Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York : Bantam, 1970, c1938
Description
Dispossessed of crown and kingdom, crushed and routed at the grim Battle of Worcester, the young Charles II is forced to flee for his life. Out of the heat of battle, the outlaw King and his tiny party must journey across Cromwell's England to a Channel port and a ship bound for France and safety. But the King, with his love of adventure, his irrepressible humor and his unmistakeable looks, is no easy man to hide...
User reviews
LibraryThing member atimco
Royal Escape is Georgette Heyer's retelling of the king's escape following the Battle of Worcester in 1651, when Charles Stuart was soundly defeated by Cromwell's Roundheads. The 21-year-old king must flee to France to save his life, and is in almost constant danger as he and his followers travel
The story follows the king as he makes several abortive attempts to leave the country. There are many humorous moments that keep it from becoming merely a frustrating string of mischances and ill luck. Heyer portrays Charles as a very personable young man with an irrepressible sense of humor. I think the fascination of this story is in that portrayal, actually, and from what I have read it's historically substantiated. Though ugly, Charles nevertheless has strong personal magnetism and commands loyalty in even the most fearful of his subjects.
And really, it's those humble subjects who make the tale worth hearing. They are wholly devoted to his cause, even at the expense of their own lives, and count any privations they might suffer on his behalf as privileges. Though the thousand-pound reward would be a fortune beyond imagining to the poor country folk who aid him, the ones we meet would scorn to touch that "blood money."
Heyer has a good ear for the sayings of the time, with people loyal to the king invariably called "honest" and each man doing "his possible." It was interesting how the Battle of Worcester was always called "Worcester fight." It's clear she has done her research, and everything rings true.
I listened to this story on audiobook. Cornelius Garrett's vivacious reading was a pleasure to hear, and he did an excellent job differentiating the characters through their voices and accents. The female characters were a little weak; it seems harder for men to give a believable rendition of a woman's voice than for an actress to play a male part. But for the most part I enjoyed his reading.
I think the pacing of this story dragged a little because of both its subject matter and because I listened to it on audiobook. Make no mistake, I enjoyed it. But sometimes I found myself wishing that Charles and Wilmot and all that crew would finally hit upon a successful way to smuggle the king out of England, so I could move on with my life ;). I might have enjoyed this more had I read it rather than listened to it, but I would still recommend it to fans of historical fiction for its memorable characters and rich, witty dialogue.
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the countryside in disguise. Political feelings are running high on both sides and there is a large reward promised to the man who gives information leading to the king's capture. The story follows the king as he makes several abortive attempts to leave the country. There are many humorous moments that keep it from becoming merely a frustrating string of mischances and ill luck. Heyer portrays Charles as a very personable young man with an irrepressible sense of humor. I think the fascination of this story is in that portrayal, actually, and from what I have read it's historically substantiated. Though ugly, Charles nevertheless has strong personal magnetism and commands loyalty in even the most fearful of his subjects.
And really, it's those humble subjects who make the tale worth hearing. They are wholly devoted to his cause, even at the expense of their own lives, and count any privations they might suffer on his behalf as privileges. Though the thousand-pound reward would be a fortune beyond imagining to the poor country folk who aid him, the ones we meet would scorn to touch that "blood money."
Heyer has a good ear for the sayings of the time, with people loyal to the king invariably called "honest" and each man doing "his possible." It was interesting how the Battle of Worcester was always called "Worcester fight." It's clear she has done her research, and everything rings true.
I listened to this story on audiobook. Cornelius Garrett's vivacious reading was a pleasure to hear, and he did an excellent job differentiating the characters through their voices and accents. The female characters were a little weak; it seems harder for men to give a believable rendition of a woman's voice than for an actress to play a male part. But for the most part I enjoyed his reading.
I think the pacing of this story dragged a little because of both its subject matter and because I listened to it on audiobook. Make no mistake, I enjoyed it. But sometimes I found myself wishing that Charles and Wilmot and all that crew would finally hit upon a successful way to smuggle the king out of England, so I could move on with my life ;). I might have enjoyed this more had I read it rather than listened to it, but I would still recommend it to fans of historical fiction for its memorable characters and rich, witty dialogue.
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LibraryThing member gryphondear
This is a historical novel hiding in the romance section because it is by Georgette Heyer. While Charles the Second of Great Britain slips his would-be captors, he spends a great deal of time on the road disguised as a horse-groom. Good history, no romance, mild swash and buckle.
LibraryThing member antiquary
Though I have owned this for many years, I think I have never read it. I am usually less interested in Heyer's real historical fiction than in her Regency romances.
LibraryThing member 2wonderY
An old fashioned romance - action, suspense, a dashing hero.
LibraryThing member PhilSyphe
The royal who is making his escape is Charles II of England. Those familiar with seventeenth-century English history will know that this king’s father – Charles I – was beheaded by the “Roundhead” parliamentary side of the Civil War, after which the second Charles continued to fight,
This story opens at the Battle of Worcester, September 1651. Charles reluctantly admits that his advisors are right by urging him to flee, for the battle, and indeed the war, has been lost.
