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Indiscretion
When your father is a man of expensive tastes and schemes but very little money, you soon learn to make do. So when Captain Fortune, a well-meaning but profligate ex-soldier in Regency England, tells his daughter Caroline that they are ruined, she automatically starts seeking employment as a governess. Her father, however, has far grander designs for Miss Fortune.…
Caro is to become the companion of Mrs. Catling, the rich, fierce widow of her father's old colonel. As Mrs. Catling amuses herself by tormenting her relatives and servants, Caro resolves to make the best of the situation, and soon her beauty and intelligence attract the attentions of male admirers.
Surrounded by people with an alarming readiness to reveal each other's confidences, Caroline is exasperated to find herself implicated in their indiscretions. But will Miss Fortune be able to avoid losing her reputation without losing her head? And will she find at least one good man amongst the genteel set who will take her side, and, indeed, her fancy?
Caro is to become the companion of Mrs. Catling, the rich, fierce widow of her father's old colonel. As Mrs. Catling amuses herself by tormenting her relatives and servants, Caro resolves to make the best of the situation, and soon her beauty and intelligence attract the attentions of male admirers.
Surrounded by people with an alarming readiness to reveal each other's confidences, Caroline is exasperated to find herself implicated in their indiscretions. But will Miss Fortune be able to avoid losing her reputation without losing her head? And will she find at least one good man amongst the genteel set who will take her side, and, indeed, her fancy?
378 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
21 people are currently reading
3249 people want to read
About the author
Jude Morgan
19 books179 followersJude Morgan was born and brought up in Peterborough on the edge of the Fens and was a student on the University of East Anglia MA Course in Creative Writing under Malcolm Bradbury and Angela Carter.
A pseudonym used by Tim Wilson.
Also wrote under the names T.R. Wilson and Hannah March.
A pseudonym used by Tim Wilson.
Also wrote under the names T.R. Wilson and Hannah March.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
November 8, 2014
Books like this are the reason I read and love Regency romance. They enable me to really escape to a different time and place, and to lose myself completely in the story. Indiscretion is so well-written and well crafted together, that it is more than just a good Regency novel; it's a masterpiece. This is the kind of book that will become a classic, forever analyzed and admired by readers. Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer would be proud of the wonderful characters, exclaim at the witty repartee and delight in the romance. Jude Morgan is definitely one extremely talented writer!
The story centers on young Miss Caroline Fortune, a sensible and level-headed woman, who has been brought up by her dissipated father, and finds herself hired as companion to an old crusty lady when her father's financial situation becomes desperate. Because of her upbringing - moving constantly, fleeing creditors, being exposed to rough language and lowly behaviour, and living in poorer parts of town - Caroline is very worldly, and very independent. If it had been possible for a woman to live completely by herself in the Regency era, Caroline would have done it. She is smart, quick-witted and resourceful. I was in constant amazement and admiration of her during the whole book. She was so strong.
Caroline's world forever changes when she accepts the position of companion to Mrs. Catling, and is swept away in Brighton high society. From then, her life unwillingly becomes a series of entanglements and secrets, as most of her new acquaintances are quick to bestow unwanted confidences upon her, and she must bear them all and do her utmost to keep a neutral front. Caroline does suffer her fair share during the course of the novel, and many, many times I was sure she would break down and have a good crying fit, but aside from shedding a few natural tears over the death of her father (not a spoiler, he dies early on), she never did. Does that make her heartless and unfeeling? Absolutely not. I loved her even more when she was able to control her emotions so well and bear the weight of all the accusations bestowed upon her. For, as quick as people were to bestow confidences upon her, so were they to jump to hasty conclusions and blame her whenever their secrets became known or when things turned awry. And in the midst of it all, Caroline, with her unfailing countenance and brave face, only emerged from it all stronger in the end. Sure, she had her angry moments, and since she had a quick tongue and a varied cursing repertoire, she sometimes unleashed her frustration by saying things like: "Damn and blast and set fire to it all - and especially bloody Brighton - I swear if I hear that word once more I shall scream the rafters down!" or "I would dearly love to kick him, and not from the rear!"
Caroline was badass and fabulous, and she was the best kind of heroine ever. The world needs more people liker her. :)
I will be honest, as much as I love Jane Austen, her books are very, very, very slow...and it was so refreshing to have a similar book in tone, but more fast-paced! It had its slow moments, to be sure, but some parts had me reading so fast and gripping the pages frantically in suspense! (Maybe that has to do with the fact that I usually peek in books and this time I didn't...) It was an exciting read, but at the same time it was serious and had many deep passages that invited to reflection and analysis. If I hadn't been so lazy, I would have marked them as I read, but I didn't, and now I don't feel like browsing the book for example ;) Just go read it, you won't regret it!
And the romance, heavens be praised! So subtle, and yet so beautiful! The hero is just...so loveable. He's teasing, exasperating, stuck-up, annoying, unconventional, funny, and it spite of it all he's one of my top favourites, and just such a PERFECT match for the heroine. I love sparring couples ;) And he is not handsome, rich, rakish, a nonesuch, or anything of the kind. He's just him, and he's perfect for this book, perfect for Caroline, perfect for the reader to delight in. Who can resist a man opposed to marriage because he is convinced the woman of his dreams does not exist?
"'This fantastical creature would not mind any of my follies and inconsistencies - she would be my warmest friend - she would drink too much wine with me - laugh at society instead of courting it - never talk in the morning until at least half past ten - happily stay indoors for days at a time and not seeing a soul, and then on a whim go a journey of twenty miles - and all this time remain naturally elegant, clever, and good-tempered.'"
This is not a book to be missed. It is unique, charming, endearing, and I will definitely re-read it many times! I loved that it was so different from all the other Regencies I have ever read. Mark my words, I would say, if I were the kind of intolerable person who says "Mark my words"! ;)
The story centers on young Miss Caroline Fortune, a sensible and level-headed woman, who has been brought up by her dissipated father, and finds herself hired as companion to an old crusty lady when her father's financial situation becomes desperate. Because of her upbringing - moving constantly, fleeing creditors, being exposed to rough language and lowly behaviour, and living in poorer parts of town - Caroline is very worldly, and very independent. If it had been possible for a woman to live completely by herself in the Regency era, Caroline would have done it. She is smart, quick-witted and resourceful. I was in constant amazement and admiration of her during the whole book. She was so strong.
Caroline's world forever changes when she accepts the position of companion to Mrs. Catling, and is swept away in Brighton high society. From then, her life unwillingly becomes a series of entanglements and secrets, as most of her new acquaintances are quick to bestow unwanted confidences upon her, and she must bear them all and do her utmost to keep a neutral front. Caroline does suffer her fair share during the course of the novel, and many, many times I was sure she would break down and have a good crying fit, but aside from shedding a few natural tears over the death of her father (not a spoiler, he dies early on), she never did. Does that make her heartless and unfeeling? Absolutely not. I loved her even more when she was able to control her emotions so well and bear the weight of all the accusations bestowed upon her. For, as quick as people were to bestow confidences upon her, so were they to jump to hasty conclusions and blame her whenever their secrets became known or when things turned awry. And in the midst of it all, Caroline, with her unfailing countenance and brave face, only emerged from it all stronger in the end. Sure, she had her angry moments, and since she had a quick tongue and a varied cursing repertoire, she sometimes unleashed her frustration by saying things like: "Damn and blast and set fire to it all - and especially bloody Brighton - I swear if I hear that word once more I shall scream the rafters down!" or "I would dearly love to kick him, and not from the rear!"
Caroline was badass and fabulous, and she was the best kind of heroine ever. The world needs more people liker her. :)
I will be honest, as much as I love Jane Austen, her books are very, very, very slow...and it was so refreshing to have a similar book in tone, but more fast-paced! It had its slow moments, to be sure, but some parts had me reading so fast and gripping the pages frantically in suspense! (Maybe that has to do with the fact that I usually peek in books and this time I didn't...) It was an exciting read, but at the same time it was serious and had many deep passages that invited to reflection and analysis. If I hadn't been so lazy, I would have marked them as I read, but I didn't, and now I don't feel like browsing the book for example ;) Just go read it, you won't regret it!
And the romance, heavens be praised! So subtle, and yet so beautiful! The hero is just...so loveable. He's teasing, exasperating, stuck-up, annoying, unconventional, funny, and it spite of it all he's one of my top favourites, and just such a PERFECT match for the heroine. I love sparring couples ;) And he is not handsome, rich, rakish, a nonesuch, or anything of the kind. He's just him, and he's perfect for this book, perfect for Caroline, perfect for the reader to delight in. Who can resist a man opposed to marriage because he is convinced the woman of his dreams does not exist?
