Reviews

A much funnier, wittier and more delightful read than I was expecting, but not the easiest to get into, because there is a great deal of rather labyrinthine scene-setting, but in the end it all pays off. Truly this seemed to me a moral tale that is made by the contrasts between the two female leads, Amelia and Becky. They come from very different backgrounds though they are school-fellows. Becky's is a rags to riches tale, while Amelia tends in the opposite direction, and their methods are markedly contrasting too.

The novel is a satire for the most part, though it makes many serious observations that are effectively timeless. The Vanity Fair of the title is Thackery's own pronouncement of its real value. I find it interesting because his characters are not so black and white as many novels of this era portray their heroes and heroines. With Dickens there is no ambiguity.

This gives Vanity Fair a great edge in my view. Should we admire Becky or despise her? Actually we can do both, although in the end the future echo of her celebrity status makes her ultimately difficult, despite her sauciness and brilliance. It is all in service to vanity, which we cannot admire.

At the same time Amelia is faithful, good and a bit tedious. And even the steadfast Dobbin can be a bit of a boring old moraliser in his way even if he is faithful and rock-steady and we like him very much for his goodness.

Unlike many Victorian novels then, this has an element of psychology about it, which helps to raise it in my view. Also, it is genuinely funny.

jsibler's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book is overlong and overwrought, it relishes in irrelevant minutiae. It makes you want to, at turns, tear your hair out and want to fall asleep. It's one of the best books I have ever read, despite having sometimes hated the reading process. The book is akin to a drug, a harmful substance, at any rate, one you'll want to go back to again and again. Becky Sharp! What a character!

ramblingfox's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted 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

kareninoz_reads's review against another edition

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funny reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

The long read makes this book a challenge. Still, it is funny and insightful. If you find it tough in the middle, keep going. The insights grow richer as it develops.

itsanaxiom's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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