The Scarlet Pimpernel
105 Installments—Entirely free
(Preview)
Members' Rating:
from 11 Ratings and 3 Reviews
Tags: Adventure, Classics, Novel
ISBN:0375406581
Description
Amidst deceptive and bloodthirsty early days of French Revolution, a beautiful French actress finds herself entangled in treachery and danger. Marguerite is married to a silly English fop, Sir Percy, whom she treats with contempt. Prior to their marriage, Marguerite’s gossiping resulted in the execution of several French aristocrats, and when her husband learns of her actions it puts a serious strain on their relationship. The couple’s personal troubles are complicated by their involvement in a secret society of Englishmen who try to rescue their French friends from the guillotine. The group’s leader goes by the nickname The Scarlet Pimpernel (a type of flower). No one knows his true identity, but all, including Marguerite, are enthralled by him. But when she is blackmailed by the sneaky French envoy Chauvelin, Marguerite finds that she must make a difficult choice: either incriminate her beloved brother Armand, or provide Chauvelin with information that may lead him to discover the Scarlet Pimpernel’s real identity. She passes along the sensitive information, but then confesses to her husband Sir Percy and pleads for his assistance. In a sudden twist, Percy disappears unexpectedly, and Marguerite realizes that she may have endangered the lives of the very people closest to her.
Back to top
Opening Lines (Experimental)
A surging, seething, murmuring crowd of beings that are human only in name, for to the eye and ear they seem naught but savage creatures, animated by vile passions and by the lust of vengeance and of hate. The hour, some little time before sunset, and the place, the West Barricade, at the very spot ...
Back to topMember reviews
4/5
Reviewed by jdanehey on Jan 27, 2010
Dashing
All this time Daffy Duck had me thinking that the Scarlet Pimpernel was French--but he's an Englishman! This is a great adventure story pitting the Pimpernel against almost everyone in Revolutionary France.
5/5
Reviewed by ajaychauhan on Dec 13, 2009
SUPERB
Last read this book around 30 years ago, it was presented to me in school then. This second reading has brought back those wonderful hours I spent reading three decades back. This racy historical thriller is indeed still the best of all such books I've read. Thanks Dailylit.
5/5
Reviewed by misterx on Sep 26, 2009
Seriously awesome
Everyone should read this book.
Login to review this book
Not yet registered?
Ratings for 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Orczy, Baroness Emmuska
| ajaychauhan | ![]() | Read review | 2009-12-13 |
| feminaexlux | ![]() | 2009-08-03 | |
| giveGodtheglory | ![]() | 2009-07-17 | |
| jdanehey | ![]() | Read review | 2010-01-27 |
| jennanicole_84 | ![]() | 2009-03-23 | |
| jennieatpi | ![]() | 2009-03-20 | |
| Leah87 | ![]() | 2009-06-15 | |
| misterx | ![]() | Read review | 2009-09-26 |
| mnemosyne | ![]() | 2009-10-14 | |
| rattatner | ![]() | 2009-12-06 | |
| Susie18 | ![]() | 2009-03-03 |
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Receive installments for free