"'This fantastical creature would not mind any of my follies and inconsistencies - she would be my warmest friend - she would drink too much wine with me - laugh at society instead of courting it - never talk in the morning until at least half past ten - happily stay indoors for days at a time and not seeing a soul, and then on a whim go a journey of twenty miles - and all this time remain naturally elegant, clever, and good-tempered.'"
This is not a book to be missed. It is unique, charming, endearing, and I will definitely re-read it many times! I loved that it was so different from all the other Regencies I have ever read. Mark my words, I would say, if I were the kind of intolerable person who says "Mark my words"! ;)
April 6, 2015
This was about a one and a half star for me. Several of my dear Goodreads friends loved this book and I understand why.
The basic story concept is the beloved stuff of classic Regency romance--a young woman, raised by a well-born but dissolute, gambling father, is forced by his bankruptcy to seek employment with a nasty but wealthy old woman who gets her jollies by manipulating and abusing her staff and relatives. It's a popular (even hackneyed) story-line because it highlights class and economic differences in Regency England, it provides an opportunity for the reader to admire the heroine's pluck, and it sets up the sort of rags-to-riches happy ending of which Regency genre fans are justly fond.
I don't want to spoil the book for those who loved it, but let me try to explain why it was hard-going for me and might be so for a few other readers.
Much of the story is told in dialog. The dialog is forced to convey nearly all of the plot and character development, with next to no exposition and remarkably little description of place or person. Too much time is spent at endless dinners and teas where an over-large cast of characters discuss each other, what happened, what might happen, what they should do tomorrow, why so-and-so did such-and-such. We don't even get good descriptions of the food and fashions (always a redeeming quality IMO).
The long stretches of dialog were made heavier by the absence of dialog tags. What's a dialog tag? Here's an example: "'Perhaps the ladies might...' Jane let the suggestion gently float across the table, with a speaking glance at her mama-in-law."
Dialog tags are one way that a writer can help reveal character and relationships and that, after all, is dialog's primary purpose. In the absence of tags and description, the reader is left on her own to try to sort out a conversation while rendered essentially blind and deaf.
Problem number two: a less than believable heroine. Caroline Fortune (Miss Fortune, get it?) never seemed entirely real to me.
Hints are dropped that she knows rather more about gambling hells and hangover cures than most gently-bred Regency females, but, alas, the author never spends enough time on Caroline's life with her father for this interesting aspect to be developed.
We do get to see that her father has indulged his own appetites at her expense--for example she seems to have only two well-worn dresses to her name. We also discover that she has been subject to at least one fairly public humiliation--having been forced to leave her elite school in mid-term due to lack of money.
Such a complex and painful background normally leaves scars and might have been highlighted in moving ways in the next section when Caroline leaves her father to take up her new post with the harridan. Her new position comes with a dress allowance and the first stop is the milliner to order a wardrobe befitting her new role. But we never get to go to the milliner or see the dresses, we never get to feel Caroline's wonder and delight--and surely such a young woman would feel that way.
Nor do we ever get to feel any of the other complex emotions that might go along with this scenario: a sense of embarrassment, indebtedness, or perhaps ambivalence. Here is a young woman being outfitted at an upscale London shop by an elderly woman, a total stranger, and presumably molded to suit her employer's sense of style and deportment. Surely it would have felt odd; it might even have been painful or humiliating. But this promising moment is given no more than a half sentence. There are, in fact, remarkably few emotional moments, not even as she parts from her father; Caroline and her employer are simply packed off to Brighton without incident or illumination.
Once in Brighton I would have expected Caroline's odd background to cause more trouble that it did. And I would certainly have expected her employer to give her more grief and humiliation.
Schooled by her gambling father, Caroline supposedly plays a very mean game of whist and other far less respectable card games. What a promising set-up for gossip and nasty pointed remarks about how adroitly Caroline shuffles a deck of cards! What a delicious opportunity for her to spot card-sharps and turn tables! What opportunities for dangerous liaisons! But no. Total silence on her card-playing skills and their reception in polite society. Another missed novelistic opportunity.
Caroline seems to slip into Brighton society and her new role with little comment or mishap. Does that make sense? Here is a girl, barely into her twenties, denied nearly all social opportunity and yet she knows all the dances? She knows how to handle her dresses, her reticule, her fan, the complex rituals of a mannered society, etc.? All flawlessly enough to pass muster? We never see her struggle with these things so the next Big Event and her reaction makes very little sense. Without getting into spoiler territory, let me just say that Caroline--given what little we know of her background--seems at once too innocent and too assured for the central plot point and its consequences to be believable.
It was promising idea and in Georgette Heyer's hands it would have been a classic, but as shaped by Jude Morgan the book proved more of an irritant than a diversion--at least for this cranky reader.
Content rating: a clean read except for Caroline' incipient drinking problem.
The basic story concept is the beloved stuff of classic Regency romance--a young woman, raised by a well-born but dissolute, gambling father, is forced by his bankruptcy to seek employment with a nasty but wealthy old woman who gets her jollies by manipulating and abusing her staff and relatives. It's a popular (even hackneyed) story-line because it highlights class and economic differences in Regency England, it provides an opportunity for the reader to admire the heroine's pluck, and it sets up the sort of rags-to-riches happy ending of which Regency genre fans are justly fond.
I don't want to spoil the book for those who loved it, but let me try to explain why it was hard-going for me and might be so for a few other readers.
Much of the story is told in dialog. The dialog is forced to convey nearly all of the plot and character development, with next to no exposition and remarkably little description of place or person. Too much time is spent at endless dinners and teas where an over-large cast of characters discuss each other, what happened, what might happen, what they should do tomorrow, why so-and-so did such-and-such. We don't even get good descriptions of the food and fashions (always a redeeming quality IMO).
The long stretches of dialog were made heavier by the absence of dialog tags. What's a dialog tag? Here's an example: "'Perhaps the ladies might...' Jane let the suggestion gently float across the table, with a speaking glance at her mama-in-law."
Dialog tags are one way that a writer can help reveal character and relationships and that, after all, is dialog's primary purpose. In the absence of tags and description, the reader is left on her own to try to sort out a conversation while rendered essentially blind and deaf.
Problem number two: a less than believable heroine. Caroline Fortune (Miss Fortune, get it?) never seemed entirely real to me.
Hints are dropped that she knows rather more about gambling hells and hangover cures than most gently-bred Regency females, but, alas, the author never spends enough time on Caroline's life with her father for this interesting aspect to be developed.
We do get to see that her father has indulged his own appetites at her expense--for example she seems to have only two well-worn dresses to her name. We also discover that she has been subject to at least one fairly public humiliation--having been forced to leave her elite school in mid-term due to lack of money.
Such a complex and painful background normally leaves scars and might have been highlighted in moving ways in the next section when Caroline leaves her father to take up her new post with the harridan. Her new position comes with a dress allowance and the first stop is the milliner to order a wardrobe befitting her new role. But we never get to go to the milliner or see the dresses, we never get to feel Caroline's wonder and delight--and surely such a young woman would feel that way.
Nor do we ever get to feel any of the other complex emotions that might go along with this scenario: a sense of embarrassment, indebtedness, or perhaps ambivalence. Here is a young woman being outfitted at an upscale London shop by an elderly woman, a total stranger, and presumably molded to suit her employer's sense of style and deportment. Surely it would have felt odd; it might even have been painful or humiliating. But this promising moment is given no more than a half sentence. There are, in fact, remarkably few emotional moments, not even as she parts from her father; Caroline and her employer are simply packed off to Brighton without incident or illumination.
Once in Brighton I would have expected Caroline's odd background to cause more trouble that it did. And I would certainly have expected her employer to give her more grief and humiliation.
Schooled by her gambling father, Caroline supposedly plays a very mean game of whist and other far less respectable card games. What a promising set-up for gossip and nasty pointed remarks about how adroitly Caroline shuffles a deck of cards! What a delicious opportunity for her to spot card-sharps and turn tables! What opportunities for dangerous liaisons! But no. Total silence on her card-playing skills and their reception in polite society. Another missed novelistic opportunity.
Caroline seems to slip into Brighton society and her new role with little comment or mishap. Does that make sense? Here is a girl, barely into her twenties, denied nearly all social opportunity and yet she knows all the dances? She knows how to handle her dresses, her reticule, her fan, the complex rituals of a mannered society, etc.? All flawlessly enough to pass muster? We never see her struggle with these things so the next Big Event and her reaction makes very little sense. Without getting into spoiler territory, let me just say that Caroline--given what little we know of her background--seems at once too innocent and too assured for the central plot point and its consequences to be believable.
It was promising idea and in Georgette Heyer's hands it would have been a classic, but as shaped by Jude Morgan the book proved more of an irritant than a diversion--at least for this cranky reader.
Content rating: a clean read except for Caroline' incipient drinking problem.
July 26, 2009
Debt-ridden and homeless, Captain Fortune and his daughter Caroline are at the end of their rope. Desperate, he finds for her a position as a companion to a garrulous, sharp-tongued rich widow called Mrs Catling, who takes up her residence in Brighton.
