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The Toll-Gate
His exploits were legendary…
Captain John Staple, back from the battlefront, is already bored with his quiet civilian life in the country. When he stumbles upon a mystery involving a disappearing toll-gate keeper, nothing could keep the adventure-loving captain from investigating.
But winning her will be his greatest yet…
The plot thickens when John encounters the enigmatic Lady Nell Stornaway and soon learns that rescuing her from her unsavory relatives makes even the most ferocious cavalry charge look like a particularly tame hand of loo. Between hiding his true identity from Nell and the arrival in the neighborhood of some distinctly shady characters, Captain Staple finds himself embarked on the adventure-and romance-of a lifetime.
Captain John Staple, back from the battlefront, is already bored with his quiet civilian life in the country. When he stumbles upon a mystery involving a disappearing toll-gate keeper, nothing could keep the adventure-loving captain from investigating.
But winning her will be his greatest yet…
The plot thickens when John encounters the enigmatic Lady Nell Stornaway and soon learns that rescuing her from her unsavory relatives makes even the most ferocious cavalry charge look like a particularly tame hand of loo. Between hiding his true identity from Nell and the arrival in the neighborhood of some distinctly shady characters, Captain Staple finds himself embarked on the adventure-and romance-of a lifetime.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
About the author
Georgette Heyer
254 books5,037 followersGeorgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 608 reviews
September 3, 2020
Georgette Heyer wrote several mysteries (both historical and contemporary) as well as her more widely known and beloved Georgian and Regency romances. I don't think I'll ever love any of her mysteries the way I do some of her romantic comedies, but this was still an enjoyable read.
Captain John (Jack) Staples has returned from the Napoleonic Wars and is trying to readjust to civilian life, which is boring him to tears. He takes off on horseback to visit an old friend out in the country, but manages to get lost in the stormy night, and ends up at a toll-gate (I had no idea they had those back then!) manned by a frightened boy who's trying to cover for his missing father. Jack, lost and tired, convinces the boy to let him stay the night and promises to try to help him with his troubles in the morning. But morning brings more complications, including a tale of lost treasure as well as an attractive young woman, and Jack decides this is the adventure he's been waiting for. Besides, the boy's father is still missing, and someone has to man the toll-gate!
For a more detailed plot summary, I'll refer you to Qnpoohbear's excellent review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
I liked the hero, Jack Staples, a handsome giant of a man with curly blond hair (BTW it still irks me that the cover of my paperback has a dark-haired guy). He's brave, kindhearted and a little stubborn. He doesn't think he'll ever get married, and tells his mother:
The romance has a lot less ups and downs and twists and turns than the usual Heyer romance. I think focusing on the mystery freed Georgette Heyer to give us a nice, sweet, straightforward romance. Jack and Nell kiss before the 50% mark! And they never have a misunderstanding or major fight! It was kind of refreshing, actually. But the mystery, rather than the romance, is the focus of our tale here, so don't go in expecting this to be like a typical GH romance. The romance is definitely a subplot.
Between that and the fact that the entire story is told from Jack's point of view, you don't get to know the heroine as well as you typically would. Nell is intelligent, capable, and loyal to a fault, but she's much less of a personality than Jack and the colorful secondary characters who fill the pages of this book.
For much of the story Jack is pretending to be a person from a much lower social class. Maybe as a result, this book is chock-full of dialect and Regency-era cant. I'm pretty familiar with the expressions used in Regency books, but this book left most others in the dust when it comes to odd expressions that are hard for modern readers to understand.
The mystery in this book reminds me a little of Treasure Island. It was kind of exciting as the book revealed the reason for all of the odd appearances and disappearances in this part of the country, and you had to cheer for Jack's determination to solve the mystery without hurting the people he cares about.
3 1/2 stars, but it left me in a good mood so I'm rounding up.
Captain John (Jack) Staples has returned from the Napoleonic Wars and is trying to readjust to civilian life, which is boring him to tears. He takes off on horseback to visit an old friend out in the country, but manages to get lost in the stormy night, and ends up at a toll-gate (I had no idea they had those back then!) manned by a frightened boy who's trying to cover for his missing father. Jack, lost and tired, convinces the boy to let him stay the night and promises to try to help him with his troubles in the morning. But morning brings more complications, including a tale of lost treasure as well as an attractive young woman, and Jack decides this is the adventure he's been waiting for. Besides, the boy's father is still missing, and someone has to man the toll-gate!
For a more detailed plot summary, I'll refer you to Qnpoohbear's excellent review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
I liked the hero, Jack Staples, a handsome giant of a man with curly blond hair (BTW it still irks me that the cover of my paperback has a dark-haired guy). He's brave, kindhearted and a little stubborn. He doesn't think he'll ever get married, and tells his mother:
"But the thing is I've got no fancy for one of these dashed suitable marriages where you don't really care a fig for the girl, or she for you. I don't mean to offer marriage to any girl who doesn't give me [a] leveller. So I daresay I shall remain a bachelor, for they don't—any of 'em! And if one did," he added thoughtfully, "it's Lombard Street to a China orange that you wouldn't take to her."So it's pretty amusing when, while he's temporarily replacing the keeper of the toll-gate, a tall, somewhat shabby but genteel girl with chestnut hair and humorous gray eyes rides up: "He stood as though stunned, for he had received his leveller at last."
The romance has a lot less ups and downs and twists and turns than the usual Heyer romance. I think focusing on the mystery freed Georgette Heyer to give us a nice, sweet, straightforward romance. Jack and Nell kiss before the 50% mark! And they never have a misunderstanding or major fight! It was kind of refreshing, actually. But the mystery, rather than the romance, is the focus of our tale here, so don't go in expecting this to be like a typical GH romance. The romance is definitely a subplot.
Between that and the fact that the entire story is told from Jack's point of view, you don't get to know the heroine as well as you typically would. Nell is intelligent, capable, and loyal to a fault, but she's much less of a personality than Jack and the colorful secondary characters who fill the pages of this book.
For much of the story Jack is pretending to be a person from a much lower social class. Maybe as a result, this book is chock-full of dialect and Regency-era cant. I'm pretty familiar with the expressions used in Regency books, but this book left most others in the dust when it comes to odd expressions that are hard for modern readers to understand.
"A couple of ding-boys, that's certain! I never got a chance to tout their muns."Frankly, it got irritating after a while.
"Prigged his tattler, too, but I sold that. I'm a great one for a pinch o' merry-go-up . . . I daresay I'd get a double finnup for it, too . . . but when it comes to tipping over the dibs there ain't a lock as isn't a hog-grubber."
The mystery in this book reminds me a little of Treasure Island. It was kind of exciting as the book revealed the reason for all of the odd appearances and disappearances in this part of the country, and you had to cheer for Jack's determination to solve the mystery without hurting the people he cares about.
3 1/2 stars, but it left me in a good mood so I'm rounding up.
November 27, 2020
not much I can say about this ripping yarn. how does one go about explaining "practically perfect in every way"?
January 3, 2019
What a coincidence! This book was my first read of 2016 & is now my first read of 2019.
I don't think I have much to add to add to my first review other than to add more praise to GH's portrayal of Ben - one of my favourite Heyer boys. But the whole read is very entertaining.
I don't think I have much to add to add to my first review other than to add more praise to GH's portrayal of Ben - one of my favourite Heyer boys. But the whole read is very entertaining.
August 19, 2023
Thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book again. Yes, the romance did seem to be a secondary story but the mystery was great and very well done. I really liked Jerry Chirk. A great character. I was actually very slow starting off this book, but after I read, 'If the Captain was a tallow-faced twiddle-poop, mounted on a pair o' cat-sticks, I dare say he'd need a snirp like you to pad his calves out, and finify him', I was well on my way. Heyer had such a way with words and she was an extremely witty writer. Great way to start off January.
Love this as much as I did the first time I read it!! In fact each time I read it I like it a little bit more. John Staple is in the mould of Waldo from The Nonesuch and Miles Calverleigh from Black Sheep so that's me hooked straight away!!
Another fantastic re-read!! Every time I read it I learn a little bit more from the story. The last chapter is brilliant. It's sort of half and half, part dark and then utter hilarity!! Heyer is a genius.
Love this as much as I did the first time I read it!! In fact each time I read it I like it a little bit more. John Staple is in the mould of Waldo from The Nonesuch and Miles Calverleigh from Black Sheep so that's me hooked straight away!!
Another fantastic re-read!! Every time I read it I learn a little bit more from the story. The last chapter is brilliant. It's sort of half and half, part dark and then utter hilarity!! Heyer is a genius.
May 23, 2019
What a way to start the year! A five * reread from my favourite author!
This is one of GH's books that I like more as an older reader.
"Crazy Jack " Staple is bored with civilian life - and even more bored with the deadly dull family party he has been invited to! Making the flimsiest of excuses, he leaves the party days early - and becomes hopelessly lost. Happening on a toll-gate in a lonely part of Derbyshire, he finds it "manned" only by a scared 11 year old. This is enough for Jack,who is always on the lookout for another adventure.
He takes up residence at the Toll-gate Cottage
to the delight of young Ben (like many of GH's characters, Ben is not a dissembler & never shows much sign of missing his vanished father.) Jack not only throws himself into the task of finding Ned Bream, he also becomes a stickler for getting the correct toll for the trustees
to the chagrin of some of the colourful locals in this richly cast book. Oh, and he falls in love.
The adventure part of the book in it's thrilling climax had me on the edge of my seat whilst reading.
is probably my favourite of Heyer's adventure romances but the romance is better done in this book and Nell is better drawn than Harriet. & Nell's appearance isn't that of a conventional Regency heroine. It always amazes me when people say her hero/heroines are always the same. But I digress. Also a wonderful secondary romance
My only criticism is that some of the thieves' cant used is a bit hard to figure out - even for a GH devotee like myself!
Most highly recommended - especially if you are trying to make a GH devotee of a stubborn male friend!
This is one of GH's books that I like more as an older reader.
"Crazy Jack " Staple is bored with civilian life - and even more bored with the deadly dull family party he has been invited to! Making the flimsiest of excuses, he leaves the party days early - and becomes hopelessly lost. Happening on a toll-gate in a lonely part of Derbyshire, he finds it "manned" only by a scared 11 year old. This is enough for Jack,who is always on the lookout for another adventure.
He takes up residence at the Toll-gate Cottage
to the delight of young Ben (like many of GH's characters, Ben is not a dissembler & never shows much sign of missing his vanished father.) Jack not only throws himself into the task of finding Ned Bream, he also becomes a stickler for getting the correct toll for the trustees
to the chagrin of some of the colourful locals in this richly cast book. Oh, and he falls in love.
The adventure part of the book in it's thrilling climax had me on the edge of my seat whilst reading.
is probably my favourite of Heyer's adventure romances but the romance is better done in this book and Nell is better drawn than Harriet. & Nell's appearance isn't that of a conventional Regency heroine. It always amazes me when people say her hero/heroines are always the same. But I digress. Also a wonderful secondary romance My only criticism is that some of the thieves' cant used is a bit hard to figure out - even for a GH devotee like myself!
Most highly recommended - especially if you are trying to make a GH devotee of a stubborn male friend!
March 24, 2015
Loved it plain and simple!
Captain John (Jack) Staple has had enough of his dull cousin and insipid fiancée, so he skips out of the engagement party and trots off to his friend Mr. Babblecombe's hunt. Only, he doesn't quite make it that far. In the pouring rain and crackling thunder he comes upon a Toll-Gate, an unattained Toll-Gate. That is, it's attended, but by a little urchin named Ben, whose father is missing and who is deathly afraid of someone.
Ever the adventurer, Captain Staple rises to the occasion and becomes the temporary gatekeeper, and falls smack, dab in love, with Miss Nell Stornaway, called by her grandfather's tenants "The Squire". Now he stays on to win her hand, only to become deeply embroiled in a sticky scheme full of murders, thievery, a highwayman whose heart isn't in his trade and shocking discoveries that take him into the heart of the hills… and into disaster.
(Iris Cave – Monasterio de Piedra, Zaragoza, Spain)
But that isn't the end, it's the beginning. Those wet, chilly caves have been holding a secret, and they won't let it go without a fight. Neither will the men who put it there.
And perhaps the highwayman Jerry Chirk isn't all he seems, maybe, just maybe he will be the one to unlock the secret of the caves, and avert disaster. Or, could it be Miss Stornaway's truant of a grandfather will be the one who twists everyone around his little finger, making sure that Captain Staple does as he promises and that Nell does what's best for her? Who can be trusted, and who will turn informer?
It's in the caves where Jack finds out, and it's in the caves where he finds the most stunning find… a most hideous crime.
(Cheddar Gorge found within the Cheddar Caves of England)
Jerry Chirk just wants to get out of this damp nightmare, and if it weren't for one certain person on earth he would run for his life and continue stealing, but he can't let that someone down. So he stays just long enough to yank Captain Staple out of the quagmire and deeper into the caves. Everything comes down to those caves, they either break a man, or make a man, there is no in between. And Captain Staple is about to find out just how cold an underground river can get.
(~Italian Caverns~)
The entire time I was reading this I gripped the pages till they nearly tore, eagerly scanning each page, speed reading to find out what would happen next. I love how Heyer did this book, it's one of my favorites of her Regencies. There's no balls, not dancing none of the usual Regency plot at all in fact! But there is suspense, and a surprising ending. I truly didn't think it would end how it did. (I'm glad it ended the way it did though) What made this five stars was that I liked every character. No, they weren't all likable, but they were all interesting; none of them irritated me.
Captain John Staple was similar to Gabriel Oak in Far from the Madding Crowd and John Ridd from Lorna Doone. A sort of mix between the two but with a military background. Also, Jerry Chirk is a lot like the highwayman in Lorna Doone. (Which, I liked even if he is "bad")
Miss Nell Stornaway is independent, headstrong and completely likable. She and Jack are unusual, they are both horribly tall for other people's tastes, but perfect for each other. She was a bit like the heroine from Eye of the Wind, they are both tall, capable ladies who have their own ideas on how young ladies should behave. And both fall for men seemingly far below themselves.
The flavor of this book is similar to Georgette Heyer's The Reluctant Widow, I'm not going to say why as it'd give everything away, but if you liked that one, I'd try this. (The Toll-Gate is better IMO)
PG for some violence, shooting which incidentally cracks several stalactites, and kills a person. Mild swearing to none existent. No talk of mistresses as in other Heyer's
Captain John (Jack) Staple has had enough of his dull cousin and insipid fiancée, so he skips out of the engagement party and trots off to his friend Mr. Babblecombe's hunt. Only, he doesn't quite make it that far. In the pouring rain and crackling thunder he comes upon a Toll-Gate, an unattained Toll-Gate. That is, it's attended, but by a little urchin named Ben, whose father is missing and who is deathly afraid of someone.
Ever the adventurer, Captain Staple rises to the occasion and becomes the temporary gatekeeper, and falls smack, dab in love, with Miss Nell Stornaway, called by her grandfather's tenants "The Squire". Now he stays on to win her hand, only to become deeply embroiled in a sticky scheme full of murders, thievery, a highwayman whose heart isn't in his trade and shocking discoveries that take him into the heart of the hills… and into disaster.
(Iris Cave – Monasterio de Piedra, Zaragoza, Spain)
But that isn't the end, it's the beginning. Those wet, chilly caves have been holding a secret, and they won't let it go without a fight. Neither will the men who put it there.
And perhaps the highwayman Jerry Chirk isn't all he seems, maybe, just maybe he will be the one to unlock the secret of the caves, and avert disaster. Or, could it be Miss Stornaway's truant of a grandfather will be the one who twists everyone around his little finger, making sure that Captain Staple does as he promises and that Nell does what's best for her? Who can be trusted, and who will turn informer?
It's in the caves where Jack finds out, and it's in the caves where he finds the most stunning find… a most hideous crime.
(Cheddar Gorge found within the Cheddar Caves of England)
Jerry Chirk just wants to get out of this damp nightmare, and if it weren't for one certain person on earth he would run for his life and continue stealing, but he can't let that someone down. So he stays just long enough to yank Captain Staple out of the quagmire and deeper into the caves. Everything comes down to those caves, they either break a man, or make a man, there is no in between. And Captain Staple is about to find out just how cold an underground river can get.
(~Italian Caverns~)
The entire time I was reading this I gripped the pages till they nearly tore, eagerly scanning each page, speed reading to find out what would happen next. I love how Heyer did this book, it's one of my favorites of her Regencies. There's no balls, not dancing none of the usual Regency plot at all in fact! But there is suspense, and a surprising ending. I truly didn't think it would end how it did. (I'm glad it ended the way it did though) What made this five stars was that I liked every character. No, they weren't all likable, but they were all interesting; none of them irritated me.
Captain John Staple was similar to Gabriel Oak in Far from the Madding Crowd and John Ridd from Lorna Doone. A sort of mix between the two but with a military background. Also, Jerry Chirk is a lot like the highwayman in Lorna Doone. (Which, I liked even if he is "bad")
Miss Nell Stornaway is independent, headstrong and completely likable. She and Jack are unusual, they are both horribly tall for other people's tastes, but perfect for each other. She was a bit like the heroine from Eye of the Wind, they are both tall, capable ladies who have their own ideas on how young ladies should behave. And both fall for men seemingly far below themselves.
The flavor of this book is similar to Georgette Heyer's The Reluctant Widow, I'm not going to say why as it'd give everything away, but if you liked that one, I'd try this. (The Toll-Gate is better IMO)
PG for some violence, shooting which incidentally cracks several stalactites, and kills a person. Mild swearing to none existent. No talk of mistresses as in other Heyer's
January 8, 2024
Why has this and other books by Heyer not been made into movies or tv shows? They would be brilliant with right actors. What can I say about the story that others have so much more eloquently reviewed. Rather than review this ripping yarn concerning John Staples and Nell Stornaway I will list some of the witty words and sentences.
‘…there’s something devilish havey-cavey going on here!’
‘I don’t know why I don’t haul my wind before that dimber mort of mine’s turned me into a regular nose!’
‘A peevy cove, ain’t you?’ Who told you I was on the bridle-lay?’
‘Well, hempseed!’ he said.
‘If I could lay my hands on a bit o’ balsam-and I don’t mean a truss with six or seven goblins in it, and a couple o’ diamond rings which turn out to be Bristol stone!’ - no some real mint sauce…’
The language makes you reach for a dictionary or google a word and brings a twinkle to the eye and a smile to the dialogue.
‘…there’s something devilish havey-cavey going on here!’
‘I don’t know why I don’t haul my wind before that dimber mort of mine’s turned me into a regular nose!’
‘A peevy cove, ain’t you?’ Who told you I was on the bridle-lay?’
‘Well, hempseed!’ he said.
‘If I could lay my hands on a bit o’ balsam-and I don’t mean a truss with six or seven goblins in it, and a couple o’ diamond rings which turn out to be Bristol stone!’ - no some real mint sauce…’
The language makes you reach for a dictionary or google a word and brings a twinkle to the eye and a smile to the dialogue.
October 30, 2019
I wasn't sure I would like this at first, because the reader has a somewhat grating voice at time, but I ended up LOVING it. I haven't heard about this one before, and that is a shame! Captain "Mad Jack" Staples gets lost in the rain, takes shelter at a toll-gate, and ends up staying to solve the mystery of the missing gatekeeper, not to mention staying close to the striking granddaughter of the local squire.
As an added delight, Jack is described as being a very large man, from a family of large men (and women). Several of his cronies refer to him as "Big 'Un" and there are references to him not riding certain horses because the poor beasts couldn't carry him. He's not fat, he's just apparently HUGE. And then, AND THEN, his true love turns out to be a very tall, "Amazonian" lady, who nearly swoons when he calls her "Little One" because no one has ever done so before! I mean . . . I just died of the adorableness of all of it!
