Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

Evelina by Edward A. Bloom, Frances Burney

3 reviews

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

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Xenophobia, Bullying, Misogyny, and Classism

Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, Infidelity, and Blood

reclusivebookslug's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

In subject and tone, this reads like the perfect combination of Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. Although it was written before either of these two other authors was published, Evelina seems to keep more modern sensibilities, judging by the ease with which I read it, the frequency with which I was delighted by it, and the relative infrequency whereby I was alarmed by the promotion of archaic values or customs. To be fair, this may also be due to my growing comfort with reading older texts, since it has been a while since I last read Austen or Brontë, whom I can't help but compare Burney to. I will definitely be seeking out more of her work.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, and Classism

Minor: Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Animal cruelty

The actions/attitudes indicated in the content warnings are not attributed to or condoned by the protagonists.

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

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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