Berkley Books 1997, 2006
ISBN-10: 0425209792
ISBN-13: 978-0425209790
- Currently Out of Print
My Sweet Folly
“My dear girl! I could never fall in love by letter. Though I have no doubt you are a notorious breaker of hearts, not to mention a princess in disguise, and if I were a few miles closer to Toot-above -the-Batch I would be in great danger. From the safe distance of another continent, I will admit to a modest desire to see how your pearl becomes you, even to know the color of your hair and eyes, but this is mere curiosity, I assure you.”
Through letters, a lonely young wife grows to love a man thousands of miles away. But when she finally meets him in truth, reality is turned upside down. She cannot find her own Robert in the frightening stranger who claims her love.
Discuss this bookSetting:
England, early 19th century
Mascot Animal:
Toot the ferret
Laura's Comment:
Some readers have complained that the prologue of My Sweet Folly was wonderful, while the ending was disappointing. Basically, I couldn’t agree with you more. The prologue was one of those gifts of the Muse—as soon as I finished it, I knew I could never write a book that would live up to the promise of those beautiful letters between Folie and Robert. I tried, but this book was completed at the absolute worst of the conflict between me and my muse (you can read more of this ongoing battle in Laura Makes Tea). I actually have little memory of the book myself—people mention scenes to me, and its as if I never even read it! I think I was in a state of creative shell-shock at that time in my life. I’m honored that many readers call this one their favorite, and that it was nominated for Best Long Historical and Favorite Book by RWA. I have no doubt it could have been better, more “even” in execution overall, but I feel fortunate that it even got finished.
If I gave a prize for Most Disappointing Cover, this would be it. I mean…wtf? I do think it deserved better!
Recognition:
Romance Writers of America—Finalist, Best Long Historical of 1997
Romance Writers of America—Finalist, Favorite Book of 1997
Laura's Fave Review:
“Please. Go to the bookstore. Sit down in one of those cushy chairs that the big chains have nowadays and read Chapter One. If you don’t find yourself plunking down $6.50 for this book I will be very surprised.” All About Romance
(Ask my muse and she’ll claim the Prologue alone is worth the price. ;) LK)
[1] Posted by laura kinsale on 01.08.2010
Please feel welcome to discuss this book. All opinions are welcome, positive or negative, but civility and polite language are required for comments to remain. Political or religious references are not allowed, unless directly related to the book under discussion. I do answer questions but I seldom give interpretations about my books or characters, because I enjoy hearing what readers see in them. These comments and discussions replace my old forum at The Terrace. (Note that the spam captcha is an english word interspersed with a number—this may help you tell a letter from a number. If it’s still too hard to see, reload the page for another one.) WARNING: Book discussions may contain spoilers.
[2] Posted by Maya M. on 01.16.2010
This was my first Kinsale and I came to it with skyhigh praise from all and sundry, meaning I took to the first chapters with several pounds of salt (not just a grain) in mind. I needn’t have feared. I loved Folly, and the ferret, and the excellent misunderstood hero, and the stepdaughter, and the valet…
All just wonderful and let me move on to my next Kinsale with a much more open and joyous frame of mind.
That turned out to be ‘Shadowheart’, which I closed relatively soon after I opened it. But ‘Folly’ made me undeterred, and I moved on to ‘Prince of Midnight’ which met all expectations. Now in the middle of ‘Lessons in French’ and absolutly delighted.
[3] Posted by Michael on 01.22.2010
I’ll admit that the opening letters between Robert and Folie are my favorite part of this book (as appears to be the case with a lot of other readers too). That being said, the entire novel was very good. Folie was an excellent heroine and the descriptions of Robert’s time in India were very evocative. And don’t get me started on how intense and sensual the wedding night scene was….
[4] Posted by Rebecca Cardamone on 03.09.2010
$ 6.50?! ;-)
[5] Posted by eKathy28 on 03.13.2010
Having just re-read this book as part of my current Laura Kinsale marathon, I suggest that this book is better the second time around. I confess the first time I read it I was a little bit disappointed. I think I loved it this time because of the way Robert develops into a truly sympathetic character in the end. The scenes of him working with Lander, knowing that he has a friend for maybe the first time in his life were heartwarming. I know Laura does not do much in the way of sequels, but I have this nagging feeling that Lander and Melinda deserve their own adventure. Lander sure grew on me, too. And to think he has all those brothers. One of the things this book points out is the gifted way Laura has with the heart stopping scene. Robert’s last letter to Folie. The acid in S.T.‘s ear in “Prince of Midnight.” Arden throwing Zenia on a horse as he is captured. Amazing stuff.
