Chicks On Lit discussion

Hi everyone! I just checked The Scarlet Pimpernel out from the library. It looks like a short adventure tale and I wanted to see if anyone wanted to read it with me. I would probably start it before the end of the month, but I can be flexible to what other people are up for!

I love The Scarlet Pimpernel! I own a copy and have read it multiple times. :)

I'm game. I'll order a cheap paperback copy off of Amazon.
:-)

Excellent! Any one else? You can get a free kindle download of this one, too.

I hit a bit of a French Revolution kick after reading the (wonderful) YA novel, Revolution this summer. I was going to read a biography of Robespierre, but got sidetracked. I've also been stopping and starting my way through The Count of Monte Cristo this year. I think this one will fit right in.

I love the movie. I would like to join and read this too.

If you ladies let me know when you get your hands on the book, I'll come up with a flexible reading schedule!

I'd like to join in. Saw the movie many years ago but have never read the book.

I went to a local charity used book sale yesterday, (all books $1-$2) and lo and behold saw a lovely hardcover copy of this that of course I snagged. So I am set!

I have my copy from the library. I am ready to go.

It sounds like we're ready to start!

I have this edition: The Scarlet Pimpernel and my page counts will be from that.

By Oct 25 read and be ready to discuss chapters 1-4 (page 37)
Nov 1 chapters 5-12 (page 110)
Nov 8 chapters 13-21 (page 181)
Nov 15 chapters 22-end (page 271)

This is just a general idea. I want to be done by Thanksgiving! Hopefully, if this is as action packed as I've been lead to believe, it'll read quickly.

I read chapters 1 and 2 last night. Chapter 1 shows me that we are in for a crafty, clever entertaining time! :)

Sounds good! I'm going to get started tonight. :-)

I read chapters 1 and 2 last night. I agree I think we in for some crafty clever fun. Interested to see who this Scarlet Pimpernel really is!

I started last night. I finished 1 started 2 I will catch up today. My book has pictures. The part with the whip and hair was illustrated. Gruesome.

Ooh, illustrated? I'm jealous.

How are we getting on? I like the story so far, but there are far too many people gathered around the table that I can barely keep track.

And what of the man under the table??

My book is different Jennifer can I get the chapter headings for the end of the chapters?

Jennifer W wrote: "How are we getting on? I like the story so far, but there are far too many people gathered around the table that I can barely keep track.

And what of the man under the table??"

Yes, who is the man under the table. A Spy? There is a lot going on at this British Inn, lots of people, hard to keep track of who is who at this point.

Rebecca,

Chapter 5 is called Marguerite.
Chapter 13 is The Mysterious Device.
Chapter 22 is On The Track.

Does that help?

Seems like we are getting a lot of build up and mystery.

It does. My is the same. Thank you Jennifer.

I'm behind in my reading, but I'll catch up soon.

How is everyone doing with the French Revolution? Has the book made clear enough what's going on at this point in history?

I am not sure it's clear to me. I am only on chapter 6. I am not sure why Lady B would marry some inferior to her I intellect?

That's about as far as I am, too Rebecca. I was guessing it was for her own safety, but it seems like she had other options for that as well.

I'm ahead of you Jennifer and Rebecca (I'm at chapter 13) but can't say I have any answers yet as to anything that is going on!

Haha, well that's encouraging! ;)

I made it to chapter 8. The chapter were Armand leaves was touching. I Am glad she is close to her brother. How awful to be sending him to war.

Sorry to hold you up Sheila. I find I can only read a chapter two at a time. The marriage of Lady B which has been well established as below her still baffles me. Of course she is going to be out of over with someone so inferior in intellect and class to her. The bottom line I think is the revolt against France. When lady B confessed about her involvement Did she confess to her husband before or after they were married? I didn't catch that if so. It seems to me that Cheveleir might be onto exposing the identity of the SP. I hope to get to 13 maybe 15 tonight.

Rebecca, I'm only on chapter 10 myself. In the chapter where she says goodbye to her brother, she says she told her husband after they were married and that's what made him fall out of love with her.

Don't worry about me! I have plenty of other things to read and don't mind slowing down on this one to wait for you. :-)

Don't worry, Rebecca, Sheila's read enough books with me to know I create a reading schedule and then promptly abandon it! ;)

I got up to chapter 11 last night. Lady B is being blackmailed into helping find the SP. I was thinking it might be Armand himself, but he won't be at the party, so I guess I'll have to see!

Do you get a sense of where the author's sympathies lie? I think it's interesting that depending on who's the focus of the scene, I can find myself rooting for both sides.

Jennifer W wrote: "Don't worry, Rebecca, Sheila's read enough books with me to know I create a reading schedule and then promptly abandon it! ;)"

LOL! :-D

OK, enough silliness! Let's regroup. Where are you ladies in the book? I'm on chapter 14: 1 O'clock Precisely.

I read some more last night. I'm about half way through chapter 16, so not far ahead of you. :-)

How are you doing Jennifer?

Ugh, I've had a long week and haven't had a chance to read anything in a few days.

No worries. :-) I won't read any more until I know you are reading again.

Probably I'll get to it again on Tuesday.

Then I can catch up lol. I have been sick and with my work haven't gotten as far.

Hope you're feeling better Rebecca! My work has been pretty hectic, too!

I read to Chapter 16. 1 o'clock came and went without incident. Did the SP slip away? Was the info not valid? Do you feel for Lady B?

I hope to at least read chapter 16 tonight before bed.

I did read chapter 16 last night. It was so sweet and tender between husband and wife.

I'm suspicious of the husband though. Why was he asleep in that room, of all rooms. Was he faking it and waiting for the SP? Or is he the SP? His actions to Lady B are suspicious too.

Yes, they both seem to have secrets. Part of me really wants her to tell him the whole truth about trying to save her brother, but I think she's right, he got so mad the last time, she doesn't want to burn that bridge before it even gets rebuilt.

I made it to 13 last night. I am getting more engaged with the addition of Cheuvelin which has brought conflict with Lady B and the workings of the SP. I can keep reading today. Thank you I am feeling better. I am looking forward to the tender scene.

I picked this book up recently. The premise reminds me of The SP.

I am on chapter 20 now. I think I feel like I am over the slump. I also enjoyed the tender moments between husband and wife. I think there secrets both caused them to fear plus a new marriage was also an adjustment for both of them. The part were she kept reaching out but he turned away was powerful to me. I think Maurguerite is aware of her flaws and weakness and I like that she admits it. Is Percy to proud?

Is Percy too proud? Excellent question! I'm not sure. As I mentioned above, I think one of the things I'm really enjoying about this book is that I can really understand the thoughts and motivations of each of the characters, even if they're on opposing sides. I think it's well written.

I think Percy could stand to loosen up a bit, but then again, his wife's careless comments caused a man to be guillotined, so that's pretty harsh, too.

I'm on chapter 19. I'm less confident about finishing this before Thanksgiving, but I would say I can be done with it by next weekend.