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False Colours
A missing twin
Something is very wrong, and the Honourable Christopher "Kit" Fancot can sense it. Kit returns to London on leave from the diplomatic service to find that his twin brother Evelyn has disappeared and his extravagant mother's debts have mounted alarmingly.
A quick-minded heiress
The Fancot family's fortunes are riding on Evelyn's marriage to the self-possessed Cressy Stavely, and her formidable grandmother's approval of the match. If Evelyn fails to meet the Dowager Lady Stavely in a few days as planned, the betrothal could be off.
A fortune in the balance
When the incorrigible Lady Fancot persuades her son to impersonate his twin (just for one night, she promises) the masquerade sets off a tangled sequence of events that engage Kit's heart far more deeply than he'd ever anticipated with his brother's fiancée―who might know much more about what's going on than she cares to reveal...
Something is very wrong, and the Honourable Christopher "Kit" Fancot can sense it. Kit returns to London on leave from the diplomatic service to find that his twin brother Evelyn has disappeared and his extravagant mother's debts have mounted alarmingly.
A quick-minded heiress
The Fancot family's fortunes are riding on Evelyn's marriage to the self-possessed Cressy Stavely, and her formidable grandmother's approval of the match. If Evelyn fails to meet the Dowager Lady Stavely in a few days as planned, the betrothal could be off.
A fortune in the balance
When the incorrigible Lady Fancot persuades her son to impersonate his twin (just for one night, she promises) the masquerade sets off a tangled sequence of events that engage Kit's heart far more deeply than he'd ever anticipated with his brother's fiancée―who might know much more about what's going on than she cares to reveal...
303 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
366 people are currently reading
2394 people want to read
About the author
Georgette Heyer
279 books5,571 followersGeorgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 721 reviews
February 3, 2022
This book is about a cute set of identical twins:
. . . no, wait. Cute and marriageable identical twins:
*fans self vigorously*
Anyway. The younger and more sensible twin, Christopher (Kit), senses Something is Wrong with his twin and returns to London from foreign parts, only to find that his brother Evelyn has disappeared without a trace, and it's imperative that Evelyn show up at a dinner to meet his wealthy fiancée's family. Unfortunately for Kit and Evelyn, their charming, lovely mother is a complete spendthrift, and unless Evelyn marries Cressy he won't be given control of his own fortune, and won't be able to pay off Mama's massive debts and rescue the family from certain disgrace, and he and Cressy both understand it's going to be a marriage of convenience.
So of course Kit is pressured by Mama into pulling the old switcheroo, except Evelyn keeps not showing up, and Kit keeps getting thrown into Cressy's company, and you can pretty much guess where it's going from here.
But like most all Georgette Heyer books, the fun is in the ride and the witty dialogue, not so much in whatever surprises there are to be gleaned from a genre so littered with tropes. Unfortunately, the dialogue in this book didn't charm me as much as Heyer's dialogue usually does. Partly it was because this book contained too much talk and too little action and romance - there's 50 (!) rather boring pages of exposition at the start. But mostly it was because too little time is spent with Kit and Cressy and their budding relationship, and way too much time is spent with their foolishly extravagant Mama. If you agree with Kit and Evelyn (and apparently pretty much every other character in this book, other than their late and unlamented father) that a lovely, silly, 40-something woman trying to act like a 20 year old, who is utterly unable to manage her finances and who spends money she doesn't have like there's no tomorrow, is charming and delightful, and that she needs to be coddled and understood, but in no case put on a strict financial budget, then maybe you'll enjoy this book more than I did.
It's too bad, because I thought the basic plot had real potential, and I thought Cressy and Kit were a clever and entertaining couple, other than his unfortunate tendency to indulge his mother.
A soft 3 stars. There were some fun parts, but too few and far between.
. . . no, wait. Cute and marriageable identical twins:
*fans self vigorously*
Anyway. The younger and more sensible twin, Christopher (Kit), senses Something is Wrong with his twin and returns to London from foreign parts, only to find that his brother Evelyn has disappeared without a trace, and it's imperative that Evelyn show up at a dinner to meet his wealthy fiancée's family. Unfortunately for Kit and Evelyn, their charming, lovely mother is a complete spendthrift, and unless Evelyn marries Cressy he won't be given control of his own fortune, and won't be able to pay off Mama's massive debts and rescue the family from certain disgrace, and he and Cressy both understand it's going to be a marriage of convenience.
So of course Kit is pressured by Mama into pulling the old switcheroo, except Evelyn keeps not showing up, and Kit keeps getting thrown into Cressy's company, and you can pretty much guess where it's going from here.
But like most all Georgette Heyer books, the fun is in the ride and the witty dialogue, not so much in whatever surprises there are to be gleaned from a genre so littered with tropes. Unfortunately, the dialogue in this book didn't charm me as much as Heyer's dialogue usually does. Partly it was because this book contained too much talk and too little action and romance - there's 50 (!) rather boring pages of exposition at the start. But mostly it was because too little time is spent with Kit and Cressy and their budding relationship, and way too much time is spent with their foolishly extravagant Mama. If you agree with Kit and Evelyn (and apparently pretty much every other character in this book, other than their late and unlamented father) that a lovely, silly, 40-something woman trying to act like a 20 year old, who is utterly unable to manage her finances and who spends money she doesn't have like there's no tomorrow, is charming and delightful, and that she needs to be coddled and understood, but in no case put on a strict financial budget, then maybe you'll enjoy this book more than I did.
It's too bad, because I thought the basic plot had real potential, and I thought Cressy and Kit were a clever and entertaining couple, other than his unfortunate tendency to indulge his mother.
A soft 3 stars. There were some fun parts, but too few and far between.
February 8, 2020
4.5*
I'm gratified to say that Georgette Heyer's books hold up so well for me (I never liked Charity Girl & hadn't read Why Shoot a Butler before) as I work through my goal of rereading all of them on Good Reads. (well maybe not My Lord John & Helen – a reader can only suffer so much)
This is one that has improved with time & I have now given it a rating of 4.5*
GH shows her trademark careful plotting & tying up of loose ends. Kit is one of my favourite GH heros – kindly, witty, handsome & resourceful. & he is a GH hero with a career - & one of her rare younger sons.
The sensing something is wrong with older twin Evelyn (now there's a name!)is deftly done.
For me this is a fast moving plot – partly because I wolfed it down in a day! Reviewers who like more action in their historical romances may prefer GH's Georgian romances or Beauvallet. GH's Regency world is generally an unruffled, ordered one.
The characters' amusements in this book may be sedate by our standards but Kit & Cressy are always busy.
They play battledore & shuttlecock (as an ex, not very good, badminton player I always pick up on this when it's mentioned)
& billiards.
Kit also rides & goes shooting.
But there are a couple of flaws which do detract from the story (The Grand Sophy spoiler ahead as well)
As usual with GH Arrows this edition is Typo City. Next time a pre GH's death copy turns up at my work (I volunteer at an op shop) I'm going to bring it home & go through the book with a red pen!
I do like the stock painting Arrow has used on this cover but my favourite remains this one. This is how I always picture Kit & Evelyn looking.
One of my all time favourite GH covers.
Edit; Sorry for all the typos - even worse than usual!
Edit; Second read on Goodreads (although I have read this title many times)
I'm feeling a bit kinder about the twin's mother Amabel this time - also more charitable about the older twin Evelyn. Amabel was based loosely on the Duchess of Devonshire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia... there is no point feeling someone can't behave the way someone already has!
I'm gratified to say that Georgette Heyer's books hold up so well for me (I never liked Charity Girl & hadn't read Why Shoot a Butler before) as I work through my goal of rereading all of them on Good Reads. (well maybe not My Lord John & Helen – a reader can only suffer so much)
This is one that has improved with time & I have now given it a rating of 4.5*
GH shows her trademark careful plotting & tying up of loose ends. Kit is one of my favourite GH heros – kindly, witty, handsome & resourceful. & he is a GH hero with a career - & one of her rare younger sons.
The sensing something is wrong with older twin Evelyn (now there's a name!)is deftly done.
For me this is a fast moving plot – partly because I wolfed it down in a day! Reviewers who like more action in their historical romances may prefer GH's Georgian romances or Beauvallet. GH's Regency world is generally an unruffled, ordered one.
The characters' amusements in this book may be sedate by our standards but Kit & Cressy are always busy.
They play battledore & shuttlecock (as an ex, not very good, badminton player I always pick up on this when it's mentioned)
& billiards.
Kit also rides & goes shooting.
But there are a couple of flaws which do detract from the story (The Grand Sophy spoiler ahead as well)
As usual with GH Arrows this edition is Typo City. Next time a pre GH's death copy turns up at my work (I volunteer at an op shop) I'm going to bring it home & go through the book with a red pen!
I do like the stock painting Arrow has used on this cover but my favourite remains this one. This is how I always picture Kit & Evelyn looking.
One of my all time favourite GH covers.
Edit; Sorry for all the typos - even worse than usual!
Edit; Second read on Goodreads (although I have read this title many times)
I'm feeling a bit kinder about the twin's mother Amabel this time - also more charitable about the older twin Evelyn. Amabel was based loosely on the Duchess of Devonshire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia... there is no point feeling someone can't behave the way someone already has!
October 28, 2015
A lovely light easy read just like all Georgette Heyer's romances. This one stars one of her best male leads in Kit who is half of a pair of identical twins. Identical that is in appearance but not apparently in character and charm. Her books are still the best Regency romances out there and they are certainly standing the test of time. To me they are the literary equivalent of comfort food:)
September 26, 2015
Love, love, love!!
This novel was so cute! Ah, I just want to give it and everyone in it a big hug! <3
False Colours seems to be one of those less popular Heyers, because I had rarely heard of it, knew nothing of what was going to happen, and generally did not know what to expect beyond twins switching places and family shenanigans. But it was all so much fun!! What a wonderful ride!
I just loved the feels of this book: so sweet, soothing, heart-warming and gentle, all interlaced with Heyer's signature wit and humour. The family bonds were so strong and so touching, too! The Fancots were such a united family, wanting the best for each other and trying to out-kind the others, it was so sweet!!
Every scene was basically:
Lady Denville : Oh my goodness my sons are the best!! I feel SO sorry for all the other parents out there, who can't possibly have sons as awesome as mine! Ah, I am SO lucky! (No joke though, she really says that at some point)
Kit : Aww, I missed you, Mama! *hugs* Let me help you with anything I can, even though I hate this masquerade of taking Evelyn's place!
Evelyn : Mama!! *more hugs* Let me settle your debts! Let me help you! And Kester, thank you so much for helping me!
Lady Denville : Oh, my sons!! I love you both EQUALLY! Let's have some QUAILS to celebrate the return of Evelyn!
Kit : Eve, it's okay bro, I can handle Mama's debts!
Evelyn : No, no! It's my responsibility!
Kit : No, seriously, I got this!
Lady Denville : Wait! I have a better idea, but let's not have quails after all.
Evelyn : Oh, oh, Mama is wearing her mischievous face again!
Kit : Oh by the way, Eve, sorry for falling in love with your fiancée. I know she's technically yours, so...
