characters. And Fleurette, in this case, is the mcguffin that makes it all possible.
- When she's in prison, Fleurette gets a message from Percy. How does he do it?
December 20, 2018
One of my favorites in the Scarlet Pimpernel series. While perhaps not up to the literary standard of some of her others, it’s rather perversely delightful to watch Chauvelin writhe in the clutches of the nightmare he inflicted on so many others. His cleverness is not sold short, but for once it’s not Sir Percy who’s cutting him off at every turn - it’s his own government.
As for Sir Percy, I find his reaction to the situation completely in character. As he discovers more about what’s going on, the reader can imagine his internal struggle. And yet, at the end of the book, he triumphs over his own baser nature as marked in a deliciously satisfying conversation between the two arch-rivals. I will read the whole book just to get to that ending.
Yes, it’s fluffy. And imperfect. And perhaps somewhat improbable. But I love it nonetheless, if only for the light it casts on the two main characters of the series.
As for Sir Percy, I find his reaction to the situation completely in character. As he discovers more about what’s going on, the reader can imagine his internal struggle. And yet, at the end of the book, he triumphs over his own baser nature as marked in a deliciously satisfying conversation between the two arch-rivals. I will read the whole book just to get to that ending.
Yes, it’s fluffy. And imperfect. And perhaps somewhat improbable. But I love it nonetheless, if only for the light it casts on the two main characters of the series.
December 2, 2019
The first half of this Pimpernel adventure is on the slow side, but the second half is some of the best in the series. The twist is great; too bad the book summary on this page spoils it. Chauvelin's various speculations about how the Pimpernel will act and for what motivations are interesting when overlaid with the Pimpernel acting in exactly the way the last half a dozen books would lead you to expect.
August 28, 2020
I quite enjoyed this book in the series. The plot twists are so enjoyable and amazing. I loved the new point of view towards the last half of the book. >:) Also, I liked that there is actually quite a bit more about Sir Percy in this book than some of the others about the "Scarlet Pimpernel". He's such a charismatic character! XD
December 31, 2022
Skimmed through to find the answer to a question in the annual cryptic King William’s College quiz. Luckily out of copyright and available online.
Seemed as you’d expect. Dated but engaging adventure story, firmly on the monarchist anti-republican side. The twist here is that Citizen Chauvelin’s own daughter is caught up in the Terror, and he has to turn to his enemy the Pimpernel to save her.
Seemed as you’d expect. Dated but engaging adventure story, firmly on the monarchist anti-republican side. The twist here is that Citizen Chauvelin’s own daughter is caught up in the Terror, and he has to turn to his enemy the Pimpernel to save her.
March 25, 2020
Overall a really well-written and exciting read. Points off for casual racism and sexual assault, plus a weird, unsatisfying ending.
May 3, 2021
Another great book
October 10, 2024
My absolute favourite of all the sequels to The Scarlet Pimpernel!
October 30, 2024
I was expecting to see a lot of Sir Percy, but the book ended up being more about how the girl (who Percy saves) got into danger in the first place. Just not what I was expecting.
September 12, 2024
These are some of my favorite books ever. Her plots are riveting I can't put the book down!
February 5, 2015
It's a real shame the blurb for this book gives away the story. Fortunately, I hadn't read any blurb so had to guess what was coming. That aspect of the story made it really delightful, especially given how it played out. This is probably one of my favourite Pimpernel novels.
April 11, 2008
This is great book!
November 4, 2019
'A reread of a favorite book' Found in the second hand shop I worked in in 1985 - PopSugar
'Past love - Reread a book you loved when you where younger' - GR summer RCh
'Past love - Reread a book you loved when you where younger' - GR summer RCh
April 26, 2017
Warning: a little bit of language and perhaps more "romance" than parents might want. I plan to read this again and create a Clean Guide. Check back again or message me to request this be bumped to the top of the list!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews