Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle by Georgette Heyer: A Review and a Book Give Away

Murder Most Persuasive by Tracy Kiely: A Review and Book Giveaway »

Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle by Georgette Heyer: A Review and a Book Give Away

August 31, 2011 by Vic

Gentle readers: Please leave a comment if you wish your name to be be eligible for a drawing of Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle, a wonderful Regency romp by Georgette Heyer. The drawing will be held the moment electricity is restored in my house. My best estimate is that this will take another week. Only U.S. and Canadian residents are eligible. (So sorry, but the book is being sent by the publisher, who has requested this geographic restriction.) Update: Contest closed. Congratulations Rebeka! You have won a copy of Sylvester.

Sylvester, Duke of Salford thinks quite highly of himself and is pleased by his impeccable manners and easy smile, which easily influences servants to do his bidding. But Phoebe Marlow, whose mousy manner hides her bright mind and talents as an equestrienne and a writer, was not so impressed when she first met him during her coming out season. She is even less enthralled with the Duke when he arrives for a visit at her father’s estate to look her over as a possible bride.

Sylvester’s fond Mama also harbors concerns for her son, especially when Sylvester announces his intentions to marry and begins to discuss his preference for a bride with her:

‘But I’m inclined to think now that is is more important that she should be intelligent. I don’t think I could tolerate a hen-witted wife. ‘Besides I don’t mean to foist another fool on to you.’

‘I am very much obliged to you!’ she said, a good deal entertained. ‘Clever, but not beautiful: very well! Continue!’

‘No, somedegree of beauty I do demand. She must have countenance, at least, and the sort of elegance which you have, Mama.’

‘Don’t try to turn my head, you flatterer! Have you discovered among the debutantes one who is endowed with all these qualities?’

‘At first glance, I suppose a dozen, but in the end only five.’

‘Five!’

At this point Sylvester’s mama becomes concerned, for she realizes that he is choosing his life’s mate with his head, not his heart. The woman who immediately springs to her mind for her son is Phoebe Marlow, and so our cluelessly haughty (yet kind) Duke collides with the novel’s heroine, who is not in the least willing to spend any time with him, at least not until circumstances throw them together and she gets to know him better.

The plot revolves around Phoebe’s big SECRET: she has authored a book in which Sylvester, with his saturnine brows, is featured prominently as the villain. The more Phoebe gets to know Sylvester, the more she realizes how wrong she was about him and the more she worries about the book’s effect on their budding friendship (for Phoebe was uncannily accurate in her representation about certain aspects of Sylvester’s life).

Georgette Heyer takes us from the cozy settings of country mansions, to London in High Season, to Dover and over to France. A colorful array of her usual characters add liveliness to a somewhat improbable plot, including Phoebe’s good friend Tom, Sylvester’s dodo bird of a sister-in-law, Ianthe, and a supremely idiotic and over-indulged fop named Sir Nugent.

In my opinion, if you are a Georgette Heyer fan and haven’t read this book yet, you will be well advised to do so now. I give it four out of five Regency tea cups!

For a chance to win this book, leave a comment about your favorite Georgette Heyer book! Contest closed. The winner is: Rebeka!

Posted in 19th Century England, Book review, Georgette Heyer, Georgian Life, Regency Life, Regency Period, Regency World | Tagged Georgette Heyer, SourceBooks, Sylvester | 62 Comments

62 Responses

on August 31, 2011 at 10:33 kgebert

I loved “Sylvester.” Calls for a bit of Coleridge’s “willing suspension of disbelief,” but a true “romp.” I like the real personalities of the characters, especially Syl’s Mother. Heyer bring in characters with handicaps, strong “counter-culture” skills and interests, and people who “survive” their cultural norms. kag
on August 31, 2011 at 10:42 irishshammrocksKatie

I would love to read this book! :)
on August 31, 2011 at 10:54 Morgan P.

