Scan barcode
noteworthy_fiction's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
chairmanbernanke's review against another edition
4.0
An entertaining and well-written novel, but so long.
socorrobaptista's review against another edition
4.0
Romântica, envolvente, uma excelente narrativa. Gostei bastante.
smithel's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book primarily because it is mentioned in \Emma\ - and the more Mrs. Radcliffe novels I read, the more I appreciate Jane Austen! I have trouble imagining this book to be anything that Mr. Knightley would condone, but I can see the appeal for Harriett Smith, and can imagine Emma reading it as a guilty pleasure. For me, I have a typically modern difficulty digsesting the sickly sweet heroines and heroes of the early gothic novel, but I can see the appeal of the murky, sinister settings, the drawn-out romances, the implausibly elaborate disasters that befall the heroine, and the inevitable happy ending. I can well imagine the gently-reared Regency miss becoming enthralled in a world of adventure and drama.
ob_ledbetter's review against another edition
5.0
This might be my new favorite classic. Compelling and complex plot, secretive characters, and fascinating philosophies within the writing make this a must for anyone who has an interest in Gothic lit.
ilseoo's review against another edition
3.0
3,5 stars. Compared to 'A Sicilian Romance', which I read last year, I felt that Radcliffe's plot development was more plausible and structured in this later novel. Moreover, the nature descriptions and tension were great and the plot wrapped up nicely. However, there was a big section of this novel which seemed inordinately long and pointless and slowed the narrative down for me and ultimately lessened my enjoyment of it.
mayagotschall's review against another edition
3.0
Read most of the novel for class, found it to be interesting with some parts all together misleading of the plot and the overall plot to be a rather basic formula of the pretty damsel in distress, etc.