Caroline, beautiful, intelligent, well-mannered, had been prepared to hire herself out as a governess or worse - being a lady's companion seems like the better choice, though she doesn't deceive herself that life with the scathing woman will be easy. She meets the widow's nephew and niece, Matthew and Maira Downing, who are dangling after their aunt's money, and their friend, Richard Leabrook.
Caroline enjoys Richard's company a great deal, but when he makes a scandalous and insulting suggestion to her the friendship is at an end and Richard hastily leaves for home. Caroline hoped that would be the end of it.
But when circumstances lead her to leave Mrs Catling's employ and live with her aunt and uncle, previously estranged, in the sleepy little village of Wythorpe, she is in for a nasty shock. And as more and more people around her start assigning attributes and even starring roles to her in their own indiscretions and disappointments, Caroline despairs of losing the good impression of Stephen Milner before she's even gained it.
Comparisons with Pride and Prejudice and some of her other works are no doubt unavoidable - though Indiscretions is set after the Napoleonic War and P&P was written before it - but it doesn't or shouldn't suffer from it: it is more that Morgan has written a wonderful, intrepid book in the style of Austen, and superbly so.
The prose especially is in that style, though arguably it's more readable for the modern reader, and there are several characters who are delightful caricatures, larger-than-life figures, from Mrs Catling to Matthew Downey to Stephen Milner, among others. Really the only one who seems moderately sensible is Caroline herself, but she's no dullard, and her comebacks make Lizzie Bennet seem timid. Stephen Milner and his sardonic wit and silliness was another favourite of mine, reminiscent in a way of a Georgette Heyer hero, and when he and Caroline got going the witty banter was a joy to read. Another, Captain Brunton and his unrequited love, reminded me of the pining Dobbin from Vanity Fair and Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility - and yet, different again. Morgan's skill is amply on display here, not just with the historical aspects or his grasp of the style, but of his ability to create such entertaining characters.
The plot has a gentle pace, like Persuasion, but laced with a sense of imminence, of foreboding almost - this tension, this anticipation, gives it an added thrill which helps make up for a slight lack in the romance side. I could have wished for a bit more between Caroline and Stephen - so obviously well made for each other - and the ending was a bit short and sudden.
Wildly enjoyable, racy and yet gentle, witty and funny, Indiscretion is a must for all historical fiction fans. I could wish for a better cover for it though.
Caroline, beautiful, intelligent, well-mannered, had been prepared to hire herself out as a governess or worse - being a lady's companion seems like the better choice, though she doesn't deceive herself that life with the scathing woman will be easy. She meets the widow's nephew and niece, Matthew and Maira Downing, who are dangling after their aunt's money, and their friend, Richard Leabrook.
Caroline enjoys Richard's company a great deal, but when he makes a scandalous and insulting suggestion to her the friendship is at an end and Richard hastily leaves for home. Caroline hoped that would be the end of it.
But when circumstances lead her to leave Mrs Catling's employ and live with her aunt and uncle, previously estranged, in the sleepy little village of Wythorpe, she is in for a nasty shock. And as more and more people around her start assigning attributes and even starring roles to her in their own indiscretions and disappointments, Caroline despairs of losing the good impression of Stephen Milner before she's even gained it.
Comparisons with Pride and Prejudice and some of her other works are no doubt unavoidable - though Indiscretions is set after the Napoleonic War and P&P was written before it - but it doesn't or shouldn't suffer from it: it is more that Morgan has written a wonderful, intrepid book in the style of Austen, and superbly so.
The prose especially is in that style, though arguably it's more readable for the modern reader, and there are several characters who are delightful caricatures, larger-than-life figures, from Mrs Catling to Matthew Downey to Stephen Milner, among others. Really the only one who seems moderately sensible is Caroline herself, but she's no dullard, and her comebacks make Lizzie Bennet seem timid. Stephen Milner and his sardonic wit and silliness was another favourite of mine, reminiscent in a way of a Georgette Heyer hero, and when he and Caroline got going the witty banter was a joy to read. Another, Captain Brunton and his unrequited love, reminded me of the pining Dobbin from Vanity Fair and Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility - and yet, different again. Morgan's skill is amply on display here, not just with the historical aspects or his grasp of the style, but of his ability to create such entertaining characters.
The plot has a gentle pace, like Persuasion, but laced with a sense of imminence, of foreboding almost - this tension, this anticipation, gives it an added thrill which helps make up for a slight lack in the romance side. I could have wished for a bit more between Caroline and Stephen - so obviously well made for each other - and the ending was a bit short and sudden.
Wildly enjoyable, racy and yet gentle, witty and funny, Indiscretion is a must for all historical fiction fans. I could wish for a better cover for it though.
November 24, 2025
I enjoyed it more the first time; nonetheless, I have had a nice time now, too. Perhaps I had liked Caroline a bit less this time, perhaps it was more predictable this time (although I didn't remember all twists). Still, the three Regency romances by Jude Morgan are a must-read for every fan of the genre.
[4.5 stars]
--- Previous review ---
Yes, it was even better than An Accomplished Woman. Masterpiece of the genre!
You have here all!
There are brilliant characters, with different personalities and they aren't simple bad or good. They are human! It makes you like them more. You have here a cross-section of society. And it is so good described that I can't even dislike They are so human!
You have a few plot twists which were a big surprise for me. It isn't one of these book, when you know what will be going on but you still enjoy reading. You will enjoy, for sure, but you will be surprised. ;-)
And these dialogues! Witty, charming, funny, sometimes philosophical. Like I have written in case of An Accomplished Woman: it is mix of Jane Austen with Georgette Heyer. It is funnier than Austen and with deeper analysis of human and society than Heyer.
Some examples of wit:
Watch out! Spoiler! They are last words of the book! You will understand them when you read the book ;-)
Some examples of more philosophical level:
And of course a romance ;-) No, I should say romances because you have here a few of them. You will find here variety of love.
Ehh... You have only one option! Stop reading my review and start reading the book! ;-) I envy you a little if you read it for the first time ;-)
[4.5 stars]
--- Previous review ---
Yes, it was even better than An Accomplished Woman. Masterpiece of the genre!
You have here all!
There are brilliant characters, with different personalities and they aren't simple bad or good. They are human! It makes you like them more. You have here a cross-section of society. And it is so good described that I can't even dislike They are so human!
You have a few plot twists which were a big surprise for me. It isn't one of these book, when you know what will be going on but you still enjoy reading. You will enjoy, for sure, but you will be surprised. ;-)
And these dialogues! Witty, charming, funny, sometimes philosophical. Like I have written in case of An Accomplished Woman: it is mix of Jane Austen with Georgette Heyer. It is funnier than Austen and with deeper analysis of human and society than Heyer.
Some examples of wit:
"Caroline listened to herself with rising mortification: if it were possible to blabber worse nonsense, she could not see how"
"Oh, the respectable world and I are on easy terms. I ignore it when I choose, and it does likewise with me"
Watch out! Spoiler! They are last words of the book! You will understand them when you read the book ;-)
Some examples of more philosophical level:
"There is no beautifier like sympathy"
"But Reason’s voice could not always be heard above the clamour of self-doubt"
"when everyone is used to being open and honest, then no one will get hurt by such things"
"I should say no more. Because when we dislike someone we are always very ready to believe any ill of them"
"who lives upon hope dies fasting, they say"
And of course a romance ;-) No, I should say romances because you have here a few of them. You will find here variety of love.
Ehh... You have only one option! Stop reading my review and start reading the book! ;-) I envy you a little if you read it for the first time ;-)
March 28, 2017
4 1/2
I meant to savor my three books by Jude Morgan, and have large spaces in between. instead I have read two of them one after the other. Great fun! Witty, full of satire and real characters with unexpected twists as well as some Jane Austen moments.
I don't know what tho say that others haven't already said in their reviews, but I will say that misfortune follows Miss Caro Fortune most doggedly.
PG A few swears and mention of mistresses.
I meant to savor my three books by Jude Morgan, and have large spaces in between. instead I have read two of them one after the other. Great fun! Witty, full of satire and real characters with unexpected twists as well as some Jane Austen moments.
I don't know what tho say that others haven't already said in their reviews, but I will say that misfortune follows Miss Caro Fortune most doggedly.
PG A few swears and mention of mistresses.
April 28, 2015
2.5 stars
When I want Austen or Heyer I should read Austen or Heyer. If I want to read a book set roughly in the era I should choose Thackeray's Vanity Fair or the Flashman books where the author has their own voice.
As far as plotting & structure goes this book gets off to a very slow start & I think it could have been a more interesting novel if there had been more of Caroline's life with her father. The book didn't really get moving till the end & then Morgan introduced that tired old Regency trope the
Although Morgan gave Caroline a few foibles, her character remained flat for me. Most of the characters did, other than Maria & Stephen.
