Reviews

This novel by Fielding was part of a parody in answer to Richardson's "Pamela", and follows the Don Quixote-like adventures of a gaggle of characters traveling together in the English countryside. Themes such as the importance of charity, social status, and academic learning vs. world experience crop up in this meandering 18th century self-aware novel.

loqualityenergy's review against another edition

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4.0

A great, hilarious novel reacting to Richardson's novel Pamela, where a virtuous young woman must resist the sexual advances of her employer. Here, Jospeh Andrews, Pamela's brother, must resist the advances of his employer, a wealthy woman, in order to be restored to his childhood love. There are all kinds of mix-ups and throughout Parson Adams tries to offer advice. Possibly more enjoyable if you've slogged through the boredom that is Pamela but definately a fun read.

steven_nobody's review

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5.0

There is no way to read Richardson's "Pamela" without also reading "Shamela" and "Joseph Andrews." They provide such humorous takes on the gross morality of the first book. I love how imperially the gentry act, treating the people of their parish like serfs. They are so full of self-justification—those hypocrites—and it is a pleasure to see their comeuppance in the end. As for the good guys, I don't know how Parson Adams survives because he is so foolish in "Joseph Andrews." He is an annoying know-it-all and reminds me of two of my coworkers, but, of course, we all know people like this. He is really the archetype of this sort.

thevampirelestat's review against another edition

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funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

🤷‍♀️

friendofmarlowe's review against another edition

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2.25

i read this book really fast, in fact i skimmed most of it. but i did NOT read shamela. i refuse to entertain that.

madammimreads's review

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challenging funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Shamela - 5 ⭐️
Joseph Andrews - 3 ⭐️

katcanwrite's review against another edition

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3.0

Slightly better than Pamela due to the satire. Slightly worse than Pamela due to unnecessary slapstick. Won out as better mostly because it was shorter.

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