*The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

The Scarlet Pimpernel is an oft-overlooked classic full of mystery, action, and romance for teens and adults.

*The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Signet, 2000 (originally 1905). 288 pages.

• Reading Level: Teen, ages 15-18

• Recommended For: Ages 15 and up

In 1792 the guillotine was ruthlessly and efficiently dropping the heads of aristocrats into a bloody basket while the crowds cheered. A few escaped, thanks to the enigmatic Scarlet Pimpernel and his brave secret league. This heroic Englishman would cross the English Channel, stealing men, women, and children literally out from under the noses of French patriots with the help of masterful disguises and ingenious schemes.

When the Comtesse de Tournay and her children arrive safely in England she is both relieved at their escape and anxious for her husband who is still in France. But the Scarlet Pimpernel has guaranteed that he will personally see the Comte de Tournay to safety, and the Comtesse must be content.

Enter the beautiful and brilliant Lady Marguerite St. Just Blakeney, wife of the wealthy but inane Percy Blakeney. Lady Marguerite, a Frenchwoman and formerly renowned actress, may be known for a great mind, but an incident of poor judgment in the past cost a nobleman his life, a memory which haunts her and tarnished her relationship with Percy, who once adored her. Still, Lady Blakeney is beautiful (and brilliant, as we are oft reminded), the leader of fashion and high society.

Enter Chauvelin, the French secretary who seethes with hatred for the Scarlet Pimpernel and bitterness against the victims who have cheated the guillotine. Chauvelin knows Lady Marguerite and blackmails her to find out whatever she can about the identity of the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel. If she does not, the safety of her brother, a member of the league of the Scarlet Pimpernel, will be forfeit.

This is a cruel situation, and her past indiscretion makes it harder to compromise a brave and honorable man (whoever he may be), but how can she forsake her brother? A dramatic revelation compels her to go to France to try to reach the Scarlet Pimpernel and warn him of danger before Chauvelin finds him, without jeopardizing any more lives, whatever happens to her own. 

Mystery, romance, action, drama…it’s all here in a clean story set around the time of A Tale of Two Cities. The 1982 movie with Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews is also excellent (I haven’t seen more recent productions), although the ending is quite different (but also thrilling!).

Bottom Line: An oft-overlooked classic full of mystery, action, and romance for teens and adults.

*indicates starred review. A best of the best in its field.

Related Reading at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner has similar elements of romance, mystery, and intrigue, particularly The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, and A Conspiracy of Kings.
• A Review: Agent Most Wanted is the true story of a female spy from the 20th century; perfect reading for the same age group as The Scarlet Pimpernel.
• A Review: And now for something completely different: historical fiction with a steampunk edge in Illusionarium.

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