As an added delight, Jack is described as being a very large man, from a family of large men (and women). Several of his cronies refer to him as "Big 'Un" and there are references to him not riding certain horses because the poor beasts couldn't carry him. He's not fat, he's just apparently HUGE. And then, AND THEN, his true love turns out to be a very tall, "Amazonian" lady, who nearly swoons when he calls her "Little One" because no one has ever done so before! I mean . . . I just died of the adorableness of all of it!
January 14, 2019
Unable to endure his stuffy cousin's engagement party more than one night and tired of his mother and sister's matchmaking schemes, Captain John Staple sets out for his friend's hunting box. Much to his dismay, he gets a late start, his horse loses a shoe on the moors and he takes a wrong turn and ends up in the middle of nowhere, Derbyshire in a rain storm. Finding a toll-gate, John demands entry to the pike, hoping to spend the night in the nearest town. The gate is opened by a ten-year-old boy, wet, cold and afraid. Ben's father, the toll keeper, has disappeared and Ben doesn't know where he is or when he will return. John, wet and tired and also intensely curious, decides to spend the night until Mr. Brean returns. Mr. Brean has not returned by morning and John, always up for an adventure, takes on the role of toll-keeper. One of his first customers is Miss Nell Stornaway, the Squire's granddaughter. Suddenly, John's reasons for staying increase. Miss Nell is not a young miss nor is she missish. She's taken over the management of the estate from her ill grandfather and cares for the old man as he lays dying. Now her cousin and grandfather's heir, Henry and his sleazy friend Nat Coate are staying at the Manor and Nell is sure they're up to no good. John wonders if Henry Stornaway's arrival has anything to do with the mysterious disappearance of the toll-keeper and if so, what is the connection. With the help of a highwayman with a heart of gold, John sets out to solve the mystery and protect Miss Nell with all his heart and body.
This is an unconventional novel for Heyer. The hero doesn't even appear until the second page and he doesn't speak until page 6. There are kisses in the middle of the book and more romance than most of her other novels. (I'm not complaining though, I enjoy a good, sweet romance). The plot reads like a copycat for the first half but the last half sparkles with her usual wit and intelligence. Only Heyer could create such quirky characters and infuse humor into a mystery plot. John is a great hero, he's an alpha hero but he's not arrogant or angry and never loses his temper. Nell is one of my favorite heroines. She's strong, intelligent and capable of taking care of herself. The romance is a bit unbelievable given the time frame it happens in but I like the couple together and think they'll suit very well. Nell has just the right temperament to deal with John. I adored the secondary romance which made me giggle a lot. The mystery is impossible to solve and kept me turning the page far too late into the night. I can't believe I hadn't read this one before because now it's one of my favorites!
Second read January 2019
I enjoyed this one a whole lot the second time around! The first half is a little slow but I couldn't put the book down from Chapter 10 onwards. The mystery picks up and there's a whole lot of action, some romance and Heyer's usual trademark quirky characters. I question some of the violence at the end. I would have left it more ambiguous as to what actually happened. First time readers may have a tough time with the cant but download the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue if you can't figure out the meaning from the context. There are some fabulous new words to insult people in this novel! This book would make a fabulous PBS Masterpiece Mystery miniseries.
This is an unconventional novel for Heyer. The hero doesn't even appear until the second page and he doesn't speak until page 6. There are kisses in the middle of the book and more romance than most of her other novels. (I'm not complaining though, I enjoy a good, sweet romance). The plot reads like a copycat for the first half but the last half sparkles with her usual wit and intelligence. Only Heyer could create such quirky characters and infuse humor into a mystery plot. John is a great hero, he's an alpha hero but he's not arrogant or angry and never loses his temper. Nell is one of my favorite heroines. She's strong, intelligent and capable of taking care of herself. The romance is a bit unbelievable given the time frame it happens in but I like the couple together and think they'll suit very well. Nell has just the right temperament to deal with John. I adored the secondary romance which made me giggle a lot. The mystery is impossible to solve and kept me turning the page far too late into the night. I can't believe I hadn't read this one before because now it's one of my favorites!
Second read January 2019
I enjoyed this one a whole lot the second time around! The first half is a little slow but I couldn't put the book down from Chapter 10 onwards. The mystery picks up and there's a whole lot of action, some romance and Heyer's usual trademark quirky characters. I question some of the violence at the end. I would have left it more ambiguous as to what actually happened. First time readers may have a tough time with the cant but download the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue if you can't figure out the meaning from the context. There are some fabulous new words to insult people in this novel! This book would make a fabulous PBS Masterpiece Mystery miniseries.
January 18, 2019
This time around, I listened to the Audible edition. This book is among my favorites by MS Heyer, but the audio edition is a lot of fun as well. A first rate listening experience. Now I know that “Stogumber” is really pronounced “Stojumber.”
Georgette Heyer Group January 2016 BOTM
Georgette Heyer departs from what romance readers can expect by crafting a HR where the story told is completely from the hero's POV rather than that of the heroine for a refreshing change.
—and I own the Sourcebooks and kindle editions,
A very thrilling and interesting mystery takes up the better part of the story and here also, GH includes a wide array of colorful supporting characters from the "lower orders" that I quite enjoyed and are interesting and carefully drawn in their own right with their own lives and concerns.
I don't usually enjoy child characters and their "doings" all that much. At best they are tolerated, but I just love 11 year old Ben, the gatekeeper's son--such a good sort of boy and easy to like--not at all a nuisance to anyone or to me, the reader.
There is also a very sweet secondary romance as well.
Georgette Heyer Group January 2016 BOTM
Georgette Heyer departs from what romance readers can expect by crafting a HR where the story told is completely from the hero's POV rather than that of the heroine for a refreshing change.
—and I own the Sourcebooks and kindle editions,
A very thrilling and interesting mystery takes up the better part of the story and here also, GH includes a wide array of colorful supporting characters from the "lower orders" that I quite enjoyed and are interesting and carefully drawn in their own right with their own lives and concerns.
I don't usually enjoy child characters and their "doings" all that much. At best they are tolerated, but I just love 11 year old Ben, the gatekeeper's son--such a good sort of boy and easy to like--not at all a nuisance to anyone or to me, the reader.
There is also a very sweet secondary romance as well.
January 12, 2019
The romance was established very early in the story and then the mystery took over. Also, the audio wasn’t great on this one!
September 7, 2021
2021 Review
Checked this one out from the library and forgot to return it so now I owe $2. But joke is on me because I actually already own a copy so I could have just read that one.
2019 Review
Third times the charm. I understood maybe 80% of what was said. Before you know I'll be jabbering about prigging cheats and telling my brother to hush his mummer!
2018 Review
So. Much. Regency. Slang.
At first I felt triumphant because I was able to piece my way through the confusion but then I just felt exasperated. It is enough to make your head spin!
2014 Review
Another lovely Georgette Heyer novel...with a bit of a twist! A male main character! A mystery combined with likable characters and that twist of romance, this book brimmed with everything that makes Heyer so delightful. My main complaints are that every other word is slightly unreadable due to "cant phrases" and that all the characters introduced at the beginning play no role at the end. What happened to mother, uncle, and cousin? That would have been good to know.
Otherwise, very good.
Checked this one out from the library and forgot to return it so now I owe $2. But joke is on me because I actually already own a copy so I could have just read that one.
2019 Review
Third times the charm. I understood maybe 80% of what was said. Before you know I'll be jabbering about prigging cheats and telling my brother to hush his mummer!
2018 Review
So. Much. Regency. Slang.
At first I felt triumphant because I was able to piece my way through the confusion but then I just felt exasperated. It is enough to make your head spin!
2014 Review
Another lovely Georgette Heyer novel...with a bit of a twist! A male main character! A mystery combined with likable characters and that twist of romance, this book brimmed with everything that makes Heyer so delightful. My main complaints are that every other word is slightly unreadable due to "cant phrases" and that all the characters introduced at the beginning play no role at the end. What happened to mother, uncle, and cousin? That would have been good to know.
Otherwise, very good.
July 5, 2023
Georgette Heyer's secondary characters are better written than most people's primary characters. I think that is what makes her such an amazing author. She is able to make even a character with only a little bit of time on the page seem like a real person. Even though the story was about Nell and Jack I was just interested in what happened to everyone else at the end also.
A wonderful mystery with just the right amount of romance thrown in.
A wonderful mystery with just the right amount of romance thrown in.
November 5, 2023
It has been years since I read this book so I was ready for a re-read. I chose to listen on audio for this time. Daniel Hill was a lively narrator who did a great job with the tone of the book and the characters.
The Toll Gate is another of Heyer's crossover Regency romance- suspenses. Big, tall Captain John Staple is a restless, gutsy sort and peacetime, settling down, and his sister's matchmaking has him rushing off from a family gathering to go to a friend. On the way, at a lonely toll gate in the Peak region of Derbyshire, he stumbles on a mystery. A frightened young boy tells John that his da left a few nights back meaning to be gone an hour or two and never returned. John decides he will help young Ben find his da, help at the toll gate, and then decides to help the family up at the manor when he gets one look at tall, statuesque Nell Stornaway. He's pole-axed and knows he has found the woman for him, but he knows her sense of love and filial duty will keep her tied to her ailing grandfather and opposing her noisome cousin and the cunning bothersome man he brought to stay with him. So, Crazy Jack goes to the rescue.
This is a fun one and light in many ways including the flirting, friendly romance and John's unique friendship with young Ben, a groom, and a highwayman, but there is also a growing tension as John discovers the truth until the suspense is the greater part of the story.
The Toll Gate kept me riveted until in the end it just stops. I don't know how I felt about that abrupt ending before, but I do wish that I could have gotten the Staple family's reaction to all John's adventures and his romance. Other than that, I was well satisfied with another Heyer gem.