Morgan does on occasion write beautifully - describing a minor character as a "pale watercolour of a woman" for example.
This is the second of Morgan's books I've tried. In spite of the number of GR friends who are fans, I think this might be my last!
When I want Austen or Heyer I should read Austen or Heyer. If I want to read a book set roughly in the era I should choose Thackeray's Vanity Fair or the Flashman books where the author has their own voice.
As far as plotting & structure goes this book gets off to a very slow start & I think it could have been a more interesting novel if there had been more of Caroline's life with her father. The book didn't really get moving till the end & then Morgan introduced that tired old Regency trope the
Although Morgan gave Caroline a few foibles, her character remained flat for me. Most of the characters did, other than Maria & Stephen.
Morgan does on occasion write beautifully - describing a minor character as a "pale watercolour of a woman" for example.
This is the second of Morgan's books I've tried. In spite of the number of GR friends who are fans, I think this might be my last!
March 19, 2013
What an enchanting reading!
This is a good choice for those who love Victorian novels, and even more because of its easy prose and its witty dialogues which keep you turning pare after page and with a smile playing on your lips at the end of each chapter.
The heroine, Miss Fortune (yes, that subtle irony...), coming from a doubtful background, is a smart and strong-minded but flirtatious girl who has to make her own way in Society leaving some of her acquaintances with their mouths open with her sincere ways.
Stephen, not the shinning knight we are used to in Austen's novels, is an intelligent but not obliging character who exasperates Miss Fortune with his jesting, who, at the same time, captivates the reader at once. The dialogues between those two are utterly brilliant.
The other characters help to create a complete and believable picture of the Victorian era, providing the reader with high entertainment of such quality only comparable to that of Austen's, Du Maurier's or the Brontës'.
I can't praise this book enough, specially the second half, which had me completely hooked, and remember the declaration of the last pages which left such a sweet taste on my mouth that I'm sure it'll be some time until I have so much genially fun.
I'll be definitely reading more by this author!
This is a good choice for those who love Victorian novels, and even more because of its easy prose and its witty dialogues which keep you turning pare after page and with a smile playing on your lips at the end of each chapter.
The heroine, Miss Fortune (yes, that subtle irony...), coming from a doubtful background, is a smart and strong-minded but flirtatious girl who has to make her own way in Society leaving some of her acquaintances with their mouths open with her sincere ways.
Stephen, not the shinning knight we are used to in Austen's novels, is an intelligent but not obliging character who exasperates Miss Fortune with his jesting, who, at the same time, captivates the reader at once. The dialogues between those two are utterly brilliant.
The other characters help to create a complete and believable picture of the Victorian era, providing the reader with high entertainment of such quality only comparable to that of Austen's, Du Maurier's or the Brontës'.
I can't praise this book enough, specially the second half, which had me completely hooked, and remember the declaration of the last pages which left such a sweet taste on my mouth that I'm sure it'll be some time until I have so much genially fun.
I'll be definitely reading more by this author!
August 14, 2023
The family had long been prosperously settled in Huntingdonshire. If they were notable at all, it was for a habit of not distinguishing themselves; and as no firmer warrant for respectability could be imagined, they continued to enjoy the widespread esteem of their acquaintance, to be buried with due formality in the vault at Wythorpe church when they died, and to be absolutely forgotten straight afterwards.
Caroline did not lack for partners in the succeeding dances, and one flushed young man who had drunk too much wine repeatedly informed her, with more gallantry than exactitude, that she was a magnificent Tigress. It was partly to escape the attentions of this zoological gentleman that she withdrew to the card room.
This definitely started off slowly and it took me some time to get reconciled to the idiosyncrasies of the writing. Obviously influenced by Georgette Heyer’s incorporation of the dialect and words of the era, it seemed a little try-hard.
Mrs Catling’s personal maid— a little pinched comfit-chewer with a look of settled, not to say lifelong discontent.
It took me a bit to get used to the cadences and the wordsmithing, but once I did, I appreciated the quality of the writing, for sure.
Mr Leabrook seemed to find nothing in her silence or awkward looks to disconcert him, however; and proceeded in his soft yet precise voice, like the purposeful padding of cat’s feet.He never uses a common word when a more obscure one will do, but that didn’t bother me and my vocabulary appreciated it.
He still tended to speak too partially of his own feelings, and to suppose that his idiosyncrasies were of necessity interesting; whereas she could not be convinced, even by ever so emphatic a manner, that a violent dislike of onion-sauce called for any special comment, still less admiration. But he was sincere and well-meaning, of that she was sure; and she felt for his difficult situation. Indeed, it was this that made Caroline his partisan.
He was one of the few men she had seen who suited the fashionable Windswept style that his thick black hair was dressed in— perhaps because he seemed always caught in a gust of emotion.
We follow in our 20-year-old heroine Caroline Fortune’s wake as she navigates through three distinct spheres of the Regency World, always doing so with grace, humor, kindness, and common sense. We first meet her as the loving but frustrated sole companion of her father and living in a seedy section of London. They are devoted to each other but are destitute thanks to her handsome father’s irresponsibility with what little income they have from his military pension. Her mother is eight years dead. She came from a respectable and well-off family but was disowned when she followed her heart and married Captain Fortune, itinerant actor, and former military man.
One step ahead of Debtor’s Prison and desperate to save his daughter, Captain Fortune secures a paid position for her as the companion to the widow of his old Colonel, Mrs. Catling, an old battleaxe if ever there was one. He escapes to Bath as Caroline settles in Brighton with her new employer. She meets and becomes friendly with Mrs. Catling’s niece and nephew who visit her frequently and are dependent on her financially to maintain their semi-fashionable lifestyle. She also becomes friendly with their friend, Mr. Leabrook, a handsome and smooth wealthy landowner who shows every indication of admiring Caroline very much. Unfortunately, he eventually proves to be not the paragon he first appears to be. Our heroine rubs along very well thanks to her composure in dealing with Mrs. Catling’s ways. Her situation changes once again about a third of the way through the book when she receives word of her father’s reconciliation with her late mother’s sister and her husband but also his unfortunate sudden demise. When Mrs. Catling refuses to allow her time off to attend her father’s funeral, she quits, and we follow her to the third and last stop on her journey: her life with her loving Aunt and Uncle in the country parish where he is the rector. It is at this point that the book really picked up for me. It was just such a relief to have the deserving Caroline find a safe haven.
She had moved amongst many circles in her life, some clever, some stupid, some moneyed, some threadbare, but all more or less sophisticated, and not inclined to expect much virtue in others, or to cultivate it in themselves. It came as a revelation, not quite commensurate with the proven existence of the fairies, but almost as charming and bewildering, that all the time there had been this other race of beings: kind, gentle, reliable, unworldly.
It is there that she meets and becomes close to the aristocratic Milner family particularly Isabella, of her own age, who becomes her good friend. Besides Isabella’s bossy and abrasive stepmother and her Navy Captain cousin, that household also includes Isabelle’s free-thinking and unconventional younger sister Fanny and her eccentric brother Stephen who would rather be exploring archaeological sites than staying home tending to his business there. To Caroline’s dismay, she also learns that Isabella’s oft-spoken-of but temporarily absent-from-home fiance is none other than the morally suspect Mr. Leabrook
The book is dense with intrigues and subplots, but the main strength of this book are the characterizations. All of those who revolve around Caroline were extremely well drawn with many layers and complexities and amusingly described.
She was a garrulous woman who had long been listened to with rather too much indulgence, and who was a little too inclined to consider herself a Character, on no greater evidence than a continual compulsion to talk about herself, and some large rings.
Many turned out to be quite different from what they at first seemed. Mrs. Catling first came across as a prototypical curmudgeonly old dragon: tough and demanding but admirable in her own way. By the end of our time with her she has proven to be just nasty and mean.
As to why Mrs Catling should play this unpleasant game, perhaps no further reason needed to be sought than that it gave her pleasure to meddle, mar, and hurt: this human propensity not being so uncommon as ever to excite surprise when detected.
Two of the characters owe a good bit to Jane Austen’s Colonel Brandon and Lydia Bennett. But they don’t start out that way. Another character starts out to be very unsympathetic and cold but proves her mettle when the chips are down.
The character of the hero surprisingly was a problem for me. He was obviously intelligent, even intellectual, yet his conversation, particularly with Caroline was often silly and prattling with no purpose other than to amuse himself and call attention to his “wit” and famous quirkiness. But then, perhaps he was nervous around her? Even our heroine has to tell him to just shut up at one point near the end despite her love for him and their mutually enjoyable banter.
I definitely recommend this book to those who have read and re-read Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but crave some fresh delights. But a modicum of patience might be required and a few weaknesses overlooked. Lord, I guess a bit of Jude Morgan has rubbed off on me.
