samhend101's review against another edition
4.0
This is more 3.5 for me and it is painful for me to write this review, as I am such a huge fan of JR. As much as I liked reading it, I ended with an -oh well, there's that- feeling.
For such a long book, nothing much really happens. No real dramatic angst, it kind of lalala plodded along and IMHO there was a LOT of repetitive phrases and thoughts, which were so unnecessary. Like being hit over the head with a bat, we get it... blah blah...
However, it is a beautiful, calm read, and I do recommend it for that.
2021 reread. While I appreciated this writing and story a little more this time around, it is still not his best. Almost boring. And the Bingley Georgiana thing was just not believable.
Don't think I will reread again.
For such a long book, nothing much really happens. No real dramatic angst, it kind of lalala plodded along and IMHO there was a LOT of repetitive phrases and thoughts, which were so unnecessary. Like being hit over the head with a bat, we get it... blah blah...
However, it is a beautiful, calm read, and I do recommend it for that.
2021 reread. While I appreciated this writing and story a little more this time around, it is still not his best. Almost boring. And the Bingley Georgiana thing was just not believable.
Don't think I will reread again.
onearrow1274's review
4.0
I was wary of this to begin with, not being sure if I would enjoy this variation with it's different pairings. I did though. It all worked out well.
lowbrowreaderofzerof_cks's review
4.0
As with many super prolific authors, Rowlands works can be very uneven. Some of his books are downright weak with silly plots, poor characterization and overall rushed feel.
Often his earlier work, although unpolished, can be far more engaging than his newer books. Probably because those were still written from a fan perspective, out of love for the characters whereas the later ones seem a bit ... churned out.
Whispers of the Heart is one of the more pleasing JAFF variations from this author. It is long - too long - and uneven. Definitely could have benefited from some cutting and editing.
Yes, it has fairly unpleasant and, quite frankly, dumb Darcy. Yes, Mr Collins is even more of a caricature than usual. Yes, Elizabeth is a special snowflake and sometimes a bit of a mean girl. Yes, not much really happens. It's all conversations and visiting and carriage rides and picnics.
But Jane gets a lovely husband and happy marriage and lady Catherine is written into a much pleasanter human being without a total personality transplant. Andy Darcy, once he makes up his mind, is actually pretty decent at courting and gives a decent grovel when he messes up.
All in all, a likeable, if meandering read.
Often his earlier work, although unpolished, can be far more engaging than his newer books. Probably because those were still written from a fan perspective, out of love for the characters whereas the later ones seem a bit ... churned out.
Whispers of the Heart is one of the more pleasing JAFF variations from this author. It is long - too long - and uneven. Definitely could have benefited from some cutting and editing.
Yes, it has fairly unpleasant and, quite frankly, dumb Darcy. Yes, Mr Collins is even more of a caricature than usual. Yes, Elizabeth is a special snowflake and sometimes a bit of a mean girl. Yes, not much really happens. It's all conversations and visiting and carriage rides and picnics.
But Jane gets a lovely husband and happy marriage and lady Catherine is written into a much pleasanter human being without a total personality transplant. Andy Darcy, once he makes up his mind, is actually pretty decent at courting and gives a decent grovel when he messes up.
All in all, a likeable, if meandering read.
More...