The Toll Gate is another of Heyer's crossover Regency romance- suspenses. Big, tall Captain John Staple is a restless, gutsy sort and peacetime, settling down, and his sister's matchmaking has him rushing off from a family gathering to go to a friend. On the way, at a lonely toll gate in the Peak region of Derbyshire, he stumbles on a mystery. A frightened young boy tells John that his da left a few nights back meaning to be gone an hour or two and never returned. John decides he will help young Ben find his da, help at the toll gate, and then decides to help the family up at the manor when he gets one look at tall, statuesque Nell Stornaway. He's pole-axed and knows he has found the woman for him, but he knows her sense of love and filial duty will keep her tied to her ailing grandfather and opposing her noisome cousin and the cunning bothersome man he brought to stay with him. So, Crazy Jack goes to the rescue.
This is a fun one and light in many ways including the flirting, friendly romance and John's unique friendship with young Ben, a groom, and a highwayman, but there is also a growing tension as John discovers the truth until the suspense is the greater part of the story.
The Toll Gate kept me riveted until in the end it just stops. I don't know how I felt about that abrupt ending before, but I do wish that I could have gotten the Staple family's reaction to all John's adventures and his romance. Other than that, I was well satisfied with another Heyer gem.
June 29, 2020
Crazy Jack! I loved him. Not much gets past that slightly bucolic exterior. This is the fellow whose most innocent journey ends up as an outrageous adventure.
I mean if Captain John Staple hadn't decided to take a short cut, hadn't come across a toll gate and decided to assist the youngster who was waiting for his father who'd loped off to return, then John would not have been struck by cupid's arrow, and become tangled up in a highway mans business and other Harvey cagey matters. We would not have met some wonderful characters and I dare say my life would be a little less entertained!
Just has some very amusing moments and I know I know, I've read this at least twice before, I suspect even more times, and I'm still wonderfully regaled. Heyer had such a gift for timing and nicety. Down to a T!
I mean if Captain John Staple hadn't decided to take a short cut, hadn't come across a toll gate and decided to assist the youngster who was waiting for his father who'd loped off to return, then John would not have been struck by cupid's arrow, and become tangled up in a highway mans business and other Harvey cagey matters. We would not have met some wonderful characters and I dare say my life would be a little less entertained!
Just has some very amusing moments and I know I know, I've read this at least twice before, I suspect even more times, and I'm still wonderfully regaled. Heyer had such a gift for timing and nicety. Down to a T!
August 16, 2023
My first review can be my second. The only difference I can add is that I really appreciated how well it was written. So good that although the mystery didn't grip me reading it was enjoyable and smooth.
[3-3.5 stars]
-----My review after first reading-----
I liked John and Nell, also Ben, Rose, Chirk.
I felt cozy and amused during reading.
I loved the idea of toll-gates at the beginning of XIX century. It was very interesting how it worked.
The adventure/mystery was nicely invented too.
It was rather fast reading.
But... I can't tell it was one of my favorite Heyer's novels. I am not sure why. Perhaps, because the romance was just ok. Perhaps, because I wasn't much gripped by the mystery (although I could see its value). Perhaps, I wasn't in a mood for such kind of story. I don't know.
One of the best parts were the first scenes, about the family meeting. There was a big potential for another kind of Heyer's stories. But then it became something different.
I adored the most The Foundling as an adventure book by Heyer. For me, 'The Toll-Gate' (although well and correctly written) was worse.
[3-3.5 stars]
-----My review after first reading-----
I liked John and Nell, also Ben, Rose, Chirk.
I felt cozy and amused during reading.
I loved the idea of toll-gates at the beginning of XIX century. It was very interesting how it worked.
The adventure/mystery was nicely invented too.
It was rather fast reading.
But... I can't tell it was one of my favorite Heyer's novels. I am not sure why. Perhaps, because the romance was just ok. Perhaps, because I wasn't much gripped by the mystery (although I could see its value). Perhaps, I wasn't in a mood for such kind of story. I don't know.
One of the best parts were the first scenes, about the family meeting. There was a big potential for another kind of Heyer's stories. But then it became something different.
I adored the most The Foundling as an adventure book by Heyer. For me, 'The Toll-Gate' (although well and correctly written) was worse.
February 19, 2020
There are fans of Downton Abbey and there are fans of Peaky Blinders. Sometimes, the same fans. But if you are given an episode of Peaky Blinders when you want to watch Downton Abbey, you're going to rate it low. The Toll-Gate suffers from this. I like Georgette Heyer regencies because I love reading about heroines who know their mind, rich men who can quell people in the room by lifting up their quizzing glass, crusty old dowagers who rule with an iron will, young men who gamble everything away, young women who discover the delights of clothes and dance, and so on. But The Toll-Gate has none of this.
The narrative follows the exploits of a Captain Jack Staple, who is on his way to spend some time with his friend. He gets lost in the dark and finds a toll-gate manned by only a young boy. He finds this so surprising (why?) that he decides to step down and spend the night there. He discovers the boy's father has disappeared and decides to investigate. The very next thing that happens is that he meets the Squire's daughter and falls in love with her. She talks about two odd men staying at her house and Jack concludes that it's all connected. With the help of a highway man and a Bow Street Runner, he manages to solve the mystery.
I didn't much enjoy this long-winded book. The plot was not too bad but Heyer got carried away and went on and on about things. It didn't help that there was too much slang in this book, much of them unintelligible. It only made a tedious, meandering book more boring. I got annoyed with the "must save random person's name" plot only because they have money and the right to oppress the lower classes. The only person who really gets justice right is the highwayman. Go figure!
The romance wasn't very interesting and not much time was given to it. As a hero, I found Jack without much character. I realised he is supposed to be fun-loving and adventurous but it didn't sink through. Nell was just a damsel in distress, and not a very good one at that. The villains were all right but again, not much time given to them. I wish I had more from their perspective - at least, I wouldn't have been heartily bored. The best character was the highwayman, and he bored me too because I couldn't understand half of what he was saying. All in all, a mediocre effort from Heyer.
The narrative follows the exploits of a Captain Jack Staple, who is on his way to spend some time with his friend. He gets lost in the dark and finds a toll-gate manned by only a young boy. He finds this so surprising (why?) that he decides to step down and spend the night there. He discovers the boy's father has disappeared and decides to investigate. The very next thing that happens is that he meets the Squire's daughter and falls in love with her. She talks about two odd men staying at her house and Jack concludes that it's all connected. With the help of a highway man and a Bow Street Runner, he manages to solve the mystery.
I didn't much enjoy this long-winded book. The plot was not too bad but Heyer got carried away and went on and on about things. It didn't help that there was too much slang in this book, much of them unintelligible. It only made a tedious, meandering book more boring. I got annoyed with the "must save random person's name" plot only because they have money and the right to oppress the lower classes. The only person who really gets justice right is the highwayman. Go figure!
The romance wasn't very interesting and not much time was given to it. As a hero, I found Jack without much character. I realised he is supposed to be fun-loving and adventurous but it didn't sink through. Nell was just a damsel in distress, and not a very good one at that. The villains were all right but again, not much time given to them. I wish I had more from their perspective - at least, I wouldn't have been heartily bored. The best character was the highwayman, and he bored me too because I couldn't understand half of what he was saying. All in all, a mediocre effort from Heyer.
February 20, 2019
14 Feb 2019
I LOVE THIS BOOK! That is all ...
20 Feb 2019
6 Days later ... and after reading 'Bath Tangle' ... I still love this book soooo much! I am thinking of reading it again, right now!
I believe that Jack's character is reminiscent of Captain Charles Audley from 'An Infamous Army'. Not just in the military sense, but as a well rounded and mature hero who knows what he wants and goes after it. I have never been one for the insta-love trope, but it really works in both books and Heyer is masterful in how she carries it off and makes it realistic and believable. The mystery element was splendidly woven into the story, while several plot points were playing out around the main story ala mise en abyme. The dialogue was fun and challenging with the Thieves' cant being brilliantly deployed. There are so many laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend the Audible listen along with your read of the physical book, Daniel Hill's narration is excellent. The characters are well crafted - Ben is adorable as well as all the secondary characters - it feels like so much effort was made to really define them. Nell goes down as being a favorite heroine for me. She is unconventional in looks and size, independent in spirit without being ridiculously stubborn or spoiled and she is fiercely loyal, it felt like shades of 'The Grand Sophy'. This story flows brilliantly. The only thing I can say detracted from the story were the constant reminders of how "big" Jack and Nell were.
If you find the language in the book daunting or have to know what a "twiddle-poop" is ... I also recommend having the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue on hand. :-)
I LOVE THIS BOOK! That is all ...
20 Feb 2019
6 Days later ... and after reading 'Bath Tangle' ... I still love this book soooo much! I am thinking of reading it again, right now!
I believe that Jack's character is reminiscent of Captain Charles Audley from 'An Infamous Army'. Not just in the military sense, but as a well rounded and mature hero who knows what he wants and goes after it. I have never been one for the insta-love trope, but it really works in both books and Heyer is masterful in how she carries it off and makes it realistic and believable. The mystery element was splendidly woven into the story, while several plot points were playing out around the main story ala mise en abyme. The dialogue was fun and challenging with the Thieves' cant being brilliantly deployed. There are so many laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend the Audible listen along with your read of the physical book, Daniel Hill's narration is excellent. The characters are well crafted - Ben is adorable as well as all the secondary characters - it feels like so much effort was made to really define them. Nell goes down as being a favorite heroine for me. She is unconventional in looks and size, independent in spirit without being ridiculously stubborn or spoiled and she is fiercely loyal, it felt like shades of 'The Grand Sophy'. This story flows brilliantly. The only thing I can say detracted from the story were the constant reminders of how "big" Jack and Nell were.
If you find the language in the book daunting or have to know what a "twiddle-poop" is ... I also recommend having the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue on hand. :-)
February 3, 2016
The Toll Gate was an interesting read and my rating is hovering somewhere between 3.75* to 4* for this Georgette Heyer work, the reasons for which I shall elaborate further in my review below.
