The Secret History of the Pink Carnation

By: Lauren Willig

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Deciding that true romantic heroes are a thing of the past, Eloise Kelly, an intelligent American who always manages to wear her Jimmy Choo suede boots on the day it rains, leaves Harvard's Widener Library bound for England to finish her dissertation on the dashing pair of spies the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. What she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: a secret history that begins with a letter dated 1803. Eloise has found the secret history of the Pink Carnation�the most elusive spy of all time, the spy who single-handedly saved England from Napoleon's invasion.

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, a wildly imaginative and highly adventurous debut, opens with the story of a modern-day heroine but soon becomes a book within a book. Eloise Kelly settles in to read the secret history hoping to unmask the Pink Carnation's identity, but before she can make this discovery, she uncovers a passionate romance within the pages of the secret history that almost threw off the course of world events. How did the Pink Carnation save England? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly find a hero of her own?

©2005 Lauren Willig (P)2005 Penguin Audiobooks and Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Lauren Willig balances her knowledge of English history with a veritable passion for English spies, turning out a deftly hilarious, sexy novel." (Eloisa James, author of Kiss Me, Annabel)

"In her swashbuckling debut...Willig reimagines France under Napoleon besieged by a whole bouquet of spying floral foes.... Bad news for the Bonapartes but barrels of good-natured fun for the rest of us." (Library Journal)

"A juicy mystery...Chick-lit never had it so good!" (Complete Woman)

Eager to try the next in the series

Fun storyline, likable characters (though silly), and a great reader. What's not to like? It was a romp with a little swash and buckle... I'll try the next one for sure.

I love Kate Reading so I thought I'd try

Would you listen to The Secret History of the Pink Carnation again? Why?

Yes I love historical novels and this is done really well, going from some one searching English spies during the reign of Neapolitan.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation?

How the Pink Carnation comes to be.

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love Kate Reading and every thing I've listened to that she narrated she brings real professionalism and talent

Any additional comments?

I an looking forward to the next book in series

Espionage, History and Romance? Fabulous!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book based on the characters, plot, and narrator

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the interplay between Amy and Richard.

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

Kate Reading seems to capture the time period as well as the inner thoughts of the characters

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

most definately!

Any additional comments?

I love historical fiction as it takes me to a real place in time. This book (although mostly fiction) still transported me to 1803 England and France.

Engaging yet mediocre

Premise is absolutley engaging and original. Narration first rate, I thought. Makes a very nice distraction or beach read. It's a lot like Bridget Jones goes to Harvard - which could be bad or good depending on your perspective. I think the author is clearly a fan of Bridget Jones and Jane Austen and every romance where a sweet but somewhat ordinary woman attracts the mysterious, handsome male. Again, not a bad thing. I wish the characters had been a bit more developed, more interesting. Perhaps the historical romance part shortened up in favor of creating modern characters that have more depth. The modern leads were like chapter headings - I knew nothing of him, really - was he just another snobby cute guy. She had this amazing opportunity and I hadn't a clue about her feelings. The historical romance part was entertaining. I thought it went on a bit long. Loved the ending, however. I don't think it was completley true to the period in which it was set. Nevertheless, I wanted to know what happened in the next volume, so I've read that one as well...I suppose I wanted more to happen. Am I correct that there will be 6 (six?) volumes in this series?

This particular narrator is one of my favorites. Really wonderful work here, I thought.

All in all, I'd recommend it for an entertaining read - if you have a long flight or train ride, and as long as you don't expect to be enthralled. But it's fun, moves quickly and is very very light.

What a great time.

This is an easy listen. You can tell the characters apart by the great naration. Funny at times, serious at times, I really enjoyed listening to this one and hope the author writes the next so we can hear of the continuing exploits of the Pink Carnation.

BEST BOOK EVER!

This book was soo well written. It was a twist of modern and 1800s It is one of those books that you can reread over and over or in this case listen to again and again!! It was exciting and romantic. I think it should be 18 and up. There are 3 very sexy scenes.
The writer of this book was soo creative. Definitely the best book I have ever listened to maybe even read !!

The Scarlet Pimpernel meets modern romance

This is the first in an entertaining series. Two romantic stories (modern and past) with spies, action, and humor. Light fun with engaging characters (though these are a bit silly) and an excellent reader with remarkable comic timing. Kate Reading makes this book I think - my guess is it's better heard than read. Lots of yearning and lusting but the sex is playful and not graphic, so it would probably be fun for teens.

Great & fun!

I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I loved this book!

Easy fun to read

This is funny & easy read. Some of the romance is a bit cheesy, but the author put a smile on my face and I just enjoyed listening. I can't wait to read the sequel. If you want deep and indepth intellectual reading skip this one. This is for fun!

Great Book, Love the Narrator

Loved this book, and the narrator make it even better. I definitely recommend it for a good read / listen!