**4 1/2 stars**
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2013
What a charming book. Jude Morgan is the only author I know still writing authentic Regency romance. It is a delight to immerse myself in one of his stories because I know it will be a true historical. His characters behave as if they belong to the nineteenth century, and not as twentieth century men and women wearing muslin and cravats. Even when he does let an anachronism slip through, it is with a wink and a nod, and it works. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Regency romances rather than the Regency-set silliness that passes for historical romance these days.
August 24, 2007
Finally, a modern writer who understands the essence of historical novels and knows how to capture that. It's almost a pity he hasn't tried to take on the infamous Jane Austen sequel, because I think he could actually pull it off. Gone are the high speed carriage chases and near-death escapes that authors think are period if they only dress them in empire-waisted gowns and cravats and use archaic and even pretentious language in the commentary. Morgan's action takes place in the parlors and ballrooms, gardens and lawns of the English aristocracy, and the plot is driven by conflicted conversations and inner torments over social conventions. The tone is a little lighter than Austen's, and characters are a little less formal with each other, a by-product, I can't help but believe, of living in the contemporary world where we just want to call our friends by their first names, dammit. Overall, I was delighted to discover this book, and maybe it's just me, but the last line was an absolute gem.
March 3, 2011
Really charming light read in the style of Jane Austen or (I think, more appropriately) Georgette Heyer. Caroline is a young woman who, though her lifestyle hasn't been one of gentility, has always tried to conduct herself with sense and deportment. Except that she keeps getting thrust into situations where nobody has any desire to act with sense or deportment. And then they keep wanting to drag her down with them. Four stars instead of five because it does end, in true Georgette Heyer fashion (my least favorite thing about GH) with startling abruptness.
I was surprised to see this was written by a man (sorry, sexist, I know) and will definitely look for more of his books, especially The King's Touch, which I think is about Charles II's illegitimate son.
I was surprised to see this was written by a man (sorry, sexist, I know) and will definitely look for more of his books, especially The King's Touch, which I think is about Charles II's illegitimate son.
July 3, 2025
3.5 to 4 stars. I'm not too sure how I feel after finishing this novel. I admire Jude Morgan's wonderful writing ability, the quality of his scholarship and his knowledge of the period. I have read some of his historical books based on real people. This is the first I've read that is purely fictional.
I think perhaps the book is a little too slow burn for me, with not enough overt romance compared with the books I usually read. The romance is way too understated for my tastes. I liked the MCs, and once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed the author's sly wit and cleverly humorous turns of phrase. I liked Caroline, the MFC's, intelligence, level-headedness and her non-typical background, with her interesting if unreliable father. (In a typical punning play on words from the author, Caroline's full name was Caroline Fortune, or 'Miss Fortune'.) But the angst caused to Caroline, due to no fault of her own, but by the nastiness and assumptions of others, dragged on for quite some time in the book, and for me it was uncomfortable reading.
The author cleverly managed the plot so this reader really didn't know what would happen and how the truths would be revealed, except hopefully there would be a HEA. And there was, but a la Georgette Heyer-style, the final moments were quick, almost brusque, and suddenly it was all over. I wanted more of a payoff for Caroline, but it was pretty much all left to the reader's imagination.
The later part of the book did pick up the pace in terms of action and revelations, but overall I found the whole book a little slow, and yes, I wanted more romance. So, a quality piece of writing with an interesting, if somewhat angsty, storyline. If you are just looking for a light fluffy historical romance to entertain, this isn't it. It's a good read, but go in with your eyes open about what to expect from this non-typical historical romance.
I think perhaps the book is a little too slow burn for me, with not enough overt romance compared with the books I usually read. The romance is way too understated for my tastes. I liked the MCs, and once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed the author's sly wit and cleverly humorous turns of phrase. I liked Caroline, the MFC's, intelligence, level-headedness and her non-typical background, with her interesting if unreliable father. (In a typical punning play on words from the author, Caroline's full name was Caroline Fortune, or 'Miss Fortune'.) But the angst caused to Caroline, due to no fault of her own, but by the nastiness and assumptions of others, dragged on for quite some time in the book, and for me it was uncomfortable reading.
The author cleverly managed the plot so this reader really didn't know what would happen and how the truths would be revealed, except hopefully there would be a HEA. And there was, but a la Georgette Heyer-style, the final moments were quick, almost brusque, and suddenly it was all over. I wanted more of a payoff for Caroline, but it was pretty much all left to the reader's imagination.
The later part of the book did pick up the pace in terms of action and revelations, but overall I found the whole book a little slow, and yes, I wanted more romance. So, a quality piece of writing with an interesting, if somewhat angsty, storyline. If you are just looking for a light fluffy historical romance to entertain, this isn't it. It's a good read, but go in with your eyes open about what to expect from this non-typical historical romance.
June 23, 2010
Caroline Fortune is a woman of good sense and good humor, both of which she's needed in order to survive. Her father lost what little wealth he had years ago, and now the debt collectors have grown quite severe. Although Caro has better experience with gambling hells than genteel parlors, her father nevertheless manages to secure her a place with a cantankerous old lady. Despite years of experience fending for herself, Caro is still young, and she finds that shifting into the quieter mode of Society rather difficult. Moreover, people keep taking her into their confidence, quite against her protests. When scandals start popping up, how will she protect her reputation?
I really enjoyed this novel. First and foremost, Caroline and the love interest (who I won't name, for fear of spoiling the pleasure of discovering who he is) are unique, well-thought-out characters. Their virtues and their foibles both make complete sense, and their conversations are very entertaining. The secondary characters have distinct voices and personalities, and neither they nor the plot is cribbed from Austen (unlike the majority of Regencies written today).
But like Austen, this is a book that uses a great deal of satire. It's a true pleasure to read an author with both wit and something to say with it. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Morgan.
I really enjoyed this novel. First and foremost, Caroline and the love interest (who I won't name, for fear of spoiling the pleasure of discovering who he is) are unique, well-thought-out characters. Their virtues and their foibles both make complete sense, and their conversations are very entertaining. The secondary characters have distinct voices and personalities, and neither they nor the plot is cribbed from Austen (unlike the majority of Regencies written today).
But like Austen, this is a book that uses a great deal of satire. It's a true pleasure to read an author with both wit and something to say with it. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Morgan.
June 21, 2017
A delight! Wonderful, robust characters, a plot that kept me guessing and heart-tugging romance. Full of hilarity, wit and charm, in the best tradition of Austen and Heyer. Jude Morgan, why haven't I found you sooner?
June 23, 2017
I find it interesting that I can clearly see all the borrowings from Austen, and yet I still really liked this (which was rather like P&P mixed with S&S) and An Accomplished Woman (like Emma with a dash of Persuasion). (I wonder what the next one will be like: Northanger Abbey plus Mansfield Park? Rather a difficult combination, I should think.) The language is generally fairly well-done, though occasionally the characters act in a slightly too modern way. I enjoyed Indiscretion nearly as much as my favorite Heyers, I think.
March 20, 2020
DNF at 51%
It has been on my 'currently reading' shelf long enough. I am giving up. This is the only book I have ever read where the writing is (technically) excellent and yet the novel is so boring it becomes pretty unreadable. Pity.
It has been on my 'currently reading' shelf long enough. I am giving up. This is the only book I have ever read where the writing is (technically) excellent and yet the novel is so boring it becomes pretty unreadable. Pity.
November 9, 2013
Miss Caroline Fortune has the unlucky happenstance to have such a name and such fortune. Her long-deceased mother was cut off from her country gentry family when she married a young Army Captain and was not cut out for such a rough life. Caroline's father was wounded in the Peninsular Wars and now dreams and schemes about reversing his misfortune. Alas for poor Caroline, her father has just lost his last shillings and she is forced to go to work as a companion for Mrs. Catling, a wealthy dragon of a lady who cares for no one, most especially not her niece and nephew who hope to inherit her money. After brief mistrust on both sides, Caroline quickly befriends Matthew and Maria and Caroline becomes the recipient of secret confidences which could cause trouble if the secrets were to be known to Mrs. Catling. Poor burdened Caroline would rather flirt with the handsome Mr. Richard Leabrook, a recent acquaintance who came to Brighton with Matthew and Maria. Circumstances cause Caroline to lose her position but some good fortune comes her way when her estranged maternal aunt and uncle take Caroline home to their country village. There. Caroline becomes involved with the Miner family, local gentry for whom Caroline's uncle is rector. The head of the family, Stephen, puzzles and infuriates Caroline with his constant irony and sarcastic, witty comments. Isabella Miner instantly becomes a bosom friend and headstrong little sister Fanny hero-worships Caroline for living a life outside of convention. Caroline becomes the source of more confidences and the cause of much trouble. All Caroline wants is a settled life and a man she can count on and give her heart to. Is that too much to ask? In the tradition of Jane Austen, Indiscretion is a comedy of manners that had me laughing out loud. The humor is a little more worldly than Austen's and some lines could be construed as double entendres but Austen fans will enjoy reading about some familiar characters and situations in a completely new story. The plot had me guessing almost the whole time, I couldn't put it down and absolutely loved it. I was a bit startled out of my equilibrium by some passages in present tense but they don't take away from the appeal of this novel, which Austen lovers should definitely read!
