Book Review – “The Scarlet Pimpernel”

Five Stars out of Five

I have to confess I’ve never read this book until now. (I know – I feel terrible admitting that!) I’ve been slowly distancing myself from many current books that want to tout socio-political messages as often as the day is long. So I’ve decided to visit classics that focus on telling a good story with universal messages, not pandering to a particular readership. Thus, I felt compelled to give this novel a try; and I can honestly say that, despite scarlet being in its title, this turned out to be a true blue favorite.

The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy, is a stand-alone work of historical fiction set during the French Revolution. The streets of France run red with the blood of aristocrats slaughtered by the guillotine during the Reign of Terror. But there is one man, an Englishman, who is determined to save these innocents from the fate of the blade. Known only as the Scarlet Pimpernel, thanks to his calling card, he secretly ushers French nobility to safety. However, there are some Frenchmen who look upon the Pimpernel’s acts of grace with disgust. One such agent of the state, Chauvelin, is determined to catch his man and blackmails French exile Lady Marguerite Blakeney into helping him. Lady Blackeney is torn between loyalty to her country and loyalty to civility and her family. She holds the key to either the Scarlet Pimpernel’s continuation of his mission or his demise – which will she choose?

This novel is short but certainly doesn’t skimp on suspense, action, and careful plotting. In truth, this novel reads like an old fashioned mystery only it has a two-pronged approach: who is the Scarlet Pimpernel and what will Lady Blakeney choose, to uncover the Pimpernel’s identity and hand him over to Chauvlein or stay silent and help save French lives by proxy. Combine that with suspenseful adventure and snippets of timeless swashbuckling tales and what you have is a thrilling story hinging on hidden identities and sharing universal messages about good versus evil.

And, as a quick side note, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK’S INTRODUCTION! I have found that introductions, for some stupid reason, always give away major spoilers; so I’ve ceased reading them until after I’ve finished the novel. In this book’s case (I have the Signet edition showcased above), its introduction flagrantly reveals who the Scarlet Pimpernel is. I’m so glad I didn’t read that first because part of the fun in reading the story is learning this person’s identity – and it definitely wasn’t who I expected it to be. So fair warning – if you want to go into this book completely blind, skip the intro.

Now back to our regularly scheduled book review! 😀

The Scarlet Pimpernel sports three main characters. The first is the titular character, an unknown Englishman seeking to save French aristocrats from certain death. Then there is French officer and agent of the state, Chauvelin, who is determined to have the head of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Lastly, there is Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a French exile married to an English nobleman with divided loyalties, torn between love of family and love of country. Interestingly enough, despite the assumption this novel will focus on the titular character, the novel is more Lady Blakeney’s story, and she quickly became my favorite character.

Lady Blakeney is far from her perfect, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing her selfish, harsher tendencies at times, especially concerning her marriage to an English lord who practically worships her. Sometimes she can be a difficult character to root for, but then we’re treated to the side of her that is morally torn. By helping Chauvelin and putting an end to the Scarlet Pimpernel’s deeds, she is doing right in the eyes of her homeland (or so she’s led to believe) and her brother’s safety will be guaranteed. Should she fail, then her brother is doomed while other innocent lives can continue to be saved. The novel never sets the decision up to be an easy, flippant choice, but readers hold on to the hope that she’ll make the right decision.

Thanks to the novel’s historical setting, The Scarlet Pimpernel gives look at and commentary on freedom and justice gone wrong. The events it depicts are true: during the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, people were killed simply for being a member of the aristocracy and for no other reason. The novel is careful, in a non-preachy way, to show how such actions were senseless atrocities. Therefore, since these were innocent people being killed to satisfy public blood lust, the Scarlet Pimpernel is held up as a moral hero. His actions are undertaken in a sacrificial spirit of humanity, believing all lives, rich and poor alike, are equal. The same message can be applied today: everyone, regardless of social standing or status, is worthy of being treated fairly and with kindness. That’s not to say everyone’s actions deserve acceptance or adoration – but as human beings, we are at least deserving of respect and compassion.

Overall, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a thrilling read that deserves to be called a classic. Persons searching for non-lengthy historical fiction should check this out, along with anyone who appreciates good, solid storytelling, plotting, and characters. Whatever your reason, you won’t be seeing red when you’ve finished this book.

Content:
Language – Essentially none, save for a smattering of mild, PG-level swears.

Violence – Nothing in terms of anything graphic or gory. We are told that countless innocent French aristocrats, including their wives and children, are being slaughtered by the guillotine. Though no executions are ever depicted on-page, it’s obvious that the fear of violence and death drives some characters to take drastic measures. Elsewhere, Chauvelin blackmails Lady Blakeney into helping him, threatening to harm her brother, who is traveling to France, if she doesn’t comply. Lastly, a female character is accosted and bound and gagged, but she is later rescued and is unharmed.

Sexual Content – None.