The remainder of the book focuses on how Charles disguises himself as a commoner and is aided by a couple of nobles and several loyal poor people to avoid capture. His aim is to secure a safe passage from England to seek refuge in France.
Whilst I like most of the characterization and numerous scenes, more occasions than not left me bored. Reason being that this is an extremely *slow* read. At times, when there’s some character interaction, the dialogue speeds the narrative up a little, but 90 per cent of this novel is slow paced.
Although it’s well plotted and historically researched, the plot tends to linger in one place too long in several instances. I guess the author’s aim was to create suspense, but from this reader’s view at least, it just created tedium.
What prompted me to rate this three stars instead of two was Ms Heyer’s portrayal of Charles II. Here he lives up to his nickname of “The Merry Monarch” and is by far the best character of the book.
Huge potential for a cracking story lies dormant here, hidden beneath a snail-pace narrative.
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though he was king in name only.This story opens at the Battle of Worcester, September 1651. Charles reluctantly admits that his advisors are right by urging him to flee, for the battle, and indeed the war, has been lost.
The remainder of the book focuses on how Charles disguises himself as a commoner and is aided by a couple of nobles and several loyal poor people to avoid capture. His aim is to secure a safe passage from England to seek refuge in France.
Whilst I like most of the characterization and numerous scenes, more occasions than not left me bored. Reason being that this is an extremely *slow* read. At times, when there’s some character interaction, the dialogue speeds the narrative up a little, but 90 per cent of this novel is slow paced.
Although it’s well plotted and historically researched, the plot tends to linger in one place too long in several instances. I guess the author’s aim was to create suspense, but from this reader’s view at least, it just created tedium.
What prompted me to rate this three stars instead of two was Ms Heyer’s portrayal of Charles II. Here he lives up to his nickname of “The Merry Monarch” and is by far the best character of the book.
Huge potential for a cracking story lies dormant here, hidden beneath a snail-pace narrative.
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LibraryThing member gogglemiss
Hugely enjoyable tale of King Charles ll, fleeing from the Battle of Worcester staying in safe houses, while planning to reach the Channel to sail to France.
Wonderful characters litter the story and Charles's charming wit and humour is a joy to read.
As this was written by Heyer in 1938, this has
Wonderful characters litter the story and Charles's charming wit and humour is a joy to read.
As this was written by Heyer in 1938, this has
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held up remarkably well. Show Less
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Oddly dull - despite all the desperate chances they had to take, I never really got interested in any of the characters or why they were doing all this. It didn't help that most of the time I was reading I thought the Prince was Bonnie Prince Charlie - rather than his uncle, the future Charles II.
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Charles is extremely charming - which results in everyone falling over themselves to give him whatever he wants. He's actually quite a nice guy, and sometimes takes back a request if he discovers it's going to be difficult...and sometimes not. He's quite confident throughout that he can manage. I don't know...interesting adventures, some witty badinage (it is a Heyer, after all - which also means it's well-written), illumination of a period of English history I know little about (I spent quite a while on Wikipedia etc trying to figure out timelines and family trees), and yet I found it rather a slog to read and have no interest in rereading. Not a winner for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
Excellent 17th century historical detail, surrounding Charles II's escape to France. The story was too slowly paced considering the adventure and intrigue around this royal pursuit. Cromwell's England was a country divided and the novel doesn't particularly reflect how dangerous these times were.
LibraryThing member Maura49
From time to time Georgette Heyer left the Regency world in which she was steeped and wrote of other periods in History.
In ‘Royal Escape’ she tells the story of Charles 11’s escape after defeat at the Battle of Worcester and the desperate attempts of his supporters to evade Cromwell’s
The book plays out like a thriller and encourages me to try Heyer’s detective stories, another genre that she wrote in successfully.
The king is moved from one safe house to another, danger never far away and his helpers are not just fellow aristocrats like the hard pressed Lord Wilmot whose task it is to organise a boat to carry the King to safety, but also royalists from many different backgrounds ranging from country people able to pilot the King through the countryside to various safe havens and middle classs landowners who harbour him in their Manor Houses. Some of these are Catholic and have handy priests holes and other hiding places which are valuable in this perilous situation.
A couple of young ladies with very different temperaments are also involved in these adventures. Charles 11’s well known propensity for the fair sex is explored and one of these girls, Jane Lane ,has the misfortune to fall in love with him.
Heyer does not white wash his character. She reveals his cynicism, his lascivious temperament, and his lack of faith in most people. She shows how this has come about because of his experiences in recent years, including having to endure the execution of his father. Trust now does not come easily to him.
However the steadfast loyalty which he finds in those who help him and the knowledge he gains of classes of people whom he would normally never encounter does impress him and he promises to remember and reward them when he gains his throne.
I was very impressed both by Georgette Heyer’s research(always impressive) and by the pace and excitement of the story she tells. She makes me want to know more about this period of history and also to explore her other non-regency stories, much as I love these.
