The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of my sister's absolute favorite books. This statement is kind of a big deal because my sister is a voracious reader. So I've always been a little sheepish about not having read it, esp. since I have started it several times. It has one of the slowest openings of all time. You have to get through about two-thirds of it before it gets exciting. It does (eventually) get exciting.
I can see why my sister likes the book: Percy Blakeney is dashing hero. What woman wouldn't fall in love with him? Marguerite is an annoying character; then again, she is French. However, I was most impressed with Chauvelin, the despicable antagonist. He was truly despicable. He was evil to the point he'd lost his humanity.
I found all the author's asides annoying and unnecessary. I realize I grew up in a time that succinctness reigns supreme. The baroness is wordy and belabors her points too much and too often.
I fell head-over-heels for the Scarlet Pimpernel and his dashing escapes. I also really liked how proud Lord and Lady Blakeney are; their pride is too their detriment. There's a poignant scene in which they refuse to be vulnerable. The dramatic irony for the reader is intense!
My favorite line from my first reading of the book: "A woman's heart is such a complex problem-- the owner thereof is often most incompetent to find the solution to this puzzle" (Chapter XVII Farewell).
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