Author –
Emmuska Orczy
A review of The Scarlet Pimpernel
My entire knowledge pertaining to this most amazing book
consisted of Daffy Duck masquerading as the Scarlet Pumpernickel. What a sad truth to admit. I hardly remember the Looney Tunes
version I seen as a child so thankfully nothing was spoiled. I do wonder what took me so long to
read it though. Perhaps fate knew
I was ready to appreciate it at this time. Which would make tremendous sense, as my younger self would
probably have thought this was a boring story. It however is truly a wonderful read.
I likened to the book in no time,
as the idea that the Englishmen were saving the aristocrats from France out of
sport was shocking. Rescuing those
rich French people wasn’t out of nobility, to be a hero or simply to do what’s
right but because it’d be a challenging activity. Finally a quirky reason to risk one’s life and in doing so
breaking the mold in storytelling, I can’t help but to be impressed.
Lady Marguerite and Sir Percy’s
relationship played out very well.
He appears to be seen as a rich dimwit and she a popular naïve beauty in
the public’s eye. Actually he
pulled off the charade at all times which is quite admirable. Marguerite was none the wiser. I’m not sure if the story would have
worked so well if not seen through her eyes. As she was the actual clueless one of the two it was fun
trying to put the mystery together as she plodded her way along.
It was very entertaining to get a
taste of 1792 in England and France.
I’m sure the era was at times terrifying to live in but the visual sense
in this story is satisfying. As I
read England had this vibe of safety, freedom and a sort of utopia while France
was dangerous, confining and out of control. I couldn’t help but hope that the rich people would get
saved from that mighty guillotine.
Well actually I wanted to see how the Scarlet Pimpernel would sneak them
to paradise. The drab old lady
rescue at the beginning and the old Jew disguise at the end were both
fantastic.
Reading about Marguerite’s
character growth was compelling to me.
I wasn’t totally on board with her to start but somehow I accepted her
as the main character and began to root for her to improve as a person. I’m not meaning she is perfect now as
the story took place over only a few days but that amount of time in certain
situations can help you grow up fast.
She still struggled to put two and two together when it became clear
whom the Scarlet Pimpernel was which makes her human and relatable.
If you decide to read this book
don’t expect costumed people with swords at their side slicing through Paris
leaving a bloody mess. The story
manages to omit violence, aside that nasty guillotine, and still provide a
suspenseful story. If you like the
era it was written, 1903 I believe, then that can only help make your decision
to read all the more easy.
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