In ‘Royal Escape’ she tells the story of Charles 11’s escape after defeat at the Battle of Worcester and the desperate attempts of his supporters to evade Cromwell’s
Show More
troops and get the King to safety in France.The book plays out like a thriller and encourages me to try Heyer’s detective stories, another genre that she wrote in successfully.
The king is moved from one safe house to another, danger never far away and his helpers are not just fellow aristocrats like the hard pressed Lord Wilmot whose task it is to organise a boat to carry the King to safety, but also royalists from many different backgrounds ranging from country people able to pilot the King through the countryside to various safe havens and middle classs landowners who harbour him in their Manor Houses. Some of these are Catholic and have handy priests holes and other hiding places which are valuable in this perilous situation.
A couple of young ladies with very different temperaments are also involved in these adventures. Charles 11’s well known propensity for the fair sex is explored and one of these girls, Jane Lane ,has the misfortune to fall in love with him.
Heyer does not white wash his character. She reveals his cynicism, his lascivious temperament, and his lack of faith in most people. She shows how this has come about because of his experiences in recent years, including having to endure the execution of his father. Trust now does not come easily to him.
However the steadfast loyalty which he finds in those who help him and the knowledge he gains of classes of people whom he would normally never encounter does impress him and he promises to remember and reward them when he gains his throne.
I was very impressed both by Georgette Heyer’s research(always impressive) and by the pace and excitement of the story she tells. She makes me want to know more about this period of history and also to explore her other non-regency stories, much as I love these.
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LibraryThing member Helenliz
This is a slightly odd book. It tells of Charles II's attempts to leave the country after the defeat at the battle of Worcester. And from that perspective, it is a rip roaring adventure tale. Only there's a few too many occasi9ons when the dialogue is overly florid. And there are just a few too
I was pleased to note that my home town got a mention, but came off badly, there being no sea captain considered trustworthy enough to take the King to France. The egalitarian part of me can't but help be mildly pleased that we were not up to scratch.
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many times when Charles' ugly face is split with his dazzling smile and his charm wins over another person who gets dragged into the mess. It's all very uncritical of him, when at times he makes some poor decisions, or has them made on his behalf. It sounds extemenly improbably, but Heyer has a reputation for historical accuracy, so one can;t doubt that some version of this happened. I was pleased to note that my home town got a mention, but came off badly, there being no sea captain considered trustworthy enough to take the King to France. The egalitarian part of me can't but help be mildly pleased that we were not up to scratch.
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LibraryThing member elenaj
This book was reasonably entertaining, but I didn't like it anywhere near as much as Heyer's romances. Plus, it was a little repetitive, with all the "and then he hid out in so-and-so's house, and they remarked on how tall he was, and he charmed all the ladies!" So, yeah. I think I'll be sticking
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with the romances in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member Fence
Set after the execution of Charles I, this book tells the story of Charles II after his forces lose the Battle of Worcester and he is forced to try and escape the country and go into hiding in France. To be honest there isn’t much of a plot to this book. Okay, so we have the would-be king riding
And though well written and entertaining, to be honest I can’t say that I really liked our hero. Though that may be my dislike of English kings coming through. Possibly not though, because, well, he is certainly the lesser of two evils when the other is Cromwell.
Still, despite his kingly flaws, Charles is entertaining enough. He may give his advisers headaches and scare them almost to death with his seeming disregard for his own safety, but there is nothing to really dislike about him. And Heyer does her usual good job of keeping the reader entertained.
Also as usual for her, the use of language is fantastic. Full of the slang and conventions of the day, it is still readable and entertaining. That being said it isn’t the best of books.
What I did like was that although the female roles in the book are usually quite stereotypical every know and then Heyer seems to draw attention to this fact. And of course the fact that women weren’t really all that listened to back then. Especially not by 21 year old young kings. Good for looking at, some of them, but not for talking to.
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about the English countryside, or sometimes walking, trying to escape. But we all know that he does, escape that is, I mean we have all heard of the Restoration right? So the book is more of a character study of Charles IIAnd though well written and entertaining, to be honest I can’t say that I really liked our hero. Though that may be my dislike of English kings coming through. Possibly not though, because, well, he is certainly the lesser of two evils when the other is Cromwell.
Still, despite his kingly flaws, Charles is entertaining enough. He may give his advisers headaches and scare them almost to death with his seeming disregard for his own safety, but there is nothing to really dislike about him. And Heyer does her usual good job of keeping the reader entertained.
Also as usual for her, the use of language is fantastic. Full of the slang and conventions of the day, it is still readable and entertaining. That being said it isn’t the best of books.
What I did like was that although the female roles in the book are usually quite stereotypical every know and then Heyer seems to draw attention to this fact. And of course the fact that women weren’t really all that listened to back then. Especially not by 21 year old young kings. Good for looking at, some of them, but not for talking to.
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Original publication date
1938
DDC/MDS
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