The Scarlet Pimpernel

Name: The Scarlet Pimpernel
Rating: 8.14 (143225 reviews)
ISBN: 9780451516992

by ,

Language: English
Published in: 1974
Publisher: Signet Classics
ISBN: 9780451516992

Subjects

Original edition details

Scarlet Pimpernel Originally published in 1967

Original language

English

Original publisher Dodd Mead

Other editions (547)

Scarlet Pimpernel (Annotated)

2019 • Independently Published

English

Scarlet Pimpernel (Annotated)

2022 • Independently Published

English

Scarlet Pimpernel Annotated

2021 • Independently Published

English

Scarlet Pimpernel Annotated

2021 • Independently Published

English

The Scarlet Pimpernel (Barnes & Noble Classics)

2005 • Barnes & Noble Classics

English

8.14 / 10 (143K ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

Reviewers largely praise The Scarlet Pimpernel as an engaging and accessible classic, often highlighted for its fast-paced adventure and thrilling intrigue. Many found it a fun romp that reads with the speed and ease of a contemporary thriller, making it enjoyable even for those who typically struggle with older literature. The titular hero is frequently lauded as a dashing, resourceful, and astute character, noted for his cleverness, sense of humor, and mastery of disguise, often cited as an inspiring precursor to later masked vigilante figures. The heroine, Marguerite, also receives commendation for her intelligence, agency, and courage, defying typical portrayals of women from the period. The book's romance, characterized by its unique twists and the journey of an estranged couple, is described as sweet, intense, and ultimately very satisfying. Its well-plotted narrative, smooth flow, and gradual build-up of suspense contribute to a gripping reading experience.

Negatives

Despite its strengths, some readers found the book's writing to be less polished and at times overly melodramatic, indulging in theatricals and sentimentality that felt silly or exaggerated. A recurring criticism focuses on the character of Marguerite, who, despite being repeatedly described as clever, often acts foolishly or obtusely, leading some reviewers to find her irritating or poorly characterized. The adventure aspect, while present, was sometimes deemed less "swashbuckling" than expected, with a perceived lack of intense action sequences. Furthermore, the book's age is evident in certain dated aspects, including a perceived pro-aristocracy bias, an overly simplistic and sometimes defamatory portrayal of the French Revolution's republican side, and most notably, instances of blatant antisemitism in the depiction of a Jewish character, which significantly detracted from the reading experience for some.

Conclusion

Overall, The Scarlet Pimpernel stands as a significant work in literary history, widely recognized for popularizing the "secret identity" trope and offering a foundational narrative for many modern masked heroes. While it may not delve deeply into historical complexities or avoid the melodramatic conventions of its time, it remains a highly recommended read for its sheer entertainment value. This book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy historical adventure with elements of romance and mystery, particularly those who appreciate stories featuring clever heroes and intricate plots. It is ideal for individuals looking for an accessible classic that offers a thrilling escape, a unique love story, and a glimpse into the origins of iconic character archetypes, provided they can overlook some of its more dated perspectives and stylistic choices.

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Rating sources

Subjects

Original edition details

Other editions (547)

Scarlet Pimpernel (Annotated)

Scarlet Pimpernel (Annotated)

Scarlet Pimpernel Annotated

Scarlet Pimpernel Annotated

The Scarlet Pimpernel (Barnes & Noble Classics)