Evelyn : Oh noooo! It's okay! You can have her :)
Lady Denville : Ah, I LOVE MY SONS! GROUP HUUUUUG!
***
Seriously, it's like that the whole time. They loved each other so much, and they were all so kind! Lady Denville seriously stole my heart though, she was the sweetest, most adorable Mama ever and she was such a crack-up! Still relatively young (she's 43), the widowed Lady Denville is incredibly beautiful, has an incredible amount of suitors dangling after her, spends an incredible amount of money, and has an incredible amount of debts. True, she is also incredibly silly, and she's not terribly bright, but also has an incredibly big heart, and incredibly engaging manners. She's the perfect definition of a lovely pea-goose. Super cute, and impossible to hate. And her notions of economy, oh my gosh, please, we must take a moment to appreciate them.
Spending Your Money Wisely
by Amabel Fancot, Lady Denville
1- The first rule to remember is that, if you can pay your interest, YOU ARE OKAY! Interest paid = life is GOOD. =)
2- Economy is so super overrated. Did you know that the less you try to spend, the more you will actually end up spending? Think about it. If you buy a cheap, ugly dress to save money, you'll find yourself totally incapable of actually wearing it, so you'll end up buying that expensive gown anyways, and thus have paid wayyyy more than you would have in the first place if you'd only stuck to the expensive gown. Cheap gown + expensive gown = more expensive than just expensive gown.
3- Let's also not forget the element of luck here. For all you card-players and gamesters out there, THE LUCK WILL TURN ONE DAY. I mean, it just has to, right? It can't stay bad forever!
4- Okay, so if you do actually find yourself indebted at some point and you have nothing more to stake, be sure to have some copies of all those ugly heirloom brooches and family jewels that you never wear. Life savers those, I tell you.
5- And finally, well, remember some principles of kindness. When you already owe a ton of money to your milliner and she's trying to sell you another hat that you really can't afford? You buy the hat. Because it's only nice to spend more at those places where you already owe a ton. Like, oh yeah, sorry I owe you hundreds and hundreds of pounds, let me compensate for now by adding another one of your charming creations to my collection.
#ladydenvillelogic
The book is FILLED with her hilarious little comments and notions on spending money, and you're just there like "oh my goodness, she can't be serious!" but it makes you laugh at the same time, because she's just so adorable!! And her devotion to her sons! She would literally die for them if she had to. And the best part? Her sons so totally feel the same way, heck they are at their wits' very end trying to find a way out of the enormous mountain of debts without creating a scandal.
False Colours is a lot more "comedy of manners" and family-oriented than "romance", but I loved Kit and Cressy a lot nonetheless, and thought they made a charming couple, definitely perfect for each other. The story is almost entirely told through Kit's point of view, and Cressy only plays a secondary role in the book, but she was definitely admirable, and everything I saw from her, I liked. She was bright, intelligent, wasn't afraid to stand up to people and speak her mind, but remained lady-like and proper the entire time and never crossed the line of becoming a hoyden. I also loved her sense of humour, she was always ready to laugh and thought everything a good joke rather than becoming offended at every turn (a good thing, since the family she got tangled with most definitely loved a good laugh!). I wish the romance had been a bit more developed, for it wasn't much beyond "we took a few walks in the rose-garden and fell in love" type of thing, but as it wasn't exactly the point of the story and since Cressy wasn't exactly a main character, it made sense that it was a simpler, less all-consuming romance.
Some parts were a little slow, and the overall pace of the book isn't very fast, but it made for a charming, sunny and appeasing little story, and Lady Denville's romance with Sir Bonamy was just icing on the cake. Seriously, it was the cutest and most hilarious thing ever.
"'Will you think me very saucy if I say that never did a knight more thoroughly deserve to win his lady than you, dear sir?'
'No, no!' protested Sir Bonamy, much discomposed. 'Nonsense! Very obliging of you to say so, but no such thing! As a matter of fact, I'm a baronet.'"
Such a fun, lovely Regency romp set in the country, one I whole-heartedly recommend to fans of the genre. It's completely delightful and loveable!
Group read with the Georgette Heyer Fans group for September 2015.
This novel was so cute! Ah, I just want to give it and everyone in it a big hug! <3
False Colours seems to be one of those less popular Heyers, because I had rarely heard of it, knew nothing of what was going to happen, and generally did not know what to expect beyond twins switching places and family shenanigans. But it was all so much fun!! What a wonderful ride!
I just loved the feels of this book: so sweet, soothing, heart-warming and gentle, all interlaced with Heyer's signature wit and humour. The family bonds were so strong and so touching, too! The Fancots were such a united family, wanting the best for each other and trying to out-kind the others, it was so sweet!!
Every scene was basically:
Lady Denville : Oh my goodness my sons are the best!! I feel SO sorry for all the other parents out there, who can't possibly have sons as awesome as mine! Ah, I am SO lucky! (No joke though, she really says that at some point)
Kit : Aww, I missed you, Mama! *hugs* Let me help you with anything I can, even though I hate this masquerade of taking Evelyn's place!
Evelyn : Mama!! *more hugs* Let me settle your debts! Let me help you! And Kester, thank you so much for helping me!
Lady Denville : Oh, my sons!! I love you both EQUALLY! Let's have some QUAILS to celebrate the return of Evelyn!
Kit : Eve, it's okay bro, I can handle Mama's debts!
Evelyn : No, no! It's my responsibility!
Kit : No, seriously, I got this!
Lady Denville : Wait! I have a better idea, but let's not have quails after all.
Evelyn : Oh, oh, Mama is wearing her mischievous face again!
Kit : Oh by the way, Eve, sorry for falling in love with your fiancée. I know she's technically yours, so...
Evelyn : Oh noooo! It's okay! You can have her :)
Lady Denville : Ah, I LOVE MY SONS! GROUP HUUUUUG!
***
Seriously, it's like that the whole time. They loved each other so much, and they were all so kind! Lady Denville seriously stole my heart though, she was the sweetest, most adorable Mama ever and she was such a crack-up! Still relatively young (she's 43), the widowed Lady Denville is incredibly beautiful, has an incredible amount of suitors dangling after her, spends an incredible amount of money, and has an incredible amount of debts. True, she is also incredibly silly, and she's not terribly bright, but also has an incredibly big heart, and incredibly engaging manners. She's the perfect definition of a lovely pea-goose. Super cute, and impossible to hate. And her notions of economy, oh my gosh, please, we must take a moment to appreciate them.
Spending Your Money Wisely
by Amabel Fancot, Lady Denville
1- The first rule to remember is that, if you can pay your interest, YOU ARE OKAY! Interest paid = life is GOOD. =)
2- Economy is so super overrated. Did you know that the less you try to spend, the more you will actually end up spending? Think about it. If you buy a cheap, ugly dress to save money, you'll find yourself totally incapable of actually wearing it, so you'll end up buying that expensive gown anyways, and thus have paid wayyyy more than you would have in the first place if you'd only stuck to the expensive gown. Cheap gown + expensive gown = more expensive than just expensive gown.
3- Let's also not forget the element of luck here. For all you card-players and gamesters out there, THE LUCK WILL TURN ONE DAY. I mean, it just has to, right? It can't stay bad forever!
4- Okay, so if you do actually find yourself indebted at some point and you have nothing more to stake, be sure to have some copies of all those ugly heirloom brooches and family jewels that you never wear. Life savers those, I tell you.
5- And finally, well, remember some principles of kindness. When you already owe a ton of money to your milliner and she's trying to sell you another hat that you really can't afford? You buy the hat. Because it's only nice to spend more at those places where you already owe a ton. Like, oh yeah, sorry I owe you hundreds and hundreds of pounds, let me compensate for now by adding another one of your charming creations to my collection.
#ladydenvillelogic
The book is FILLED with her hilarious little comments and notions on spending money, and you're just there like "oh my goodness, she can't be serious!" but it makes you laugh at the same time, because she's just so adorable!! And her devotion to her sons! She would literally die for them if she had to. And the best part? Her sons so totally feel the same way, heck they are at their wits' very end trying to find a way out of the enormous mountain of debts without creating a scandal.
False Colours is a lot more "comedy of manners" and family-oriented than "romance", but I loved Kit and Cressy a lot nonetheless, and thought they made a charming couple, definitely perfect for each other. The story is almost entirely told through Kit's point of view, and Cressy only plays a secondary role in the book, but she was definitely admirable, and everything I saw from her, I liked. She was bright, intelligent, wasn't afraid to stand up to people and speak her mind, but remained lady-like and proper the entire time and never crossed the line of becoming a hoyden. I also loved her sense of humour, she was always ready to laugh and thought everything a good joke rather than becoming offended at every turn (a good thing, since the family she got tangled with most definitely loved a good laugh!). I wish the romance had been a bit more developed, for it wasn't much beyond "we took a few walks in the rose-garden and fell in love" type of thing, but as it wasn't exactly the point of the story and since Cressy wasn't exactly a main character, it made sense that it was a simpler, less all-consuming romance.
Some parts were a little slow, and the overall pace of the book isn't very fast, but it made for a charming, sunny and appeasing little story, and Lady Denville's romance with Sir Bonamy was just icing on the cake. Seriously, it was the cutest and most hilarious thing ever.
"'Will you think me very saucy if I say that never did a knight more thoroughly deserve to win his lady than you, dear sir?'
'No, no!' protested Sir Bonamy, much discomposed. 'Nonsense! Very obliging of you to say so, but no such thing! As a matter of fact, I'm a baronet.'"
Such a fun, lovely Regency romp set in the country, one I whole-heartedly recommend to fans of the genre. It's completely delightful and loveable!
Group read with the Georgette Heyer Fans group for September 2015.
May 7, 2019
Did . . . did this book I'd never heard of until a week ago just ascend into my Top Five Heyer Novels?
I THINK YES.
I mean, come ON, people! Identical twins- grown ass men twins- switching places! Stern dowagers! Marriages of convenience! Boring relatives! Large dandies wearing creaking corsets! This book had it all! As a friend has pointed out, this book is one of Heyer's adventure stories and yet had little in the way of an "adventure" plot, because while there were definitely hijinks, even (dare I say) shenanigans, the stakes weren't exactly urgent. Which cleared the field for some of Heyer's most delightful characters and wittiest dialogue! The Dowager Lady Denville, mother of the twins, is both a clever woman and a bit of an airhead, and I adored her. Her manipulations of her friends and family, "all for their own good, of course, dear one," were perfection. I also adored her devoted longtime admirer, Sir Bonamy, which his glorious detailing of the fine meals he enjoys and his fantastical dressing gowns. The twins are charming, you can see why they would be sought after husbands for young ladies, and Cressie, the proposed bride, is a delight herself!
The reader of this audiobook, Phyllida Nash, sounds like Judi Dench and did a bang up job with all the voices. Not only that, but she seemed on the verge of breaking into a laugh herself on several occasions, which was perfect for this story. Just an A+ job all around!
I THINK YES.
I mean, come ON, people! Identical twins- grown ass men twins- switching places! Stern dowagers! Marriages of convenience! Boring relatives! Large dandies wearing creaking corsets! This book had it all! As a friend has pointed out, this book is one of Heyer's adventure stories and yet had little in the way of an "adventure" plot, because while there were definitely hijinks, even (dare I say) shenanigans, the stakes weren't exactly urgent. Which cleared the field for some of Heyer's most delightful characters and wittiest dialogue! The Dowager Lady Denville, mother of the twins, is both a clever woman and a bit of an airhead, and I adored her. Her manipulations of her friends and family, "all for their own good, of course, dear one," were perfection. I also adored her devoted longtime admirer, Sir Bonamy, which his glorious detailing of the fine meals he enjoys and his fantastical dressing gowns. The twins are charming, you can see why they would be sought after husbands for young ladies, and Cressie, the proposed bride, is a delight herself!
The reader of this audiobook, Phyllida Nash, sounds like Judi Dench and did a bang up job with all the voices. Not only that, but she seemed on the verge of breaking into a laugh herself on several occasions, which was perfect for this story. Just an A+ job all around!
May 29, 2025
2024 Review
A ridiculous but entertaining story!
2021 Review
The last time I read this book I cooed over the theme of unhappy marriages. This time I just kept noticing how often mistresses play a role! It ought to come across vulgar but somehow Heyer carries it off.
2019 Review - 5 stars
It amuses me that I own so many these Heyer books I initially gave low ratings. It does not matter what I thought of them. If SHE wrote it, I will buy it. (Excluding possibly Penhallow.)
Thankfully this book did not remain low in my estimation for long. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. True, the hero has about 80% more dialogue with his mother than his prospective bride, but I would say the mother is more of a main character. She drives the plot. Her difficulties send the twins hurrying to her aide. Her ideas drive their actions.
By right she is a side character, and yet...she really isn't. Even how things wrap up put her front and center.
So, the romance does take a back seat. But this is Heyer, Queen of Showing Not Telling. The reader can easily track how Kit falls for his brother's prospective bride, how she falls for him, how she learns of the switch...none of it explicitly said. I really enjoyed the added subtlety.
Finally, I bumped the book up to 5 stars, not 4 like I initially planned, because False Colours comes with another level of depth than most Heyer novels. Now, I love Heyer's romances. They're witty and charming and leave you grinning from ear to ear. But they don't generally aim for depth. In False Colours she sort of tries depth and I understand why a younger me would not have liked it. But it comes from making the mother the main heroine. The book focuses on the impact of an unhappy marriage.
Even though Lady Denville (the mother of the twins) has been widowed over a year, the impact of her bad marriage still remains part of her life. It influences the scrapes she finds herself in. How she views those around her. How others view her. There is a scene between the twins where the older discloses something of their mother's history to the younger. I won't spoil it. But the scene is not exactly nice. It really comes of out of nowhere and does not play a critical part of the story. But it poignantly expresses what she experienced as a young, unloved bride.
And that is why I think this book deserves five starts. Though a "conventional" marriage plot with intrigue and masquerades plays out, the book really centers on Lady Denville. And it is wonderful for that.
2013 Review - 2 Stars
Though a romping good tale, it isn't Georgette Heyer's best. While this book would be good for anyone else, she's Georgette Heyer! You have to expect something more! Anyway
Plot
Kit Fancot and his twin brother Evelyn are almost as identical as identical twins can be. The only people who can tell them apart have known them since they were very young - and even then it isn't a sure bet. So when Evelyn's sudden disappearance coincides with Kit's surprise arrival home from his diplomatic delegation abroad, their Mother convinces him that he absolutely must pretend to be Evelyn just for one evening to save his twin brother's engagement! Unfortunately, one night because an unforeseeablaly long charade when Evelyn doesn't reappear and Kit finds himself drawn more and more into his brother's shoes.
He's also fins himself falling for his brother's fiance.
Thoughts
Though many reviewers complain that Kit spends way more time bantering with his mother than with his love interest, I didn't find it that bad. In fact, I enjoyed the easy carings-on of his mother, the servants, even his love interest (though I agree, more of her was desirable)
It showed an echo of what makes The Grand Sophy so amazing, or even Frederica and Cotillion so brilliant. It isn't that there is a remarkable climax, but a more gentle up and down with a natural predicament and a gentleman to solve it.
Somehow, though, it just didn't flow as well.
I think what through me off most about Fales Colours was the frequent (and I mean frequent) references to mistresses, lady birds, light skirts, and bits of muslin. It's an almost continual bombardment for a Heyer book. Of course, nothing explicit, nothing inappropriate, but it got grating after a while, like an echo that wouldn't go away already. My roommate pointed out that this probably was a usual thing for the time and as a very historically accurate person, Heyer would have stuck to that. While that does make some sense, I did find their Mother's frequent comments on it most...unlikely?
Cressy's run-in with the former mistress was HILARIOUS though.
Just sayin'.
So anyway, not her best.
Not her worst.
A ridiculous but entertaining story!
2021 Review
The last time I read this book I cooed over the theme of unhappy marriages. This time I just kept noticing how often mistresses play a role! It ought to come across vulgar but somehow Heyer carries it off.
2019 Review - 5 stars
It amuses me that I own so many these Heyer books I initially gave low ratings. It does not matter what I thought of them. If SHE wrote it, I will buy it. (Excluding possibly Penhallow.)
Thankfully this book did not remain low in my estimation for long. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. True, the hero has about 80% more dialogue with his mother than his prospective bride, but I would say the mother is more of a main character. She drives the plot. Her difficulties send the twins hurrying to her aide. Her ideas drive their actions.
By right she is a side character, and yet...she really isn't. Even how things wrap up put her front and center.
So, the romance does take a back seat. But this is Heyer, Queen of Showing Not Telling. The reader can easily track how Kit falls for his brother's prospective bride, how she falls for him, how she learns of the switch...none of it explicitly said. I really enjoyed the added subtlety.
Finally, I bumped the book up to 5 stars, not 4 like I initially planned, because False Colours comes with another level of depth than most Heyer novels. Now, I love Heyer's romances. They're witty and charming and leave you grinning from ear to ear. But they don't generally aim for depth. In False Colours she sort of tries depth and I understand why a younger me would not have liked it. But it comes from making the mother the main heroine. The book focuses on the impact of an unhappy marriage.
Even though Lady Denville (the mother of the twins) has been widowed over a year, the impact of her bad marriage still remains part of her life. It influences the scrapes she finds herself in. How she views those around her. How others view her. There is a scene between the twins where the older discloses something of their mother's history to the younger. I won't spoil it. But the scene is not exactly nice. It really comes of out of nowhere and does not play a critical part of the story. But it poignantly expresses what she experienced as a young, unloved bride.
And that is why I think this book deserves five starts. Though a "conventional" marriage plot with intrigue and masquerades plays out, the book really centers on Lady Denville. And it is wonderful for that.
2013 Review - 2 Stars
Though a romping good tale, it isn't Georgette Heyer's best. While this book would be good for anyone else, she's Georgette Heyer! You have to expect something more! Anyway
Plot
Kit Fancot and his twin brother Evelyn are almost as identical as identical twins can be. The only people who can tell them apart have known them since they were very young - and even then it isn't a sure bet. So when Evelyn's sudden disappearance coincides with Kit's surprise arrival home from his diplomatic delegation abroad, their Mother convinces him that he absolutely must pretend to be Evelyn just for one evening to save his twin brother's engagement! Unfortunately, one night because an unforeseeablaly long charade when Evelyn doesn't reappear and Kit finds himself drawn more and more into his brother's shoes.
He's also fins himself falling for his brother's fiance.
Thoughts
Though many reviewers complain that Kit spends way more time bantering with his mother than with his love interest, I didn't find it that bad. In fact, I enjoyed the easy carings-on of his mother, the servants, even his love interest (though I agree, more of her was desirable)
It showed an echo of what makes The Grand Sophy so amazing, or even Frederica and Cotillion so brilliant. It isn't that there is a remarkable climax, but a more gentle up and down with a natural predicament and a gentleman to solve it.
Somehow, though, it just didn't flow as well.
I think what through me off most about Fales Colours was the frequent (and I mean frequent) references to mistresses, lady birds, light skirts, and bits of muslin. It's an almost continual bombardment for a Heyer book. Of course, nothing explicit, nothing inappropriate, but it got grating after a while, like an echo that wouldn't go away already. My roommate pointed out that this probably was a usual thing for the time and as a very historically accurate person, Heyer would have stuck to that. While that does make some sense, I did find their Mother's frequent comments on it most...unlikely?
Cressy's run-in with the former mistress was HILARIOUS though.
Just sayin'.
So anyway, not her best.
Not her worst.
September 15, 2015
It's always hard for me to review a Georgette Heyer book. She's one of my favorite authors and I've read most of her books many times. Which makes it difficult to feign objectivity or even to avoid gushing like a little girl.
In False Colours, like other of her adventure-flavored romances (The Unknown Ajax, The Toll-Gate, or The Talisman Ring for example), the central romance is resolved between half and three-quarters through the book (60% in this case, I checked). Unlike those others, however, the adventure side of False Colours is pretty tame—indeed, there isn't much for the heroes to do besides wait for Kit's missing twin to show up. And there's no malignant force to contend against. Indeed, all the factors of the dilemma they must extricate themselves from are caused, directly or indirectly, by the Fancot twins themselves or their mother.
So you'd think this book would be less enjoyable than others of its kind. As you near the end of the book, there's no real urgency or threat or danger. And the romance is resolved—quite satisfactorily, thank you very much. Yet the ending, while a slower pace than you'd expect, is not only not a dead bore but is really quite enjoyable all the way to the very end. Indeed, though I've read the book more times than I can confidently state and I know very well how things will resolve, I'm not even a little bit tempted to simply stop reading once Kit and Cressy declare their devotion to one another or when even Evelyn shows up to tell them where he's been.
The thing is, Heyer has populated the book with such engaging characters that you really aren't ready to be done with them until everybody is reasonably well-settled. The magic of the book is that you like Lady Denville, the Dowager Stavely, and Sir Bonamy even as you have to acknowledge the faults that cause so many difficulties. And Lady Denville shines as a character you can't help but love. Her love for her sons and basic good-natured care for others is endearing even as you understand that her inability to control her impecunious habits is at the heart of Evelyn's difficulty.
Add Heyer's deft hand with dialogue and the book is fun to the very end. While not her best work or my most loved, this continues to be on my high rotation list because I simply enjoy spending time with these characters.
In False Colours, like other of her adventure-flavored romances (The Unknown Ajax, The Toll-Gate, or The Talisman Ring for example), the central romance is resolved between half and three-quarters through the book (60% in this case, I checked). Unlike those others, however, the adventure side of False Colours is pretty tame—indeed, there isn't much for the heroes to do besides wait for Kit's missing twin to show up. And there's no malignant force to contend against. Indeed, all the factors of the dilemma they must extricate themselves from are caused, directly or indirectly, by the Fancot twins themselves or their mother.
So you'd think this book would be less enjoyable than others of its kind. As you near the end of the book, there's no real urgency or threat or danger. And the romance is resolved—quite satisfactorily, thank you very much. Yet the ending, while a slower pace than you'd expect, is not only not a dead bore but is really quite enjoyable all the way to the very end. Indeed, though I've read the book more times than I can confidently state and I know very well how things will resolve, I'm not even a little bit tempted to simply stop reading once Kit and Cressy declare their devotion to one another or when even Evelyn shows up to tell them where he's been.
The thing is, Heyer has populated the book with such engaging characters that you really aren't ready to be done with them until everybody is reasonably well-settled. The magic of the book is that you like Lady Denville, the Dowager Stavely, and Sir Bonamy even as you have to acknowledge the faults that cause so many difficulties. And Lady Denville shines as a character you can't help but love. Her love for her sons and basic good-natured care for others is endearing even as you understand that her inability to control her impecunious habits is at the heart of Evelyn's difficulty.
Add Heyer's deft hand with dialogue and the book is fun to the very end. While not her best work or my most loved, this continues to be on my high rotation list because I simply enjoy spending time with these characters.
February 8, 2020
Read it very quickly, in one afternoon if you can, it's such a frothy confection that there's no chance you'll be overwhelmed by it. It's best read at speed, because all the joy of this book is in the very silly twin-swapping masquerade and the ridiculous secondary characters like corpulent Sir Bonamy Ripple (what a name!) and fierce, old, match-making, dragon, Grandmama (I forget her name already, but if you've ever read a Heyer then you know the character I mean!). If you stop to think about it you'll realise that the plot is ridiculous, the pacing uneven, and the central romance mysteriously absent.
I liked it very much - but I always like best the light-hearted ones, where Heyer is as fond of her own characters as you are. Everybody here is adorable, despite not deserving to be so at all: airheaded, spendthrift mama; self-indulgent aristocrat; bipolar brother; possessively devoted servants: I love them all. That's much better than the sourer Heyer's where the servants are stupid figures of fun, the love rivals are joyless bluestockings and spoilt brats, and the heroes are cold and masterful. The hero here is the exact opposite: thoughtful, responsible, humorous! Despite spending no time at all with the heroine it's clear that she has to love him. He's the only man in the entire Heyerverse with his head on his shoulders!
This is very much the fun of the book. Poor Kit's entire family is tangling him in a web of well-intentioned deceptions, and Kit's working like the dickens to extricate them all without a scandal. It takes every particle of his diplomatic powers and it's simply delicious to see him bluffing his way gracefully out of some difficult social situations! It's clearly a hereditary skill - just watch his mama twisting everyone around her fingers, despite being 'a perfect widgeon'. How can you not love them?
I liked it very much - but I always like best the light-hearted ones, where Heyer is as fond of her own characters as you are. Everybody here is adorable, despite not deserving to be so at all: airheaded, spendthrift mama; self-indulgent aristocrat; bipolar brother; possessively devoted servants: I love them all. That's much better than the sourer Heyer's where the servants are stupid figures of fun, the love rivals are joyless bluestockings and spoilt brats, and the heroes are cold and masterful. The hero here is the exact opposite: thoughtful, responsible, humorous! Despite spending no time at all with the heroine it's clear that she has to love him. He's the only man in the entire Heyerverse with his head on his shoulders!
This is very much the fun of the book. Poor Kit's entire family is tangling him in a web of well-intentioned deceptions, and Kit's working like the dickens to extricate them all without a scandal. It takes every particle of his diplomatic powers and it's simply delicious to see him bluffing his way gracefully out of some difficult social situations! It's clearly a hereditary skill - just watch his mama twisting everyone around her fingers, despite being 'a perfect widgeon'. How can you not love them?
January 14, 2026
When he gets a foreboding that his identical twin is in trouble, Kit Fancot, returns to England just in time to pose as Eveland, Earl of Denville, as place holder in his courtship of Cressy Staverly. It was only meant to be the one time, but when Eve remains missing, his mother presses him to keep up the masquerade. One thing leads to another and Kit has no idea how they are going get out of this scrape.
False Colours was sheer fun in a madcap and mayhem way. It sparkles with dialogue and personality. The Fancots are an aristocratic family with spirit. Kit is the most sensible and has gone into diplomatic work, but his loyalties get him in trouble when his mother talks him into impersonating his brother to help them all out of a jam. Between a silly, warmhearted and stylish yet deeply in debt mother and a brother resentful that his stern father put hold on his inheritance so he chooses an arranged marriage to sort things out, Kit has his work cut out for him extricating them. And, that was before he fell for his brother's intended.
There is romance in this one, but for the most part it is a light Regency caper. One family trying to solve their troubles using unique means and keeping others in the dark about their antics. As usual for Heyer's stories, there is a delicious cast of colorful personalities, amusing cant and dialogue, and a light plot that builds to a climax- in this case, what to do when the secrets come out.
I find it amusing that it could have been written as an angst-filled love triangle and brooding family drama, but instead it is high comedy that kept me amused from beginning to end with its light and airy antics.
Phyllida Nash was a sensational narrator and caught the tone and spirit as well as voiced the entire cast amazingly well. Gender, class, age... she was up to it all.
It had been many years since I read this for the first time, but listening in again was possibly more delightful than ever.
False Colours was sheer fun in a madcap and mayhem way. It sparkles with dialogue and personality. The Fancots are an aristocratic family with spirit. Kit is the most sensible and has gone into diplomatic work, but his loyalties get him in trouble when his mother talks him into impersonating his brother to help them all out of a jam. Between a silly, warmhearted and stylish yet deeply in debt mother and a brother resentful that his stern father put hold on his inheritance so he chooses an arranged marriage to sort things out, Kit has his work cut out for him extricating them. And, that was before he fell for his brother's intended.
There is romance in this one, but for the most part it is a light Regency caper. One family trying to solve their troubles using unique means and keeping others in the dark about their antics. As usual for Heyer's stories, there is a delicious cast of colorful personalities, amusing cant and dialogue, and a light plot that builds to a climax- in this case, what to do when the secrets come out.
I find it amusing that it could have been written as an angst-filled love triangle and brooding family drama, but instead it is high comedy that kept me amused from beginning to end with its light and airy antics.
Phyllida Nash was a sensational narrator and caught the tone and spirit as well as voiced the entire cast amazingly well. Gender, class, age... she was up to it all.
It had been many years since I read this for the first time, but listening in again was possibly more delightful than ever.
February 4, 2024
3/4/24 - still four stars, glad to reread, I’d muddled this plot with another Heyer novel in my head, so this was a pleasant and refreshing surprise, fun to listen while knitting.
2/7/20 - back up to 4 stars for this Heyer; never a favorite, so I tried the audiobook narrated by the excellent Phyllida Nash this time. I guess it’s third time a charm, or just right book, right time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this reread! We’ve had some lively discussions in the Heyer group about the characters, and their motivations - and I doubt it’ll ever be an absolute favorite five-star Heyer for me - but it was great fun, and a delightful listen just when I needed it!
4/2008 - I really enjoyed this one, but had a hard time getting into it; I've read enough Heyer to know that when I reread it I'll enjoy it more. It was my fault for not just putting it aside and reading it when I was in the mood. Having said that, it had her usual hilarious dialogue, charming, quirky characters, and farcical situations, and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good comedy of manners in the Austen style, but funnier!
9/12/15 - upon rereading I've downgraded this one to 3.5 stars from 4; reading along with the Georgette Heyer group and reading the insightful comments of my fellow readers helped point out character and plotting flaws I missed when I first read the book several years ago. First, for a Heyer book, one of favorite authors, it sagged and slowed to a boring pace in the middle to the last third or so of the book and I almost didn't bother finishing! But I'm glad I hung in there, because in true Heyer fashion she ties up loose ends fairly neatly and I was satisfied for the most part. One of my biggest annoyances with the book was Amabel, mother to twin brothers Kit and Evelyn; the entire plot sprung from and revolved around the obscene debts she had accumulated for many years and the obligation felt by her sons to pay off said debts. I was appalled that despite her obvious deep love for her two boys she would hatch the plot to marry Evelyn (the eldest and heir to the earldom) off in a marriage of convenience so that he would seem "settled" enough to convince his uncle to wind up his father's trust that kept him from his full inheritance (his father obviously thought he was as big of a flake as his mother). Talk about selfish, and totally lacking in self-awareness at the same time (until the very end, when Amabel finally took steps to take responsibility in her own inimitable way and let her sons off the hook). Anyway, there are some marvelous and insightful comments at the Georgette Heyer readers group pages on this book if you care to read more.
Two of the brightest spots for me (and definitely worth the .5 star!) was the delightful couple of Kit and Cressy - they were so much fun and so clearly meant for each other and never hesitated to jump in and support each other and work together to solve this ridiculous mess Amabel embroiled them in; and the other was Sir Bonamy Ripple, one of the funniest, most hedonistic and effortlessly charming side characters I've ever read in a Heyer book, and she's written some real winners! And the fact that he gets to be the knight in shining armor who (unwittingly and probably unwillingly) provides the means to a resolution that allows the young people to find their happiness in the end - priceless!
2/7/20 - back up to 4 stars for this Heyer; never a favorite, so I tried the audiobook narrated by the excellent Phyllida Nash this time. I guess it’s third time a charm, or just right book, right time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this reread! We’ve had some lively discussions in the Heyer group about the characters, and their motivations - and I doubt it’ll ever be an absolute favorite five-star Heyer for me - but it was great fun, and a delightful listen just when I needed it!
4/2008 - I really enjoyed this one, but had a hard time getting into it; I've read enough Heyer to know that when I reread it I'll enjoy it more. It was my fault for not just putting it aside and reading it when I was in the mood. Having said that, it had her usual hilarious dialogue, charming, quirky characters, and farcical situations, and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good comedy of manners in the Austen style, but funnier!
9/12/15 - upon rereading I've downgraded this one to 3.5 stars from 4; reading along with the Georgette Heyer group and reading the insightful comments of my fellow readers helped point out character and plotting flaws I missed when I first read the book several years ago. First, for a Heyer book, one of favorite authors, it sagged and slowed to a boring pace in the middle to the last third or so of the book and I almost didn't bother finishing! But I'm glad I hung in there, because in true Heyer fashion she ties up loose ends fairly neatly and I was satisfied for the most part. One of my biggest annoyances with the book was Amabel, mother to twin brothers Kit and Evelyn; the entire plot sprung from and revolved around the obscene debts she had accumulated for many years and the obligation felt by her sons to pay off said debts. I was appalled that despite her obvious deep love for her two boys she would hatch the plot to marry Evelyn (the eldest and heir to the earldom) off in a marriage of convenience so that he would seem "settled" enough to convince his uncle to wind up his father's trust that kept him from his full inheritance (his father obviously thought he was as big of a flake as his mother). Talk about selfish, and totally lacking in self-awareness at the same time (until the very end, when Amabel finally took steps to take responsibility in her own inimitable way and let her sons off the hook). Anyway, there are some marvelous and insightful comments at the Georgette Heyer readers group pages on this book if you care to read more.
Two of the brightest spots for me (and definitely worth the .5 star!) was the delightful couple of Kit and Cressy - they were so much fun and so clearly meant for each other and never hesitated to jump in and support each other and work together to solve this ridiculous mess Amabel embroiled them in; and the other was Sir Bonamy Ripple, one of the funniest, most hedonistic and effortlessly charming side characters I've ever read in a Heyer book, and she's written some real winners! And the fact that he gets to be the knight in shining armor who (unwittingly and probably unwillingly) provides the means to a resolution that allows the young people to find their happiness in the end - priceless!
