INFAMOUS ARMY

Author: Georgette Heyer ISBN: 9781402210075 9/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS
Time Period: Regency

IN THE SUMMER OF 1815, with Napolean Bonaparte marching down from the north, Brussels is a whirlwind of parties, balls and soirees. In the swirling social scene surrounding the Duke of Wellington and his noble aides de camp, no one attracts more attention than the beautiful, outrageous young widow Lady Barbara Childe. On their first meeting, dashing Colonel Charles Audley proposes to her, but even their betrothal doesn't calm her wild behavior. Finally, with the Battle of Waterloo raging just miles away, civilians fleeing and the wounded pouring back into the town, Lady Barbara discovers where her heart really lies, and like a true noblewoman, she rises to the occasion, and to the demands of love, life and war...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I have never before thought anything having to do with Napoleon Bonaparte could be even remotely romantic or interesting. How wrong I was! AN INFAMOUS ARMY by Georgette Heyer was so engaging that I learned without realizing I was being taught. With the first well-written chapter I was sucked into a historical era that had never before interested me. Now I look forward to learning still more about the time, people and, mostly, Waterloo.

Lady Barbara Childe is gorgeous and smart, and determined to enjoy everything about the 1815 social season in Brussels. She becomes betrothed, but doesn't let that slow her down one bit with regard to her love of parties and fun. "Lady Bab" is witty and fun-loving, but when the full effects of the Battle of Waterloo begin to be felt, she realizes that priorities deserve attention and that not everything in life is fun and games. Her journey toward self-realization is a poignant one that makes her one of the most sympathetic characters I've seen in a long time. Through her eyes I saw what she saw and felt her pain, as well as the giddiness that hid her true issues. She is the picture of redemption, and when the final word was read, I felt complete satisfaction at the telling of this tale.

AN INFAMOUS ARMY has found a spot on my keeper shelf. I loved it, from start to finish. Never before has a battle been this satisfying!

Kay James