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daringpeg's review against another edition
1.0
A strange read for one unaccustomed to romance novels, let alone the time period. The twist of relation between to of the infatuated was weird.
twwatts's review against another edition
4.0
Another beautiful story from Hawthorne, I think I understand why it doesn't get as much love as "The Scarlet Letter" but reading it as a Genesis allegory really brought out the subtleties and beauty of the text.
engpunk77's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting....
These intellectuals found that theory doesn't always work out in practice. An increase of work lead to decreased intellectual growth and stimulation, and they couldn't handle it. If you can't sit around and discuss ideals, are they really in utopia at all?
These intellectuals found that theory doesn't always work out in practice. An increase of work lead to decreased intellectual growth and stimulation, and they couldn't handle it. If you can't sit around and discuss ideals, are they really in utopia at all?
delz's review against another edition
Normally I absolutely love Nathaniel Hawthorne, but this story is told by a very unreliable narrator. Miles Coverdale knows what the reader knows and the reader doesn’t get information until he gets it, so that we spend a great deal of time in Mr Coverdale’s head. Mr Coverdale has left “society” to join a “socialist” group, what we might call a commune. Immediately Mr Coverdale is sick and weary from the travel then the work, it’s humorous actually. The group consists mainly of Coverdale, Zenobia, Priscilla, Silas and Hollingsworth. There are unfortunate turns and twists in the relationships that only come to light after Coverdale has spied on the group. The story has more to do with human interactions, between the sexes, same and opposite. The dynamic between the friends becomes strained and the reader isn’t always privy to the cause. Hawthorne was very insightful and he brought that vision to this story. The characters speak of women’s rights and struggles, of nature, and even the thought of living in a commune seems a more modern way of thinking. It’s a good book
delz's review against another edition
4.0
Normally I absolutely love Nathaniel Hawthorne, but this story is told by a very unreliable narrator. Miles Coverdale knows what the reader knows and the reader doesn’t get information until he gets it, so that we spend a great deal of time in Mr Coverdale’s head. Mr Coverdale has left “society” to join a “socialist” group, what we might call a commune. Immediately Mr Coverdale is sick and weary from the travel then the work, it’s humorous actually. The group consists mainly of Coverdale, Zenobia, Priscilla, Silas and Hollingsworth. There are unfortunate turns and twists in the relationships that only come to light after Coverdale has spied on the group. The story has more to do with human interactions, between the sexes, same and opposite. The dynamic between the friends becomes strained and the reader isn’t always privy to the cause. Hawthorne was very insightful and he brought that vision to this story. The characters speak of women’s rights and struggles, of nature, and even the thought of living in a commune seems a more modern way of thinking. It’s a good book.
stephh's review against another edition
3.0
This dark romance is said to be inspired by Hawthorne's own experiences at attempting to create a utopian society of intellectuals. This occurred at a place called Brook Farm. Although the author disclaims that the fictional events and characters of the novel do not resemble real life, many critics stated that there were clear parellels between the novel and some of the inhabitants of the Brook Farm commune.
The Blithedale Romance centres around its protagonist's, Miles Coverdale's, attempt to move away from modern life, and back to a simpler time at Blithedale farm. He joins a community there, and over a matter of months begins to feel his body and mind transforming to a less intellectual and more agricultural mode. Despite there being a reasonably sized population at the commune, Miles is only concerned with the fates of three individuals: Zenobia, Hollingsworth and Priscilla.
Zenobia is the female patriarch of the commune, and as such, from a feminist viewpoint, it is interesting to see the speeches that Hawthorne accredited to her character. She greatly believes in the power of women, and thinks that men have covered up the female voice of intellect for far too long. Zenobia is a beautiful but somewhat mysterious creature, best known for her insistence on wearing an exotic flower in her hair at all times, and Miles' obsession with its presence.
Hollingsworth is seen as a threat to Coverdale: Miles almost seems to believe that without Hollingsworth there, he would be the 'top dog' of the male aspect of the commune, yet there is little evidence to support this belief. Despite declaring the animosity between the pair at the beginning of the novel, Hollingsworth treats Miles with the most respect, and even tends to him during his time of sickness.
And then we have Priscilla. She simultaneously maintains a position at the centre and at the edge of the novel and it's plot. This weak and delicate young girl is shrouded in mystery from the very start of the novel. Zenobia's rejection of her love and Hollingsworth's admiration of the girl never cease to baffle Coverdale.
Alongside the tale of the perhaps not-so-idyllic Blithedale farm, are the stories about the mysterious Veiled Lady. Coverdale seems almost obsessed with following the trail about her, but why is this creature from 'the other side' so interesting to him? And is she paranormal or actually on this earth?
The Blithedale Romance centres around its protagonist's, Miles Coverdale's, attempt to move away from modern life, and back to a simpler time at Blithedale farm. He joins a community there, and over a matter of months begins to feel his body and mind transforming to a less intellectual and more agricultural mode. Despite there being a reasonably sized population at the commune, Miles is only concerned with the fates of three individuals: Zenobia, Hollingsworth and Priscilla.
Zenobia is the female patriarch of the commune, and as such, from a feminist viewpoint, it is interesting to see the speeches that Hawthorne accredited to her character. She greatly believes in the power of women, and thinks that men have covered up the female voice of intellect for far too long. Zenobia is a beautiful but somewhat mysterious creature, best known for her insistence on wearing an exotic flower in her hair at all times, and Miles' obsession with its presence.