February 12, 2024
Not one of my favorite Heyer's as there isn't much happening at anytime. The writing is brilliant as usual and there are some great characters, Sir Bonamy Ripple for one and I liked old lady Stavely too.
A good enough read but not one of her better ones.
It's amazing how an opinion of a book can change when reread a couple of years later. I've upped my rating to five stars on this reread. True, what happens for most of the time is not very exciting but the characters more than make up for this. It's best described as a slow burner. My absolute favourite is still Sir Bonamy Ripple. You can't help but like him and his life long adoration of Lady Denville. Heyer is a master at creating characters that are not easily forgotten!
A good enough read but not one of her better ones.
It's amazing how an opinion of a book can change when reread a couple of years later. I've upped my rating to five stars on this reread. True, what happens for most of the time is not very exciting but the characters more than make up for this. It's best described as a slow burner. My absolute favourite is still Sir Bonamy Ripple. You can't help but like him and his life long adoration of Lady Denville. Heyer is a master at creating characters that are not easily forgotten!
October 8, 2020
It was nice enough and entertaining enough and georgetteheyerish enough, but I was still unimpressed.
It's thanks to Phyllida Nash's excellent narration that I am giving it 3 stars.
I think the book very much hinges on whether you like Lady Denville or not. I did not dislike her, but was not enamoured by her either, so her taking center stage was a dampener.
It's thanks to Phyllida Nash's excellent narration that I am giving it 3 stars.
I think the book very much hinges on whether you like Lady Denville or not. I did not dislike her, but was not enamoured by her either, so her taking center stage was a dampener.
February 10, 2020
The Honorable Christopher Fancot takes leave from his diplomatic post to return to London because he has a feeling something is wrong with his twin Evelyn, Lord Denville. Their mother reveals Evelyn hasn't been home in over a week and she is very worried. Evelyn is due to visit his potential bride's family soon and if he isn't home in time then Kit will have to take his place. Kit and his twin used to change places frequently as children for a lark but this is different. Kit agrees believing the masquerade to last only one night. He is surprised to find his brother's intended an intelligent and interesting young lady and her dragon of a grandmother not so formidable as he had feared. He almost regrets that Evelyn must marry this girl out of convenience. When Evelyn still doesn't return home, Kit and Lady Denville head to their country home to search for clues. When Cresy's grandmother invites herself and her granddaughter to visit, Kit has no choice but to continue the masquerade. Can he convince everyone he's his brother? Does he really want to? Is there someone he would rather reveal his true self to?
This is a story of deception Georgette Heyer style. I normally hate that kind of thing because I believe in honesty and plain speaking. However, I found this book largely enjoyable, if not predictable. The second half was funnier than the first and contains a lot more of Heyer's trademark period cant. I found it a little excessive and annoying in this novel. It didn't quite flow as seamlessly as it does in some of her other books. I liked the romance a lot and was impressed that there was (read between the lines) passionate kissing in the middle without explicitly stating so. I didn't remember that from my first reading.
I'm not super crazy about the characters in this novel. Kit seems like a better man than Evelyn. Evelyn is rackety and though not exactly rakish, he's careless and forgetful which causes him to appear like a rake. Kit is more thoughtful and intelligent than his older brother but I wasn't enamored with him either. He's too indulgent of his mother and even his brother's bad behavior. I thought he was a bit too close to his mother. Their relationship was more like friends or close siblings than mother and son. He improved a lot, in my opinion, once he met Cressy and got to know her better.
Amabel, Lady Denville, is the most annoying, immature mother of a main character in all of Heyer's novels. She's so flighty and unintelligent that she drove me crazy. I wanted to be sympathetic because she wasn't brought up to understand money and debt and that sort of thing. She was married at a young age to a man who didn't love her but plenty of other characters in the Regency world as defined by Heyer make do and learn. Amabel is very similar to Nell in April Lady.
Cressy is the one character I really liked. She's sharp, intelligent and not a typical gently bred young lady. Her experiences living alone with her father make her more aware of the gentleman's world and how women fit into it. She isn't phased by anything and has a great sense of humor.
As always, Heyer's secondary characters really shine. Bonamy is a great character. He's a portly middle-aged follower of the Prince Regent and should therefore not be all that likable. In the hands of Heyer, even a character other characters dislike can be a delight. His constant raptures over food were a bit much but he's a kind and loving friend and his dialogue is funny, especially at the end. My second favorite secondary character is Clara's mother. She's clearly not quite the thing and an extortionist but too too funny. I can easily conjure up a mental picture of her. My third favorite secondary character is Cressy's grandmama. If this ever makes it to TV or film any time soon, she will be played by Maggie Smith. She's the Regency version of Lady Violet Crawley - a tough old lady who seems scary but has a good heart inside and wants what's best for her family.
I bumped this book up from 3 to 4 stars for a second reading. I enjoyed it more than I remembered.
Update: February 2020
Enjoyed it even more this third time. I liked Kit better too. I admire that he has a job he likes and is good at. It gives him good common sense and able to meet and deal with with different types of people. I liked Evelyn a little more too. At first he seems a bit immature but once the reader finds out what happened to him his actions seem a little bit more understandable.
This isn't the most memorable Heyer novel but it's much much better than any of the Regency set novels by anyone else.
This is a story of deception Georgette Heyer style. I normally hate that kind of thing because I believe in honesty and plain speaking. However, I found this book largely enjoyable, if not predictable. The second half was funnier than the first and contains a lot more of Heyer's trademark period cant. I found it a little excessive and annoying in this novel. It didn't quite flow as seamlessly as it does in some of her other books. I liked the romance a lot and was impressed that there was (read between the lines) passionate kissing in the middle without explicitly stating so. I didn't remember that from my first reading.
I'm not super crazy about the characters in this novel. Kit seems like a better man than Evelyn. Evelyn is rackety and though not exactly rakish, he's careless and forgetful which causes him to appear like a rake. Kit is more thoughtful and intelligent than his older brother but I wasn't enamored with him either. He's too indulgent of his mother and even his brother's bad behavior. I thought he was a bit too close to his mother. Their relationship was more like friends or close siblings than mother and son. He improved a lot, in my opinion, once he met Cressy and got to know her better.
Amabel, Lady Denville, is the most annoying, immature mother of a main character in all of Heyer's novels. She's so flighty and unintelligent that she drove me crazy. I wanted to be sympathetic because she wasn't brought up to understand money and debt and that sort of thing. She was married at a young age to a man who didn't love her but plenty of other characters in the Regency world as defined by Heyer make do and learn. Amabel is very similar to Nell in April Lady.
Cressy is the one character I really liked. She's sharp, intelligent and not a typical gently bred young lady. Her experiences living alone with her father make her more aware of the gentleman's world and how women fit into it. She isn't phased by anything and has a great sense of humor.
As always, Heyer's secondary characters really shine. Bonamy is a great character. He's a portly middle-aged follower of the Prince Regent and should therefore not be all that likable. In the hands of Heyer, even a character other characters dislike can be a delight. His constant raptures over food were a bit much but he's a kind and loving friend and his dialogue is funny, especially at the end. My second favorite secondary character is Clara's mother. She's clearly not quite the thing and an extortionist but too too funny. I can easily conjure up a mental picture of her. My third favorite secondary character is Cressy's grandmama. If this ever makes it to TV or film any time soon, she will be played by Maggie Smith. She's the Regency version of Lady Violet Crawley - a tough old lady who seems scary but has a good heart inside and wants what's best for her family.
I bumped this book up from 3 to 4 stars for a second reading. I enjoyed it more than I remembered.
Update: February 2020
Enjoyed it even more this third time. I liked Kit better too. I admire that he has a job he likes and is good at. It gives him good common sense and able to meet and deal with with different types of people. I liked Evelyn a little more too. At first he seems a bit immature but once the reader finds out what happened to him his actions seem a little bit more understandable.
This isn't the most memorable Heyer novel but it's much much better than any of the Regency set novels by anyone else.
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this one despite some serious qualms. It will never be a top 5 favourite from the Heyer catalogue but it's certainly higher up the list than I expected.
It's the story of twins who have a real emotional connection and a deep sense of loyalty. The youngest son Kit returns unexpectedly from his Diplomatic post in Vienna and is persuaded by his mother to impersonate his elder brother Evelyn (who has inexplicably disappeared), at a meeting with his prospective fiancee and her family. The shenanigans which then ensue form the meat of this funny, and entertaining confection. It is really beautifully done.
We discover that Amabel, the youthful mother is deep in debt (about 1.5 million pounds in today's' money), and Evelyn is about to embark on a marriage to Cressy, so as to demonstrate his stability to his Uncle and thereby release his trust fund so he can pay off his mother's debts.
Quite frankly I found Amabel to be a truly selfish woman. I find it really difficult to accept the "look at me I'm so silly I cannot understand anything" excuse for being unable to avoid debt. Amabel was in so much debt and apparently unable to stop spending money she didn't have. I got that she was married off to a man 15 years older than her who promptly tried to eliminate everything that he had found so attractive in her but she appeared to have no desire to change or even try to improve things. Perhaps I am being hard on her, but that's perhaps because I found it even more despicable that she was prepared to let her young son embark on a marriage of convenience simply to settle her debts.
However, Heyer was also able to illustrate her more charming side during the course of the book so I almost understood why the twins were so loyal to her. Grandmama's appreciation of her flaws was truly priceless!!
I felt the earlier part of the book had some padding (the scene between Fimber and Kit which was filled with so much cant as to be indecipherable simply annoyed me). However, it was so well written, I ignored my qualms and simply enjoyed this frothy confection.
Kit and Cressy's developing romance was beautifully done and I loved them both. I would have liked to see a little more of Cressy and Kit together so we could see a litttle more of the developing romance, but nonetheless their relationship was really engaging.
The range of characters who populated the story was well drawn. Fimber, Grandmama, and others all played a crucial role in this imbroglio All the pieces moved like clockwork to play their role and resolve the stories.
Evelyn, when he finally reappeared, seemed less likable than his brother and I could not understand why he was so against Sir Bonamy Ripple. I loved Bonamy - he is one of Heyer's best creations. A self-involved hedonist to be sure, but his inherent kindness came across so many times in the book - not least when he told Kit he had given himself away by opening his snuff-box the wrong way. It was implied that he had been very good to the women he had had under his protection and his ability to survive as a crony of the Prince of Wales suggests he was pretty street-wise.
All the difficulties were resolved and happy endings were of course in place all round. I ended up with a smile on my face. Georgett Heyer remains the queen of story telling in my opinion.
It's the story of twins who have a real emotional connection and a deep sense of loyalty. The youngest son Kit returns unexpectedly from his Diplomatic post in Vienna and is persuaded by his mother to impersonate his elder brother Evelyn (who has inexplicably disappeared), at a meeting with his prospective fiancee and her family. The shenanigans which then ensue form the meat of this funny, and entertaining confection. It is really beautifully done.
