wayfaring_witch's review against another edition
3.0
Evaluating this book is difficult because you have to take in account that it was written in 1790. Part of its appeal is that it was written then and a best seller, but it also means its written in a style I am not used to. Its almost interesting seeing how language changes overtime as well!
In the end, I decided to give it three stars. The book is a bit over dramatic but oddly enough I was drawn to its story line. The narrator interjects its opinions, though the narrator told me I'd cry and I didn't. It was something I am glad I read.
Recommended for romance novel fans or history buffs who are curious about what was popular during the Revolutionary era.
In the end, I decided to give it three stars. The book is a bit over dramatic but oddly enough I was drawn to its story line. The narrator interjects its opinions, though the narrator told me I'd cry and I didn't. It was something I am glad I read.
Recommended for romance novel fans or history buffs who are curious about what was popular during the Revolutionary era.
caitlingb's review against another edition
1.0
I read this for a college lit. course called Saints and Sinners.
supermuffin's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
Montraville was a bitch?!?! And literally suffered no consequences for what he did. Belcour as well, literally just got to die and get out of any punishment.
Montraville was a bitch?!?! And literally suffered no consequences for what he did. Belcour as well, literally just got to die and get out of any punishment.
prosenotbros's review against another edition
3.0
The OG seduction tale that outsold the Bible when it was first published. Goes to show how salacious tales will always trump the competition!
kongart's review against another edition
1.0
I realize that this is a product of its time. I am also a product of my time, and this book was terrible.
janietheereader's review against another edition
1.0
For a book this short, I thought it would take me a lot less time than it did. For me, the book is oddly reminiscent of [b:Chronicle of a Death Foretold|23878|Chronicle of a Death Foretold|Gabriel García Márquez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553959324l/23878._SY75_.jpg|59137], or perhaps the other way around considering the publication dates, in the consideration that everyone knows what is going to happen except for the main character, yet no one says anything in a warning. It bothered me. The omnipresent narrator—who is never identified—takes such a strongly negative view when referring to Charlotte even though none of it is her fault.
Save from my own personal qualms with the book, I struggle to see whether it is well-written or not. The narration is a drag, the narrator goes on long rambles, and the time line can be hard to follow. Only the male characters are fleshed out and the novel—in my opinion—isn't remotely feminist. I didn't quite enjoy it, and don't plan on reading it again any time soon.
Save from my own personal qualms with the book, I struggle to see whether it is well-written or not. The narration is a drag, the narrator goes on long rambles, and the time line can be hard to follow. Only the male characters are fleshed out and the novel—in my opinion—isn't remotely feminist. I didn't quite enjoy it, and don't plan on reading it again any time soon.
jocelynw's review against another edition
4.0
While I enjoyed the over-the-top melodrama, asides to the reader, and even kind of masochistically enjoyed being browbeaten all the way through about Charlotte's obvious intended Bad End, it did make me think, throughout, how grateful I am that thirty years ago, my mother could give me this half-facetious romantic advice: "Take them, use them for everything they're worth, toss them callously aside."
angeldominiquee's review against another edition
3.0
For the time period this book was written in — it was a brilliant cautionary tale, and is clear as to why it is such a bestseller within US history.
The theme of seduction and betrayal is very prevalent throughout this story, and serves as a reminder of how dark women’s history truly was, and still is in modern day.
The theme of seduction and betrayal is very prevalent throughout this story, and serves as a reminder of how dark women’s history truly was, and still is in modern day.
sierranevada005's review against another edition
4.0
Read for my New World Narratives class! This book was really fascinating for a variety of reasons. It told a pretty tragic story in a very melodramatic way where you really feel for the characters, yet somehow feel separated from the action of the story. If that makes sense? It moved very quickly, and it had these little asides from the author about the moral dimensions of the story, which was both very interesting, and a little distracting. I enjoyed my time reading it though! Four stars.