Reviews

Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson

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bekrecka's review against another edition

3.0

This was an intriguing listen. There are no redeemable characters in the whole story. The heroine, Clarissa, seems headstrong enough at refusing to compromise on her ideals (good), but still maintains a weak outlook on her situation. She essentially spends the entire story waiting on someone else to save her. I kept thinking, if she’s strong minded enough to forsake her family and her duties, shouldn't she be strong minded enough to get the eff out on her own? I also couldn't understand why she wanted her family’s favor so badly… even in the period time of the novel. Usually I’m pretty great about giving leeway to “that’s just how society was back then”, but those people were assholes! Clarissa ultimately blames herself instead of her judgmental, supposedly loving, family. Lovelace is a sociopathic bastard… and actually, my favorite character in the story. (Let’s not analyze what that says about me.) He was cunning, and malicious throughout the story, and (much like Clarissa) stayed true to his (albeit totally misogynistic) ideals. For him, this is a revenge story, and his role in it made it fascinating to listen to… it also doesn't hurt that Lovelace was played by Richard Armitage. I’m glad I have it, and will listen to it again for sure… though I’m not sure it’s something I can wholeheartedly recommend.

erikawynn's review against another edition

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1.0

possibly the worst part of being an English major. IT NEVER ENDS

csd17's review against another edition

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2.0

Talk about Rape Culture. This book had me FURIOUS! Furious with antiquated men who created impossible laws and cultural structures that made it impossible for women to not take the blame for anything. So many people in this book should have been prosecuted for abuse. It was just sick.

That being said... Clarissa wasn't perfect either. The end reminded me of an opera. There's always the woman with consumption who sings for 20 minutes before she dies. Such was Clarissa.

bookeboy's review against another edition

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5.0

I think Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa : Or the History of a Young Lady is one of the greatest works ever penned, possibly even the greatest ever…. (Yes, even greater than Shakespeare!)

But at over 1536 exquisite, finely wrought pages I know it is not for everyone…

If you like the best this world can offer and if you are willing to devote your full attention to the product of an exceptional genius then Clarissa : Or the History of a Young Lady is the book for you.