Reviews

Wieland and Memoirs of Carwin, the Biloquist by Charles Brockden Brown

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jaredpence's review against another edition

3.0

This chilling book based on the actual james Yates murders captures not just the frightening extent to which human beings can be transformed by what they think they hear and see, but also the impossibility of ever truly knowing anyone with certainty--including yourself. I found myself rooting for, disgusted by, and heartbroken with Clara as she narrates this weird tale of eighteenth-century America.

bethmarie2003's review against another edition

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slow-paced

2.0

rldbny's review against another edition

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dark slow-paced

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

3.5

jamieperry18's review against another edition

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2.0

f*ck wieland fr. all he cared about was god. very lame.

remib's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced

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

2.75

zoracious's review

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4.0

I heart CBB.

sorceress_j's review against another edition

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3.0

This is just one American's take on the European-originated Gothic style of writing, and I had some interest while reading it. I do like creepy stories and all that. And though while not my favorite Gothic novel I've read, this is still better than Wuthering Heights in my opinion. You'll definitely see what would later influence later works of the genre, though, in here.

I thought the story was a little bit padded and had some pacing issues. Mostly...why so much emphasis on the little spat between Pleyel and Clara? And, of course, one character goes crazy out of nowhere, you will not even see it coming. Another character is a voyeur. So, basically, your typical Gothic novel. Just...somehow, one that I found I was logic policing a lot.

I did like Clara. I thought that it was cool that I came across an old novel with a female protagonist for a change. At times, I wasn't sure if she was just an intelligent, interesting character or just a "cool girl", though. But otherwise well-characterized.

I do wonder, however, if it took the author six years to write this or something, considering he'd pick up random subplots then just leave them behind without mentioning them ever again. And the ending...What even?

Can't say much else, as I'd probably spoil it. It was very middle in the road for me, which is too bad, because I wanted it to be so much better.