November 27, 2014
Wonderful book! Right up there with the best of Georgette Heyer (and the author owes a huge debt to Jane Austen).
Caroline Fortune is, as her besotted suitor tells her at the end of the book, "the dearest, warmest, most generous and good-natured, amusing, entrancing and bewitchingly beautiful woman in creation." Her father has squandered all the family's money, so Caroline has to make her way in the world on her own, first as the companion to a bad-tempered, selfish old b**tch, who won't even give her a couple of days off to go to her father's funeral, and then as the long-lost but much-loved niece of her mother's sister Selina and her hilariously obtuse but infinitely kind husband, the village rector Dr. Langland. Along the way she encounters an entertaining collection of characters right out of Regency Central Casting (but not a single duke, thank goodness), although the hero's character is a unique creation, and he is positively scrumptious. Lovely descriptions of Brighton and Bath, and the little village of Wythorpe, where most of the novel takes place, came alive in my mind as I was reading. My only quibble with the book is that there are a few too many convenient, just-in-time coincidences but hey, this is fiction and if the story needs them, so be it.
Caroline Fortune is, as her besotted suitor tells her at the end of the book, "the dearest, warmest, most generous and good-natured, amusing, entrancing and bewitchingly beautiful woman in creation." Her father has squandered all the family's money, so Caroline has to make her way in the world on her own, first as the companion to a bad-tempered, selfish old b**tch, who won't even give her a couple of days off to go to her father's funeral, and then as the long-lost but much-loved niece of her mother's sister Selina and her hilariously obtuse but infinitely kind husband, the village rector Dr. Langland. Along the way she encounters an entertaining collection of characters right out of Regency Central Casting (but not a single duke, thank goodness), although the hero's character is a unique creation, and he is positively scrumptious. Lovely descriptions of Brighton and Bath, and the little village of Wythorpe, where most of the novel takes place, came alive in my mind as I was reading. My only quibble with the book is that there are a few too many convenient, just-in-time coincidences but hey, this is fiction and if the story needs them, so be it.
July 15, 2017
Oh my word. I barely finished this book. And that's after scanning it for interesting tidbits from page 200 until the end. I enjoy historical fiction, even fiction that takes place during this time period. However, the author's verbosity made everything so boring. And while I enjoy the historical tone of the writing, I also appreciate an author who doesn't waste my time by writing several sentences conveying something that could have been stated in five words.
The boredom coloured everything. I didn't care about the social commentary, the drama, or the animosity between the MCs. I know that there are readers who will adore this book, but unfortunately I was not one of them.
The boredom coloured everything. I didn't care about the social commentary, the drama, or the animosity between the MCs. I know that there are readers who will adore this book, but unfortunately I was not one of them.
December 24, 2013
Halfway through Jude Morgan's Indiscretion comes a litmus test for your sensitivity to Jane Austenism: A young woman in an exquisitely appointed manor in the English countryside complains, "There is nothing very grand, or exciting, or even terrible, to be met with in a district like this: it is all just narrow provincial dullness."
If that line inspires an ironic little grin, you have the good sense and sensibility to keep reading. But if, instead, you think, "She's absolutely right," you will already have dropped off into a deep sleep hundreds of pages earlier. This is, after all, a story that counts among its exciting moments a crisis involving who will escort whom into the dining room. (Relax, I won't give it away.) And don't be misled by that suggestive title: The naughty bits (there are two: one early, one late) are described in language so refined and elevated that the bodice is not so much ripped as tipped -- and even that only slightly.
Our heroine is Caroline Fortune, the delightfully spirited daughter of a lovable old soldier who has run through a series of disastrous get-rich schemes in London. "Captain Fortune," Morgan tells us, is "the type of man who would jump gaily off a cliff and then experience second thoughts when he neared the bottom." While her father hopes to revive his acting career, Caroline -- always the practical one -- accepts employment as the companion to a fastidious widow. This old crocodile, Mrs. Catling, amuses herself by threatening to disinherit her niece and nephew. Everyone attends her "with a sort of stiff-jointed promptness that looks very much like smothered terror," but she appreciates Caroline's indomitable nature and enjoys letting her nervous heirs imagine that a new, young competitor has entered the arena. When a long-lost relative rescues Caroline from this battleground, she finds herself comfortably and securely situated among people who love her in the village of Huntingdonshire, where, you may have heard, "it is all just narrow provincial dullness."
In fact, it's actually rather amusing, and soon "the placid surface of her new life" is stirred by moral and romantic disruptions. Living nearby are the Milner siblings: Isabella, who's engaged to a man who only Caroline knows is a scoundrel; Fanny, who will run off with a man Caroline suspects is a scoundrel; and Stephen, who vexes Caroline so much that you may as well start shopping for a wedding present now. "Every time I am deluded into thinking you human," she tells him, "you come out and say something to confirm my earlier opinion."
Morgan carries this off with unfailing charm, and if we rarely get a real downpour of comedy, the air is at least always humid with his wit. Even when a character fails to be funny, the narrator saves the day: "His delivery of this joke was almost obstetric in its effort." But there is also a good deal of arid dialogue along these lines:
"You are very forgiving."
"Am I? I must be, for I cannot even think where the offense lies."
"Oh, but you must know -- that remark I made, at the Rectory. So very unthinking. I can only ask you to believe I truly did not mean it."
"Now I feel as if my head is on back to front. Miss Milner, what do you mean?"
An accurate depiction of life among a certain class of English society in the early 19th century? Indubitably. Always gripping? Dubitably.
What's worse is Morgan's tendency to impress upon us the tediousness of some hilariously boorish characters by making us live through their dull speeches in real time. There is, for instance, Mrs. Leabrook, who "would have talked on if you had fallen at her feet in a dead faint," which I can confirm from personal experience. The comic value of that technique drains away paragraph by paragraph, until we're left thinking, "No -- please -- tell, don't show!"
Fortunately, Caroline's pride and prejudice are impossible to resist, particularly as she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into her friends' romantic complications, all the while imagining that she can hold herself aloof from matters of the heart. You've read this before, of course, or at least seen the movie (Keira Knightley, I'd sell my soul for you), but it's played out here with enough elegance and humor to make it worth another round. After all, Austen left just six novels, and anyone of the persuasion that half a dozen masterpieces are insufficient will enjoy Indiscretion as a handy substitute, a sort of literary margarine -- I Can't Believe It's Not Austen.® That Morgan comes so close to the creamy taste of the original is a testament to his talent, but it still leaves us pining for the real thing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...
If that line inspires an ironic little grin, you have the good sense and sensibility to keep reading. But if, instead, you think, "She's absolutely right," you will already have dropped off into a deep sleep hundreds of pages earlier. This is, after all, a story that counts among its exciting moments a crisis involving who will escort whom into the dining room. (Relax, I won't give it away.) And don't be misled by that suggestive title: The naughty bits (there are two: one early, one late) are described in language so refined and elevated that the bodice is not so much ripped as tipped -- and even that only slightly.
Our heroine is Caroline Fortune, the delightfully spirited daughter of a lovable old soldier who has run through a series of disastrous get-rich schemes in London. "Captain Fortune," Morgan tells us, is "the type of man who would jump gaily off a cliff and then experience second thoughts when he neared the bottom." While her father hopes to revive his acting career, Caroline -- always the practical one -- accepts employment as the companion to a fastidious widow. This old crocodile, Mrs. Catling, amuses herself by threatening to disinherit her niece and nephew. Everyone attends her "with a sort of stiff-jointed promptness that looks very much like smothered terror," but she appreciates Caroline's indomitable nature and enjoys letting her nervous heirs imagine that a new, young competitor has entered the arena. When a long-lost relative rescues Caroline from this battleground, she finds herself comfortably and securely situated among people who love her in the village of Huntingdonshire, where, you may have heard, "it is all just narrow provincial dullness."
In fact, it's actually rather amusing, and soon "the placid surface of her new life" is stirred by moral and romantic disruptions. Living nearby are the Milner siblings: Isabella, who's engaged to a man who only Caroline knows is a scoundrel; Fanny, who will run off with a man Caroline suspects is a scoundrel; and Stephen, who vexes Caroline so much that you may as well start shopping for a wedding present now. "Every time I am deluded into thinking you human," she tells him, "you come out and say something to confirm my earlier opinion."