The best feature of this book for me is it's outstanding characterisation, which is typical Heyer, with an incredulous hero, equally matched heroine, a strong and inexorable grandfather, an amazingly natural urchin and a good natured highwayman ever ready to take offense. And that is what pushed my rating from 3.75* to 4*.
The story is about the adventurous Captain John Staple or Crazy Jack, and as the name suggests, he is obstinately crazy and is most unsurprisingly found in scrapes no one would ever think of! So, suitably matching his habit of getting into unprecedented tangles, he finds himself minding an unmanned toll gate with a mystery hanging about the disappearance of the gatekeeper and an urchin at his disposal to be taken care of. The details of the story and the plot may be gathered from several earlier posts and the book summary at GR, so I will concentrate on my perceptions of the book.
Mind you, this ain't a regular romance, hardly much of it to be seen in here, but it is more of a mystery and a good and exciting one at that!
The character of Captain John Staple is dynamic to say the least. He has an incredible presence to his credit and is very kind, intelligent and ingenious at the same time. The most striking feature of his character is his ability to switch from one phase to another without much trouble. He can be the vulgar cant bantering gatekeeper without an ounce of sophistication in him at one time and a very kind and empathetic listener and comforter with very agreeable manners endowed within him at the next. He is handsome to behold and of a mountainous size towering well over everyone around him. He is also tolerably good at handling a kitchen and manages to keep his wardrobe and dress himself without his man at his disposal.
So when the hero is so incredible, shouldn't he have a suitable heroine to match him? Here enters Miss Nell Stornaway in her overgrown size closer to 6 feet, (for John does say she is taller than his sister, who herself stands at five feet and nine inches) to give him a leveller at first glance and has him loose his balance. Nell Stornaway is very much my kind of heroine, not a diamond if the first water but kind, compassionate, understanding and a fighter, but sadly she has not a very big part to play throughout the book. And she is definitely a change from the regular misses and a complete match to the Captain for her notions of propriety do not very much match with those of Society.
Sir Peter Stornaway is one emphatically strong character of astounding mettle. Even in the obvious face of death he is anxious to do right by his granddaughter and pulls and holds on till he has not settled everything to the rights and to his satisfaction. He is a very perceptive and discerning man with a glorious past and keen determination to keep his family name unsullied. His was the most impressive character of the book for me and I could not help but like him immensely and feel his death harshly through the pages.
The next character I liked best, rather I loved, was that of Ben. The way he shrieks from being cleansed and his innocent, childish ways of groping for security and loving to live in unadulterated childhood playfulness is what catches the attention. Also, his perceptions of the adult nature and ever readiness not to disoblige any of the elders for fear of some scary (though unreal) punishments is very heart wrenching.
Rose Durward is also one likeable character and tends to be very endearing in her loving scoldings, like one of those good natured matrons putting up a tough exterior. Bred to high propriety she astonishingly falls for a highwayman and cherishes unshared dreams of having a happy married life with him, though not sure of its fulfilment.
Jerry Chirk, a highwayman and Rose's love interest is not bad either. Though his cant was the most difficult to comprehend, his character was nevertheless interesting.
Henry Stornaway is a person with a long tongue and no discipline and faithfulness in him. While Nathaniel Coate is one really cold blooded and black villain.
Secondary characters of Lydd and Stogumber were also very realistically designed and executed.
Overall, the story is intriguing and very different with new twists and has an ability to keep the reader wanting to know the next turn of events, which is absolutely a sign that the author has been successful in achieving the expected intrigue.
Why not 5*? Too much thieves cant in it for my taste! There were lines together where I could not make a word of what was happening and that was a damper! Also, I would have liked a more elaborate ending, with some note on what happens to the manor, how Ben takes to being taken up with Jerry and also a glimpse at Nell and John's eccentric and adventurous life and his family's surprise at having to directly welcome a daughter in law! But then some thoughts are better left on the reader's imagination and to be supposed to be the obvious.
Georgette Heyer fans should have a read of this work of hers at least once
The best feature of this book for me is it's outstanding characterisation, which is typical Heyer, with an incredulous hero, equally matched heroine, a strong and inexorable grandfather, an amazingly natural urchin and a good natured highwayman ever ready to take offense. And that is what pushed my rating from 3.75* to 4*.
The story is about the adventurous Captain John Staple or Crazy Jack, and as the name suggests, he is obstinately crazy and is most unsurprisingly found in scrapes no one would ever think of! So, suitably matching his habit of getting into unprecedented tangles, he finds himself minding an unmanned toll gate with a mystery hanging about the disappearance of the gatekeeper and an urchin at his disposal to be taken care of. The details of the story and the plot may be gathered from several earlier posts and the book summary at GR, so I will concentrate on my perceptions of the book.
Mind you, this ain't a regular romance, hardly much of it to be seen in here, but it is more of a mystery and a good and exciting one at that!
The character of Captain John Staple is dynamic to say the least. He has an incredible presence to his credit and is very kind, intelligent and ingenious at the same time. The most striking feature of his character is his ability to switch from one phase to another without much trouble. He can be the vulgar cant bantering gatekeeper without an ounce of sophistication in him at one time and a very kind and empathetic listener and comforter with very agreeable manners endowed within him at the next. He is handsome to behold and of a mountainous size towering well over everyone around him. He is also tolerably good at handling a kitchen and manages to keep his wardrobe and dress himself without his man at his disposal.
So when the hero is so incredible, shouldn't he have a suitable heroine to match him? Here enters Miss Nell Stornaway in her overgrown size closer to 6 feet, (for John does say she is taller than his sister, who herself stands at five feet and nine inches) to give him a leveller at first glance and has him loose his balance. Nell Stornaway is very much my kind of heroine, not a diamond if the first water but kind, compassionate, understanding and a fighter, but sadly she has not a very big part to play throughout the book. And she is definitely a change from the regular misses and a complete match to the Captain for her notions of propriety do not very much match with those of Society.
Sir Peter Stornaway is one emphatically strong character of astounding mettle. Even in the obvious face of death he is anxious to do right by his granddaughter and pulls and holds on till he has not settled everything to the rights and to his satisfaction. He is a very perceptive and discerning man with a glorious past and keen determination to keep his family name unsullied. His was the most impressive character of the book for me and I could not help but like him immensely and feel his death harshly through the pages.
The next character I liked best, rather I loved, was that of Ben. The way he shrieks from being cleansed and his innocent, childish ways of groping for security and loving to live in unadulterated childhood playfulness is what catches the attention. Also, his perceptions of the adult nature and ever readiness not to disoblige any of the elders for fear of some scary (though unreal) punishments is very heart wrenching.
Rose Durward is also one likeable character and tends to be very endearing in her loving scoldings, like one of those good natured matrons putting up a tough exterior. Bred to high propriety she astonishingly falls for a highwayman and cherishes unshared dreams of having a happy married life with him, though not sure of its fulfilment.
Jerry Chirk, a highwayman and Rose's love interest is not bad either. Though his cant was the most difficult to comprehend, his character was nevertheless interesting.
Henry Stornaway is a person with a long tongue and no discipline and faithfulness in him. While Nathaniel Coate is one really cold blooded and black villain.
Secondary characters of Lydd and Stogumber were also very realistically designed and executed.
Overall, the story is intriguing and very different with new twists and has an ability to keep the reader wanting to know the next turn of events, which is absolutely a sign that the author has been successful in achieving the expected intrigue.
Why not 5*? Too much thieves cant in it for my taste! There were lines together where I could not make a word of what was happening and that was a damper! Also, I would have liked a more elaborate ending, with some note on what happens to the manor, how Ben takes to being taken up with Jerry and also a glimpse at Nell and John's eccentric and adventurous life and his family's surprise at having to directly welcome a daughter in law! But then some thoughts are better left on the reader's imagination and to be supposed to be the obvious.
Georgette Heyer fans should have a read of this work of hers at least once
January 4, 2016
This is one of the few Heyers I didn't actually read back during my Heyer phase in 09-11. I think I wasn't as interested because it sported a mature pair - Captain John Staple (29) and Miss Helen (Nell) Stornaway (26). Still picking it up now when I just felt like reading more Heyer, it's actually just as good as the others! Of course it is, it's Georgette Heyer!
John is a champ, he's an oddball and can always be found doing random things, such as becoming the gatekeeper of a toll gate when he arrives at it by accident only to find it looked after by young Ben. So he becomes the gate keeper temporarily, taking on a new identity until he becomes embroiled in a mystery.
Nell, is the granddaughter of Sir Peter Stornaway, the squire of the locality. And she frequently passes through the toll gate, which is how she meets and falls in love with John.
While the romance is a good part of this novel, unlike her other regency stories, it does take a passenger seat for once. It's adorable and sweet, but for me, in this Heyer, I was more amused by the interactions of John and all the other supporting characters, such as: Chirk, the man who doesn't want to be a highwayman anymore, Ben, the kid who was left behind, Sir Peter, the future grandfather in law, Stogumber, the Bow Street Runner, and my favourite! Mr Babbacombe! Mr Babbacombe is the friend that John was on his way to visiting before he got lost and thus sidetracked. Why do I like him? Because he's the source of amusement in this book! The funny character, the piece of comedy that Heyer always includes in her works, see:
About The Toll-Gate, it's similar to Heyer's other Regency Mysteries: The Talisman Ring, The Reluctant Widow, These Old Shades (but this one is Georgian and not Regency), and maybe a couple more which I can't remember right now off the top of my head! But again, unlike some of these aforementioned titles, the Toll Gate is mystery first and romance second.
Again, good fun for lovers of Austen! Where Jane Austen is serious, Georgette Heyer's regencies generally come off as incredibly funny! And the Toll Gate, when I really got into it, and was no longer spaced out from being sick, totally grew on me--I'll say though, there's a lot of cant usage going on, thieves cant/highwayman cant/cant I don't even know the proper name of.
