Reviews

Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore

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readingoverbreathing's review against another edition

4.0

"There was that power all around, that power and that goodness, which make us come, as it were, outside our bodily selves, to share them. Over and beside us breathes the joy of hope and promise; under foot are troubles past; in the distance bowering newness tempts us ever forward. We quicken with largesse of life, and spring with vivid mystery."

Though it took me an extraordinarily long time to read, and though I lamented its length, Lorna Doone was a weirdly special read for me.

I've read a decent amount of nineteenth century literature narrated and written by self-important men, but the frankness and honesty, though occasional conceit, of John Ridd really struck me. He's now become one of my all time favorite characters. He is kind and gentle, and doesn't take advantage of his strength without provoking. He loves children and his family, and puts their needs, as well of the needs of the entire community, above his. Throughout the entire novel he never sugarcoats, he admits his own faults, he reflects on justice and means to ends, he treats almost every woman in his life with respect and never, not once, disregards their opinions or thoughts simply because they're women, which, considering the fact that he lived in the seventeenth century, is unusual.

The depth and complexity of the female characters in Lorna Doone was rare for its time. Every single female character, from John's mother to Annie to Lorna to Lizzie to Ruth and even to little Gwenny Carfax, played a significant role in the story. Not one of them is a poor, helpless maiden in distress. They are all able to hold their own and fight for themselves, despite their mistakes.

However, there were still some cases of sexism that bothered me, primarily stemming from John's treatment of his sister Lizzie. John, and everyone else, adored Annie because she was sweet and docile and pretty, but Lizzie, because she was well-read and spoke her mind, was treated with hostility and scorn from her brother and even her own mother. The complete travesty of it all was really my chief complaint with this book.

I can't describe this as anything other than an epic, because it is, all seven hundred pages of it. The plot sometimes runs in circles, but the smallest details are constantly being thrown in that enrich the story even more. Four months later, I still highly recommend this in all its Doonish, misty glory.

cmtynan's review against another edition

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5.0

I am not typically a book re-reader, especially of fiction. I have read this a few times because I love it so much.

saidahgilbert's review against another edition

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2.0

I read an abridged version. Took me Three days to read it. Not because I don't like to read but that the book wasn't really my type. However, I resolved to read more classics hence Lorna Doone.