Morgan carries this off with unfailing charm, and if we rarely get a real downpour of comedy, the air is at least always humid with his wit. Even when a character fails to be funny, the narrator saves the day: "His delivery of this joke was almost obstetric in its effort." But there is also a good deal of arid dialogue along these lines:
"You are very forgiving."
"Am I? I must be, for I cannot even think where the offense lies."
"Oh, but you must know -- that remark I made, at the Rectory. So very unthinking. I can only ask you to believe I truly did not mean it."
"Now I feel as if my head is on back to front. Miss Milner, what do you mean?"
An accurate depiction of life among a certain class of English society in the early 19th century? Indubitably. Always gripping? Dubitably.
What's worse is Morgan's tendency to impress upon us the tediousness of some hilariously boorish characters by making us live through their dull speeches in real time. There is, for instance, Mrs. Leabrook, who "would have talked on if you had fallen at her feet in a dead faint," which I can confirm from personal experience. The comic value of that technique drains away paragraph by paragraph, until we're left thinking, "No -- please -- tell, don't show!"
Fortunately, Caroline's pride and prejudice are impossible to resist, particularly as she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into her friends' romantic complications, all the while imagining that she can hold herself aloof from matters of the heart. You've read this before, of course, or at least seen the movie (Keira Knightley, I'd sell my soul for you), but it's played out here with enough elegance and humor to make it worth another round. After all, Austen left just six novels, and anyone of the persuasion that half a dozen masterpieces are insufficient will enjoy Indiscretion as a handy substitute, a sort of literary margarine -- I Can't Believe It's Not Austen.® That Morgan comes so close to the creamy taste of the original is a testament to his talent, but it still leaves us pining for the real thing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...
November 11, 2011
Oh my! Who'd have thought that the first really successful modern-day attempt at a regency novel would be written by a guy? Austen and Heyer would applaud.
The plot is not that surprising though is fun to follow along. The characters are well-drawn: There's the proper balance of fluttering, eccentricity, and drollness. But the dialogue, oh the dialogue -- utterly delicious. I wish my mother was still around so that I could share this with her. She'd have loved it.
One funny aside -- I was given this book by my sister-in-law, who brought it with her from India. My husband, on seeing the book lying on the bed waiting to be started, muttered that it violated one of his cardinal rules of books, so he could never read it. "It's not chick lit," I told him, "more regency." "But I have a rule to never read anything by an author with the first name of Jude", he replied. Hmm...I think maybe he's seen me hurl one too many books by Jude Deveraux across the room. She wrote one book I liked, and all the rest have been a frustration, but I keep hoping, because of the one I liked. This Jude won't get thrown at a wall in my home.
The plot is not that surprising though is fun to follow along. The characters are well-drawn: There's the proper balance of fluttering, eccentricity, and drollness. But the dialogue, oh the dialogue -- utterly delicious. I wish my mother was still around so that I could share this with her. She'd have loved it.
One funny aside -- I was given this book by my sister-in-law, who brought it with her from India. My husband, on seeing the book lying on the bed waiting to be started, muttered that it violated one of his cardinal rules of books, so he could never read it. "It's not chick lit," I told him, "more regency." "But I have a rule to never read anything by an author with the first name of Jude", he replied. Hmm...I think maybe he's seen me hurl one too many books by Jude Deveraux across the room. She wrote one book I liked, and all the rest have been a frustration, but I keep hoping, because of the one I liked. This Jude won't get thrown at a wall in my home.
January 17, 2012
I know that everyone doesn't worship at church of "Austen" like I do, and I don't really expect people to understand my Austen compulsions except other geeky English majors like myself. Over the years, I've read plenty of authors who have tried to imitate Austen and even cash in "Pride and Prejudice" sequel action. I've read plenty, and been disappointed too many times to count. To mind, the only author who has really succeeded in recreating a companion to Pride and Prejudice was Pamela Aidan.
Jude Morgan doesn't try to recreate Pride and Prejudice, but tries replicate Austen's style in an unique Regency story that is both intriguing and hysterically comical. The beginning was a tad slow, but the dialog saved the day, giving us spectacular sparring moments between Caroline and Stephen that made the early trudge towards the middle section worth taking. Do I go further and say that I was a bit giddy by the end....yup, I was. I got this book through the library, but will be buying it to place in my special Austen section in the library. Go ahead and say it......."Could you be any more of a geek?" Probably not.
Well done you, Jude Morgan.
Jude Morgan doesn't try to recreate Pride and Prejudice, but tries replicate Austen's style in an unique Regency story that is both intriguing and hysterically comical. The beginning was a tad slow, but the dialog saved the day, giving us spectacular sparring moments between Caroline and Stephen that made the early trudge towards the middle section worth taking. Do I go further and say that I was a bit giddy by the end....yup, I was. I got this book through the library, but will be buying it to place in my special Austen section in the library. Go ahead and say it......."Could you be any more of a geek?" Probably not.
Well done you, Jude Morgan.
July 26, 2013
4 1/2 stars
“but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short” – Jane Austen
While reading a Regency novel, it is the language that tends to draw me in. It needs to be authentic... and this book is spot on. I could have gone on lapping this up for another 1000 pages. The heroine is just the kind of character that I most enjoy. She has a sportive kind of playfulness that stops just short of being snarky. Wonderful!
I highly recommend ‘Indiscretion’ to all of those Georgette Heyer fans who have already read (and adored) all of her Regency novels, and are looking around for something in the same vein. Read this one... you won’t be disappointed!
“but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short” – Jane Austen
While reading a Regency novel, it is the language that tends to draw me in. It needs to be authentic... and this book is spot on. I could have gone on lapping this up for another 1000 pages. The heroine is just the kind of character that I most enjoy. She has a sportive kind of playfulness that stops just short of being snarky. Wonderful!
I highly recommend ‘Indiscretion’ to all of those Georgette Heyer fans who have already read (and adored) all of her Regency novels, and are looking around for something in the same vein. Read this one... you won’t be disappointed!
April 11, 2009
Absolutely wonderful. I was at first skeptical given the fact that the author is actually a guy. I didn't think he'd be able to capture the essence of romance like most female authors I read, namely Georgette Heyer.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how fantastically written this story was. A lot of witty dialogue that actually made me laugh. It is lighthearted romance at it's best.
Stephen and Caroline were well rounded characters. I especially like Stephen's personality. What a droll fellow.
All in all, I do hope this author writes more regency romances like this one.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how fantastically written this story was. A lot of witty dialogue that actually made me laugh. It is lighthearted romance at it's best.
Stephen and Caroline were well rounded characters. I especially like Stephen's personality. What a droll fellow.
All in all, I do hope this author writes more regency romances like this one.
July 29, 2007
I enjoyed this as much as any Jane Austen.
November 28, 2010
4.5 stars actually!
This is very good, Regency pastiche but *good* one. The dialogue is indeed so witty, characters can pull some believable personality surprises and in all so very enjoyable.
This is very good, Regency pastiche but *good* one. The dialogue is indeed so witty, characters can pull some believable personality surprises and in all so very enjoyable.
February 5, 2016
1) I'm not sure why I hadn't read this before. 2) I'm not sure why this isn't a classic of the genre. IS IT AND I JUST MISSED IT??? I'M JUST?
SUCH CHARM. SUCH WIT. *clutches Caro to bosom*
SUCH CHARM. SUCH WIT. *clutches Caro to bosom*
February 3, 2012
I shall preface this review by saying that I agree heartily with all before me who have compared this book to Heyer's and found it up to snuff. What a gem this has turned out to be!
Indiscretion follows the fortunes of Caroline Fortune, daughter of a theatre-loving Captain whose foolhardy schemes and expensive tastes ensure that the pair are always one step away from financial ruin. When their future looks too bleak to avoid by daydreaming about what he will purchase with his non-existent wealth the Captain decides to find his daughter a suitable position that may secure her future at least. This 'suitable' position turns out to be that of a companion to a scheming, attention-seeking old dragon by the name of Mrs Caitling, who is very wealthy, often bored and always caustic. From here begins Caroline's tale which moves from despondent drudgery to contentment through a quagmire of unwanted confidences, unsolicited advances, tragedy, reconciliation, kindness, hope, quarrels, friendship, indecision, accusations, scandal, and resolve.
The characters, even beyond the leading pair, have been written wonderfully. Which is not to say that they are all loveable and sweet but that one rather gets accustomed to their distinct qualities, irritating or otherwise. Caroline is a likeable heroine who is practical, independent and non judgemental. The latter quality is what I really admired for it helped one look beyond Matthew's needy and self-centred exterior to appreciate his non-duplicitous nature, and realise that beneath Captain Burton's gruff, incoherent mannerisms lay a loyal heart. Indeed credit should be given to the author for making the characters much more than caricatures, for example by giving Augusta a chance to prove her responsible nature. It was also nice to see a hero who is fallible. Stephen's miscalculations about Fanny and Carraway and his tendency to avoid the burden of his father's position only made him seem more human and thus accessible. His penchant for engaging Caroline in a duel of witty repartee made the book a truly enjoyable experience. The sense of humour that pervades the conversations and characters, be it Stephen's puns at Caro's expense when she gets stuck on a stile or Uncle John never quite getting the gist of a conversation or turn of events until it was explained thoroughly to him, are truly the making of this book.
