A review by debthebookworm
Lady Susan by Jane Austen

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

5.0

I picked this up on a whim at a cruise ship library. Jane Austen was such a brilliant writer. I'm curious as to whether or not she knew one or two real Lady Susans, given how authentically hateful and manipulative the character is, and seeing the events unfold from so many different perspectives added depth to everyone involved. It's very clear by the end that Lady Susan is not only jealous of Frederica, but she resents having been married to her father in the first place. The conclusion is both satisfying and frustrating, but that makes for a well-rounded, believable story.
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