We discover that Amabel, the youthful mother is deep in debt (about 1.5 million pounds in today's' money), and Evelyn is about to embark on a marriage to Cressy, so as to demonstrate his stability to his Uncle and thereby release his trust fund so he can pay off his mother's debts.
Quite frankly I found Amabel to be a truly selfish woman. I find it really difficult to accept the "look at me I'm so silly I cannot understand anything" excuse for being unable to avoid debt. Amabel was in so much debt and apparently unable to stop spending money she didn't have. I got that she was married off to a man 15 years older than her who promptly tried to eliminate everything that he had found so attractive in her but she appeared to have no desire to change or even try to improve things. Perhaps I am being hard on her, but that's perhaps because I found it even more despicable that she was prepared to let her young son embark on a marriage of convenience simply to settle her debts.
However, Heyer was also able to illustrate her more charming side during the course of the book so I almost understood why the twins were so loyal to her. Grandmama's appreciation of her flaws was truly priceless!!
I felt the earlier part of the book had some padding (the scene between Fimber and Kit which was filled with so much cant as to be indecipherable simply annoyed me). However, it was so well written, I ignored my qualms and simply enjoyed this frothy confection.
Kit and Cressy's developing romance was beautifully done and I loved them both. I would have liked to see a little more of Cressy and Kit together so we could see a litttle more of the developing romance, but nonetheless their relationship was really engaging.
The range of characters who populated the story was well drawn. Fimber, Grandmama, and others all played a crucial role in this imbroglio All the pieces moved like clockwork to play their role and resolve the stories.
Evelyn, when he finally reappeared, seemed less likable than his brother and I could not understand why he was so against Sir Bonamy Ripple. I loved Bonamy - he is one of Heyer's best creations. A self-involved hedonist to be sure, but his inherent kindness came across so many times in the book - not least when he told Kit he had given himself away by opening his snuff-box the wrong way. It was implied that he had been very good to the women he had had under his protection and his ability to survive as a crony of the Prince of Wales suggests he was pretty street-wise.
All the difficulties were resolved and happy endings were of course in place all round. I ended up with a smile on my face. Georgett Heyer remains the queen of story telling in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
It was, first of all, a comedy of characters. The author created complex and fascinating examples of those times. Lady (Dowager) Denville annoyed me to distraction, I don't want to know such a person - yet, I believe such aristocracy could exist (sadly).
I took pure joy from the language and wit, so common in Heyer's novels. Still, it lacked something to put it amongst the author's stories that I rated the highest.
----- My review after first reading below -----
When I think of this novel as a romance (Heyer's romance) I give 3 stars. The story of Kit and Cressy has some amusing points and the idea of twins is well used. But... Let's say, it isn't the thrilling story like (for example) in Devil's Cub or Cotillion (and in many other Heyer's novels).
When I think of this book as a funny book I give 4 stars. Lady Denville is ridiculous. She is a perfect example of a classic character of Heyer's Regency romances. She is so incorrigible almost preposterous. Add to that: Sir Bonamy, Challow, Fimber and the Cliffe and you have homour which makes you smile many times.
When I think of this story as a social (those times) analysis I give it 4.5 stars. I don't know if Heyer did it on purpose but:
1) in the Lady Denville we have a sad satire of ladies of the upper class from that period.
2) we have really many about the custom of having mistresses. In other Heyer's book, we can read that someone has or had one (or many) mistresses, but in this novel, it looks like almost everybody has one (sons, fathers, grandfathers). I don't judge it. It only shows the other side of those times. I couldn't stop thinking that maybe Heyer tried to remind us that the sweet Regency times aren't so sweet as we want to believe.
3) we see here the real sides of some marriages and so-called everlasting love.
So, as a Regency romance - 3 stars, as a story which has something to tell us (about people and those times) - 4 stars.
I took pure joy from the language and wit, so common in Heyer's novels. Still, it lacked something to put it amongst the author's stories that I rated the highest.
----- My review after first reading below -----
When I think of this novel as a romance (Heyer's romance) I give 3 stars. The story of Kit and Cressy has some amusing points and the idea of twins is well used. But... Let's say, it isn't the thrilling story like (for example) in Devil's Cub or Cotillion (and in many other Heyer's novels).
When I think of this book as a funny book I give 4 stars. Lady Denville is ridiculous. She is a perfect example of a classic character of Heyer's Regency romances. She is so incorrigible almost preposterous. Add to that: Sir Bonamy, Challow, Fimber and the Cliffe and you have homour which makes you smile many times.
When I think of this story as a social (those times) analysis I give it 4.5 stars. I don't know if Heyer did it on purpose but:
1) in the Lady Denville we have a sad satire of ladies of the upper class from that period.
2) we have really many about the custom of having mistresses. In other Heyer's book, we can read that someone has or had one (or many) mistresses, but in this novel, it looks like almost everybody has one (sons, fathers, grandfathers). I don't judge it. It only shows the other side of those times. I couldn't stop thinking that maybe Heyer tried to remind us that the sweet Regency times aren't so sweet as we want to believe.
3) we see here the real sides of some marriages and so-called everlasting love.
'My father—years older than she was!—fancied himself to be in
love with her! Love? He was dazzled by her face, and her captivating ways, and had no more love for her than I have for Cressida Stavely! That was soon over! Everything in Mama which makes her so lovable he disliked!'
‘You don’t wish to marry me, do you?’
He pulled himself together, declaring valiantly: ‘The one wish of my heart!’
‘Well, you didn’t look as if it was! Confess, now! You’ve been shamming it—all these years!’
He rejected this playful accusation with vehemence. ‘No, that I haven’t! How can you say such a thing, Amabel? Haven’t I stayed single for your sake?’
A provocative smile hovered about the corners of her mouth; she seemed to consider him.‘That’s what you say, but are you perfectly sure it wasn’t for your own sake, abominable palaverer that you are, my dear?’
So, as a Regency romance - 3 stars, as a story which has something to tell us (about people and those times) - 4 stars.
September 4, 2015
There are many things I love about False Colours—the hero, Kit, is one of my favorite among Georgette Heyer’s men; his mother, Lady Denham, is one of her most perfect wigeons; and the Dowager and Sir Bonamy are delightful secondary characters. But the novel makes its way only into my second rank of Georgette Heyer favorites because of the plotting.
Kit Fancot, the younger of a pair of identical twins, comes home to London from his diplomatic post in Vienna because he has sensed that something is wrong with his brother, Evelyn, Lord Denham. He discovers that Evelyn is supposed to turn up the next evening at a gathering of the relations of a woman he has proposed to, Cressida Stavely; but Evelyn is missing. Kit agrees reluctantly to impersonate Evelyn at the party in order to keep Evelyn’s engagement to Cressy from being derailed.
It turns out that Evelyn is absent longer than expected, so Kit has to take his place for more than just one evening. In the process he learns a lot about his mother’s disastrous debts and chaotic life, and he forms an inappropriate attachment. He must unravel the mystery of Evelyn’s disappearance and disentangle the scandalous sequelae for the story to reach its happy ending.
The setup is well crafted and the first half unfolds very promisingly. In the early going I would have liked to have seen more scenes showing the untenable situation that Miss Stavely is in, rather than simply being told over and over that it is untenable; there was a missed comic opportunity in that situation, and the scenes would have attached us more to the heroine. In the second half of the book, the story becomes trapped at a country house and the action flags; comic minor characters such as Ambrose are underused. One or two other characters with crucial roles to play, such as Lord Brumby, never appear in person. There’s even a slightly uncomfortable undertone to the character of Evelyn, who seems almost bipolar to me. The final dilemma doesn’t seem to be as major a problem as it is made out to be, and its resolution—again described and not acted out—is only partial and feels like a letdown.
Nevertheless, my love for the hero and delicious scenes like Sir Bonamy’s final undoing carry me through and make this a very pleasurable read. Cradled by Georgette Heyer’s delightful prose and hilarious dialogue, I notice the flaws only in retrospect.
Kit Fancot, the younger of a pair of identical twins, comes home to London from his diplomatic post in Vienna because he has sensed that something is wrong with his brother, Evelyn, Lord Denham. He discovers that Evelyn is supposed to turn up the next evening at a gathering of the relations of a woman he has proposed to, Cressida Stavely; but Evelyn is missing. Kit agrees reluctantly to impersonate Evelyn at the party in order to keep Evelyn’s engagement to Cressy from being derailed.
It turns out that Evelyn is absent longer than expected, so Kit has to take his place for more than just one evening. In the process he learns a lot about his mother’s disastrous debts and chaotic life, and he forms an inappropriate attachment. He must unravel the mystery of Evelyn’s disappearance and disentangle the scandalous sequelae for the story to reach its happy ending.
The setup is well crafted and the first half unfolds very promisingly. In the early going I would have liked to have seen more scenes showing the untenable situation that Miss Stavely is in, rather than simply being told over and over that it is untenable; there was a missed comic opportunity in that situation, and the scenes would have attached us more to the heroine. In the second half of the book, the story becomes trapped at a country house and the action flags; comic minor characters such as Ambrose are underused. One or two other characters with crucial roles to play, such as Lord Brumby, never appear in person. There’s even a slightly uncomfortable undertone to the character of Evelyn, who seems almost bipolar to me. The final dilemma doesn’t seem to be as major a problem as it is made out to be, and its resolution—again described and not acted out—is only partial and feels like a letdown.
Nevertheless, my love for the hero and delicious scenes like Sir Bonamy’s final undoing carry me through and make this a very pleasurable read. Cradled by Georgette Heyer’s delightful prose and hilarious dialogue, I notice the flaws only in retrospect.
February 3, 2020
I first read this in 1969 and had a good time with it, as I was gradually reading my way through Heyer's novels. However, it failed to win a regular spot in my re-reading rotation.
ETA Feb 2020--group read with the Heyer Fans, which did not go well for me.
Not one of my favorites by GH. There is nothing really wrong with it--just a lot of little things that make it less than top rate for me.
While I love Kit Fancott and Cressy Stavely, I am less enamored of Kit's mother, Amabel,Lady Denville. Dear mama describes herself as a widgeon and she is only too accurate in her assessment. I quickly became tired of her extravagances, her madcap plans--she wore me out by the halfway point of the book. I suspect we are supposed to find her amusing. I guess I was wearing my grumpy pants, but I stopped laughing early on.
The pacing of the story is off--too much filler. The long conversations between Kit and Fimber (the valet) which show off GH's knowledge of cant but do little to advance the story; the detailed description of all the goods that Amabel thought necessary to bring with her when she descends on Kit in the country takes up valuable space on the page and so on.
The bones of the story are good. The romance between Kit and Cressy is charming and sweet. Kit's worry over his twin brother Evelyn's disappearance is genuine, as is the affection between them once they are reunited. However, this time around I lost interest in all of the machinations of the plot. I skipped ahead to get to the big wrap-up, which was well done, with HEAs all around.
I'm in no big hurry to pick it up again.
ETA Feb 2020--group read with the Heyer Fans, which did not go well for me.
Not one of my favorites by GH. There is nothing really wrong with it--just a lot of little things that make it less than top rate for me.
