Reviews

Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley by Charlotte Gordon

ladyofthelake's review against another edition

challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

4.75

maximum_moxie's review against another edition

4.0

An enjoyable read; despite the large number of other books on the Romantics, this one stands out. It has a few faults: the intertwined mother-daughtyer narrative leads to some confusion, and parts of the book are overly detailed. But it offers a new perspective on the lives of both women, one which is sorely needed for the masculine-centric Romantic era.

maggiematela's review against another edition

adventurous dark informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.5

sneurah's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.75

erintowner's review against another edition

4.0

I think this book was a bit too long but I learned a lot.

ciaramcd's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

arachan's review against another edition

dark emotional informative slow-paced

4.75

This is a heavy read, literally (at 550 pages) and metaphorically.  I knew the basic biography for Mary Shelly and I knew her mother was the famous feminist figure Mary Wollstonecraft.  I knew that Wollstonecraft had died of 'childbed fever' but I did not have any real understanding of just how revolutionary Wollstonecraft's work (and life) actually were.

This work is very in-depth and it is emotionally heavy.  The recurring theme in both Marys' lives is the failing of the men who claimed to love and admire them.

beautifulminutiae's review against another edition

informative sad medium-paced

4.5

rhiannon_ling_'s review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

saige_creature's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

I was already inspired by Mary Shelley so learning of her mother was greater inspiration than I knew I could have. An incredibly crafted bio that makes you feel like you’re watching a historical drama! 
I love how detailed each chapter is on the world’s state. It shows us how the world around them effects them and gives a clear picture of where they are. Some of these details go on a bit, but I am still grateful to learn so much!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide attempt and Child death