The Grand Sophy used to be my favorite Heyer until Cotillion knocked from its lofty perch. I’m so pleased with these new editions of Georgette Heyer’s works—the frontspiece illustrations are lovely and now the novels are so much easier to find.
on August 31, 2011 at 11:08 Lindsay

i would love to have this book! i just started reading the georgette heyer books and love them!
on August 31, 2011 at 11:58 Lynn

This book looks like alot of fun!! I’ve haven’t read a Georgette Heyer book for awhile & am getting started up again. Hope your power comes back on soon & everyone is safe….
on August 31, 2011 at 12:15 Gabriella

I’ve only read one Georgette Heyer book so far (“Devil’s Cub”) but it was so delightful, and the 1970s-edition cover art so wonderfully (unintentionally?) hilarious, that I can’t wait to read more. I’d love to start with this one!
on August 31, 2011 at 12:25 Katy

I’ve only read one Georgette Heyer novel so far (The Nonesuch) and I’d love to try another. :) This sounds great!
on August 31, 2011 at 13:06 Jenn

The Devil’s Cub is my favorite Heyer so far. I’ve read over a dozen now, including an Infamous Army, which was decidedly different. I’ve read one of her murder mysteries so far and plan to read the rest.
on August 31, 2011 at 13:15 Patty

Vic,

Sylvester gets four out of five teacups from me, too. I found Sir Nugent and Sylvester himself absolutely hilarious and the perfect counterpoint to Phoebe’s Amazonian ways.
on August 31, 2011 at 13:15 janice

i recently obtained Georgette Heyer’s The Unknown Ajax. It will be my first book of hers, unless i have read them in the past and did not notice the author. i did that a lot when i was young. i am looking forward to reading books by her since you have praised them highly. Thank you for bringing her to my attention.
on August 31, 2011 at 13:30 Andrea

My favorite Heyer is probably either “The Masqueraders” or “The Unknown Ajax.” I just finished reading the later and my opinion was decide as read the last few chapters. The rest of the book was great but the end was superbly amusing. “The Masqueraders” has the Old Gentleman, that is all I need say. :-)
on August 31, 2011 at 13:35 Courtney Rae Kasper

I just adore Georgette Heyer. There is no one quite like her or her novels. My mother and grandmother—both avid Heyer fans—passed down their books to me as a girl and thus ignited my love for being whisked away to another time and place. This later led to studying English Literature in college, a career in journalism and taking cues from the poise and femininity of regency romances while planning my vintage-family heirloom style lakeside June wedding. My favorite novel is by far Arabella. Typical hotheaded yet charming heroine meets arrogant aristocrat who, as predicted, ultimately fall in love, but it’s seeing Arabella’s kind heart through the acts in between (befriending an abused chimney sweep, stray dog and “Leaky Peg”) that stole my heart. I’ve never read Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle, but would be delighted to add it to my Heyer collection…and end-of-summer reading list! Thank you for this opportunity; hope all is now well your way!
on August 31, 2011 at 13:57 Erlinda Gutierrez

I would also like to read this book. My favorite Heyer book is Frederica
on August 31, 2011 at 14:01 Elaine Renshaw

I read a lot of Georgette Heyer novels in my youth. Unfortunately that was quite a while ago. My favourite I remember was Arabella!
I loved reading all her novels and will read this one. Thank you for bringing to my attention.
on August 31, 2011 at 14:17 Kelli

I have only recently (in the last year) discovered Georgette Heyer. I find her books absolutely delightful! My favorite book is These Old Shades, I really enjoyed it!!
on August 31, 2011 at 14:25 Merry

I’ve only read a few of Georgette Heyer’s books but so far “The Masqueraders” is my favorite. I love the humor in it!
on August 31, 2011 at 16:04 Denise

My favorite Georgette Heyer’s book is The Relucant Widow; which I just finished reading for the second time.
on August 31, 2011 at 16:16 evajoy

This sounds like an interesting book and I’d love to win it!
on August 31, 2011 at 17:12 Kim

I haven’t read any of Georgette Heyer’s books…yet but she has definitely been added to my must read list. Sylvester or the Wicked Uncle sounds like a great read.
on August 31, 2011 at 17:35 roon0

I have always loved the Devil’s Cub. I really enjoyed the way their relationship grew.
on August 31, 2011 at 17:42 Reina

I haven’t read enough Heyer yet–so far The Grand Sophy is my favorite–and I would also love to read this! Thanks for the recommendation and the contest. :) Hope your power soon gets restored and that you have plenty of books, games, and good things to eat. :)
on August 31, 2011 at 18:23 Gayle Mills

I recently bought Arabella, Cotillion, Devil’s Club, Masqueraders, and These Old Shades when Kindle had a Georgette Heyer sale in honor of her birthday ($1.99 each). I had plan to read Arabella first, as it seems to be getting the most love on this blog.
on August 31, 2011 at 18:25 Lori Little

