Georgette Heyer Fans discussion

False Colours is about identical twin brothers, their lovable "pretty widgeon" of a mother, and an engagement to a young lady. It was published in 1963. I read one reviewer's suggestion that False Colours is The Parent Trap in reverse.

Chapter 2, (view spoiler)["If the worse comes to the worst I can always take Evelyn's place, can't I?" Does Kit have to joke about taking his brother's place with his mother? Serves him right! (hide spoiler)]

I'm so in-love with the book. I'll go and read Chapter 3.

Sawako wrote: "Chapter 2, [spoilers removed] "

I understand completely! I've done that same thing a bunch of time. I usually want to smack myself in the forehead.

Don't you love the relationship that Kit has with his mother?

I love Lady Denville to pieces--including her relationship with her sons--though I'm aware that other readers find her unbearably annoying.

Margaret wrote: "I love Lady Denville to pieces--including her relationship with her sons--though I'm aware that other readers find her unbearably annoying."

I am in the 'unbearably annoying' camp when it comes to Lady Denville, and Evelyn, who is let off too lightly. As a rackety younger brother he would be open to criticism, and even a bit of fun.

What does always puzzle me is why Kit is so sure that he would know if Evelyn were dead, rather than just in trouble. The sensation of having a psychic link with a dead twin brother hasn't been tested, so of course that feeling (I can't lay my hands on my copy so I can't quote) that Evelyn had been in trouble but then things had improved might in fact be Evelyn dead and at peace, not in love with an angel ...

Lanelle wrote: "Sawako wrote: "Chapter 2, [spoilers removed] "

I understand completely! I've done that same thing a bunch of time. I usually want to smack myself in the forehead.

Don't you love the relationship ..."

Yes, I DO. Again thanks for the recommendation. 😊😊

What does always puzzle me is why Kit is so sure that he would know if Evelyn were dead, rather than just in trouble.

I just kind of accept that as a feature of the psychic link. The link itself I find very interesting, since it's the only such phenomenon in all of Heyer. Usually she's such a hard-headed rationalist.

Margaret wrote: The link itself I find very interesting, since it's the only such phenomenon in all of Heyer.

It is, isn't it. Unlike say Reginald Hill, the writer of the Pascoe and Dalziel detective books, who occasionally has revelatory dreams, and even a 'true' seance, Heyer's world doesn't have psychic phenomena, or even (really) religion.

I wonder if she saw a psychic link between identical twins are factual, unlike ghostly monks and headless horsemen. And if so, is that why Sylvester is so bereft after his twin's death?

Rosina wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I am in the 'unbearably annoying' camp when it comes to Lady Denville..."

I tend to take my cue from other characters in the story. No one else seemed to find Lady Denville annoying, so I assume that her personality and charm help carrying her past being irritating.

I'm ready to discuss the book with you, Lanelle.

Regina wrote, “Heyer’s world doesn’t have psychic phenomena, or ever (really) religion.”

I get the sense that for Heyer, faith would be expressed through works. Certainly Arabella has a lot of that sort of faith, rather than the emotional-attachment-to-the-divine sort. There’s a strong thread of ethics certainly woven through all her stories, but no ecstatic experiences.

Sawako wrote: "I'm ready to discuss the book with you, Lanelle."

Which character did you find most fascinating, Sawako?

Abigail wrote: "Regina wrote, “Heyer’s world doesn’t have psychic phenomena, or ever (really) religion.”

I get the sense that for Heyer, faith would be expressed through works. Certainly Arabella has a lot of tha..."

Abigail - I think your assessment is spot on. I think like many women of the era - what you did was as, if not more, important than what you believed. Actually - I think that's a pretty common stance today as well; except that people don't feel today that they necessarily need belong to a specific faith to live a good life and do good works.

Abigail wrote: "Regina wrote, “Heyer’s world doesn’t have psychic phenomena, or ever (really) religion.”

The same criticism was made of Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' as far as religion is concerned. It is still a strong good versus evil story. GH does stand for good Sometmes of course she lets everyonec ome out on top with a general happy ever after.

And she contrasts the motivations and behavior between the two - Arabella as sincerely involved in life and what'shername in Frederica who's only interested in her good name.

Lanelle wrote: "Sawako wrote: "I'm ready to discuss the book with you, Lanelle."

Which character did you find most fascinating, Sawako?"

It's difficult to choose a character with Georgette Heyer's books. But I would vote for these characters:
(view spoiler)[1. Cressy and Kit. 2. Lady Denville and Sir Bonamy Ripple (the proposal scene was hilarious) 3. Dowager Lady Stavely, Cressy's grandmother (hide spoiler)]

What about you, Lanelle?

I think that (view spoiler)[Kit is the most fascinating. He had changed so much since he began serving in the military. Certain people expect Kit to behave like before, and he can't because of all he's been through. I thought it was interesting to watch how Kit acts around those he knew from before. (hide spoiler)]

I agree, Lanelle. He seems like a very mature person.

Lanelle wrote: "I think that [spoilers removed]"

You are absolutely right. :D