amandakirs's review against another edition
5.0
I am not sure why this book is not more famous. It is definitely on par with Jane Eyre, and in my opinion, second best of all the Bronte books, even over the more celebrated Wuthering Heights. It's written in a interesting semi-epistolary form and has the beautiful language and description typical of the Bronte books as well as a good deal of scandal (for her day) and feminist leaning (far preceding her day), all embedded in the constant struggle between good and evil which leaves no character unscathed. But it doesn't feel didactic or preaching--the character development is good, and the mysterious nature of some of them keeps the pages turning.
For the record, Charlotte Bronte did not approve of Anne's subject choice. She writes "'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' by Acton Bell, had likewise an unfavorable reception. At this I cannot wonder. The choice of subject was an entire mistake. Nothing less congruous with the writer's nature could be conceived. The motives which dictated this choice were pure, but, I think, slightly morbid. She had, in the course of her life, been called on to contemplate, near at hand, and for a long time, the terrible effects of talents misused and faculties abused: hers was a naturally a sensitive, reserved and dejected nature; what she saw sank very deeply into her mind; it did her harm. She brooded over it till she believed it to be a duty to reproduce every detail (of course with fictitious characters, incidents, situations), as a warning to others. She hated her work, but would pursue it. When reasoned with on the subject, she regarded such reasonings as a temptation to self-indulgence. She must be honest; she must not varnish, soften, nor conceal."
(Written by Charlotte in an appendix to Agnes Grey)
For the record, Charlotte Bronte did not approve of Anne's subject choice. She writes "'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' by Acton Bell, had likewise an unfavorable reception. At this I cannot wonder. The choice of subject was an entire mistake. Nothing less congruous with the writer's nature could be conceived. The motives which dictated this choice were pure, but, I think, slightly morbid. She had, in the course of her life, been called on to contemplate, near at hand, and for a long time, the terrible effects of talents misused and faculties abused: hers was a naturally a sensitive, reserved and dejected nature; what she saw sank very deeply into her mind; it did her harm. She brooded over it till she believed it to be a duty to reproduce every detail (of course with fictitious characters, incidents, situations), as a warning to others. She hated her work, but would pursue it. When reasoned with on the subject, she regarded such reasonings as a temptation to self-indulgence. She must be honest; she must not varnish, soften, nor conceal."
(Written by Charlotte in an appendix to Agnes Grey)
eleanorariadne's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
solboliv's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot believe that I had never heard talk of this book in all my years studying and teaching Literature.
I am pleased to have found a new favorite classic novel, that has QUICKLY surpassed my love of the other Brontes. Anne, you really did it with this one!!! I can’t wait to read her other novel.
Highly recommend!
I am pleased to have found a new favorite classic novel, that has QUICKLY surpassed my love of the other Brontes. Anne, you really did it with this one!!! I can’t wait to read her other novel.
Highly recommend!
stephendavey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
ylarya's review against another edition
Snervante, l’ascolto super difficoltoso, con il narratore che bisbiglia quando interpreta i personaggi femminili, ascoltando all’aperto, la cosa mi ha reso impossibile continuare!
thealialio's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
volumnia_cytheris's review
slow-paced
3.0
I had high hopes for this book but eventually it turned out to be very dull and boring. This kind of story didn't have to be written in nearly 600 pages, it was unnecessary.
mightysparks's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0