“Sylvester” is the first Heyer novel I ever read and is so far my favourite. It is the one I most recommend to others, yet I don’t own a copy. I am glad to see a resurgence in the popularity of her work and love the portraits on the covers.
on August 31, 2011 at 18:28 Martha

I’m beginning my first Heyer novel- Venetia. If you all love Georgette, I’m sure I will, too!
on August 31, 2011 at 19:13 Virginia Castillejo

My favorite Georgette Heyer novel is The Talisman Ring. It has wonderful dialogue, lively action and a mystery. Wouldn’t a movie version of this book with Emma Thompson as Miss Sarah Thane be a delight! Sylvester, as narrated by Richard Armitage, was a delightful listen on my ipod last year. Because it was an abridged edition, I look forward to reading the unabridged edition soon.
on August 31, 2011 at 19:15 Margay

So far, my favorite is Devil’s Cub, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about this one and would love to read it.
on August 31, 2011 at 20:01 Katie

I have Heyer’s works on my long list of wanted to read books while I was still in school. Now that I’ve finished up my MFA, Sylvester sounds like a great way to begin my list!
on August 31, 2011 at 21:35 marilyn

I love Heyer’s novels but like Venetia the most of all I have read—-so far!
Please enter me in the contest.
on August 31, 2011 at 22:28 Bethie

I have, unfortunately, never had the pleasure of reading any of Heyer’s work. By the summary of Sylvester, it seems I’ve been missing out on a great deal of amusement for myself.

What would you suggest to a first-time reader?
- on September 5, 2011 at 14:11 Dori Diamond
  
  Bethie, It depends on what your favorite type of story is. My favorite Heyer’s have changed as I’ve grown older. The more frankly romantic ones with young and beautiful heroines have been replaced by books such as Sylvester (one of my very favorites). You can’t go wrong with any of the ones mentioned here as being favorites because they all contain her ineffible touch: humor, delightful dialogue, and well-rounded characters. These Old Shades, Devil’s Cub, Frederica, The Masqueraders, The Unknown Ajax, The Reluctant Widow, Venetia, Arabella, and of course, Sylvester are all wonderful. You’ll be hooked for sure.
on August 31, 2011 at 22:44 Lee

I just started reading GH. This might be next on the list.
on August 31, 2011 at 22:53 Jodie Maree Hansen (@AcheronCatalide)

I read all the Georgette Heyer books in my teens. I have a few favourites but my first thought was Venetia. I loved her, Aubrey and Damerel. Other faves would be These Old Shades, The Masqueraders, The Toll Gate and Frederica. I have regularly read them for the last 20 odd years now….sigh. Feeling the need to read one again now!
on August 31, 2011 at 22:58 Sally Easterly

I do enjoy your posts, being another of the zillions of Austen fans, and last week read my first Georgette Heyer novel, The Conqueror. Lots of interesting historic detail, many words and terms new to me, and it was fun, although bloody at times. Not a surprise. I will try a Regency novel next.
Sally E.
on September 1, 2011 at 00:18 Pensive

I discovered These Old Shades in my early teens and it still holds a special place in my memory. Cotillion is laugh-out-loud witty. I wish I still had my old collection of Georgette Heyer paperbacks (my local library is woefully skimpy on her books).
on September 1, 2011 at 00:36 Karen Field

Sylvester is a fun book and I have the British version so I’d love to have the American copy, too. Georgette Heyer is just below Jane Austen in my estimation, though they wrote very differently.
on September 1, 2011 at 01:00 ireadthatonce

I read ‘The Grand Sophy’ in high school, and it seems so far away, so I’ll have to give it a good read again. I can’t wait to read more of her work! I loved her writing style and it’s so refreshing to delve into one of her works.
on September 1, 2011 at 07:32 Eileen Landau

Certainly sounds like a romp!
on September 1, 2011 at 10:42 Teresa/LadyDoc

My favorite Georgette Heyer book is usually the one I am reading, lol! Just finished Venetia late last night- I am on a Heyer binge after getting about 20 books on my Kindle during the Amazon sale a couple weeks ago. Would LOVE a copy of Sylvester- it would be terrific to own and I could pass it around and create more Heyer addicts!
on September 1, 2011 at 11:40 Kaitlin

I quite liked Friday’s Child… this one sounds lovely! :)
on September 1, 2011 at 11:42 Jo

I have actually never read any of Heyer’s novels before, but I would love to start by reading this one!
on September 1, 2011 at 11:45 mefoley

My favourite Georgette Heyer is…the next one!
on September 1, 2011 at 11:45 mefoley

(I love the name Sylvester, too…)
on September 1, 2011 at 12:10 rebekah y.

