A review by kklemaster
Shamela by Henry Fielding

2.0

I can't even find the proper words to describe how silly this book is - admittedly clever and thorough, but nonetheless very dependent on bawdy and low humor. I think it is partially because in its parodying of Pamela, this version of the story seems a bit hypocritical rather than simply exaggerated. Part of my distaste for this novel may be derived from its skepticism and warning of being too absorbed in reading, because I love that books have the power to take us out of this world and into another for a brief excursion into escapism. But thankfully this one was shorter, so I can't fault Fielding too much, although the biggest complaint I have against him in this text is that Shamela has so little agency whereas in Pamela she could at least find solace in her writing.