Powder and Patch (by Georgette Heyer)

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Amongst the large number of novels by Georgette Heyer, there are some I remember with great enthusiasm, others which I barely recall. One of the latter is ‘Powder and Patch’, which I had not read since 2007. It’s not a long book, one of the author’s earlier ones (originally published in 1923).

Slightly to my surprise I have thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this book. It doesn’t have the complex and often brilliant plot devices of some of the author’s later novels. Nor does it have one of her strong heroines; indeed, Cleone seems rather lacking in humour, a tendency to cry rather too much, and a slightly worrying desire to be ‘mastered’ by her hero, Philip Jetton.

Philip, on the other hand, is a wonderful hero, and Heyer’s ability to write gently satirical humour shines through this book in a way I had not remembered at all. Philip is the sole member of his generation in the Jetton family, destined to inherit the family home, built by one of his ancestors. And he’s perfectly happy about this. He is kind, and courteous, and likes to be out, managing his estate, working in his extensive grounds.

Philip’s father, Sir Maurice, however feels his son to be rather dull. He is extremely fond of him, but would like him to have more ‘polish’, and to spend some time sowing some wild oats in London. It’s a delightful irony - all the more so, given the era in which is was written - that a father disapproves of his son’s virtue, and would like him to acquire a few vices.

Into the town minces a dandy, who pays court to Philip’s beloved Cleone. She is flattered by his attentions, and the elegant compliments he pays her, and contrasts him favourably with the ‘clod-hopping’ Philip. So Philip decides he must learn to be the kind of gentleman he despises, with a powdered wig, and tight-fitting clothes, and patches on his face. And off he goes to London to stay with his uncle…

Most of the book is about Philip’s gradual transformation, having decided to throw himself thoroughly into his project. He enjoys himself rather more than he expected…

But the basic plot is that of a traditional romance where there’s little doubt about the conclusion. Misunderstandings arise, each of the main protagonists refuses to admit their feelings, and tries to ‘test’ the other… I found myself in sympathy with Philip throughout, but rather irritated by Cleone. However, given the customs of the era, her role would have been to look beautiful at social events and provide him with children, so she would probably have fulfilled these satisfactorily.

Heyer’s writing was excellent even at the start of her career, and there were several places where I smiled, loving the caricatures of Philip’s father and many other people he came across. As social history it’s a fascinating insight into the 18th century upper classes, and the way that men in particular were expected to dress and behave.

Recommended.

Review by Sue F copyright 2019 Sue's Book Reviews<