I have never gotten to read anything by GH, and would welcome any opportunity to do so . It looks like a Lot of fun !
on September 1, 2011 at 12:23 Char Brooks

My favorite GH book–to date–is Fredericka. Though I have dozens more to read…
Thanks for the chance to win this book.
on September 1, 2011 at 12:29 Courtney F.

I loved The Grand Sophy. The chaos she creates is so much fun! :)
on September 1, 2011 at 13:46 Vidya

Sylvester is a entertaining book. I have forgotten the plot a little bit, probably because it was the second or third book of GH’s that I happened to read. Phoebe sounds very familiar with her ‘secret’ and Duke too… :) So far, my fave books are The Grand Sophy and False Colours.
on September 2, 2011 at 01:13 AprilFool

I would be very please to have a copy of this edition of Sylvester. There is a picture in my family tree of a gentleman (1793-1868) who has eyebrows exactly those in the description of Sylvester.
on September 2, 2011 at 01:17 Lee Waller

These Old Shades is my favorite GH story. It is the ultimate tale of redemption. I have been reading her stories since I was a teenager and borrowed The Black Moth from my mother. I’ve been hooked on her since.
on September 2, 2011 at 01:35 Mare

“The Nonesuch!” Although I have read enjoyed a half-dozen others, the dialogue in this book is so witty and flows so naturally, I really felt like I was in the Regency period. If I could write with half this talent, I would be a force to contend with.
on September 2, 2011 at 09:46 ov099

This is easy, given I have only read two, and still have only two on the pile (so, wouldn’t mind adding to it with this one! LOL) – The Grand Sophy for me. :)

Lois
on September 2, 2011 at 15:21 Chris Squire

Re: ‘Only U.S. and Canadian citizens are eligible.’ Remarkable chauvinism if true: I assume ‘residents’ is what is meant – I assume the US does still let foreigners in to live and work?

CJS [UK]
- on September 5, 2011 at 09:19 Vic
  
  You’re quite correct Chris. I was in rather a hurry typing this post and did not have the usual leisure time for editing and thought before publishing the post.
on September 2, 2011 at 15:37 Kirsten Crippen

Believe it or not, I have never actually read Georgette Heyer, although I am a huge fan of the Regency romance. This one sounds very good – a strong female and an arrogant but good male. Would love to be considered.
on September 2, 2011 at 15:58 Taylor

I’ve never read one of her books, but they are recommended to me constantly. I’ll cross my fingers that this will be my first!
on September 4, 2011 at 18:23 Ellen

Slyvester is in my top three favorite Heyers’ due to his Mother and his dialogue with her,I discovered Heyer when I was in my forties and my husband and I had three sons who were in their teens,I imagined talks with them like these,delightful stuff.
on September 5, 2011 at 00:46 Claudia

It’s hard to pick a favorite from all her books, but I always enjoy reading “The Grand Sophy” and “Venetia”.
on September 5, 2011 at 03:07 sqktong

his book looks like alot of fun!! I’ve haven’t read a Georgette Heyer book for awhile & am getting started up again. Hope your power comes back on soon & everyone is safe….
on September 5, 2011 at 09:17 Vic

Comments closed. Electricity is back on! Thank you all for sharing. The winner is! Rebeka Y!
on September 5, 2011 at 10:02 dma

One of my favorites, would love to win a copy!
on September 5, 2011 at 20:26 Birdsong

Thanks, your review has definitely whetted my appetite!
on September 7, 2011 at 17:18 Alexandria

This book has been one of my favorites since I first checked it out of our little public library – I would love to own a copy :)
on September 27, 2011 at 12:29 Anne

I know the contest is closed, but I had to comment on this because I just finished reading “Sylvester…” and was, of course, delighted. I have a hard time choosing a favorite GH novel!

Comments are closed.

Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Join 7,150 other subscribers
Search
Items of Interest
Follow Jane Austen's World on WordPress.com
Blog Stats
- 16,758,539 hits
RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND RESOURCES
Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen's England is now available! By JAW contributor Brenda S. Cox. See Review. Available from Amazon and Jane Austen Books.
We also recommend JAW contributor Rachel Dodge's devotionals based on Jane Austen's prayers and classic literature. Reviews:
Praying With Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen;
The Secret Garden Devotional;
The Anne of Green Gables Devotional;
The Little Women Devotional.
Bath -An Adumbration in Rhyme. Edited by Ben Wiebracht. Read the review of the book at this link. Click to order the book on Amazon US or Amazon UK
In Sri Lanka lies the grave of Rear Admiral Charles Austen CB, Jane Austen’s Brother

The neglected tombstone found in an overgrown burial ground.

Rear Admiral Charles Austen CB

Died off Prome, the 7th October 1852, while in command of the Naval Expedition on the river Irrawady against the Burmese Forces, aged 73 years.”

The grave after restoration

Read the full article in The Sunday Times. June 27, 2021.
The Obituary of Charlotte Collins by Andrew Capes

Click on image to read the story.
Comments

“My idea of good company…is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation.” – Jane Austen, Persuasion

Gentle readers: Please feel free to post your comments and continue the conversation! Due to SPAM, we will no longer accept comments on posts after 30 days of publication. In some instances, links will be removed from comments as well.
Administrators and Contributors
Vic Sanborn, founder of this blog, is supported by a team of talented and knowledgeable writers about Jane Austen and the Regency era. They are:
- Brenda Cox
- Rachel Dodge and
- Tony Grant, who now contributes his photos from London and England
Click on their names to enter their own blogs.

In addition, we thank the many experts and authors who frequently contribute their posts and opinions, and who continue to do so freely or at our request.
Pin It!
Top Posts
- Growing Older With Jane Austen, Part 1
- Great Expectations 2011: Gillian Anderson's Miss Havisham
- Highclere Castle Floor Plan: The Real Downton Abbey
- Men's hair styles at the turn of the 19th century
- The Servant's Quarters in 19th Century Country Houses Like Downton Abbey
- Miss Lambe and the Black Experience in Georgian England: Episode 3, Sanditon Review
- Regency Fashion: Men's Breeches, Pantaloons, and Trousers
- Social Customs During the Regency
- Exploring Jane Austen's Prayers
- Regency Hygiene: The Bourdaloue
Recent Posts
- Growing Older With Jane Austen, Part 1
- Jane Austen and Rom Coms: Enemies-to-Lovers in Pride and Prejudice
- Lady Hester Stanhope: Traveler and Trailblazer
- Jane Austen-Themed Valentines
- Winter, Regency Style
Links to Jane Austen Blogs

Click here to enter the page. Topics include Regency fashion, historic foods, Jane Austen societies, British sites, related topics. Click on image.
May we suggest?
Hello, my name is Vic and I live in Maryland, USA. I have adored Jane Austen almost all of my life. I am a proud lifetime member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me and my team. We do not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we do accept and keep books and CDs to review.

If you would like to share a new site, or point out an error, please email us. (Yes, we are fallible. We'll own up to our mistakes and will make the corrections with a polite smile on our faces.) Write us at

Thank you for visiting this blog. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome.
Project Gutenberg: eBook of Stage-coach and Mail in Days of Yore, Volume 2 (of 2), by Charles G. Harper

STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY
OF THE COACHING AGE, VOL. II, By CHARLES G. HARPER. 1903. Click on this link.
Top Posts & Pages
- Growing Older With Jane Austen, Part 1
- Great Expectations 2011: Gillian Anderson's Miss Havisham
- Highclere Castle Floor Plan: The Real Downton Abbey
- Men's hair styles at the turn of the 19th century
- The Servant's Quarters in 19th Century Country Houses Like Downton Abbey
- Miss Lambe and the Black Experience in Georgian England: Episode 3, Sanditon Review
- Regency Fashion: Men's Breeches, Pantaloons, and Trousers
- Social Customs During the Regency
- Exploring Jane Austen's Prayers
- Regency Hygiene: The Bourdaloue
Search for:
Disclaimer: Our team makes no profit from this blog. We may receive books (physical or digitized) and DVDs for review purposes.
Copyright Statement: © Jane Austen's World blog, 2009-2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owners is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jane Austen's World with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.