Hollingsworth is seen as a threat to Coverdale: Miles almost seems to believe that without Hollingsworth there, he would be the 'top dog' of the male aspect of the commune, yet there is little evidence to support this belief. Despite declaring the animosity between the pair at the beginning of the novel, Hollingsworth treats Miles with the most respect, and even tends to him during his time of sickness.
And then we have Priscilla. She simultaneously maintains a position at the centre and at the edge of the novel and it's plot. This weak and delicate young girl is shrouded in mystery from the very start of the novel. Zenobia's rejection of her love and Hollingsworth's admiration of the girl never cease to baffle Coverdale.
Alongside the tale of the perhaps not-so-idyllic Blithedale farm, are the stories about the mysterious Veiled Lady. Coverdale seems almost obsessed with following the trail about her, but why is this creature from 'the other side' so interesting to him? And is she paranormal or actually on this earth?
sophronisba's review against another edition
4.0
I have a strange affection for this novel, which I read several times in high school and then didn't read again for three decades, although I'm not sure it's an especially fine work of fiction. In particular, Zenobia has stuck with me my whole life -- Priscilla, not so much -- and that one indelible character is enough for me to rate The Blithedale Romance highly.
Reading it anew, shortly after watching the NXIVM documentary The Vow, I was struck by how much the denizens of Blithedale sounded like the NXIVM members with all their talk of perfecting themselves and changing the world by their glorious example. Some things, it seems, never change.
Reading it anew, shortly after watching the NXIVM documentary The Vow, I was struck by how much the denizens of Blithedale sounded like the NXIVM members with all their talk of perfecting themselves and changing the world by their glorious example. Some things, it seems, never change.
tien's review against another edition
2.0
My first [a:Nathaniel Hawthorne|7799|Nathaniel Hawthorne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1291476587p2/7799.jpg]'s and I really don't know what to think. In a way, I thought this one looks to be the least depressing but... that ending was... pointless!
The novel was primarily told from the point of view of a young man, Miles Coverdale, and I feel it was quite messy a lot of the time so all I really heard was:
Zenobia. Priscilla. Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth. Zenobia. Priscilla.
Priscilla. Hollingsworth. Zenobia.
Really, the main thought that come to mind is posturing males
Yes, I guess the title told you to expect it to be a Romance but it really does not read like a romance. I couldn't appreciate the plot and I especially could not appreciate that ending which just did not feel right to me. I actually do like some of the characters though at the end, they surprised me so not sure if I do! Yep, let's just say that I'm rather confused about this novel.
The novel was primarily told from the point of view of a young man, Miles Coverdale, and I feel it was quite messy a lot of the time so all I really heard was:
Zenobia. Priscilla. Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth. Zenobia. Priscilla.
Priscilla. Hollingsworth. Zenobia.
Really, the main thought that come to mind is posturing males
Yes, I guess the title told you to expect it to be a Romance but it really does not read like a romance. I couldn't appreciate the plot and I especially could not appreciate that ending which just did not feel right to me. I actually do like some of the characters though at the end, they surprised me so not sure if I do! Yep, let's just say that I'm rather confused about this novel.
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with Hawthorne's books and short stories when I was in junior high school. Twenty years later he continues to be on my list of top ten favorites. His novels strike me as incredibly modern and relevant to modern day life.
The Blithedale Romance has many elements in common with the much sillier novel Tommy's Tale by Alan Cumming. The events at Blithedale (a commune in the woods) are laid out in chronological order by Miles Coverdale who proves to be as unreliable a narrator as Tommy. Cloverdale's omissions are a result of Puritan embarrassment but the sexual tension is hovering just below the surface of his euphemisms.
Like Tommy who lives in a flat with Sadie, Bobby and Charlie, Cloverdale moves into Blithedale to live with two women (Zenobia, Priscilla) and a man, Hollingsworth. Unlike Tommy's flat, the two men and women pair up in more conventional ways but Cloverdale hints that the four are more open with their adult desires than what Cloverdale feels is proper. Nonetheless, he is a willing participant.
Blithedale, though, ends up being a failed experiment. Puritan mores and hot tempers ultimately brings the downfall of the commune and Zenobia, the liberated modern woman, pays the ultimate price.
If you like character driven tragedies like Hamlet, I highly recommend The Blithedale Romance.
The Blithedale Romance has many elements in common with the much sillier novel Tommy's Tale by Alan Cumming. The events at Blithedale (a commune in the woods) are laid out in chronological order by Miles Coverdale who proves to be as unreliable a narrator as Tommy. Cloverdale's omissions are a result of Puritan embarrassment but the sexual tension is hovering just below the surface of his euphemisms.
Like Tommy who lives in a flat with Sadie, Bobby and Charlie, Cloverdale moves into Blithedale to live with two women (Zenobia, Priscilla) and a man, Hollingsworth. Unlike Tommy's flat, the two men and women pair up in more conventional ways but Cloverdale hints that the four are more open with their adult desires than what Cloverdale feels is proper. Nonetheless, he is a willing participant.
Blithedale, though, ends up being a failed experiment. Puritan mores and hot tempers ultimately brings the downfall of the commune and Zenobia, the liberated modern woman, pays the ultimate price.
If you like character driven tragedies like Hamlet, I highly recommend The Blithedale Romance.