I’m a big fan of Stella Riley’s civil war/restoration books, but have never read any of the other titles she published under the pseudonyms of Judith Blyth and Anna Marsh, so I was delighted to see from her bio on Amazon that she is revising all of her books for Kindle. The Parfit Knight was published in 1987 (by Judith Blyth) and it’s utterly delightful. I imagine that some may describe it as formulaic, as it does indeed employ some of the devices regularly used in romance – past tragedy, secrets, misunderstandings –but those are all handled with such a light, sure touch, that this reader certainly didn’t feel as though I was treading any previously well-trodden paths.I enjoy Riley’s writing style very much. Her descriptions of people and places are always evocative without being over-long, and her dialogue sparkles and is never anachronistic. But what really stands out for me is her characterisation. The few novels of hers I’ve read employ a larger “cast” than many traditional romances, but she handles all her characters extremely well, and you are never left feeling that anyone is surplus to requirements, or has been employed simply to further the demands of the plot. She also has a talent for creating the most wonderful heroes – witty, charming, intelligent, intuitive and honourable, all underneath a worldly-wise and laconic exterior; I was head-over-heels for Amberley within pages of meeting him!The relationship between Amberley and Rosalind is wonderfully drawn, a true meeting of minds. Most importantly, he is able to immediately understand that what she needs is to be treated like a “normal” person, rather than pitied for her situation.The moment when Amberley realises he has fallen deeply in love is beautifully written; it hits him like a coup de foudre, and Riley’s writing at that moment is so skilful as to make the reader feel it, too. Their parting, shortly afterwards is so emotionally charged as to be gut-wrenching. I freely admit to having a lump in my throat at that point!Naturally, the course of true love cannot run smooth, and there are a number of obstacles to be overcome before the HEA, not least of which is the fact that Rosalind’s brother is set against Amberley due to a number of misconceptions. There is a secondary romance in the book – involving Rosalind’s brother, Philip – and a number of well-drawn supporting characters, including Amberley’s friends, Jack Ingram and the Duke of Rockliffe. As in The Marigold Chain, Riley writes these friendships incredibly well; these are men who would do anything for one another, although they are always making jokes at each others’ expense and speaking slightingly of each other.The Parfit Knight is a beautifully written and characterised romance and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’m now waiting eagerly for the next reissue, which, according to the notes in this edition, will be “The Mésalliance”, which continues Rockliffe’s story.
I have no idea what made me look this book up, much less buy it. But I am so glad I did.Let me first say I had never heard of this author prior to reading this book. But something about this (and it's sequel which I read immediately after) intrigued me.The writing made me feel like I was reading Heyer. Maybe if Heyer had been writing closer in spirit to authors of the 80s, but still Heyer-esque nonetheless.The heroine, Rosalind, in this book is blind. As the book starts the reader is witness to the incident that caused her blindness. Later as we meet her again we find that she's well loved by her brother, but it is an over protective smothering love that leaves her somewhat lonely and well aware that although she is beloved, she has been given no opportunity to live a normal life. She lives in a lovely home in the country with an army of devoted servants and every wish she could have granted...except for the possibility of love, marriage and family.Into her life comes Amberley, the hero. A broken axle, a snowstorm and he must take refuge at her home. Amberley is a great character. He is handsome, well dressed, witty and clever. He has a great sense of ridiculous. I liked that he wasn't some dour brooding hero but rather a guy who didn't take things too seriously and had a good sense of humor. But he was still very deep. The scenes of Amberley and Rosalind getting to know each other during their snowy ideal were fantastic. I also loved all the below stairs machinations of the servants as they observed their mistress and her mysterious guest. Amberley read the situation with Rosalind perfectly and later acts a huge catalyst of change for her. As I was reading this book I had one of those reactions that I don't get all that often anymore, the sense of really, really sinking into and just basking in the enjoyment of a well told story.The thing that takes it over the top is the bird. Rosalind has a foul mouthed parrot. For two glorious paragraphs the parrot gets a POV. I loved that. And he plays another important part in the story later.Beside the central romance, which was so well developed, I liked all the side characters and different relationships they all had with each other. There were some stands out such as the Duke of Rockliffe aka Rock (this made me giggle). I also loved how the author described the moment Amberley realized he was in love with Rosalind and later what he felt when he had no chance with her. Such good writing.After reading this I immediately picked up the sequel and some of her more hist-fiction books. Have been enjoying them all.
What do You think about The Parfit Knight (1986)?
This is a book I read from my grandmother's bookshelf. I read it in high school and the girl sitting next to me in Chemistry class asked to borrow it. I don't remember much about her except she never returned this book. I remembered bits and pieces of the story, but not, of course, the title. But thanks to Google and Goodreads, I found it and it was like visiting an old friend. Rosalind is blind ever since a childhood accident. She lives in a manor house far from society, safe and sound, until the day the Marquis of Ambesley is stranded and in need of shelter. The two become friends and, of course fall in love. But things do not run smoothly, otherwise, what kind of story would that be. Misunderstandings abound, secrets are kept and, my favorite part, there is a cursing parrot who causes a duel. So glad to have found this book again.
—Kim
Oh this book was done exceptionally well. I decided to go ahead and give it four stars, even though I do try to reserve four stars for books that I'm inclined to read more than once. If ever I read this again and decide against it, I'll adjust accordingly.If you are looking for a book in the same vein as Georgette Heyer, I don't think you can find one that comes even closer than this. This book was published in 1986, but it reads like it was written far earlier. Stylistically, it even feels older. There's no contemporary language here, even the narration is olde schoole.What is exceptional about this book is really the main male character. He is a hero of the highest caliber. There's no narration telling you that Denzil is dangerous, dashing, or a rake. Good grief, save us all from Mary Balogh's cheating rake heroes. There's nothing like that here. In fact, the only reference to his "raking" comes from a rumor spread about him in order to purposefully promote misunderstanding. He's kind-hearted but doesn't like to flaunt it. He's chivalrous, but discreetly so. He's controlled and intelligent. In short, he's the epitome of true gentlemanliness, a kind that in this day and age of passionate, obsessive, broody McBroodies, is rarer than the dodo bird.Unlike total old school romances, the girl is not a pushover or a doormat. In fact, even though she may be blind, she shows plenty of grit -- she tells off the annoying Robert Dacre several times. She doesn't sulk in passive impatience but goes after the man herself. The Georgette Heyer-styled misunderstanding in the book is alluded to early on in the book, but is not dragged on ad nauseam but builds on itself until it reaches a very favorable conclusion. All in all, a very satisfying book, well written, great characters, interesting premise.
—Grace
The Past: Rosalind Vernon is not paying attention and runs out into the path of an oncoming carriage. A young gentleman comes out and carefully removes the little girl from the road and takes her to a doctor.Fast Forward Ten Years Later:There is another accident but this time Joe Coachman has been shot. The gentleman locates a cottage and is welcomed inside. He brings his injured servant with him until a doctor can be located.The Marquis of Amberley is greeted by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. What is unusual is that she is blind but he doesn't allow that to affect their new friendship. And because of an unexpected snowstorm, the initial stay is extended. All the while, they entertain each other. And then it happens: deja vu.This gentle romance is about two people who meet in a roundabout way. By no means 'parfit', Amberley attempts to cover up a secret and gambles with his love for Rosalind. The conflict that arises comes from Rosalind's brother Phillip and others that are close to the couple. All of them have their best intentions. So, savor the witty dialogue; it brings their story to life.
—Linda