John is a champ, he's an oddball and can always be found doing random things, such as becoming the gatekeeper of a toll gate when he arrives at it by accident only to find it looked after by young Ben. So he becomes the gate keeper temporarily, taking on a new identity until he becomes embroiled in a mystery.
Nell, is the granddaughter of Sir Peter Stornaway, the squire of the locality. And she frequently passes through the toll gate, which is how she meets and falls in love with John.
While the romance is a good part of this novel, unlike her other regency stories, it does take a passenger seat for once. It's adorable and sweet, but for me, in this Heyer, I was more amused by the interactions of John and all the other supporting characters, such as: Chirk, the man who doesn't want to be a highwayman anymore, Ben, the kid who was left behind, Sir Peter, the future grandfather in law, Stogumber, the Bow Street Runner, and my favourite! Mr Babbacombe! Mr Babbacombe is the friend that John was on his way to visiting before he got lost and thus sidetracked. Why do I like him? Because he's the source of amusement in this book! The funny character, the piece of comedy that Heyer always includes in her works, see:
‘Well of all the infamous things!’ Protested John. ‘I never asked you to look after the gate today! Where is Ben?’
‘You may well ask!’ said Mr Babbacombe. ‘All I know is that he was here when I arrived, over an hour ago! I went in to wait for you, and he must have gone off then, for I hadn’t been in the dashed place above fifteen minutes when some fellow out here started shouting gate! By the time he’d shouted it a dozen times, I could have strangled him! Told him so. In fact, we had a bit of a turn-up.’
‘Do you mean to tell me you’ve been fighting everyone who wanted to pass through the gate?’ demanded John.
‘No, not everyone. I planted that fellow a facer but that’s all.’
‘Except for telling the doctor’s man that you had something better to do than to keep on opening the gate,’ interpolated Nell, with a mischievous look. ‘ And I made hat right! I’m afraid Ben seized the opportunity to play truant.’
About The Toll-Gate, it's similar to Heyer's other Regency Mysteries: The Talisman Ring, The Reluctant Widow, These Old Shades (but this one is Georgian and not Regency), and maybe a couple more which I can't remember right now off the top of my head! But again, unlike some of these aforementioned titles, the Toll Gate is mystery first and romance second.
Again, good fun for lovers of Austen! Where Jane Austen is serious, Georgette Heyer's regencies generally come off as incredibly funny! And the Toll Gate, when I really got into it, and was no longer spaced out from being sick, totally grew on me--I'll say though, there's a lot of cant usage going on, thieves cant/highwayman cant/cant I don't even know the proper name of.
January 5, 2016
Within the seemingly narrow category of Regency romances written by Georgette Heyer there is a surprising amount of variety. It’s not just the unique characters of the hero and heroine, and the ways different courtships play out; in some cases, the “romance” per se is a relatively minor part of the plot and the novel might almost be in another genre altogether. The Toll-Gate is in the latter group, being more of an adventure novel with a romantic side-plot. This isn’t a criticism in my book; I like historical fiction that is well rooted in the history of the times and doesn’t just put fancy-dress on a love story that could take place in any era.
As befits an adventure story, The Toll-Gate tells the hero’s story more than the heroine’s. Throughout, we see the world through the eyes of Captain Jack Staple. He is one of Heyer’s large, calm heroes (another is in my favorite Heyer novel, The Unknown Ajax), though this easygoing giant has, we are told, a freakish side that leads him into offbeat adventures. Escaping a tedious family party to go visit a friend in the Shires, he gets lost and ends up keeping a toll-gate in a remote corner of Derbyshire. There is an abandoned young boy, a mystery, and various members of the criminal underclass (and the criminal middle class, for that matter). Jack’s curiosity is sparked—but what really keeps him tied to the toll-gate is the sight of Nell Stornaway, granddaughter of the local squire, with whom he instantly falls in love. This is not just infatuation: he is immediately convinced that she is his forever life partner. (And we are to believe he’s right because her looks are described as appealing but she is not a diamond of the first water; the humorous gray eyes are a dead giveaway.)
After that we get a certain number of scenes developing their relationship, which is all quite enjoyable to read about, but the focus turns to the mystery—which I won’t spoil. It is based in historical fact and allows for a certain amount of suspense and skullduggery. I’m one who likes Heyer’s lower-class secondary characters, with their very specific slang vocabularies and their vividly drawn personalities, and this book provides such pleasures in spades. The climax includes some events that may be distasteful to certain readers, and I could wish that Heyer’s ingenuity had come up with a way around them.
This is not one of my first-rank Heyer faves, but I liked it better on this reading than I have in the past, and it’s a solid effort. Just don’t expect the ups and downs of a passionate relationship, full of hopes, fears, and misunderstandings.
As befits an adventure story, The Toll-Gate tells the hero’s story more than the heroine’s. Throughout, we see the world through the eyes of Captain Jack Staple. He is one of Heyer’s large, calm heroes (another is in my favorite Heyer novel, The Unknown Ajax), though this easygoing giant has, we are told, a freakish side that leads him into offbeat adventures. Escaping a tedious family party to go visit a friend in the Shires, he gets lost and ends up keeping a toll-gate in a remote corner of Derbyshire. There is an abandoned young boy, a mystery, and various members of the criminal underclass (and the criminal middle class, for that matter). Jack’s curiosity is sparked—but what really keeps him tied to the toll-gate is the sight of Nell Stornaway, granddaughter of the local squire, with whom he instantly falls in love. This is not just infatuation: he is immediately convinced that she is his forever life partner. (And we are to believe he’s right because her looks are described as appealing but she is not a diamond of the first water; the humorous gray eyes are a dead giveaway.)
After that we get a certain number of scenes developing their relationship, which is all quite enjoyable to read about, but the focus turns to the mystery—which I won’t spoil. It is based in historical fact and allows for a certain amount of suspense and skullduggery. I’m one who likes Heyer’s lower-class secondary characters, with their very specific slang vocabularies and their vividly drawn personalities, and this book provides such pleasures in spades. The climax includes some events that may be distasteful to certain readers, and I could wish that Heyer’s ingenuity had come up with a way around them.
This is not one of my first-rank Heyer faves, but I liked it better on this reading than I have in the past, and it’s a solid effort. Just don’t expect the ups and downs of a passionate relationship, full of hopes, fears, and misunderstandings.
January 28, 2019
I think it’s 20 years since I last read this one and I had forgotten what a rattling good yarn it was. I loved everything about it except the cant, (more of which later).
I love the intimacy of the location and the characters. A small number of key people who are much more representative than her usual cast of aristocrats. The working class figures from Peter’s valet to Chirk and Rose are well drawn and as important to the story as Nell and John.
John and Nell are one Heyer’s best couples in terms of their realism and interactions. I know some find the insta-love difficult but I have no such problem as I experienced that with my husband and we celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this year. The setting in Derbyshire is particularly attractive since I visited many of the caverns there as a girl so could imagine them very clearly. The only thing that I did not like was the over use of the can’t expressions. For me, it was a bit like Regency Buck when she showed off her research to an almost boring extent. Here he can’t went on for paragraphs at a time and interrupted the flow of the book. It didn’t spoil it but I noticed it! However, that’s a minor flaw in a very entertaining book.
I love the intimacy of the location and the characters. A small number of key people who are much more representative than her usual cast of aristocrats. The working class figures from Peter’s valet to Chirk and Rose are well drawn and as important to the story as Nell and John.
John and Nell are one Heyer’s best couples in terms of their realism and interactions. I know some find the insta-love difficult but I have no such problem as I experienced that with my husband and we celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this year. The setting in Derbyshire is particularly attractive since I visited many of the caverns there as a girl so could imagine them very clearly. The only thing that I did not like was the over use of the can’t expressions. For me, it was a bit like Regency Buck when she showed off her research to an almost boring extent. Here he can’t went on for paragraphs at a time and interrupted the flow of the book. It didn’t spoil it but I noticed it! However, that’s a minor flaw in a very entertaining book.
October 28, 2021
While I like the audio, I think I prefer the ebook, for this book, but it's important to read slowly enough to catch all the nuances
March 27, 2016
Umpteenth re-read. I love this book. Nell is one of Heyers older, sensible heroines, and John is steady as a rock but very nosy and delighted to stumble across mysterious and sinister goings on. Heyer is in top-form here, there are a host of memorable secondary characters, and the language is simply wonderful.
John to his mother:
"I don't mean to offer marriage to any girl who don't give me a leveller. So I daresay I shall remain a bachelor, for they don't--any of 'em! And if one did," he added thoughtfully, "It's Lombard Street to a China orange you wouldn't take to her!"
A little while later:
He stood as though stunned, for he had received his leveller at last.
*dreamy sigh*
An exchange between John and a farmer:
"What kind of knock-in-the-cradle do you take me for, dry-boots? You hand over the half of a fiddle!"
"How was I to know you was a downy one? I thought you was a cawker."
"You go and milk a pigeon!"
Joe the groom to John:
"I should say as there's three of 'em as needs watching. Holt--he's Mr. Henry's man--ain't no better than a clunch--and oyster-faced at that!--but Roger Gunn, which calls himself Coate's groom, is a regular ding-boy, or I never seen one! Whatever it is them pair o' shog-bags is up to, he's in it, up to the chin!"
Nat Coate at the local pub:
His fancy had prompted him to sport a striped toillinette waistcoat under a coat of corbeau-cloth, and this combination, worn, as it was, with breeches of Angola cloth and hunting-boots with white tops, so powerfully affected the Captain that for a full minute he sat with his tankard halfway to his mouth, and his gaze riveted upon the astonishing vision.
Say. No. More.
Joe the groom about one of the bad guys:
"Lord! he looks like a strained hair in a can!"
John to his mother:
"I don't mean to offer marriage to any girl who don't give me a leveller. So I daresay I shall remain a bachelor, for they don't--any of 'em! And if one did," he added thoughtfully, "It's Lombard Street to a China orange you wouldn't take to her!"
A little while later:
He stood as though stunned, for he had received his leveller at last.
