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ninjamuse's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Bullying, Misogyny, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, Infidelity, and Blood
lidia7's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Captain Mirvan is such a vile character and his actions and the response to them are so unsatisfying to read. I wish those parts were omitted because they serve almost no narrative purpose and are very distasteful. It was funny but then it escalated too many times... Will no one stop this man?! Truly it ruined the enjoyment of this book. I mean there are other despicable characters but they are interesting to read and serve the story. Overall, I loved the book, I got what I expect from a good 18th century coming of age novel. I really liked the romance in this book, too
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent, Body shaming, Ableism, and Abandonment
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Evelina’s mother died when she was young and she is unacknowledged by her aristocratic but dissolute father. She has had a sheltered upbringing, being raised in the countryside by an elderly guardian. But when she is seventeen events take her first to London and then to Bristol. There she must learn to navigate the treacherous society waters, something she initially struggles with due to her naivety and innocence. This is very much a social commentary, a precursor to Jane Austen if you will, exploring themes like class, reputation, sensibility, gender and the public sphere. Farce and satire are used for humorous effect. Overall I enjoyed it although it was a little melodramatic in places (the tone of Evelina’s letters to her guardian sounds cringeworthy to modern ears) and could have been shorter. What stood out to me most was the terrible behaviour of supposed gentlemen, their refusal to take any notice of anything a woman said if it went against their own wishes. Very much a #metoo book of the eighteenth century.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
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