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The Scarlet Pimpernel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1905

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Book Brief

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Emma Orczy

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1905
Book Details
Pages

250

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 1790s

Publication Year

1905

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emma Orczy, an English baronet named Sir Percy Blakeney secretly operates as the Scarlet Pimpernel, rescuing French aristocrats from the horrors of the Reign of Terror. Percy’s wife, Marguerite, inadvertently betrays him, leading to a suspenseful chase across France as she attempts to save him and restore their love. The novel contains scenes some may interpret as anti-Semitic.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Romantic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

143,703 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Emma Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel is praised for its thrilling plot and captivating blend of adventure and romance. Readers appreciate the vivid historical setting and dynamic characters. However, some criticize the pacing as uneven and find certain elements outdated. Overall, it remains a beloved classic excelling in suspense and escapism.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Scarlet Pimpernel?

A reader who enjoys The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emma Orczy likely appreciates historical adventure and romance. Fans of The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens would enjoy the blend of swashbuckling heroism and suspense in the backdrop of the French Revolution.

4.3

143,703 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Sir Percy Blakeney

A wealthy and seemingly superficial young man known for his charm and good looks, who is secretly leading a daring double life.

A brilliant and beautiful French actress married to Sir Percy, who is deeply entwined in social and personal challenges during the turbulent French Revolution.

A clever and foxlike French diplomat and spy, who is determined to capture the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel despite his ruthless methods.

A loyal member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, who remains level-headed and is romantically involved with Suzanne de Tournay.

A dashing and lively aristocrat within the League, driven by the excitement of aiding the Scarlet Pimpernel's missions.

The affable and respected innkeeper of The Fisherman’s Rest and his charming daughter, who host the League's members.

A young idealist with revolutionary ties, whose loyalty and actions become central to the unfolding drama.

A youthful French aristocrat rescued from peril, whose budding romance with Sir Andrew offers a subplot of hope amid chaos.

A courageous and resilient French noblewoman whose interaction with Marguerite highlights the tensions of the era.

The spirited young French noble determined to uphold his family’s honor amidst the French Revolutionary turmoil.

A boastful Parisian guard whose confidence is ironically undermined by the very man he seeks to catch.

A Jewish character serving a pivotal but understated role, entangled in the machinations of both sides of the conflict.

Book Details
Pages

250

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 1790s

Publication Year

1905

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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