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mbichaela's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Minor: Body shaming
jo_lzr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The first time I read this book, I gave it 3.5 stars. So, it's very surprising that now, having read it for the second time, I love it! I think the problem was that the first time I picked it up, I expected romance to be the only focus of the book and was disappointed when I saw that it wasn't. This time, however, I approached it expecting to notice Jane Austen's satire and the experience was by far more pleasant!
Obviously, I cared a lot for the romance, but the side characters are interesting and the way Austen portrays them makes the book funny. I like how ridiculous some characters are, how Austen portrays them and their vanity in a satirical way. Plus, I know that Mary is annoying but, for some reason, I really like her. I believe it's ridiculously funny how much of a drama queen she is.
I also think that it was really sad seeing how Anne viewed herself as someone whose melancholia could stain everything that was light. Another reason why I gave 5 stars to this book is Anne Elliot.
Obviously, I cared a lot for the romance, but the side characters are interesting and the way Austen portrays them makes the book funny. I like how ridiculous some characters are, how Austen portrays them and their vanity in a satirical way. Plus, I know that Mary is annoying but, for some reason, I really like her. I believe it's ridiculously funny how much of a drama queen she is.
I also think that it was really sad seeing how Anne viewed herself as someone whose melancholia could stain everything that was light. Another reason why I gave 5 stars to this book is Anne Elliot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Classism
booksjessreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have never debated the stars that I've needed to give to a book more than I have this one.
Austen's writing was *chef's kiss* and in comparison with P&P, her writing was much more mature and entrenched in emotion and feeling. I said in my review of P&P that I felt so wowed by her writing that I felt every one of Elizabeth's emotions - well times that by 10 and that's how deep the emotional quality of Austen's work is here. Not only this, Austen entwined intelligent wit throughout her work, with particular relation to pompous social practice and certain characters temperaments. Her subtle humour is always delectable.
I found it harder to like the character of Anne at first, but as I went through the novel I realised how much I have loved her. She's the eldest of Austen's heroines and her family imply (as this was the general notion at the time) that she has lost her 'bloom' from her youth. Her character was more reserved and quieter than the likes of Elizabeth or Emma, but I loved that. Whilst easily persuaded as a nineteen-year old in love, she clearly develops a strong mind through her age.
Captain Wentworth was in the novel in spouts, but not as much as I would have wanted. Their rekindling of love happened in the last 30 or so pages and despite the letter making my heart violently burst, I just wish it would have happened a little earlier. Although I think that's all part of the suspense. More to add here that this novel isn't about youthful romance as the other books are - this is mature love and the passion and strength of love between the characters when they finally come together is what is really moving about the novel.
I had initially given it 4 1/2 stars simply because I wanted Wentworth to be in it more, but after writing this review I changed my mind because the emotional quality and intensity of the prose has just pushed me that little more.
Austen's writing was *chef's kiss* and in comparison with P&P, her writing was much more mature and entrenched in emotion and feeling. I said in my review of P&P that I felt so wowed by her writing that I felt every one of Elizabeth's emotions - well times that by 10 and that's how deep the emotional quality of Austen's work is here. Not only this, Austen entwined intelligent wit throughout her work, with particular relation to pompous social practice and certain characters temperaments. Her subtle humour is always delectable.
I found it harder to like the character of Anne at first, but as I went through the novel I realised how much I have loved her. She's the eldest of Austen's heroines and her family imply (as this was the general notion at the time) that she has lost her 'bloom' from her youth. Her character was more reserved and quieter than the likes of Elizabeth or Emma, but I loved that. Whilst easily persuaded as a nineteen-year old in love, she clearly develops a strong mind through her age.
Captain Wentworth was in the novel in spouts, but not as much as I would have wanted. Their rekindling of love happened in the last 30 or so pages and despite the letter making my heart violently burst, I just wish it would have happened a little earlier. Although I think that's all part of the suspense. More to add here that this novel isn't about youthful romance as the other books are - this is mature love and the passion and strength of love between the characters when they finally come together is what is really moving about the novel.
I had initially given it 4 1/2 stars simply because I wanted Wentworth to be in it more, but after writing this review I changed my mind because the emotional quality and intensity of the prose has just pushed me that little more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
kierscrivener's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Upon reread this was an compelling and nuanced and well done. I appreciated her coming into herself. And I adored the Crofts as secondary characters.
Read First: January 2018
Second: May 2021
Read First: January 2018
Second: May 2021
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexism
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming and Medical content
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