Don't ignore the true Queen
Brunch|July 27, 2024
The Bridgerton books are setting records in their streaming avatar. So, why hasn't anyone filmed Georgette Heyer's much better Regency romance novels yet?
SEEMA GOSWAMI
Don't ignore the true Queen

Regency romances have always been my preferred comfort reads. But it wasn't until Bridgerton premiered on Netflix that I first heard of the woman who wrote the books that the series was based on. Delighted to stumble upon an undiscovered author of this period, I hastened to download my first ever Julia Quinn and settled down to devour her in one gulp.

Well, imagine my disappointment when I found the book very heavy going indeed. At this point, perhaps, I should mention that when it comes to Regency romances, my benchmark is the late, great Georgette Heyer. Her plots are ingenious, her characters are captivating, her dialogue positively sparkles, and she brings the historical milieu alive with the lightest of touches. Julia Quinn, not to put too fine a point on it, achieved none of the abovewell, in my opinion, at least.

This story is from the July 27, 2024 edition of Brunch.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 27, 2024 edition of Brunch.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BRUNCHView All
No. Wait. She did what?
Brunch

No. Wait. She did what?

These mean girls are self-centred, bratty, and can make your life hell. But they stole the show. Read on, loser. And tell us how it wasssss

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Are you seeing spots too?
Brunch

Are you seeing spots too?

Jyoti Bhatt's serigraphs use traditional symbols in modern ways, creating art that is slyly clever and full of little stories

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Leave us to our own devices
Brunch

Leave us to our own devices

Instead of banning gadgets, restaurants should ban people that are actually disturbing the peace

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Siam Siam, but different
Brunch

Siam Siam, but different

The reason Indians feel instantly at home in Thailand is because their mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions so closely mirrors our own, creating a comfort zone abroad

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024
30 things to know before you turn 30 The LOVE EDIT
Brunch

30 things to know before you turn 30 The LOVE EDIT

Simmer or sizzle? Forever or for the moment? Escape or endure? Break up or make up? 30 tips, thoughts, tidbits for those who can't help falling in love

time-read
7 mins  |
September 07, 2024
The high score in your ear
Brunch

The high score in your ear

Homegrown video games are adding a local musical touch to match the play. Sitar riffs, chants, choruses - it's a new level of immersion

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Turned down, turned sour
Brunch

Turned down, turned sour

Stalking, sarcasm, squabbles about money. Who'll teach the dating crowd about handling rejection better?

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Stretch out, soften up
Brunch

Stretch out, soften up

What do you get when you elongate the Thar and add two doors? An SUV that Roxx and gives city folks an off-road fav

time-read
2 mins  |
August 31, 2024
Show them your best side
Brunch

Show them your best side

There's always a right time to visit a city to catch it in its best moments. Festivals, monsoons, and spring are a few shortcuts

time-read
2 mins  |
August 31, 2024
A wok to remember
Brunch

A wok to remember

For us, no food is as comforting as Indian Chinese. But even the most familiar dishes travelled the world before they went local

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024