chxnty's review
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
gggina13's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly surprisingly not bad for an 18th century novel. Pretty funny at times and if you’re in HIST 3482 reading this hmu for some good analysis of the impact of social status on 18th century life in Britain
lawrenceevalyn's review against another edition
4.0
I'm glad I finally read some Smollett! And I did enjoy it, overall. It has the classic 18thC lack of structure that can also contribute to a lack of consistent character (Rory's passionate undying love is capable of being forgotten for impressive stretches of time) but really what I enjoyed was the glimpse into 18thC social norms and values. The economics were fascinating: the constant recourse to gambling as a reasonable but unexpectedly unsuccessful source of income; the many vicissitudes of fortune!; the way Rory seems to forget that he has actually been trained in a professional skill... the very abrupt and underdeveloped introduction of the slave trade as the only way Rory actually succeeds in turning a profit. The sexual politics were also interesting, especially the brief encounter with the gay Earl Strutwell in ch 51, who annoys Rory but doesn't particularly disgust him. It somewhat hinders my desire to interpret Rory and Strap as being partners: Strap is certainly as devoted as a lover, and they do a lot of sharing of households and of beds, but evidently Rory knows to be on the look-out for queer behaviour and is never alarmed by Strap. All in all, an odd but fascinating book! It makes me curious to see how Smollett changes (or not) in his later works.
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