*dreamy sigh*
An exchange between John and a farmer:
"What kind of knock-in-the-cradle do you take me for, dry-boots? You hand over the half of a fiddle!"
"How was I to know you was a downy one? I thought you was a cawker."
"You go and milk a pigeon!"
Joe the groom to John:
"I should say as there's three of 'em as needs watching. Holt--he's Mr. Henry's man--ain't no better than a clunch--and oyster-faced at that!--but Roger Gunn, which calls himself Coate's groom, is a regular ding-boy, or I never seen one! Whatever it is them pair o' shog-bags is up to, he's in it, up to the chin!"
Nat Coate at the local pub:
His fancy had prompted him to sport a striped toillinette waistcoat under a coat of corbeau-cloth, and this combination, worn, as it was, with breeches of Angola cloth and hunting-boots with white tops, so powerfully affected the Captain that for a full minute he sat with his tankard halfway to his mouth, and his gaze riveted upon the astonishing vision.
Say. No. More.
Joe the groom about one of the bad guys:
"Lord! he looks like a strained hair in a can!"
January 8, 2019
4.85 stars - mild pg13 (“clean” secular regency – see below)
January 2019 – This is my fourth re-read of this book. It’s been at least 6-10 years since the last time I read it and I must say that I think I enjoyed it even more than before. This one is more adventure and mystery than romance, but it’s just enough of each to keep your interest. The common dialect, or thieves cant, is thick in this book but it’s always written in context so you can figure out meanings for words which you otherwise wouldn’t have a clue; and, for me, the cant is part of what makes this book so much fun, along with the humor and wit of Georgette Heyer’s writing style. Absolutely LOVED it!!!!
If the Captain was a tallow-faced twiddle-poop, mounted on a pair o' cat-sticks, I dare say he'd need a snirp like you to pad his calves out, and finify him. < - - Priceless!!! Said by our Hero’s batman/valet to the persnickety valet of one of the Hero’s foppish relatives.
See these excellent reviews that include great photos:
Carol’s review
Tweety’s review
(considered a traditional “clean” secular regency – God’s name was used in vain fairly often as an exclamation; an occasional expletive such as “damme” or “hell”)
January 2019 – This is my fourth re-read of this book. It’s been at least 6-10 years since the last time I read it and I must say that I think I enjoyed it even more than before. This one is more adventure and mystery than romance, but it’s just enough of each to keep your interest. The common dialect, or thieves cant, is thick in this book but it’s always written in context so you can figure out meanings for words which you otherwise wouldn’t have a clue; and, for me, the cant is part of what makes this book so much fun, along with the humor and wit of Georgette Heyer’s writing style. Absolutely LOVED it!!!!
If the Captain was a tallow-faced twiddle-poop, mounted on a pair o' cat-sticks, I dare say he'd need a snirp like you to pad his calves out, and finify him. < - - Priceless!!! Said by our Hero’s batman/valet to the persnickety valet of one of the Hero’s foppish relatives.
See these excellent reviews that include great photos:
Carol’s review
Tweety’s review
(considered a traditional “clean” secular regency – God’s name was used in vain fairly often as an exclamation; an occasional expletive such as “damme” or “hell”)
February 22, 2017
I don’t normally get along with cases of instantaneous love, but some authors can make me go along with it. Heyer is one of them, and this mystery/romance works well. Both the male and female lead are capable and likeable, and they treat each other with respect (unlike in, say, Faro’s Daughter). All in all, it’s an appealing combination, and Heyer shows off her research in her use of thieves’ cant and dialect. If your favourite Heyer novels tend to be the ones with mysterious highwaymen, capricious noblemen who don’t mind pretending to be commoners, etc, then it’s definitely one for you — more like The Talisman Ring than The Grand Sophy.
The only problem for me was that I’m not very knowledgeable about period-appropriate dialects and thieves’ cant. Some of it I didn’t follow very well, and at times it does hinder you in understanding exactly how a certain character gave themselves away, etc. But for the most part, it becomes obvious if you keep reading.
Heyer writes with humour and flair, as ever, and the afternoon I spent devouring this was well worth it.
Originally posted on my blog.
The only problem for me was that I’m not very knowledgeable about period-appropriate dialects and thieves’ cant. Some of it I didn’t follow very well, and at times it does hinder you in understanding exactly how a certain character gave themselves away, etc. But for the most part, it becomes obvious if you keep reading.
Heyer writes with humour and flair, as ever, and the afternoon I spent devouring this was well worth it.
Originally posted on my blog.
July 9, 2017
4.5
This was wonderful.
I think I've just found another Heyer favourite. There is absolutely nothing to dislike here. I really liked it. I mean, there are villains you are supposed to dislike and want them dead and stuff, but that's part of the story. I can't possibly do it and its character justice, but the main reason I loved it this much is Captain John Staple.
This is one of those stories where Heyer didn't take her sweet time to introduce everyone.
There is something for everyone. There's a protagonist who seems to be a trouble magnet, there's a young woman who takes care of an ill grandfather, there are real villains (not the redeeming kind), there's an eleven year old boy who really wants the captain to stay and protect him, there are great people working for the girl's family and so much more.
Also, where can I find a John Staple of my own?
This was wonderful.
I think I've just found another Heyer favourite. There is absolutely nothing to dislike here. I really liked it. I mean, there are villains you are supposed to dislike and want them dead and stuff, but that's part of the story. I can't possibly do it and its character justice, but the main reason I loved it this much is Captain John Staple.
This is one of those stories where Heyer didn't take her sweet time to introduce everyone.
There is something for everyone. There's a protagonist who seems to be a trouble magnet, there's a young woman who takes care of an ill grandfather, there are real villains (not the redeeming kind), there's an eleven year old boy who really wants the captain to stay and protect him, there are great people working for the girl's family and so much more.
Also, where can I find a John Staple of my own?
January 31, 2019
Questo è l'undicesimo libro di questa prolifica autrice che leggo: vi torno regolarmente perché, nonostante le occasionali cadute, in genere non manca mai di fornire intrattenimento garbato e leggero.
Heyer si specializzò in due filoni: i gialli (alla Agatha Christie) e i romanzi rosa storici (ambientati soprattutto in epoca Regency). Dei gialli non mi interessa nulla, mentre le sue "commedie romantiche" sono caratterizzate da trame vivaci, divertenti, prive di eccessi drammatici e passionali, personaggi buffi ed eccentrici e grandissime attenzione e accuratezza nella ricostruzione storica. Spesso non è neppure la storia d'amore fra i protagonisti ad occupare il maggior numero di pagine, ma il gioco degli equivoci e di complicazioni imprevedibili, in pieno stile screwball comedy.
Leggendoli uno di seguito all'altro, probabilmente questi libri finirebbero per assomigliarsi tutti, ma io cerco di diradarli nel tempo e per me sono un perfetto "comfort read": affidabili, poche sorprese, pochi drammi, buona qualità. L'autrice ha un vasto seguito di ammiratori e qui su Goodreads c'è un gruppo a lei dedicato che ogni mese accompagna alla lettura di un titolo discussioni ricche di commenti interessanti. The Toll-Gate, del 1954, è stato il libro del mese di gennaio 2019.
John Staple è un omone grande e grosso, proviene da una famiglia nobile ma non è l'erede al titolo, ha combattuto a lungo in Europa nelle guerre contro Napoleone in veste di ufficiale dei Dragoni. La vita militare era perfetta per il suo temperamento avventuroso, vagabondo e "guascone", tanto è vero che, ora che è tornata la pace, a casa tra i suoi parenti, tra gli immancabili ricevimenti e i maneggi della sorella ansiosa di vederlo accasato e sistemato con una brava mogliettina, si annoia terribilmente. In viaggio a cavallo diretto alla residenza di un amico, giunge di notte a un "toll-gate" (cioè a un casello per il pedaggio della strada) in aperta campagna, custodito da un bambino solo e spaventato. Perplesso, questo gigante buono non se la sente di proseguire per la sua strada lasciando il piccolo, Ben, da solo: nella speranza che il padre del bambino, sparito non si sa dove, faccia presto ritorno, John, con una delle sue tipiche decisioni d'impulso che lo hanno portato in passato a mille pazze avventure, si stabilisce nella casetta del casellante, si prende cura di Ben e... gestisce il viavai di carri, carrette e carrozze al casello. Ma il padre del bambino continua a non tornare, e John comincia a convincersi che la sua sparizione sia collegata a qualcosa di losco: quel che era iniziata come una semplice "mattana" diventa un mistero da risolvere, tanto più che la nipote del nobile locale, Nell, di cui John si innamora a prima vista, potrebbe essere nei guai.
Non vale la pena proseguire col riassunto della trama: il punto di forza del romanzo non è tanto il mistero (pressappoco chiarito già a metà libro), quanto il fascino del protagonista e della sua controparte femminile. La Heyer si è divertita nei suoi innumerevoli romance a esplorare tante varianti del classico tema "lui e lei si innamorano", dai due che prima si odiano poi si amano al matrimonio di convenienza che diventa pian piano d'amore: qui invece abbiamo un'altra sfaccettatura, l'attrazione immediata e la simpatia reciproca istantanea. In un genere che, per rendere la storia più intricata e intrigante, si basa spesso sugli equivoci e i non detti (espedienti che la Heyer sa usare benissimo, e comunque gustosi in altri suoi libri), è un'inaspettata boccata di aria fresca vedere i due protagonisti flirtare così scopertamente e allegramente. Rispetto ad altri libri dell'autrice (tutti castissimi), anzi, The Toll-Gate sorprende anche per la (relativa) audacia. Il protagonista maschile è connotato, oltre che per l'animo aperto, generoso e intraprendente, soprattutto per l'aspetto fisico imponente e mascolino: molta attenzione è dedicata alla descrizione di parti del suo corpo o azioni; insomma, l'attrazione fra lui e Nell è chiaramente fisica, anche se, la Heyer essendo la Heyer, inutile dire che dopo pochi giorni i due sono già pronti a sposarsi. Nel contesto della storia ha comunque senso che il matrimonio fra i due avvenga in fretta e furia, ma stavolta non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto uno sviluppo più "spinto" (chiaramente, doveva essere un'autrice diversa e un libro diverso).