My only nitpick would be the use of present tense in certain passages which seemed to distract from the flow of the book and seemed more self indulgent than a necessity. But we all must have our weaknesses and so one shall make allowances for that given that the rest of the narrative was tightly written, emotionally engaging and above all fun. Heck I even enjoyed the punctuations in this book, especially the use of the colon.
Indiscretion follows the fortunes of Caroline Fortune, daughter of a theatre-loving Captain whose foolhardy schemes and expensive tastes ensure that the pair are always one step away from financial ruin. When their future looks too bleak to avoid by daydreaming about what he will purchase with his non-existent wealth the Captain decides to find his daughter a suitable position that may secure her future at least. This 'suitable' position turns out to be that of a companion to a scheming, attention-seeking old dragon by the name of Mrs Caitling, who is very wealthy, often bored and always caustic. From here begins Caroline's tale which moves from despondent drudgery to contentment through a quagmire of unwanted confidences, unsolicited advances, tragedy, reconciliation, kindness, hope, quarrels, friendship, indecision, accusations, scandal, and resolve.
The characters, even beyond the leading pair, have been written wonderfully. Which is not to say that they are all loveable and sweet but that one rather gets accustomed to their distinct qualities, irritating or otherwise. Caroline is a likeable heroine who is practical, independent and non judgemental. The latter quality is what I really admired for it helped one look beyond Matthew's needy and self-centred exterior to appreciate his non-duplicitous nature, and realise that beneath Captain Burton's gruff, incoherent mannerisms lay a loyal heart. Indeed credit should be given to the author for making the characters much more than caricatures, for example by giving Augusta a chance to prove her responsible nature. It was also nice to see a hero who is fallible. Stephen's miscalculations about Fanny and Carraway and his tendency to avoid the burden of his father's position only made him seem more human and thus accessible. His penchant for engaging Caroline in a duel of witty repartee made the book a truly enjoyable experience. The sense of humour that pervades the conversations and characters, be it Stephen's puns at Caro's expense when she gets stuck on a stile or Uncle John never quite getting the gist of a conversation or turn of events until it was explained thoroughly to him, are truly the making of this book.
My only nitpick would be the use of present tense in certain passages which seemed to distract from the flow of the book and seemed more self indulgent than a necessity. But we all must have our weaknesses and so one shall make allowances for that given that the rest of the narrative was tightly written, emotionally engaging and above all fun. Heck I even enjoyed the punctuations in this book, especially the use of the colon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2018
I wanted to like this book, but I have to say there was too much in it that bugged me. If they had half stars, I would probably give it 2.5 stars, but no more.
Jude Morgan had some lovely ways of describing scenes and situations, but a lot of times he tries to be too clever. I found myself reading some sentences two or three times in order to wade through the colons, semi-colons, commas, em-dashes and even parentheses contained within. If you are pulling the reader from the story, then you are not really clever after all.
There was the swapping from past to present tense in the book (Caroline did this --> Caroline is doing this). It didn't work for me.
The main female, Caroline, was a little manipulated by the author for my liking. Warning: The following contains spoilers. She has had an unconventional upbringing, but she gets a job as a companion and fits straight into society without any issues. It is only when she meets Stephen, a third of the way through the book, that suddenly she is blurting out profanities, talking about actresses who take on male roles, and offers a cure for a hang-over, thus showing her rougher side. How convenient that it didn't come out earlier when it would have caused some nasty ripples.
Caroline's reaction to Mr Leabrook at the ball was not in line with the character Jude Morgan had set up for her, either. All the way through, it speaks of men going after her, attempting to flirt with her etc. She continually brushes them off as another annoying man. Yet when a man petitions her to have an adventure with him, she is seriously shocked that a man would treat her that way. Has she not had a lifetime of being treated that way and has never really been concerned? I imagine she would be hurt that a man she thought might see her differently would turn out like all the rest, but not downright shocked that a man would see her like that.
Then I found she conveniently wants to be a part of people's business and doesn't want to as the needs of the book determine. One moment she is steering herself towards someone because she feels they want to talk, and another she is steering herself away from someone because they want to talk.
Anyway, I will stop there.
Jude Morgan had some lovely ways of describing scenes and situations, but a lot of times he tries to be too clever. I found myself reading some sentences two or three times in order to wade through the colons, semi-colons, commas, em-dashes and even parentheses contained within. If you are pulling the reader from the story, then you are not really clever after all.
There was the swapping from past to present tense in the book (Caroline did this --> Caroline is doing this). It didn't work for me.
The main female, Caroline, was a little manipulated by the author for my liking. Warning: The following contains spoilers. She has had an unconventional upbringing, but she gets a job as a companion and fits straight into society without any issues. It is only when she meets Stephen, a third of the way through the book, that suddenly she is blurting out profanities, talking about actresses who take on male roles, and offers a cure for a hang-over, thus showing her rougher side. How convenient that it didn't come out earlier when it would have caused some nasty ripples.
Caroline's reaction to Mr Leabrook at the ball was not in line with the character Jude Morgan had set up for her, either. All the way through, it speaks of men going after her, attempting to flirt with her etc. She continually brushes them off as another annoying man. Yet when a man petitions her to have an adventure with him, she is seriously shocked that a man would treat her that way. Has she not had a lifetime of being treated that way and has never really been concerned? I imagine she would be hurt that a man she thought might see her differently would turn out like all the rest, but not downright shocked that a man would see her like that.
Then I found she conveniently wants to be a part of people's business and doesn't want to as the needs of the book determine. One moment she is steering herself towards someone because she feels they want to talk, and another she is steering herself away from someone because they want to talk.
Anyway, I will stop there.
July 27, 2019
Deliciosamente magnífica, si disfrutas con las historias de Jane Austen, no dejes escapar esta novela.
Durante la lectura no podía dejar de pensar en los pararlismos que había entre Jude Morgan y mi autora favorita, me parecía reconocer a los pesonajes, muchos de los protagonistas de este libro tienen gran semejanza con los de Auten, no de un libro, de todos ellos. Al final de la lectura en el epílogo el autor nos dice que hace una homenaje a Jane Austen y puedo afirmar que es un fantástico homenaje, de un escritor que además se ve que domina los libros de la inglesa, sus recovecos, su ironía y su estilo. Seguramente si Jane Austen hubiera escrito sus libros dos siglos después serían muy parecidos a éste, pues sí, tiene un toque moderno, que no lo estropea, lo hace más auténtico.
El personaje de Coriline es una mezcla entre Elizabeth Bennet y Elinor Dashwood, un poco más atrevida, más descarada, más acorde con los gustos modernos que es cuando está escrita la novela.
La trama es sencilla, coherente y sin llegar a ser tremendamente trepidante no decae en ningún momento, reconozco que lo leí de una sentada un día que no tenía que trabajar.
Los diálogos son espectaculares, dinámicos, tremendamente amenos, irónicos y con un transfondo de humor negro.
La ambientación histórica está bien planteada y cuidada.
Muy, muy recomendable para los lectores de Jane Austen y todas aquellos lectores que disfruten de novelas románticas sin escenas de sexo y escritas con gran inteligencia.
Durante la lectura no podía dejar de pensar en los pararlismos que había entre Jude Morgan y mi autora favorita, me parecía reconocer a los pesonajes, muchos de los protagonistas de este libro tienen gran semejanza con los de Auten, no de un libro, de todos ellos. Al final de la lectura en el epílogo el autor nos dice que hace una homenaje a Jane Austen y puedo afirmar que es un fantástico homenaje, de un escritor que además se ve que domina los libros de la inglesa, sus recovecos, su ironía y su estilo. Seguramente si Jane Austen hubiera escrito sus libros dos siglos después serían muy parecidos a éste, pues sí, tiene un toque moderno, que no lo estropea, lo hace más auténtico.
El personaje de Coriline es una mezcla entre Elizabeth Bennet y Elinor Dashwood, un poco más atrevida, más descarada, más acorde con los gustos modernos que es cuando está escrita la novela.
La trama es sencilla, coherente y sin llegar a ser tremendamente trepidante no decae en ningún momento, reconozco que lo leí de una sentada un día que no tenía que trabajar.
Los diálogos son espectaculares, dinámicos, tremendamente amenos, irónicos y con un transfondo de humor negro.
La ambientación histórica está bien planteada y cuidada.
Muy, muy recomendable para los lectores de Jane Austen y todas aquellos lectores que disfruten de novelas románticas sin escenas de sexo y escritas con gran inteligencia.
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