While I love Kit Fancott and Cressy Stavely, I am less enamored of Kit's mother, Amabel,Lady Denville. Dear mama describes herself as a widgeon and she is only too accurate in her assessment. I quickly became tired of her extravagances, her madcap plans--she wore me out by the halfway point of the book. I suspect we are supposed to find her amusing. I guess I was wearing my grumpy pants, but I stopped laughing early on.
The pacing of the story is off--too much filler. The long conversations between Kit and Fimber (the valet) which show off GH's knowledge of cant but do little to advance the story; the detailed description of all the goods that Amabel thought necessary to bring with her when she descends on Kit in the country takes up valuable space on the page and so on.
The bones of the story are good. The romance between Kit and Cressy is charming and sweet. Kit's worry over his twin brother Evelyn's disappearance is genuine, as is the affection between them once they are reunited. However, this time around I lost interest in all of the machinations of the plot. I skipped ahead to get to the big wrap-up, which was well done, with HEAs all around.
I'm in no big hurry to pick it up again.
November 13, 2021
3.5 stars - middling Heyer with an appealingly sensible pair of lovers. Kit Fancot returns to London unexpectedly, fearing that something has gone wrong with his identical twin brother Evelyn. As it turns out, Evelyn is indeed nowhere to be found and about to miss a very important meeting with his soon-to-be-fiancee's family. Kit is persuaded to take his place (it's just one event; how wrong could things go?) and various hijinks ensue.
This is not a sweeping romance, but the meeting of like minds, sensibilities, and senses of humor. I quite like the romance between Kit and his brother's almost-fiancee Cressy. They rise to the occasion for each other, speak plainly, and are both entertained by the absurdity of the people around them. However, I'm baffled that so many characters in this book seem charmed by Kit's mother Lady Denville, who is very silly (and Evelyn is not much better - there's clearly just enough sense for one sensible person in the family). I did end up fond of Sir Bonamy, whose unprepossessing form conceals both generosity and intelligence.
I've definitely read False Colours before, though it's been at least a decade, and I liked it enough to be up for a reread in another decade.
This is not a sweeping romance, but the meeting of like minds, sensibilities, and senses of humor. I quite like the romance between Kit and his brother's almost-fiancee Cressy. They rise to the occasion for each other, speak plainly, and are both entertained by the absurdity of the people around them. However, I'm baffled that so many characters in this book seem charmed by Kit's mother Lady Denville, who is very silly (and Evelyn is not much better - there's clearly just enough sense for one sensible person in the family). I did end up fond of Sir Bonamy, whose unprepossessing form conceals both generosity and intelligence.
I've definitely read False Colours before, though it's been at least a decade, and I liked it enough to be up for a reread in another decade.
February 5, 2024
This has never been one of my top Georgette Heyer novels and still isn't. there really weren't any stand-out personalities in this one unless you count Sir Bonamy Ripple. Amabelle the mother was as frustrating as usual. I just find her extravagance and foolishness in money matters contemptible. She comes within a hair's breadth of ruining her son's lives while she supposedly loves them so much. I also can't help but wonder if she would "love" them so much if they weren't such attractive boys with nice personalities. I won't rant any further about her. The two leads were likable and sensible but didn't exactly sparkle on "the page." And Phyllida Nash, who I think did such a great job with Cotillion, didn't add anything to the characterizations with this one.
The one thing worth noting and was nice about this book is that the reader gets to see the couple's relationship and interaction after they declare their love for each other. Heyer's novels (I can't think of an exception-Maybe These Old Shades?) end almost immediately after the first kiss. I'll qualify my 2-star reading by explaining that it is 2 stars for a Georgette Heyer novel.
The one thing worth noting and was nice about this book is that the reader gets to see the couple's relationship and interaction after they declare their love for each other. Heyer's novels (I can't think of an exception-Maybe These Old Shades?) end almost immediately after the first kiss. I'll qualify my 2-star reading by explaining that it is 2 stars for a Georgette Heyer novel.
September 11, 2015
Well, according to"The Georgette Heyer Theory of Regency Romance" assuming a very many constants in people's beliefs and perceptions and assumptions based on absurd coincidences and the unfailing and obviously expected conclusion of a happily ever after, False Colours is truly Georgette Heyer personified!
Though this one is not my favourite of the lot, it has a few things I much admire. Kit, for instance, with his ingenuity and tact is a superb character. Secondly, The Fancot Twins together do capture my fancy. But one "feeling" what the other goes through is 'doing it much too brown'! But again, as I said it is 'The Georgette Heyer Theory of Regency Romance' and there ought to be the unbelievable and outrageous to make it an out and out endearing story!
It seems impossible to believe in many things happening in the story in today's times, but taking things with a pinch of salt, why not?? After all it is fiction, and fiction is supposed to be just that: Fantastic!
Kit is definitely one well thought after character. I liked him to say the least! He is intelligent, witty and has a sense of humour; all the things that are really appreciable. Plus the love for his mother and twin is kinda cute. For all his simplicity, you just can't ignore him! He is worth a dozen Evelyns!
I read at many places about people's opinions regarding Lady Denville being really annoying; but I for my part found her amazing! I mean she is just so different. She sure must be difficult to bear with in real life circumstances, a challenge even; but there is no denying her being quite adorable! For all her carelessness she does love her sons! And she can cook up ingenious plans (read scarlet fever!) just to get her way. And how she takes things lightly is what really surprises me for how can a person with tremendous debts ever feel so light n without a jot of discernible care I couldn't fathom!
Cressy is not one of my favourite Georgette Heyer heroines. I couldn't make up her character well (as I could say of Frederica or Sophy or Venetia or Kit from Cotillion). Could be my mistake or fault at reading between the lines, but being described as reserved in the beginning she is anything but that! Please correct me if I am wrong!
Bonamy Ripple was fun to read about! What a couple he should form with Lady Denville! The scene of his undoing was hilarious! What a spot he is in! I did like him a lot!
I also do like the twins' chemistry and love for each other. I am much inclined to accept the unbelievable gut feelings, or whatever those may be that they feel for each other, to be true because it gives the story the impetus necessary.
I liked the Dowager excessively and she was very true to such real life tormentors that do exist! Also, I liked the secondary characters of Fimber and Challow.
Overall Georgette Heyer took good care to plan and plot the story amazingly, just so that you are persuaded to believe in the unbelievable! No one can match her wit and humour with the pen.
What I could actually want was an ending where everything was further elaborated and not just with Kit's plan for the same. Also how Evelyn's pursuance of Miss Askham is taken care of could of course give us the happily ever after details of Evelyn's story, but then Kit was the hero and he was shown to be achieving that! And then some things are best left on their own to be understood by the clever reader
Though this one is not my favourite of the lot, it has a few things I much admire. Kit, for instance, with his ingenuity and tact is a superb character. Secondly, The Fancot Twins together do capture my fancy. But one "feeling" what the other goes through is 'doing it much too brown'! But again, as I said it is 'The Georgette Heyer Theory of Regency Romance' and there ought to be the unbelievable and outrageous to make it an out and out endearing story!
It seems impossible to believe in many things happening in the story in today's times, but taking things with a pinch of salt, why not?? After all it is fiction, and fiction is supposed to be just that: Fantastic!
Kit is definitely one well thought after character. I liked him to say the least! He is intelligent, witty and has a sense of humour; all the things that are really appreciable. Plus the love for his mother and twin is kinda cute. For all his simplicity, you just can't ignore him! He is worth a dozen Evelyns!
I read at many places about people's opinions regarding Lady Denville being really annoying; but I for my part found her amazing! I mean she is just so different. She sure must be difficult to bear with in real life circumstances, a challenge even; but there is no denying her being quite adorable! For all her carelessness she does love her sons! And she can cook up ingenious plans (read scarlet fever!) just to get her way. And how she takes things lightly is what really surprises me for how can a person with tremendous debts ever feel so light n without a jot of discernible care I couldn't fathom!
Cressy is not one of my favourite Georgette Heyer heroines. I couldn't make up her character well (as I could say of Frederica or Sophy or Venetia or Kit from Cotillion). Could be my mistake or fault at reading between the lines, but being described as reserved in the beginning she is anything but that! Please correct me if I am wrong!
Bonamy Ripple was fun to read about! What a couple he should form with Lady Denville! The scene of his undoing was hilarious! What a spot he is in! I did like him a lot!
I also do like the twins' chemistry and love for each other. I am much inclined to accept the unbelievable gut feelings, or whatever those may be that they feel for each other, to be true because it gives the story the impetus necessary.
I liked the Dowager excessively and she was very true to such real life tormentors that do exist! Also, I liked the secondary characters of Fimber and Challow.
Overall Georgette Heyer took good care to plan and plot the story amazingly, just so that you are persuaded to believe in the unbelievable! No one can match her wit and humour with the pen.
What I could actually want was an ending where everything was further elaborated and not just with Kit's plan for the same. Also how Evelyn's pursuance of Miss Askham is taken care of could of course give us the happily ever after details of Evelyn's story, but then Kit was the hero and he was shown to be achieving that! And then some things are best left on their own to be understood by the clever reader
December 7, 2018
Omigod this book was SO FUN. It was just pure delight and put a smile on my face more than once. Which felt a bit silly because I was listening to an audiobook, usually on public transport, and sitting there grinning to myself. But I didn't care because it was awesome. What could be more fun than twins switch places?
Oh right, HOT twins switching places. In Regency England. And having to pretend to be engaged. And actually falling in love. And all the many complications such a situation entails. But, importantly, this story isn't mere farce, thanks largely to the touching and genuine-feeling relationships.
I LOVED IT.
Oh right, HOT twins switching places. In Regency England. And having to pretend to be engaged. And actually falling in love. And all the many complications such a situation entails. But, importantly, this story isn't mere farce, thanks largely to the touching and genuine-feeling relationships.
I LOVED IT.
June 26, 2021
This was fun! I thought the character of the mother was one interesting--"silly", but still likable and clearly has a ton of social intelligence and still very well beloved.
Owned physical book 2/2 for the month
Overall owned book 4/5 for the month
Owned physical book 2/2 for the month
Overall owned book 4/5 for the month
Read
November 29, 2021DNF-ing this at 20% for now!
I spent days trying to get unstuck with this book, and ended up in a semi book slump as a result. Who knows, perhaps I’ve reached my monthly Heyer limit…
I spent days trying to get unstuck with this book, and ended up in a semi book slump as a result. Who knows, perhaps I’ve reached my monthly Heyer limit…
August 30, 2021
I read all of Georgette Heyer's books in my teens and enjoyed most of them thoroughly. Now, twenty years later, I've decided to re-read them since they've been enjoying an upsurge in popularity and have been re-released in such an attractive format. I could not remember if I'd read this one or not, and now I realize why I found False Colours so forgettable. The main character, Kit, spends most of the novel, not in witty banter with his lady-love, but with his mother. I’m 110 pages into the book and he’s spent about five pages in conversation with Cressy, the so-called heroine, and about 95 pages in conversation with good ole’ mom. I’m about ready to give up on it completely, because I now find myself skimming through the same conversations about Lady Denville’s extravagant purchases that I read on pages 1-30. I am stopping here to write this review because I do know that Heyer wrote much more gripping novels than this one, and readers shouldn’t waste their time on a mediocre book like False Colours when they can choose another of her works that would prove to be a far more enjoyable read.