Insomma, una Heyer un po' inusuale, da questo punto di vista. Per altri versi, The Toll-Gate è senza infamia e senza lode: il mistero, come dicevo, non è particolarmente intrigante, il cast di personaggi secondari è meno colorato e memorabile di altre volte. È apprezzabile il tentativo dell'autrice di cimentarsi in qualcosa di diverso (gran parte dei personaggi qui non fa parte dei circoli della nobiltà più elegante ma viene da strati sociali medio-bassi, è assente lo scenario familiare di Londra con i riti della Season, non mancano passaggi e motivi decisamente più dark e meno spensierati rispetto al solito, come la figura del nonno della protagonista gravemente malato), ma io, forse pigramente, mi aspetto alcune cose da questi libri che qui ho trovato solo in parte. L'autrice dimostra il solito, mostruoso lavoro di ricerca facendo parlare i personaggi popolari in un gergo molto particolare, apprezzo l'intenzione ma per me leggere in lingua originale è stato faticosissimo.
Quindi, un libro gradevole, che si regge, per me, soprattutto sulla simpatia e sulla "chimica" della coppia protagonista (anche se, da un certo punto in poi, Nell è relegata in secondo piano e l'attenzione si focalizza su John alle prese con la soluzione del "caso"), ma che non è al livello di altri libri della Heyer che mi sono piaciuti molto di più (Cotillion in testa, ma anche The Foundling e The Quiet Gentleman).
Heyer si specializzò in due filoni: i gialli (alla Agatha Christie) e i romanzi rosa storici (ambientati soprattutto in epoca Regency). Dei gialli non mi interessa nulla, mentre le sue "commedie romantiche" sono caratterizzate da trame vivaci, divertenti, prive di eccessi drammatici e passionali, personaggi buffi ed eccentrici e grandissime attenzione e accuratezza nella ricostruzione storica. Spesso non è neppure la storia d'amore fra i protagonisti ad occupare il maggior numero di pagine, ma il gioco degli equivoci e di complicazioni imprevedibili, in pieno stile screwball comedy.
Leggendoli uno di seguito all'altro, probabilmente questi libri finirebbero per assomigliarsi tutti, ma io cerco di diradarli nel tempo e per me sono un perfetto "comfort read": affidabili, poche sorprese, pochi drammi, buona qualità. L'autrice ha un vasto seguito di ammiratori e qui su Goodreads c'è un gruppo a lei dedicato che ogni mese accompagna alla lettura di un titolo discussioni ricche di commenti interessanti. The Toll-Gate, del 1954, è stato il libro del mese di gennaio 2019.
John Staple è un omone grande e grosso, proviene da una famiglia nobile ma non è l'erede al titolo, ha combattuto a lungo in Europa nelle guerre contro Napoleone in veste di ufficiale dei Dragoni. La vita militare era perfetta per il suo temperamento avventuroso, vagabondo e "guascone", tanto è vero che, ora che è tornata la pace, a casa tra i suoi parenti, tra gli immancabili ricevimenti e i maneggi della sorella ansiosa di vederlo accasato e sistemato con una brava mogliettina, si annoia terribilmente. In viaggio a cavallo diretto alla residenza di un amico, giunge di notte a un "toll-gate" (cioè a un casello per il pedaggio della strada) in aperta campagna, custodito da un bambino solo e spaventato. Perplesso, questo gigante buono non se la sente di proseguire per la sua strada lasciando il piccolo, Ben, da solo: nella speranza che il padre del bambino, sparito non si sa dove, faccia presto ritorno, John, con una delle sue tipiche decisioni d'impulso che lo hanno portato in passato a mille pazze avventure, si stabilisce nella casetta del casellante, si prende cura di Ben e... gestisce il viavai di carri, carrette e carrozze al casello. Ma il padre del bambino continua a non tornare, e John comincia a convincersi che la sua sparizione sia collegata a qualcosa di losco: quel che era iniziata come una semplice "mattana" diventa un mistero da risolvere, tanto più che la nipote del nobile locale, Nell, di cui John si innamora a prima vista, potrebbe essere nei guai.
Non vale la pena proseguire col riassunto della trama: il punto di forza del romanzo non è tanto il mistero (pressappoco chiarito già a metà libro), quanto il fascino del protagonista e della sua controparte femminile. La Heyer si è divertita nei suoi innumerevoli romance a esplorare tante varianti del classico tema "lui e lei si innamorano", dai due che prima si odiano poi si amano al matrimonio di convenienza che diventa pian piano d'amore: qui invece abbiamo un'altra sfaccettatura, l'attrazione immediata e la simpatia reciproca istantanea. In un genere che, per rendere la storia più intricata e intrigante, si basa spesso sugli equivoci e i non detti (espedienti che la Heyer sa usare benissimo, e comunque gustosi in altri suoi libri), è un'inaspettata boccata di aria fresca vedere i due protagonisti flirtare così scopertamente e allegramente. Rispetto ad altri libri dell'autrice (tutti castissimi), anzi, The Toll-Gate sorprende anche per la (relativa) audacia. Il protagonista maschile è connotato, oltre che per l'animo aperto, generoso e intraprendente, soprattutto per l'aspetto fisico imponente e mascolino: molta attenzione è dedicata alla descrizione di parti del suo corpo o azioni; insomma, l'attrazione fra lui e Nell è chiaramente fisica, anche se, la Heyer essendo la Heyer, inutile dire che dopo pochi giorni i due sono già pronti a sposarsi. Nel contesto della storia ha comunque senso che il matrimonio fra i due avvenga in fretta e furia, ma stavolta non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto uno sviluppo più "spinto" (chiaramente, doveva essere un'autrice diversa e un libro diverso).
Insomma, una Heyer un po' inusuale, da questo punto di vista. Per altri versi, The Toll-Gate è senza infamia e senza lode: il mistero, come dicevo, non è particolarmente intrigante, il cast di personaggi secondari è meno colorato e memorabile di altre volte. È apprezzabile il tentativo dell'autrice di cimentarsi in qualcosa di diverso (gran parte dei personaggi qui non fa parte dei circoli della nobiltà più elegante ma viene da strati sociali medio-bassi, è assente lo scenario familiare di Londra con i riti della Season, non mancano passaggi e motivi decisamente più dark e meno spensierati rispetto al solito, come la figura del nonno della protagonista gravemente malato), ma io, forse pigramente, mi aspetto alcune cose da questi libri che qui ho trovato solo in parte. L'autrice dimostra il solito, mostruoso lavoro di ricerca facendo parlare i personaggi popolari in un gergo molto particolare, apprezzo l'intenzione ma per me leggere in lingua originale è stato faticosissimo.
Quindi, un libro gradevole, che si regge, per me, soprattutto sulla simpatia e sulla "chimica" della coppia protagonista (anche se, da un certo punto in poi, Nell è relegata in secondo piano e l'attenzione si focalizza su John alle prese con la soluzione del "caso"), ma che non è al livello di altri libri della Heyer che mi sono piaciuti molto di più (Cotillion in testa, ma anche The Foundling e The Quiet Gentleman).
January 3, 2016
My first Heyer, who is someone I keep seeing good things written about. My first reaction was that she reminded me of Phyllis Whitney's very light romances that I read when I was 13-14 and loved. The thing is, I am not thirteen any longer and I like my romance with a bit more bite. Heyer has a delightful sense of humor, so you can read her characters with a soft chuckle and little seriousness, which is her salvation, in this novel at least.
What I did love was the setting she chose, the historical toll-gate house and its surrounding environs. Heyer creates interesting secondary characters, playing the different classes off against one another superbly. She has a sort of lilt to her style and makes reading almost effortless. It is not hard to see how she gives a lot of pleasure to a reader who wants a vacation from the serious stuff in life.
I wanted to love her, but alas, I do not. I found the dashing Captain a little too invincible. I found the heroine strangely malleable for someone who was supposed to be a spitfire, and I found the plot trite and uneventful. I did not like the idea that a man who had avoided marriage for so long would fall so completely for a woman with one single look. (I am not giving anything away, since this happens at the exact moment that the two of them meet--very early in the book). I hope the ladies of the Heyer Group, and particularly my friend Andrea, will forgive me this, since there are always those who love what we love and also those who do not. I think I have re-discovered that I am a tragedian and like high drama far more than comedy or romance.
What I did love was the setting she chose, the historical toll-gate house and its surrounding environs. Heyer creates interesting secondary characters, playing the different classes off against one another superbly. She has a sort of lilt to her style and makes reading almost effortless. It is not hard to see how she gives a lot of pleasure to a reader who wants a vacation from the serious stuff in life.
I wanted to love her, but alas, I do not. I found the dashing Captain a little too invincible. I found the heroine strangely malleable for someone who was supposed to be a spitfire, and I found the plot trite and uneventful. I did not like the idea that a man who had avoided marriage for so long would fall so completely for a woman with one single look. (I am not giving anything away, since this happens at the exact moment that the two of them meet--very early in the book). I hope the ladies of the Heyer Group, and particularly my friend Andrea, will forgive me this, since there are always those who love what we love and also those who do not. I think I have re-discovered that I am a tragedian and like high drama far more than comedy or romance.
December 10, 2023
Ich habe es doch noch mal mit Georgette Heyer versucht. Hier ist der Heiratsquatsch kein Problem, es gibt von Anfang an nur zwei, die dafür in Frage kommen, und die sind sich auch sofort einig. Es ist stattdessen ein Abenteuerroman mit Verbrechern und und sogar . Mir gefällt, dass bei Heyer so viele englische Wörter und Wendungen vorkommen, die ich noch nie gesehen habe. Weniger schön die Selbstverständlichkeit, mit der man, wenn man reich ist, über dem Gesetz steht.
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