Powder and Patch [Hardcover]

Georgette Heyer. (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: London: Heinemann 1962 printing.; Later Printing edition (1962)
• ASIN: B000JJXJGO
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars witty and humourous early work, January 29, 2004

By 

tregatt (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powder and Patch (Mass Market Paperback)

This is one of my favourites, in spite of the fact that it is an early work (circa 1930) and as such lacks some of the polish and more rounded character portrayals we have all come to love and expect from Georgette Heyer. It is also a much shorter novel and is told in a very straightforward manner. However Ms Heyer's effervescent wit and obvious ability to tell a good and humourous story is already evident, thus making "Powder and Patch" an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

Much to the chagrin of his father, Maurice Jettan, and his childhood sweetheart, the beautiful Cleone Charteris, Philip Jettan, is perfectly happy being a man of the country. Not for him the perfumed manners of the London drawing rooms! Unfortunately for Philip, Cleone has spent some time in London, where her beauty and grace had been much feted, and in a much more elegant and witty manner than Philip's unvarnished and from the heart declarations. Cleone would like Philip to acquire some city polish. And in this her desires are matched by Philip's father, Maurice. And so together the pair conspire; and the upshot of which is that Philip takes off for Paris in a fit of rage. Have Cleone and Maurice done the right thing? Is a more polished Philip what they really want? Cleone is beginning to wonder if she may have made the mistake of her life in scorning Philip's honest and unvarnished outpourings of love...

I'll admit the first time I read this novel, I kept hoping that Philip would meet some nice and sensible young lady in Paris who would make him forget Cleone Charteris. Part of the problem was that I found myself unable to understand exactly what Cleone and Maurice found so wanting in Philip. Philip Jettan was sincere and true, unlike a great many romance heroes who (by comparison) come across as insincere women-haters. Years later I understood that "Powder and Patch" was actually a comedy of manners, written very much in the style of an 18th century play. Understanding this allowed me appreciate Cleone more. The joy to be gleaned from this novel is from "watching" Philip blossom and become more polished, watching him trying to teach Cleone a much needed lesson or two, and watching quick tempered Cleone react to everything that's unfolding before her eyes. So that the happily-ever-after few pages when it (finally) came was tender and satisfyingly well worth the wait. Witty and lighthearted, "Powder and Patch" is a read not to be missed.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Georgette Heyer at her best, April 1, 2000

By 

Sandra M. Riley (Bremen, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powder and Patch (Audio Cassette)

This book is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer romances (you simply can't pick one favorite!). Phillip Jettan is a man who disdains the current fashion for powdered wigs and light-hearted flirtation, but he adores his childhood friend Cleone who has tasted the elegance of a London season and isn't content with her crude lover. With the help of his frivolous Uncle Tom he sets off for Paris, and is transformed into "le petit Philippe" who becomes the darling of French society - much to the dismay of Cleone! This story sparkles with witty dialogue, and wonderful descriptions of costumes and festivities of the 1700's. I re-read it at least once a year and I enjoy it as much as the first time, again and again!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fairy Floss !!!, August 17, 2001

By 

Beverley Strong (Australia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Powder and Patch (Mass Market Paperback)

This is pleasant piece of fluff as unsubstantial as a sweet meringue. Cleone, beautiful as only a Heyer heroine can be, has been loved by her neighbour Philip since childhood and is piqued to find herself taken for granted by this very decent but unpolished young man. She advises him to take himself off to gain a bit of charm and polish, but when he returns, painted, powdered and mincing in satins and lace and affecting a languid air, she realises that she prefers the honest young man to the fop that he seems to be. Of course it's all an act and true love wins out in the end.