February 28, 2008
I quite enjoyed this! As I always do Heyer. I breezed through it in about two days. The plot was even thinner than usual this time, but it really didn't matter. The characters were so charming that the plot was really just an excuse to show them off. It's a twin masquerade plot- one doesn't show up to be presented to his potential fiancee's family, the other one has to take his place.. wacky hijinx and romance ensues. The usual cast of great supporting characters and dialogue is present and sparkling (the mother of the hero, Lady Denville, is a particular favorite of mine), even if we have seen some of them before in other novels under different names. I quite liked the hero, had no objections to the heroine, and the only thing I regretted is that the novel ended before we got to see everything really tied up, but it was getting a little long for one of her novels (340 pages), so I can see why she stopped.
Exactly what I needed at the moment to put some fun back in reading.
Exactly what I needed at the moment to put some fun back in reading.
July 5, 2023
I have upgraded this to 5 stars because of its understated charm. There’s something oddly relaxing about Kit and Cressida and their romance, which is a peculiar case of boy meets girl, boy hangs out with girl, boy and girl get on really well, boy and girl fall in love.
That being said, the secondary romance is one of my favourite things in the world. I’m quickly getting a taste for Phyllida Nash’s reading of Heyer. There is a lot of heart and a lot of humour she is capable of performing, which is crucial for Heyer.
July 2023 Re-read: I have come to the conclusion that this is an exquisite Heyer, but that it is also a Heyer I would only recommend to Heyer lovers. It's a Heyer-lovers' Heyer, if you will. There's barely any plot: it's just people talking and coming to various arrangements while talking. Heyer's got such a fine mastery of voice in dialogue and characterisation through dialogue, it's almost like she's showing off in this one.
That being said, the secondary romance is one of my favourite things in the world. I’m quickly getting a taste for Phyllida Nash’s reading of Heyer. There is a lot of heart and a lot of humour she is capable of performing, which is crucial for Heyer.
July 2023 Re-read: I have come to the conclusion that this is an exquisite Heyer, but that it is also a Heyer I would only recommend to Heyer lovers. It's a Heyer-lovers' Heyer, if you will. There's barely any plot: it's just people talking and coming to various arrangements while talking. Heyer's got such a fine mastery of voice in dialogue and characterisation through dialogue, it's almost like she's showing off in this one.
Read
January 15, 2017Mistaken identity is one of the best engines for comedies of manners.
This novel is at its best when the masquerade happens, but beforehand and afterward, there are conversations that go on for upwards of thirty pages and more--as if Heyer had lost her sense of timing that is so tight in her earlier books, and got complacent. Many love this one, but I can't reread it without heavy skimming; the heroes are more like the younger brothers of some of the other novels, and the heroine one of the plain but kind heroines, without much spark.
This novel is at its best when the masquerade happens, but beforehand and afterward, there are conversations that go on for upwards of thirty pages and more--as if Heyer had lost her sense of timing that is so tight in her earlier books, and got complacent. Many love this one, but I can't reread it without heavy skimming; the heroes are more like the younger brothers of some of the other novels, and the heroine one of the plain but kind heroines, without much spark.
May 20, 2008
When I picked up False Colours by Georgette Heyer, I knew to expect a well-written, regency romance filled with laugh out loud humor and well developed characters. This is a fast-paced book of misunderstandings and mistaken identities that kept my interest until the last page.
Christopher “Kit” Fancot has a nagging feeling that something is very wrong. While on leave from the Army, he decides to surprise his family with a visit. When he discovers that his twin brother, Evelyn has disappeared and has been gone for several days, he becomes determined to find out what happened to him.
When Kit is told that Evelyn must marry Cressy Stavely to pay off the mounting gambling debts that his mother has accumulated, he is shocked. In order to keep from embarrassing Cressy and both families, he finds himself reluctantly talked into masquerading as Evelyn at the couples engagement party.
Cressy Stavely has no idea of the deception surrounding her. She can’t understand why suddenly she is enjoying Evelyn‘s company so much more than before. He is more fun and interesting to be around, and she finds herself quite taken with her intended. She is a very likeable, intelligent heroine who is no spitfire, but definitely holds her own with Christopher.
As a general rule, I am normally not a big fan of reading about one twin assuming the identity of the other. But, I will admit that because of the circumstances that Kit finds himself in, and the relationship that develops between he and Cressy, my mind quickly changed about the deception that Kit must portray. Maybe it was his character itself. He is a noble, honorable, funny and well-likeable hero that any person would be drawn to. No wonder Cressy can’t resist him. I certainly wouldn’t!
Another thing I really like about Georgette Heyer novels is that it is so easy to visualize the era in which the characters live in. The setting and mannerisms of all of the characters literally bring you into Regency England. From the way the characters speak, to the descriptions of their surroundings, it immediately draws you into an interesting, realistic interpretation of the Regency Period.
Filled with some very unexpected surprises and quirky characters, I kept a smile on my face several minutes after I finished the novel. False Colours is not only a book written about the romance between Kit and Cressy, but also about relationships, duty and the power of love that sends a strong, warm message throughout the book.
For more information about Georgette Heyer, her website is: www.georgetteheyer.com.
Christopher “Kit” Fancot has a nagging feeling that something is very wrong. While on leave from the Army, he decides to surprise his family with a visit. When he discovers that his twin brother, Evelyn has disappeared and has been gone for several days, he becomes determined to find out what happened to him.
When Kit is told that Evelyn must marry Cressy Stavely to pay off the mounting gambling debts that his mother has accumulated, he is shocked. In order to keep from embarrassing Cressy and both families, he finds himself reluctantly talked into masquerading as Evelyn at the couples engagement party.
Cressy Stavely has no idea of the deception surrounding her. She can’t understand why suddenly she is enjoying Evelyn‘s company so much more than before. He is more fun and interesting to be around, and she finds herself quite taken with her intended. She is a very likeable, intelligent heroine who is no spitfire, but definitely holds her own with Christopher.
As a general rule, I am normally not a big fan of reading about one twin assuming the identity of the other. But, I will admit that because of the circumstances that Kit finds himself in, and the relationship that develops between he and Cressy, my mind quickly changed about the deception that Kit must portray. Maybe it was his character itself. He is a noble, honorable, funny and well-likeable hero that any person would be drawn to. No wonder Cressy can’t resist him. I certainly wouldn’t!
Another thing I really like about Georgette Heyer novels is that it is so easy to visualize the era in which the characters live in. The setting and mannerisms of all of the characters literally bring you into Regency England. From the way the characters speak, to the descriptions of their surroundings, it immediately draws you into an interesting, realistic interpretation of the Regency Period.
Filled with some very unexpected surprises and quirky characters, I kept a smile on my face several minutes after I finished the novel. False Colours is not only a book written about the romance between Kit and Cressy, but also about relationships, duty and the power of love that sends a strong, warm message throughout the book.
For more information about Georgette Heyer, her website is: www.georgetteheyer.com.
October 20, 2017
This book somewhat ran into one of the problems I have with fiction that includes humour: I’m bad at being embarrassed, and get second-hand embarrassment for characters I like. There’s obviously a lot of scope for embarrassment in a book which features twin protagonists who pretend to be one another, and the muddle they get themselves into when they do this as adults in order to cover for each other. Or, really, Kit covers for his brother who is mostly absent, and really doesn’t deserve such devotion.
It’s generally charming, particularly the bond between Kit and his mother. She’s hopeless, but loveable as well, and while I’m not quite sure how anyone could put up with her from a distance, far too able to see her flaws, I’m sure that in person she would be completely charming. The romance is so-so; this is one of the books where I rather wish there’d been more attention paid to the romantic heroine (though plenty of attention is paid to Kit’s mother, which balances that). There were also some cringy lines that read unpleasantly for the modern reader, but there’s also a lot of fun — the whole relationship between Amabel and Ripple, for instance.
It all works out fairly predictably and easily, but it’s fun while it lasts and I didn’t get too embarrassed on everyone’s behalves, which was a plus. It was definitely a worthy distraction from fretting over my rabbit at the time, too (in consequence of the idiot biting through a cable and electrocuting himself — he’s 100% fine now).
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
It’s generally charming, particularly the bond between Kit and his mother. She’s hopeless, but loveable as well, and while I’m not quite sure how anyone could put up with her from a distance, far too able to see her flaws, I’m sure that in person she would be completely charming. The romance is so-so; this is one of the books where I rather wish there’d been more attention paid to the romantic heroine (though plenty of attention is paid to Kit’s mother, which balances that). There were also some cringy lines that read unpleasantly for the modern reader, but there’s also a lot of fun — the whole relationship between Amabel and Ripple, for instance.
It all works out fairly predictably and easily, but it’s fun while it lasts and I didn’t get too embarrassed on everyone’s behalves, which was a plus. It was definitely a worthy distraction from fretting over my rabbit at the time, too (in consequence of the idiot biting through a cable and electrocuting himself — he’s 100% fine now).
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
August 1, 2016
Kit returns from service abroad to discover his twin brother Evelyn is MIA on the eve of his nearly-engaged dinner with his prospective bride and her family. Convinced to step in for him, it isn't long before Kit's head over heels for his bro's psuedo-bride. OH NO.
1. This was entertaining, although it definitely lagged. The setup was almost too thorough and I had no issue putting this down for days at at time once they were all in the country. The fact that Kit wasn't really doing anything to search for his brother was kind of unbelievable, and I wanted more of Cressy shooting knowing looks at Kit.
2. Of course, once Cressy finally spoke up and announced that she had it figured out, I was hooked and I flew through the last third of the book in a single afternoon. Whyyyy couldn't I have had more of that and less of the setup?
3. As always, the secondary characters were delightful, although I did question Kit and Evelyn's relationship / dedication to their mother. (They call her love??? Combined with her youthful nonsense? It read as creepy and not sweet. And it's not like she's got much going for her: she's a darling, sure, but she's a wastrel and frustrating. Is her impending marriage supposed to read as self-sacrifice or more ridiculousness because I honestly can't tell.)
4. Entertaining, but not one of my favorites, ultimately. (Also: I am EXHAUSTED and this review is proof that I am barely literate in this state.)
1. This was entertaining, although it definitely lagged. The setup was almost too thorough and I had no issue putting this down for days at at time once they were all in the country. The fact that Kit wasn't really doing anything to search for his brother was kind of unbelievable, and I wanted more of Cressy shooting knowing looks at Kit.
2. Of course, once Cressy finally spoke up and announced that she had it figured out, I was hooked and I flew through the last third of the book in a single afternoon. Whyyyy couldn't I have had more of that and less of the setup?
3. As always, the secondary characters were delightful, although I did question Kit and Evelyn's relationship / dedication to their mother. (They call her love??? Combined with her youthful nonsense? It read as creepy and not sweet. And it's not like she's got much going for her: she's a darling, sure, but she's a wastrel and frustrating. Is her impending marriage supposed to read as self-sacrifice or more ridiculousness because I honestly can't tell.)
4. Entertaining, but not one of my favorites, ultimately. (Also: I am EXHAUSTED and this review is proof that I am barely literate in this state.)
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