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A review by willowbiblio
Joseph Andrews/Shamela by Henry Fielding
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
“I can’t see why her having no Virtue should be a Reason against my having any: or why, because I am a Man, or because I am poor, my Virtue must be subservient to her pleasures.”
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I thought Shamela was much better written, and thankfully more succinct than Pamela (Richardson). However, it’s still didn’t bring me any enjoyment. I’m actually a big fan of Fielding’s other work. I truly enjoyed Tom Jones, so it was a surprise to dislike this so much.
To compare this to Don Quixote is to do a disservice to that comic masterpiece. Probably the most comedic moment was Adams realizing he didn’t have the pamphlets because his wife had packed more clothes.
Honestly, I was so bored by this that I skimmed the second half. Maybe this was partly because it was reliant on Pamela, a work that I really didn’t enjoy. At times it felt like Fielding was trying to comment on the injustice and inequality based on class and wealth, but to me it fell flat. Maybe this whole book just went way over my head – that is entirely possible.
I think I only feel bad about not liking it because it was a gift. But I want other reviewers to be equally honest, and this is what I mean by reading is subjective. This may be someone else’s most favorite ever!
—————————-
I thought Shamela was much better written, and thankfully more succinct than Pamela (Richardson). However, it’s still didn’t bring me any enjoyment. I’m actually a big fan of Fielding’s other work. I truly enjoyed Tom Jones, so it was a surprise to dislike this so much.
To compare this to Don Quixote is to do a disservice to that comic masterpiece. Probably the most comedic moment was Adams realizing he didn’t have the pamphlets because his wife had packed more clothes.
Honestly, I was so bored by this that I skimmed the second half. Maybe this was partly because it was reliant on Pamela, a work that I really didn’t enjoy. At times it felt like Fielding was trying to comment on the injustice and inequality based on class and wealth, but to me it fell flat. Maybe this whole book just went way over my head – that is entirely possible.
I think I only feel bad about not liking it because it was a gift. But I want other reviewers to be equally honest, and this is what I mean by reading is subjective. This may be someone else’s most favorite ever!