The Scarlet Pimpernel

By Emmuska Orczy

Book Overview

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a historical adventure novel by Baroness Orczy, set during the French Revolution (1792). It is one of the earliest and most famous spy and superhero-like adventure stories, influencing later heroes like Batman and Zorro.

During the Reign of Terror in revolutionary France, thousands of aristocrats face execution by the guillotine. However, a mysterious English nobleman known only as "The Scarlet Pimpernel" daringly rescues them and smuggles them to safety in England. His identity is unknown, but he leaves behind his signature symbol-a red pimpernel (a small flower)-as his calling card.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DZ4TDJG5
• ISBN13: 9798897181971
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Lushena Books
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

“It was the sound of a good, solid, absolutely British ‘D-a-m-n!’”

I first saw several movie versions of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” and always wanted to see the Play. With the purchase of a Kindle and text-to-speech, I could not afford to pass up the book. I was amazed to see that the book started similarly to the movies, with the telling of the bloodlust of the French Revolution and how one man, for the sport of it, saved many from the guillotine, thwarting the authorities and tricking the sergeant at the city gate into letting him through. Then I was afraid the story was going to bog down as we took a long time to drudge through a scene in an inn. I did not realize this was meant to introduce the major players in the soon-to-be mystery. The essence of the story was best said in the book: “Only between these two hearts there lay a strong, impassable barrier, built upon pride on both sides, which neither of them cared to be the first to demolish.” The story picks up after Marguerite realizes what she has done by giving away the pimpernel's identity and decides to make amends. Usually, I cannot stand flowery writing or long descriptions of feelings. But for some reason, this book was so well written that what would seem like extraneous information enhanced the tale. I also noticed it is told mostly from Lady Blakeney’s point of view. Once again, this is a case of the book being better than the movie. I was surprised to find the Pimpernel poem came from the book: They seek him here, they seek him there. Them Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in Heaven? Is he in Hell? That d-a-m-n-e-d elusive pimpernel.

Suspense to the end!

The old language, with smatterings of French and bits of 1792 Eastern European culture, was a bit challenging. Nonetheless, it was a pleasurable read. (It's required reading for homeschool 9th grade English class) A well written work!

A Laugh, and A Song

For those of you who have read the book you will understand what my title means. The wonderful laugh that is ready to send terror through the heart of the agent of the French Revolution, and chills of excitement and happiness through yours. And a song bearing despair and hope. This is a wonderful book! I started and finished it within a day. The first chapter is a little gruesome but not overly so, seeing that it is set in the French Revolution. If you keep reading though, you are caught within two chapters. The entire book is an emotional roller coaster. So if you don't like books that will keep you up till all hours of the night reading, this book is not for you. The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of the most wonderful men that ever didn't live. And so let us all break out and ask, "Is he in Heaven? Is he in Hell?" "That demmed elusive Pimpernel." -E

Great Edition

This is one of my favorite books. I love the story and was excited to finally own my own copy. This edition is really great because it is lightly annotated. There are one or two footnotes on just about every page, defining french terms or just uncommon words. This makes reading that much more enjoyable because one understands more. If you enjoy the book, there is a musical with an amazing soundtrack by the same name.

Orczy has woven a stirring French Revolution-era tale.

I picked up this book when I was fourteen and have read it numerous times since. Orczy's dramatic writing fully captures the drama and the tragedy of the French Revolution. This novel has something for everyone: political intrigue, adventure and romance. I particularly appreciate the development of her three main characters. They live lives that require superhuman intellect and courage. All of them find themselves searching for something: whether it be love, power or heroic fulfillment. Orczy has a true talent for writing. She envelopes her plot with dramatic dressing. One can see this by reading the novel's first sentence: "The seething, surging, mumuring crowd of people, human only in name..." If you enjoy this book, I recommend you read her other titles in the series. Most are not in print, but usually libraries have some or most of the hard to get titles. My other favorite novel in the series is The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel. It carries the same premise as the first book but incorporates more edge-of-your seat excitement.